Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'legislative reforms'

Page 40 of 56
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This reflects the consensus language of the work group that's been working on this legislation, which
  • Warren mentioned that in the 87th legislative session, it gave clerks the ability to respond and require
  • However, that language in the 87th legislative session was not used.
  • The 87th legislative session said if the person refused to
  • In the 87th legislative session, we had that language change where we can reject the document if they
Summary: The Committee meeting involved significant discussions around several bills concerning property law and contractor protections. Notably, Senate Bill 1975 and Senate Bill 1734 were at the forefront, where SB1975 focused on protecting Texas contractors from being forced to litigate in foreign jurisdictions, ensuring local disputes are resolved within Texas. The testimony highlighted the need for such protections due to the previous challenges encountered by local contractors when large out-of-state entities imposed unfavorable contractual terms. The bill passed without any opposition during the committee session, highlighting its urgent importance for the local construction community. In addition, the committee addressed Senate Bill 1734, which aims to provide property owners with a systematic approach to remedy deed fraud. This discussion included public testimonies shedding light on the recent rise in fraudulent deeds, emphasizing the need for legislative measures to streamline the rectification process. The public's input, especially from those in the title insurance industry, offered critical insights into the practical implications of the bill. The committee's deliberations were comprehensive and featured no substantial challenges to any of the bills, leading to a productive session overall.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education Mar 5th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • We were an early supporter of the P-TECH legislation. We even created that same session.
  • Part of the current legislation is that they can't be denied for any...
  • I don't have the exact legislation in front of me, but I can get back to you.
  • That's the way the current legislation is laid out.
  • It's a House priority, part of the educational legislative package we're putting in place.
Bills: HB20, HB120
Summary: The meeting focused on significant discussions surrounding career and technical education, particularly in relation to House Bills 120 and 112. Various representatives and experts testified on the importance of enhancing CTE accessibility for students, especially those in economically disadvantaged and rural areas. Notably, there was strong advocacy for integrating current job market needs into curriculum offerings, including emerging fields like artificial intelligence. The committee heard passionate arguments about the need for better funding for guidance counselors and CTE programs to prepare students for high-demand jobs, while ensuring they can earn post-secondary credits.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • data-time="36">All public comments submitted through the portal will be posted on the electronic legislative
  • My legislation will say that in 90% of cases, the body's

  • We strive to be conscious of language within proposed legislation.
  • We corrected two words that were a drafting error in the introduced legislation. Dr.
  • This legislative update will empower us to build upon our existing legislative authorities to rapidly
Summary: During this committee meeting, a range of bills focused on enhancing Texas's healthcare and educational workforce were discussed. Notable discussions included HB1787, which aims to improve cancer prevention through education and vaccination, with concerns raised about its implications on personal choice regarding vaccines. HB5180 addressed diploma designation issues amid institutional mergers, and students provided testimony on the emotional significance of diplomas bearing their attending institution's name. Meanwhile, the committee aggressively pursued initiatives under HB5333 to boost local STEM education and production of doctoral graduates within the state, promoting collaboration between institutions and industries to foster talent development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

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

House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Is there anyone else who wishes to testify for or against this wonderful piece of legislation?
  • As we maybe move into the next legislative session.
  • So my legislation is very simple.
  • It's important legislation.
  • And that's why I'm here to demand that you pass legislationlegislation that can make a true difference
Summary: The committee meeting addressed multiple bills related to emergency preparedness and flood prevention, with significant discussions on HB48, SB3, and HB75. Representative Darby opened the meeting by advocating for the creation of a nine-member alert notification system to address public saturation with emergency alerts and to streamline the notification process by evaluating the effectiveness and coordination of existing systems. Testimonies from various stakeholders underscored the necessity of reducing alert fatigue among residents while enhancing the state’s overall readiness for impending natural disasters. The meeting featured robust support for HB75, aimed at establishing stricter safety standards for youth camps located in flood-prone areas following recent tragic flooding incidents that highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And again, that was a foreign person, and there are other legislation.
  • I can appreciate Representative Lambert's legislation, but
  • 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

