Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'UT Health Houston'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In Houston, we have two of the largest cities without zoning. So we have some issues there.
  • expert for certain multifamily residential developments and submit them to the Texas Department of Health
  • I'm the Managing Partner of Concentric Community Advisors, a Houston-based real estate advisory firm
  • I have also done deals in major metroplexes like Houston or Dallas, where I have a small Section 8 senior
  • citizen deal, and the HFC in Houston did not want to do that deal.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government covered various pressing bills focused primarily on property tax issues. Notable discussions included the examination of Senate Bill 1052, which addresses appraisal challenges faced by Gulf Coast counties and aims to ensure tax calculations reflect realistic revenue expectations. Witnesses from local governments expressed the necessity of this bill, highlighting the severe financial implications of tax disputes on public services and education. Additionally, the committee reviewed Senate Bill 325, which reinforces the requirement for water availability to be confirmed prior to land development, as previous loopholes allowed developers to bypass this essential regulation. Public testimonies echoed concerns around the implications of unchecked property development and emphasized the need for proper resource allocation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 5th, 2025 at 03:08 pm

House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Health and Human Services is the Health and Human Services Commission that has authority over youth camps
  • under the Health and Safety Code or the department.
  • Because I'm looking at health and safety code 141 on 009, youth camps.
  • Well, the Health and Safety Code would either be Health

  • I believe the language is for Health and Human Services, Commissioner of Health, would be DSHS.
Bills: HB2, HB1, HB18, HB19, HB20
Summary: The meeting focused heavily on disaster preparedness and management strategies in response to recent catastrophic events in Texas, particularly concerning House Bills related to flood response and communication infrastructure. Notably, House Bill 19 was introduced to mandate that campgrounds in flood-prone areas develop actionable flood plans to ensure safety during emergencies. Stakeholders voiced strong support for the bill, emphasizing its importance for child safety in recreational areas. Additionally, House Bill 18 aimed at improving emergency communication systems received considerable attention, as members raised concerns about the need for efficient and interoperable communication during disasters. Similar themes of ensuring preparedness and safeguarding communities were echoed throughout the discussions, with experts and witnesses providing impactful testimony on the challenges confronted during recent flooding incidents in Kerr County.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, I was eager to work for the state of Texas largely because of the pension and health benefits that
  • A lot of people do not have the health to be able...
  • ...in Houston and concluded as a call center manager in Austin
Summary: During the meeting, the committee discussed several important bills focused on state employee pensions, the education sector, and consumer credit resources. One of the main topics was HB886, which proposes a 13th check for state retirees to help alleviate financial challenges faced by those who have not seen any pension adjustments for over a decade. The bill received support from various stakeholders who emphasized its necessity given the rising costs of living and inflation. Additionally, HB3221 was examined, addressing unequal pension contributions between traditional school districts and charter schools, which has placed undue financial burdens on charter schools since 2019. The bill aims to unify the contribution rates to ensure fairness and retain essential funding for education.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I thought I actually have three news stories from Houston of separate cases that are very, very similar
  • They need counseling or mental health services following their time of service.
  • You're with the Health and Human Services Commission as a resource witness?
  • I'm a Director of Forensic and Jail Diversion Services under Behavioral Health Services at Texas Health
  • Behavioral health services do not currently operate

