Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'public engagement'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence May 21st, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The chair moves to correct the minutes for the public hearing

  • acknowledges a digital exclusive right; it can be licensed, it's personal, it can be used by the public
  • We've been engaged on this issue to try and address

  • data-time="666"> The bill creates obligations and liability on a wide range of online services, so our engagement
  • Before we do, members, this is our last public hearing.
Summary: During this meeting of the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee, several significant bills were discussed, particularly focusing on Senate Bill 1960, which aims to protect Texans from unauthorized use of their voices or likenesses in the age of artificial intelligence. Chairman Hunter led the presentation, highlighting the importance of preserving artistic integrity while ensuring that First Amendment rights are respected. The committee welcomed public testimony, receiving support for the bill from representatives of the music industry, who expressed concerns about the misuse of AI in recreating artists' performances without consent. The discussion included insight from various stakeholders regarding the implications of such legislation on their professional rights.
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:
  • data-time="1530"> For the same reason, we have been supporters of every effort this legislature has engaged
  • schools, and higher education institutions, this bill will allow students in grades 11 and 12 to engage
  • schools with higher education institutions, this bill will allow students in grades 11 and 12 to engage
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

Natural Resources (Part I) May 7th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Hearing none, public testimony is now closed.
  • Hearing none, we'll move to public testimony. I show no one registered to give public testimony.
  • Hearing and seeing none, we'll move to public testimony.
  • I show no one registered for public testimony.
  • Is there anyone wishing to provide public testimony for or against House Bill 2970?
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources focused on several key bills, including HB206, HB1238, and HB2890. Senator Birdwell introduced HB206, which prohibits counties from mandating cash bonds for pipeline construction, a move aimed at facilitating energy infrastructure development. The bill was supported by witnesses from the industry who voiced their experiences regarding the financial burdens of cash bond requirements. Following this discussion, public testimony was heard but ultimately concluded without any opponents present, leading to the bill being left pending further consideration. Senator Parker then laid out HB2890, which seeks to establish an interstate compact to protect and enhance liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports along the Gulf Coast. The bill aims to improve interstate communication and collaboration while addressing economic impacts due to recent regulatory challenges faced by the LNG industry. Public testimony for this bill was also minimal, with no witnesses registered to testify, but it was noted as an important step for Texas's energy future. The meeting concluded with discussions about pending votes on the bills, indicating a need to reconvene at a later time to finalize actions on these proposals.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Veteran Affairs Apr 29th, 2025

Senate Veteran Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Hearing none, public testimony is now closed.

  • Okay, at this time we'll open up public testimony on Senate
  • data-time="648"> The Welsh Government is the Museum Association Room, or forming a social council that engages
  • Hearing none, public testimony is now closed. Senate Bill 2255 will be left pending.
Bills: HB102, HB300, SB2255
Summary: The meeting centered around various legislative bills, notably focusing on HB102, HB300, and SB2255. Senator Sparks presented SB2255, aimed at easing occupational licensing for military spouses and veterans, eliminating bureaucratic delays that hinder their employment opportunities after relocation. Key testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted the importance of this bill, emphasizing how it could alleviate the economic burden faced by military families when transitioning to new roles. The updates on HB300 aimed at revitalizing the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program underscored efforts to modernize assistance for military students.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Corrections Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Corrections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • During the public testimony period,

  • benefits under certain public benefit programs to be provided
  • This will better serve incarcerated Texans, better serve the public
  • I am a retired public servant, military veteran, and I am
  • That system is a service maintained by the Department of Public Safety and provided to every police department
Summary: The committee meeting was focused primarily on voting and discussions surrounding a range of house bills, particularly those related to criminal justice reform and the structure of educational programs within correctional facilities. Significant bills discussed included HB1828 on legislative leave for correctional officers and HB5261, which aims to transfer the administration of post-secondary education for inmates from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to the Windham School District. The committee members expressed varying levels of support for the bills and highlighted the need for improvements in the correctional system, particularly in education and health standards for inmates. Additionally, public testimony underscored the urgency of air conditioning in prison facilities, citing recent court findings regarding extreme temperatures as a violation of inmates' rights.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on State-Federal Relations May 1st, 2025 at 08:05 am