Ways & Means Mar 24th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So for us as legislators, when we're saying, "What impact did
  • This is a refiling of HB 40 from the 88th legislative session, which came out of this with 10 out of
  • I want to thank Representative Zwiener for bringing this piece of legislation.
  • Members, this is a common-sense piece of legislation that will help make water conservation a priority
  • HJR 88 is the constitutional enabling legislation for HB
Summary: The meeting of the Ways and Means Committee was marked by significant deliberation on several bills aimed at improving tax policies and supporting community welfare. A noteworthy discussion surrounded HB1256, which proposes tax exemptions for rainwater harvesting systems, reflecting the pressing issue of water conservation amid drought conditions affecting Texas. Representative Zwiener emphasized the necessity of incentivizing families to conserve water, championing the bill as a common-sense solution. The committee also considered HB1632, which aims to make pet food tax-exempt, further engaging legislators in a light-hearted yet crucial dialogue about affordability for pet owners amidst rising living costs. Following these discussions, a series of resolutions and bills were reported favorably out of the committee, including HJR138, which seeks to prohibit a carbon tax in Texas as a precautionary measure against potential economic repercussions. The meeting concluded with clear communication regarding upcoming votes and recommendations for moving these bills forward to the full house. The atmosphere fostered a collaborative spirit as committee members shared their insights on pressing issues, highlighting their commitment to supporting Texas families and communities.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • you, Chairman Schwartner, for your leadership in bringing forward this bold and forward-thinking legislation
  • Schwertner, for introducing this legislation and giving the public an opportunity to testify.
  • This legislation does not lower accounting standards, nor
  • Currently, there are over 30 states actively introducing and passing legislation that will create an
  • Last session, Vice Chairman King passed Senate Bill 833, which was needed legislation that prohibited
Summary: The committee meeting included extensive discussions on a variety of bills, predominantly focusing on cleanup legislation aimed at aligning Texas laws with current practices and standards within various professional fields. Notable bills discussed included SB703, which addressed licensing consequences for massage establishments to close loopholes in existing law, and SB764, which related to improving procedures for electrician's licensing appeals. Several members expressed support for these measures, highlighting their importance in maintaining professional integrity and public safety. Public testimonies were received, offering insights and support from professionals in the fields impacted by these legislative changes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Apr 7th, 2025 at 10:00 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I first want to thank Speaker Craddick for putting forth this legislation and for representing Midland
  • span marker="91" data-time="540">We're not asking for a new program or a new tax, just targeted legislation
  • This legislation will benefit Texas agriculture, the Texas economy, and the Texas environment, and I
  • Texas should be a leader in encouraging collaborations and legislation that exemplify this principle
  • My committee substitute clarifies that this legislation only applies to the City of Lubbock; again, we
Summary: The Committee on Ways and Means convened to discuss several proposed bills, including HB4044, HB103, and HB3045, focusing on tax reform and support for local development initiatives. Representative Troxler introduced a committee substitute for HB103, which was subsequently adopted without objection, demonstrating consensus on its merits. HB3045 sought to incentivize spaceport operations with franchise tax breaks for contracts related to the Department of Defense, emphasizing Texas's commitment to lead in the aerospace industry. The meeting concluded with discussions around the importance of the Property Value Study (PBS) and its impact on equitable taxation, with members addressing concerns about the effective administration of property appraisals and future legislative actions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Environmental Regulation May 8th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Environmental Regulation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislation does not require any material cash outlays for Texas businesses.
  • of this legislation.
  • I've heard your father advocate for lots of pieces of legislation.
  • This is in part informed by national legislation where TCEQ can implement these key programs.
  • I think it's a misguided approach to addressing biosolids as far as legislation goes.
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion of various environmental legislative bills, notably HB1341, which sets maximum allowable ground level concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, and HB1674 regarding PFAS regulations in biosolids. Representative Reynolds presented HB1341, emphasizing the health risks associated with hydrogen sulfide and the need for clear regulatory standards to protect communities near industrial operations. This received support from health advocates and oversight bodies, highlighting the urgent need for regulations to safeguard public health. Meanwhile, HB1674 faced significant opposition, particularly from environmental organizations which argued that the bill's provisions could disrupt biosolid disposal processes and increase costs significantly. Many testimony segments reflected concerns regarding the adequacy of scientific understanding related to PFAS and its implications for agricultural safety and water quality.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health Mar 31st, 2025 at 08:03 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The committee substitute is a Legislative Council draft.
  • The committee substitute is a Legislative Council draft.
  • I was told that I do share a name with a former Texas legislator, so thank you for that.
  • We have the potential for monumental legislation with this bill.
  • It wasn't an end-all, be-all, and this legislation won't be for us either.
Summary: The public health committee meeting convened to discuss a variety of bills aimed at improving health-related policies in Texas. Noteworthy discussions included House Bill 1887, which seeks to enhance access to birth certificates for adult adoptees, and House Bill 754, which mandates medical assistance personnel to complete training on human trafficking. Both bills received positive support from the members present, and there were assurances that the bills would be reported favorably to the full House. Public testimony was also encouraged, allowing stakeholders to voice their opinions on these significant pieces of legislation.
US
Transcript Highlights:
Summary: During this committee meeting, various bills were discussed with a specific focus on veteran services and healthcare provisions. Notably, the cancellation of critical contracts under Secretary Collins sparked significant debate, with representatives emphasizing the adverse impact on veteran care. The meeting featured testimonies from veterans and stakeholders who expressed their concerns regarding the potential fallout of these cancellations, demonstrating the urgency of transparency and accountability in management decisions. Discussions also delved into various legislative proposals aimed at improving services for veterans amidst these challenges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And it's just kind of a slap in the face to me as a legislator that this is happening.
  • However, since the passage of that legislation...
  • I fully anticipate opposition to this legislation, as we've seen in sessions past.
  • If the supporters of this legislation are truly seeking to...
  • I ask that you stop this bad legislation; please help us protect...
Summary: This committee meeting predominantly focused on the discussions surrounding several significant bills aimed at enhancing child care accessibility and addressing the issues related to deepfake technology. Representative Bojani introduced HB3133, which seeks to create a clear reporting process for deepfake material, ensuring social media platforms take accountability for harmful content. The bill aims to safeguard users from digital manipulations. Notably, the representatives engaged in a robust dialogue regarding the rising need for responsible management of deepfake content, establishing that Texas could take a leading role in this area.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That remains the goal of this legislation.