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

S/C on Juvenile Justice Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House S/C on Juvenile Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • million, actually $60 million, into the state's budget for schools to be able to use with mental health
  • The Houston Independent School District alone hasn't reported truancy—none.
Bills: HB2947, HB3276, HB3513
Summary: The Subcommittee on Juvenile Justice convened a meeting where they voted on several bills, notably HB1988, which allows the Texas Juvenile Justice Department to disclose personally identifiable information about former juvenile offenders with their consent. The motion to advance HB1988 passed with a four to one vote. The committee also discussed HB3276, aimed at holding individuals working with juveniles accountable for misconduct, which received considerable support from the committee members. The discourse highlighted the importance of protective measures for the juvenile justice system, ensuring that any individuals found unfit to serve would be effectively barred from such roles.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • for the tough fund bill or constitutional amendment two years ago when Texas Tech, University of Houston
  • industries ranging from oil and gas to cattle, public broadcasting to veterinary and medical mental health
  • With Houston exemplifying that leadership, Austin, Silicon
Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by discussions surrounding multiple bills, including HB3719, which concerns the public disclosure of dates of birth, and HB5196, aimed at allowing state agencies to approve telework plans for employees. The chair moved for HB3719 to be reported favorably to the full house, which passed with a vote of 10 in favor and one against. Similarly, HB5196 was favorably reported without objections. A significant focus was placed on increasing digital modernization for state agencies, as illustrated by HB5195, which aims to improve the digital accessibility and functionality of agency websites to enhance small business interactions with the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In Houston, we have two of the two largest cities without zoning, so we have some issues there.
  • expert for certain multifamily residential developments and submit them to the Texas Department of Health
  • I'm the managing partner of Concentric Community Advisors, a Houston-based real estate advisory firm
  • citizen deal where the HFC in Houston did not want to do that deal.
  • Harris County, Houston, Friendswood, and everybody had
Summary: During this committee meeting, several critical bills were deliberated, reflecting the legislators' commitment to addressing property tax regulations and groundwater issues in Texas. Notably, Senate Bill 325 was introduced to close loopholes created by House Bill 3697, ensuring that subdivisions reliant on private roads must demonstrate groundwater availability, a move praised by representatives from environmental and public welfare organizations. The bill emphasizes the necessity for sustainable development practices to prevent future water shortages. Another significant focus was Senate Bill 2172, which aims to rectify the erroneous interpretation of the tax code regarding homestead exemptions, protecting compliant homeowners from unfair tax burdens. This cleanup bill clarifies reapplication processes for homestead exemptions to prevent confusion among appraisal districts and homeowners alike. Public testimony from various stakeholders echoed widespread support for the bills, highlighting the importance of transparency and fair administration in property-related legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I was born in Dallas, grew up in Houston, and I've spent the last 17 years investing in Texas-based startups
  • I think we have the Department of State Health Services.
  • I am the director of the EMS Trauma Systems Section for the Department of State Health Services.
Summary: During this meeting, the committee engaged in detailed discussions surrounding various legislative proposals, notably focusing on HB2054 and HB4601. HB2054 was discussed in the context of addressing financial support for victims' families during declared emergencies, removing existing procedural barriers. Representative Manuel presented HB4601, which aims to assist Texas veterans in purchasing affordable housing by creating a down payment assistance program financed through a dedicated tax fund. This program is essential to simplify homeownership for veterans facing financial challenges in the current housing market.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part I) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • with the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Windham School District, and the Correctional Managed Health
  • to develop and approve health care plans for inmates.
  • Mental health orders.
  • That has been a shining light this session on mental health commitments.
  • Houston.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice covered several significant legislative proposals aimed at improving the efficiency and safety of the Texas criminal justice system. Lead discussions focused on SB2405, which received attention for its comprehensive approach towards modernizing the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and addressing recommendations made by the Sunset Advisory Commission. The bill includes provisions for enhanced staff planning and updated rehabilitation programs that are expected to yield substantial cost savings while promoting public safety. Senators engaged actively, expressing their support and raising questions about the implications of the proposed changes, especially concerning parole processes and facility management.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources (Part I) Mar 12th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Voting, Health and Human Services, I think, was doing, and has
  • the end of their lifespan and no longer provide value to the operator or owner, and pose a risk to health
  • Air quality standards and protect public health and the environment
  • span> ...protectiveness reviews is looking at the science, the health
  • It does include Midland International, the Houston Spaceport
Summary: The meeting centered around the discussion of SB1150, which is designed to address the issue of inactive wells in Texas. Senator Middleton presented the bill, highlighting the concerns surrounding the current regulations that allow wells to remain inactive indefinitely, which poses various risks to health, safety, and the environment. The proposed legislation includes requirements for owners to plug or return inactive wells to production after certain timelines, with a compliance plan to be evaluated by the Railroad Commission. Several stakeholders participated in the discussion, expressing their support and emphasizing the importance of addressing the rising costs associated with orphaned wells and the financial burden on taxpayers. The bill is seen as a critical step toward sustainable oil and gas management in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 25th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:
  • Let's estimate that Change Health Care affected over 100 million Americans, many Texans.
  • Historically, the legislature has spent a lot of money on behavioral health.
  • For the Behavioral Health Executive Council to...
  • ...mental health profession.
  • Mental health is a stigma in our...
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on budgetary recommendations and exceptional item requests from various state agencies, with a significant emphasis on enhancing staffing and operational capacities. Key discussions revolved around the funding requests that support improved service delivery, particularly for the Funeral Service Commission and the Veterinary Medical Examiners. Members expressed concerns regarding staff retention and the need for salary adjustments to align compensation with market standards, seeking to decrease turnover rates and maintain effective service levels. Public testimonies reflected support for the agencies' requests while also raising some concerns about fee increases to accommodate budgetary needs. The chair concluded with expectations of further discussions on residual budgetary items in subsequent meetings.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Mar 4th, 2025 at 02:30 pm