House S/C on State-Federal Relations

Transcript Highlights:
  • A number of three minutes per witness during the public testimony
  • Travel Initiative was passed, Many residents who were engaging
Bills: HB3484, HCR112, HCR125
Summary: During the meeting, the committee addressed significant legislative topics, focusing on HB3484 and HCR112. HB3484 was presented by Chairman Van Dever, who detailed the challenges faced by border cities like Texarkana in accessing funding for facilities located across state lines. The discussion included testimonies from community members highlighting the necessity of operational agreements between neighboring municipalities to streamline resource management and funding eligibility. This bill aims to ensure that infrastructure projects serving both Texarkana, Texas and its Arkansas counterpart are recognized adequately for funding purposes. The testimony emphasized the benefits of cooperative projects such as wastewater treatment plants and how these arrangements have historically contributed to the well-being of residents in both regions. HCR112, presented by Representative Perez, urged Congress to accept state-issued Real ID cards for U.S. citizens reentering the country, streamlining identification processes at border crossings. The resolution sparked dialogue about the practical impacts of federal ID compliance on daily border interactions and the potential economic benefits for border communities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is critically important that the community engages.
  • So we're continuing to see more community engagement.
  • To Engage and Empower are both part of TFI.
  • The active engagement is very important.
  • engagement.
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 1st C.S.

State Affairs Aug 11th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Scaramucci, we will open public testimony. We have one witness registered at this time.
  • They were not simply given an opportunity to engage in such conduct.
  • As far as members of the public and as law enforcement,...
  • And I'm going to hand the gavel back over to the chairman for public testimony.
  • We began to engage with the House and started working with Senator [name].
Bills: SB10, SB16, SB6
Summary: The committee meeting featured discussions on several key legislative issues, particularly focusing on human trafficking and related victim protections. Notably, Senate Bill 10 was presented by Senator Parker, aiming to provide an affirmative defense for victims of trafficking charged with crimes committed under coercion. The bill garnered significant support as witnesses provided personal testimonies highlighting the struggles faced by survivors, emphasizing the need for legal recognition of their circumstances. Additionally, Senate Bill 6 concerning the regulation of medication used in abortions was debated, with concerns raised about its potential implications on women's health rights and judicial protections for healthcare providers. The meeting included a robust exchange of views, reflecting a wide array of stakeholder interests including public health and law enforcement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Ways & Means Aug 22nd, 2025 at 10:08 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But the ones who are engaged...
  • Just one question for now: does the bill provide any provision for public safety, given that public safety
  • Public safety deserves the same consideration.
  • Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
Bills: HB17, HB23, SB10
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several significant bills, particularly HB17 and SB10, both of which address property tax regulations in Texas. HB17 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in taxpayer notifications regarding property tax rate changes, requiring taxing entities to provide detailed information in notices. The bill received mixed reactions, with some supporting its intention to empower taxpayers while others criticized it as an unfunded mandate. Meanwhile, SB10 proposes to lower the voter approval tax rate for larger municipalities from 3.5% to 2.5%, sparking debates about its potential impact on public safety funding and local governments' financial flexibility. The discussions delved into the challenges posed by budget constraints and the need for efficient local governance in the face of rising costs and public safety demands. Overall, the meeting was well-attended, featuring robust discussions and a variety of perspectives around key legislative initiatives affecting Texas residents.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services May 6th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • data-time="1134"> program that provides Medicaid reimbursement to participating school districts and public
Summary: In this meeting of the Committee on Human Services, key discussions centered on Senate Bills 1183 and 1952. The committee examined SB 1183, which proposes requiring the Lone Star card used for financial assistance programs to feature the recipient's name and photo. This bill faced significant opposition with members arguing that implementing the changes would lead to wasteful spending of taxpayer funds without effectively reducing fraud. Representatives highlighted that the majority of fraud involves retailers rather than recipients, raising questions about the bill's actual impact. The discussions also emphasized the potential challenges faced by caretakers and families in accessing benefits during emergencies due to new identification requirements imposed by the bill.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures May 6th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • accommodate all who wish to testify, there will be a time limit of two minutes per witness during the public
  • data-time="702"> An event that had been recommended to us by the swim school staff as a way to re-engage
  • It will ensure that our public schools, veterans, and