  • Starlab Space in Webster is fully in favor of this important legislation.
  • So yeah, I think it's a great piece of legislation. Thank you.
  • I want to thank my students who worked on this project and researched this legislation.
  • However, that legislation did not explicitly limit the court's jurisdiction.
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered on several bills related to liability, fraud, and public safety. Representative Slauson's HB1088 concerning healthcare liability claims related to gender modifications was revisited, with discussions highlighting the implications of amendments and a contentious vote that resulted in a 7-4 decision to report it to the full House. Notably, HB4101, led by Vice Chair Hayes, introduced a committee substitute that raised the limited liability from $50,000 to $250,000 for funeral service providers in cases of mental anguish, which passed after brief deliberations. Additionally, the committee discussed HB4281 targeting fraudulent crowdfunding campaigns, aiming to provide victims legal recourse, which sparked an emotional response due to real-life implications presented by witnesses.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We remain concerned that this legislation will sow

  • And in that regard, you're saying if we were to pass this legislation, it would be difficult for you
  • of legislation that will make it so much easier for us up
  • I've been up here for six legislative sessions, and all we get every time we come up here is the same
  • I would love to be able to collaborate and see that sort of legislation.
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on discussions surrounding HB2003, the high-speed rail project proposed by Texas Central. Representative Harris presented the bill, highlighting the need for increased transparency and accountability regarding the project's funding and operational dynamics. Witnesses testified both for and against the bill, with concerns raised by Texas Central representatives about the potential impact of the proposed requirements on financial confidentiality and competition. The committee heard testimony from various stakeholders, emphasizing the balance between necessary oversight and encouraging private investment in critical infrastructure.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband Mar 31st, 2025 at 10:03 am