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • registered as Paige Williams, Director of Policy and Advocacy on behalf of the Texas Department of Health
  • scholars facing issues such as mental health challenges.
  • Now, on another mental health issue, insurance.
  • We operate up and down from Chairman Dutton's area for the Port of Houston.
  • And I think Chairman Hunter mentioned mental health.
Bills: HB2
Summary: The meeting focused on House Bill 2, which aims to reform funding for special education in Texas. Various stakeholders, including educators and administrators, testified on the importance of the bill, highlighting current funding gaps and the need for increased resources to adequately support students with disabilities. Testimony revealed that many school districts are experiencing a significant funding shortfall, forcing them to seek additional local funding sources to cover the costs of necessary services. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a new tiered funding system, which was met with cautious support due to the ambiguities surrounding its implementation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 14th, 2025 at 09:04 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas, with locations in the four major regions of the state, including South Texas, Central Texas, Houston
  • Like I said, it's more than we pay in health care for our people.
  • Yes, there are people who are charging for health care. They're charging for this and that.
  • I'm Chairman of the Greater Houston, Texas Restaurant.
  • I'm in Houston.
Summary: The meeting involved extensive discussions around several house bills, with notable emphasis on HB700, which aims to increase transparency in the merchant cash advance (MCA) sector. Representative McQueen provided a detailed explanation of the issues small business owners face due to aggressive tactics and lack of regulation in this area. The committee also examined HB4609, which focuses on updating the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) benefits to provide clearer options for cities regarding cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), allowing cities to offer retirement benefits in a more flexible and informed manner. Additionally, the meeting featured a strong public testimony segment, where witnesses voiced their support and concerns, especially regarding the implications of digital currencies framed in HB703.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part I) Jan 28th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the State of Texas, outside of **Dallas** and **Houston**, the only State agency responding to new
  • This interim, we had a hearing in **Senate Health and Human Services** where the estimate was around
  • **Senator Bettencourt**: At a hearing in **Senate Health
Summary: The meeting focused on the budget recommendations for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), where key issues included the proposed decrease of $163.9 million for the 2024-25 biennium and various methodology swaps for funding. Attorney General Paxton discussed ongoing litigation expenditures and emphasized the need for continued investments in agency staffing to address rising demands within law enforcement. Notably, he requested a 6% salary increase for 2026 and 2027 to retain talented personnel amidst competitive job markets. Public testimony highlighted community awareness challenges regarding the Landowner's Compensation Program, indicating a need for enhanced outreach efforts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 21st, 2025 at 10:08 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Compact for animal health initiatives for the Committee on
  • Health Services.
  • To make sure this doesn't happen again, as a father of a 14-year-old and an 11-year-old, I'm from Houston
Bills: HB1, HB2, HB3, HB5, HB20, HB22
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion and passage of several key bills, including SB5, which pertains to supplemental appropriations for disaster relief. This bill was passed unanimously, highlighting the committee's commitment to addressing disaster preparedness. HB20, aimed at reducing fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters, also saw significant debate, with positive sentiments expressed by its sponsor, Mr. Darby. Additionally, HB22, which expands the authority of the comptroller to fund emergency communication systems, was passed with overwhelming support, indicating a consensus on improving emergency response capabilities within the state. The session concluded with discussions about future legislative measures aimed at strengthening infrastructure against disasters.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs May 7th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Joel Yu with Enchanted Rock, a microgrid developer based in Houston, developing solutions
  • Well, it wasn't over-allocation, but CenterPoint was disproportionately affected in the Houston area.
  • The health and safety of our customers is always our number one priority.
Bills: SB6, SB11, SB33
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on Senate Bill 6, which aims to address the needs for increased reliability and transparency in Texas's energy infrastructure. There were multiple testimonies from stakeholders representing various sectors, including data centers and electric cooperatives, discussing their support and concerns regarding the bill's impact on interconnection and load management. Key issues raised included improving load forecasts, the adequacy of existing methodologies for cost allocation, and ensuring the reliability of the grid amidst the growing demand from large energy consumers like data centers. The discussion emphasized the need for a balance between fostering economic growth and maintaining grid reliability, amidst concerns about potential uncertainty for businesses due to some provisions in the bill. The committee concluded the meeting while keeping the bill pending for future deliberation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Education K-16 Aug 6th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , and Taylor Landon from the Greater Houston Partnership.
  • And Greater Houston Partnership.
  • So I'll end today with a specific point related to Houston.
  • But we now have a model in Houston on how to do that. And...
  • This is not like magical dust that has been sprinkled on Houston.
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

