Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'public officials'

Page 41 of 60
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In fact, an auditor in Missouri recommended this practice be halted, stating, and I quote, "State officials
  • 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
  • Official logos and branding and responsible couriers earn
  • Such practices would uphold public confidence and operational integrity.
  • We offer a secure platform for ordering official state lottery tickets.
  • 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

Elections Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We'll reserve your right to close, and we'll go to public testimony.
  • This will also affect taxi programs and public transportation.
  • We'll go to public testimony.
  • I'm not concerned about the section that's about public notices.
  • We'll proceed to public testimony.
Summary: The House Committee on Elections convened to deliberate on several legislative measures, focusing significantly on the accessibility and integrity of the voting process. Key discussions included the presentation of HB5430, which addresses the declaration of a candidate’s ineligibility based on their filing status. The committee also reviewed Senate Bill SB901, a companion bill that echoes the intentions of HB5430. Other bills such as HB2253 aimed to introduce flexibility for local governments in case of disaster declarations, allowing them to cancel elections in a specified timeframe, emphasizing the need for local leaders to act decisively during crises. Additionally, Senate Bill SB760 was introduced to protect vulnerable populations, ensuring that legal guardians are notified when mail-in ballots are requested by individuals in long-term care facilities. Testimonies both supported and challenged the measures, revealing deep concerns regarding potential implications of these bills on voter rights, particularly for disabled stakeholders and elderly populations.
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.
  • So, it's kind of a public asset.
  • It hit the public internet and the like. Is that an act?
  • In our system, universities can be private or public.
  • Public safety typically follows this stuff fairly well.
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

89th Legislative Session Mar 13th, 2025 at 09:00 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • He dedicated his life to public service, and I know

  • It is that spirit of public service and passion.

  • Pat knew how to create an inclusive environment between city officials
  • He dedicated his whole life to service, to keep us safe and thriving—43 years of selfless public service
  • They are from business, local trustees, and other government officials. I would like to ask...
Summary: The meeting was marked by a respectful tribute to the late Congressman Sylvester Turner, who was commemorated for his dedication to public service and his impactful legacy within the community. Various members spoke highly of Turner, recalling his commitment to bipartisanship and his ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life. The sentiments expressed by multiple representatives highlighted the need to honor his memory by continuing to work cooperatively across party lines. One member particularly emphasized the importance of diversity, service, and commitment to the community that Turner embodied throughout his career. In addition to the memorial segments, the committee also took action on several bills, including SB20 and HR525. The meeting featured discussions on the implications of these bills, integrating testimonies and clarifications on the proposed legislative actions. Overall, the meeting was well-attended by legislators and community leaders, marking an emotional but significant session that combined reflection with legislative responsibilities.
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

Administration Apr 22nd, 2025

Senate Administration Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Hearing none, the committee is now open for public testimony.
Bills: SCR4, SCR18, SCR31, SCR43, SCR46
Summary: The Senate Committee on Administration convened to discuss SCR46, a resolution aimed at renaming the 'New York Strip Steak' to 'Texas Strip Steak' in tribute to Texas's significant agricultural heritage. Senator Sparks presented the resolution, emphasizing Texas's position as the number one beef cattle producer in the United States. The discussion highlighted the importance of the beef industry in Texas, with an emphasis on the economic contributions and cultural significance of ranchers and farmers in shaping local cuisine. The meeting also allowed for public testimony, which indicated strong community interest in the matter.
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

  • that research also shows that holding 17-year-olds in the adult justice system does not increase public
  • 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.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • If not, public testimony is closed.
  • We have closed public testimony and we are withdrawing the...
  • If not, we'll close public testimony at this time.
  • With that, members, I will close public testimony.
  • Public testimony is closed.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services primarily focused on several pieces of legislation aimed at improving mental health care in Texas, especially for vulnerable populations. Notable discussions were held around SB719, which seeks to conduct a comprehensive assessment of inpatient psychiatric bed capacity in Texas, addressing the significant shortages faced by facilities. There was widespread support from committee members and public testimonies praising the need for improved mental health resources and proactive measures to enhance service delivery. Witnesses highlighted the critical situation surrounding mental health admissions, emphasizing the human impact of ongoing bed shortages and the tragic consequences for patients awaiting treatment.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures Mar 25th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Summary: The meeting of the committee predominantly focused on several key bills aimed at addressing significant social issues, particularly around human trafficking and workforce development. Among the notable discussions was House Bill 491, which seeks to empower local attorneys to collect penalties from illicit massage parlors to fund anti-human trafficking efforts. Testimonies revealed the alarming rise of such establishments in Texas and underscored the importance of effective legislative solutions. There were also discussions surrounding House Bill 1757, introduced to create an additional pathway for CPA licensure, addressing workforce shortages in the accounting field, which has become increasingly urgent as Texas experiences a population boom.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance May 20th, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • data-time="36"> Testifying, there will be a limit of no more than two minutes per witness during the public
  • We've had three elected officials in Georgia who have