House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislation addresses a critical barrier to broadband
  • That's what this legislation does.
  • of just the timing where, with the legislation in 2021, a
  • So I don't really know why we're here when we have existing legislation today that has been passed.
  • That's been a part of my legislative purpose in being down here for the last 20 years.
Bills: HB3445, HB3448
Summary: The meeting of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Broadband centered around significant issues regarding broadband deployment in rural Texas. Notably, discussion focused on HB3448, which aims to address barriers related to pole attachment rates charged by electric cooperatives, which have historically operated under different regulatory standards compared to other utilities. Chairman Darby emphasized the need for consistency and transparency in pricing to accelerate broadband deployment, especially given the state’s substantial investments in infrastructure. Several stakeholders, including representatives from electric cooperatives and broadband providers, expressed varied opinions on the proposed bill, with some highlighting concerns about the existing disparities in pole attachment costs and others advocating for cooperative protections against undue financial burdens from legislative changes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 Feb 20th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • As we brought this legislation forward last session,

  • This legislation for the Teacher Bill of Rights is not just about pay; it will also provide free pre-K
  • Additional legislation to tackle the challenges facing our
  • That will tie in and make a lot of sense with our safety-related legislation coming soon.
  • ...teacher compensation through this legislation.
Bills: SB26
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Education featured an extensive discussion on Senate Bill 26, aimed at reforming teacher compensation in Texas. Notable highlights included testimonies emphasizing the urgent need for meaningful salary increases for teachers across the state. Members discussed the historical nature of the proposed pay raises, which would establish a permanent salary allotment for teachers, allowing for dispatches of nearly $5 billion aimed at boosting educator retention. The importance of addressing teacher safety and equality across various educational roles was also a significant point of focus during this meeting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Apr 14th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We do have a legislative council approved committee substitute.
  • The committee substitute is drafted by the Legislative Council.
  • We are supportive of any legislation that provides for...
  • I'd like to thank Representative Lopez for helping us with this legislation.
  • This legislation is a win for Garland, local economy, taxpayers, and the broader region.
Summary: The committee meeting involved a range of discussions focused on local economic development through various House Bills primarily related to hotel occupancy taxes. Noteworthy was the presentation of House Bill 2370, which aims to allow municipalities like Harlingen to use hotel occupancy tax revenue retroactively for convention center expenses, facilitating fiscal responsibility and community involvement via voter approval. Representative Lopez encouraged support for the bill, highlighting its potential benefits for the city's budget and operational flexibility. Testimonies from local leaders, including Harlingen's Mayor, reinforced the need for this legislative change to support vital city projects.
US

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

An oversight hearing to examine Meta's foreign relations and representations to the United States Congress. Apr 9th, 2025 at 01:30 pm

Senate Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's essential that we consider the long-term impacts of this legislation.
  • She discussed the importance of including diverse stakeholder input in creating effective legislation
  • I introduced legislation to ban smoking on airplanes.
  • Unless and until Congress passes legislation to sunset

  • To address this, I'm working on bipartisan legislation

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism focused on oversight of Meta's foreign relations and representations to Congress. An essential witness, Sarah Wynne-Williams, a former executive at Facebook, provided testimony outlining significant concerns about the company's practices and its complicity in aiding oppressive regimes. The atmosphere was charged, with ongoing debates about the regulation of big tech companies and the ethical implications of their policies. The committee explored topics such as user data management, whistleblower retaliation, and the need for legislative measures to protect users and enhance accountability in the tech sector. A notable point of contention was Facebook's alleged cooperation with the Chinese government regarding the dissemination of user data and AI tools, leading to serious ethical implications.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, we're going to start with some pending legislation.
  • This legislation creates a shared savings program, which is a financial incentive program run by health
  • The legislation is meant to incentivize individuals to shop for their health care.
  • The goal of this legislation is for the insurer to share the savings with a patient who chooses to shop
  • In the last legislative session, House Bill 2002 opened the door for patients who shop and find lower
Summary: The House Committee on Insurance meeting covered multiple bills focused on healthcare regulations and patient accessibility. Notably, House Bill 3057 was highlighted in testimony from citizens advocating for expanded access to CAR T-cell therapy, which has shown effectiveness for blood cancers. Testimonies were given by affected individuals, emphasizing the need for local treatment options without the burden of travel to distant medical facilities. Similarly, House Bill 4603 was laid out with the intent to align arbitration options and ensure that consumers receive timely resolutions in disputed medical charges. Overall, the committee demonstrated an active engagement with the public and various stakeholders while navigating key issues affecting health insurance and patient care in Texas.

Research Filters

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