S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband May 2nd, 2025 at 09:05 am

House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Transcript Highlights:
  • ="7" data-time="36">The chair calls up Julian Ramirez, City Council, also a member of the City of Houston
  • City of Houston and himself against the bill.
  • Ramirez, you're Julian Ramirez, City Council member, representing the City of Houston and yourself, and
  • However, for the City of Houston and for other cities

  • How big is the City of Houston by you?
Summary: The meeting of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Broadband included significant discussions surrounding Senate Bill 924, which addresses cable service providers and their financial obligations related to franchise fees. Council Member Julian Ramirez opposed the bill, emphasizing its potential fiscal impact on cities like Houston and Austin by restricting franchise fee collections, thus threatening vital public services funded by these fees. Public testimony supported his stance, highlighting the financial realities these cities face, particularly in maintaining public safety and infrastructure.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So you want to amend the Galveston code, and I think 6.6.002 amends the Houston code.
  • But you're not, you're not in the Houston Ship Channel.
  • Is there a portion that only the Houston Pilots navigate that you don't?
  • We would have to train just like the Houston Pilots.
  • We would have to get an extension of route just like the Houston Pilots.
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

Transportation May 7th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ray Hunt from the Police Officers Union out of Houston is also in support.
  • Department of Health and Human Services in Education and Welfare under former President Jimmy Carter.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on reviewing a series of bills with significant implications for local memorials and dedication of roads to honor public servants. Notably, House Bill 1708 was presented by Senator Hinojosa, which aims to designate a section of State Highway 302 as Trooper Kevin Ramirez Vasquez Memorial Highway, in honor of the fallen trooper who lost his life in the line of duty. The bill was supported by different members and received public testimony, highlighting the commitment of law enforcement to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Additionally, discussions surrounding House Bill 2415 and House Bill 2523 also captured the testimonies of various community members and officials, further emphasizing the community's dedication to memorializing public servants.

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