  • Such practices would uphold public confidence and operational integrity.
  • I'm the Director of Public Policy and General Counsel for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Summary: The meeting of the committee primarily focused on discussing various bills, including HB1800, which aims to establish safety standards for swim schools. The bill was introduced by Ms. Garcia, who shared a heart-wrenching personal story about her son, Mitchell, who drowned during a swim program due to inadequate safety protocols. This led to strong public testimony both supporting and opposing the bill, with many witnesses emphasizing the need for stringent regulations to protect children in swim schools. In contrast, some representatives voiced concerns about over-regulating well-established programs that already have safety measures in place.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 2nd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Maintain a public list of scrutinized companies.
  • The investigation was directed by China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and engaged in activities
  • So, it's kind of a public asset.
  • In our system, universities can be private or public.
  • ...distribution and public engagement in the policy.
Summary: The Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety and Veterans Affairs meeting focused on multiple legislative proposals primarily addressing issues related to safety, security, and law enforcement. Chairman Heffner led the committee through discussions on various bills including HB2318, which establishes a statewide Human Trafficking Data Repository, and HB2363, which expands the authority of peace officers to arrest individuals without a warrant outside their jurisdiction. Testimonies from various stakeholders were heard, emphasizing the importance of these measures in combating crime and enhancing public safety in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II)Audio only. Apr 7th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on State Affairs featured several important bills, particularly focusing on alcohol regulations and controlled substances. Notably, Senator Perry presented Senate Bill 1868, which aims to update the Controlled Substance Act by allowing kratom in its natural state to be legal, recognizing its natural benefits while continuing to ban certain synthetic derivatives. The bill was positively received and reported favorably to the Senate without any objections. Further discussions included provisions related to the sale of alcoholic beverages and a joint resolution concerning veto overrides from the last legislative session.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Administration Apr 28th, 2025

Senate Administration Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
  • Hearing none, we'll now open for public testimony and call up Jeff Archer.
  • I'll now open it for public testimony. Actually, oh, I'm sorry.
  • Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
  • Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
Bills: SCR3, SCR30, SB2375, HCR35
Summary: The Senate Committee on Administration convened to discuss several important bills, notably SCR30, SB2375, HCR35, and HCR64. Senator Cook presented SB2375, which is related to non-substantive codification of laws and ensures that existing codes are accurately maintained without substantive changes. The committee reported favorably on this bill, recognizing the significant cleanup it provides within the statute. Furthermore, SCR30 was discussed, aiming to designate Matagorda County as the Birding Capital of Texas, emphasizing the area's rich ecological diversity and the promotion of ecotourism. Public testimony supported the designation, highlighting local pride and environmental conservation efforts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Apr 2nd, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, members, we will close public testimony, and we will leave Senate Bill 437 pending.
  • Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
  • We will close public testimony and we will leave this bill pending at this time.
  • If not, public testimony is closed, and we will leave Senate Bill 1044 pending.
  • My name is Noah, and I am a policy scholar at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss several significant bills, including SB968, SB966, and SB437. Senator Zaffirini presented SB968, which aims to modernize podiatry regulations in alignment with current practices, while SB966 involves the licensing and regulation of podiatry, addressing outdated provisions following a 2017 transition to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Both bills indicate a necessary clean-up of statutory language to better reflect contemporary standards in healthcare regulations. Additionally, Senator Hinojosa proposed SB437, which focuses on providing effective regulatory frameworks for chemical dependency treatment facilities, highlighting an urgent increase in demand due to rising substance abuse rates post-COVID-19.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Apr 23rd, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, we will open up public testimony.