  • So everyone wants to put on the board, what about adjusters, public adjusters, and other people that
Bills: SB1642, SB1643, SB2530
Summary: The committee meeting held extensive discussions on multiple pieces of legislation focused primarily on insurance and healthcare. A significant portion of the meeting revolved around SB1643, which proposes changes to how property and casualty insurance rates are regulated in Texas by requiring prior approval from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) for any rate changes exceeding 10%. Members expressed mixed feelings about this proposal, with concerns that it might lead to increased costs for consumers while discussing the balance between consumer protection and maintaining a competitive insurance market. Witnesses offered testimony both in favor and against the bill, highlighting the importance of thoughtful regulatory frameworks amidst rising insurance costs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 10th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman, the committee substitute ensures that only defined public servants can claim the official investigation
  • servant; otherwise, any person could claim their investigation is official, whether they're a public
  • It doesn't say that it can be secret from the public, but it's okay for elected officials, public officials
  • This allows, in addition to the election officials, the public and anyone else to check the numbers and
  • The layout will open public testimony on Senate Bill 2533. Public testimony is now open.
Summary: The committee meeting covered numerous bills focusing on election integrity and transparency, alongside various regulatory measures. Senator Middleton presented SB1717, aimed at transferring the regulation of charitable bingo, and it was reported favorably to the Senate. Key discussions also revolved around SB1845 concerning registration for lobbyists engaged in activities on behalf of foreign adversaries, which received unanimous support. Another significant bill was SB2216, which addresses the security of election system equipment; it also passed with no opposition. The session was marked by contributions from various senators, emphasizing accountability and the integrity of the electoral process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Energy Resources Mar 31st, 2025 at 02:03 pm

House Energy Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The public who wish to testify on legislative business

  • span marker="13" data-time="72">Those who wish to electronically submit comments may refer to the public
  • So, the council's timeline may overlap or not with the actual publication of those.
  • Public Utility, and you are for House Bill 3125?
  • Well, it's a public record, so...

Summary: The meeting of the Energy Resources Committee was marked by extensive discussions on several key legislative bills, particularly those concerning carbon capture, geothermal energy, and oilfield theft. Representative Zwiener laid out HB2612, aimed at creating a carbon dioxide sequestration policy council under the Railroad Commission. The bill's supporters emphasized its potential economic benefits while addressing safety concerns raised by witnesses regarding existing underground injection practices. Notably, there was a strong consensus among proponents that addressing these complex issues proactively is essential for Texas to maintain its leadership in the energy sector. The committee also heard testimony on HB1647, focused on combating petroleum product theft, which remains a growing concern within the state. Witnesses highlighted the pressing need for improved coordination among law enforcement and the establishment of a dedicated task force to tackle this issue effectively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Mar 4th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • With that, we're going to open up public testimony.
  • I'm a licensed public engineer.
  • With that, we're going to close public testimony and leave the bill pending.
  • public funding, such as local tax dollars and federal funds.
  • We have some public testimony.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Business included significant deliberations on multiple bills, specifically SB765, SB929, and SB455. Notably, Senator King advanced SB765 amid discussions on its committee substitute, clarifying issues related to confidentiality protections for law enforcement. The committee unanimously adopted the substitute, indicating broad support. Moving on, SB929 was similarly discussed, with minor amendments clarified before being favorably reported without objections. This reflects a positive atmosphere aimed at smoothing the legislative process for these initiatives. Senator Melton presented SB455, which addresses Texas law and arbitration for surplus lines of insurance that faced a veto in the previous session. This bill aims to establish arbitration processes that are more favorable to Texas policyholders by mandating that disputes be governed by Texas law and conducted within Texas. Stakeholders voiced strong support for this bill, emphasizing the importance of upholding Texas jurisdiction over such disputes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Juvenile Justice Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House S/C on Juvenile Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • The third reason is that it assumes that being a certain age and out in public is alone a sufficient
  • So, was there like an official vote?
  • Searching for ways to protect the public.
  • you all to think bigger about public healing, about public truth-telling.
  • We are not only preventing future harm, but we are also improving public safety.
Summary: Additionally, House Bill 2147 was discussed, which proposes to expand the use of remote proceedings in juvenile justice, streamlining the process and making it more accessible to families. Supporters highlighted that this efficiency is crucial for ensuring that all parties can participate in hearings, especially as many families struggle with transportation. The meeting concluded with several bills remaining pending, showcasing the ongoing deliberation and consideration of how best to address juvenile crime and justice in the community.

Research Filters

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