  • If anyone has a question, I don't see any, and we'll open public testimony.
  • I'll call open public testimony and call Robert Jones. Mr. Jones, you're recognized.
  • There's no other cards, so I will close public testimony on Senate Bill 771.
  • There's no other cards, so I will close public testimony on Senate Bill 771.
Bills: SB771, SB2345, HB135
Summary: The Senate Finance Committee meeting covered crucial legislative discussions surrounding several important bills, particularly focused on firefighter pension reforms and tax equity for diesel fuel. Senate Bill 771, presented by Senator Hinojosa, seeks to rectify a gap in state tax law regarding tax credits for diesel fuel used in auxiliary power units. The bill drew support from several witnesses who emphasized its importance for maintaining fairness in tax treatment across fuel types. Additionally, House Bill 135, aimed at providing tax exemptions for exotic game sales, was discussed with fervent support from stakeholders within the industry. Public testimonies highlighted the positive economic impact of the bill on rural communities in Texas. The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 2345, another pension-related bill, which showcased collaboration between the city and the firefighters' association.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources (Part I) May 14th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have no public testimony.
  • Hearing and seeing none, public testimony is closed.
  • Is there anyone wishing to provide public testimony for or against?
  • Hearing and seeing none, public testimony is closed. Would you take the gavel? No.
  • Hearing none, public testimony is now closed. House Bill 4384 will be left pending.
Summary: The meeting included a robust discussion on several bills aimed at addressing regulatory issues in the state. Key among these was House Bill 4384, presented by Representative Darby, which focuses on alleviating financial burdens caused by regulatory lag for natural gas utilities. The bill seeks to allow temporary deferral of costs related to new infrastructure, and public testimonies highlighted a significant division in opinion, with some stakeholders arguing it would increase costs for consumers without adequate oversight. The committee members engaged actively with the testimonies, indicating a comprehensive review of the implications of the bill. House Bill 2663 was also introduced, aimed at preventing wildfires through better oversight of outdated electrical infrastructure at inactive oil and gas well sites, emphasizing the need for removed or de-energized equipment to avoid future incidents. Additionally, several other bills like HB1237 and HB3071 were discussed, with the latter addressing the cancellation of inactive landfill permits to reflect current land use and community development. The overall tone of the meeting was collaborative, with members expressing gratitude for professionalism despite some disagreements on policy details. The meeting concluded with several bills left pending for further discussion before moving to votes in subsequent sessions.
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:
  • > I will tell you that serving on this committee at one time... for many years and serving on the Public
  • >All right, we have he registered as Lauren Rose, Director of Public
  • Michelle Dietsch of the LBJ School of Public Affairs

  • span> ...the Transformative Youth Justice Program and Project Engage
  • As I said before, I thought long and hard about whether I wanted to share this in public because I know
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

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 28th, 2025 at 09:04 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • accommodate all who wish to testify, there will be a time limit of three minutes per witness during the public
  • Today, many Texans, including public employees and retirees, are choosing a health care model called
  • If a public employee or retiree pays that direct fee out

  • We see you registered as Clifford Porter on behalf of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and yourself
  • span>

    So, I'm the Senior Fellow for Health Care at the Texas Public

Summary: The committee meeting was centered on the discussion of various bills, notably focusing on House Bill 3521, which aims to enhance retention incentives for police officers in Houston. Chairman Harless opened discussions highlighting the urgency of the bill due to staffing challenges within the Houston Police Department. Testimonies were given by several members of the police department and pension fund representatives, stipulating the need for actionable changes to prevent a significant exodus of experienced officers. The bill was met with supportive testimony that underscored the precarious staffing situation and the necessity for improved retention strategies. Following deliberations, the bill remained pending for further review.

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