Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'public engagement'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education May 6th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation for the bill, correct?
  • For the bill, Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • The whole idea of publicizing or televising faculty senate...
  • Ours are all public.
  • My mom was a foreign service officer and public diplomat.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on heated discussions surrounding SB37 and HB4848, with numerous testimonies given by concerned citizens, educators, and students. Advocates for SB37 emphasized the need for educational reform, arguing that current higher education standards are overly influenced by political ideologies and do not adequately prepare students for the workforce. Opponents voiced strong concerns about the bill's potential to undermine academic freedom and lead to the removal of essential courses from the curriculum, which would diminish the quality of education in Texas. The meeting highlighted a clear divide on the future of educational policies and governance in universities, reflecting broader social and political tensions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Jan 28th, 2025 at 10:01 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • H.R. 110 by Lalani, recognizing Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants Advocacy Day at the State
  • Advocacy Day brings together these leaders to engage with

  • lawmakers and discuss important issues affecting the profession and the public.
  • the profession and the public.
  • He repealed the laws of this state that said it was illegal to speak Spanish in a public school.
Summary: The meeting addressed several critical resolutions, including H.R. 106, which recognized Demet County Day, and H.R. 119 for UT Health Houston Legislative Day. Each resolution prompted discussions highlighting the history and contributions of both Demet County and UT Health to their communities and the state. Representatives shared heartfelt remarks, expressing pride in the initiatives and the collaboration between local and state governance. These resolutions passed without any objections, showcasing a unified support for local communities and education efforts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education May 6th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • on the electronic public chronic legislative information system, known as TLIS and TLO, as well as on
  • Instructions for submitting public comments on the portal can
  • I know that some public universities do; I just don't know the exact ones.
  • Every community encountered on earth engages with and has music.
  • I'm an associate professor at a public university in Texas.
Summary: The meeting focused on several significant bills, with notable discussions surrounding SB37, which aims to overhaul the governance and curriculum oversight of higher education in Texas. Representative Shaheen expressed that the bill is intended to ensure that degrees earned in Texas are valuable and properly aligned with workforce demands. Witnesses presented both support and opposition to the bill, presenting various perspectives on its potential impact on academic freedom and educational quality. One associate professor voiced concerns regarding SB37, arguing it could stifle open discussions and critical thinking in classrooms by imposing political oversight on curricula. The discussion highlighted a divide between representatives who support increased legislative oversight and those who fear it will undermine educational integrity.
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

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

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

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
  • 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

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

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 1st C.S.

Education K-16 Aug 6th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, each public witness will be given two minutes after the invited witness testimony to provide
  • in a fair way while ending the era of STAR stress tests and taxpayer-funded lawsuits against the public
  • This time the chair will open up public testimony and call the following witnesses: Dr.
  • Did anyone register before the cutoff for public testimony registration and has not been called?
  • Okay, with no further public testimony, public testimony will close.
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.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • How are we engaging with the technologists of the 21st century?
  • I'm up for a job of great public responsibility, so I understand that.
  • You mentioned in public, so you don't think it's a good idea to negotiate things in public?
  • I don't think we should negotiate in public. That did not happen last week.
  • I think that is a very important platform and basis to engage.
Summary: The meeting focused on critical defense and security matters, particularly concerning the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving China and Russia. There were discussions surrounding U.S. military readiness, with significant emphasis on the potential threats posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region. Members expressed concerns about America's military capabilities in relation to the growing Chinese fleet and the importance of maintaining strong alliances with nations like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Additionally, the notion of prioritizing the defense industrial base was highlighted, emphasizing the need for effective procurement and modernization efforts to counter adversarial threats. Furthermore, notable commentary included a reference to President Zelensky's remarks regarding peace negotiations with Ukraine, expressing a willingness for further cooperation with the U.S.
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

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

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

House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Transcript Highlights:
  • Public right-of-way is a defined term.
  • Physically, they connect their cells to the public right-of-way.
  • You've got to be located, at least, in part, in the public right-of-way, and the public right-of-way
  • to maintain and manage this public land as a fiduciary for the citizens.
  • They are using the public rights-of-way.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on two primary bills: HB2838 and SB924. House Bill 2838 aimed to modernize broadband speed standards in line with FCC definitions, aiming to enhance access and reduce tax burdens on Internet services. Chairman Ashby explained the bill's intent to clarify requirements for the Broadband Development Office and included provisions for tax relief to support broadband expansion. Public testimonies presented both neutral and supportive views, emphasizing the importance of aligning state regulations with federal standards, especially for underserved areas. Senators questioned the bill's implications for service equity and federal funding eligibility.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services May 13th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Public testimony is closed, and the bill will be left...
  • Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
  • Hearing none, the chair opens public testimony for House Bill 3597.
  • Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
  • Hearing none, the chair opens up public testimony.
Summary: The committee meeting centered on several significant bills regarding public health and safety, particularly focusing on healthcare access, transparency, and opioid crisis response. Notably, House Bill 4783 sparked considerable discussion as it aims to enhance the state's approach to prevent opioid overdoses by directing the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to prepare biannual reports on opiate antagonist programs. The testimony from public officials like Dallas City Council's Paula Blackman, who spoke passionately about the ongoing fentanyl epidemic, highlighted the urgent necessity of improved access to life-saving medications. In addition, House Bill 1314 drew attention for addressing hospital pricing transparency, attempting to ease financial burdens on patients by mandating accurate upfront estimates for healthcare costs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs May 12th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • If, say, the Tarrant County Public Health Department wanted to do a public awareness campaign about sickle
  • As we move forward, you know, that's a public health aspect. I don't...
  • That creates confusion for both local officials and the public.
  • In 2021, Austin temporarily permitted homeless individuals to camp in public spaces.
  • camping on public property.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on a comprehensive discussion of several key legislative bills impacting agriculture, transparency in data regarding illegal immigration, and updates to emergency management infrastructure. Notably, SB2601 emphasized improving compensation processes for agricultural landowners affected by border-related crimes. The bill was presented by Senator Blanco, highlighting the need for a streamlined claims process and better funding mechanisms to support affected landowners and lessees. In a related yet different area, SB825 was presented to address the need for transparency and data collection on the effects of illegal immigration on Texas, leading to intense discussions about its implications on various sectors, including healthcare and education. Witnesses from organizations such as the Texas Public Policy Foundation and the Texas Farm Bureau provided valuable insights both in favor and against the bills, resulting in a dynamic atmosphere during the testimony segment of the meeting. Overall, the discussions were productive, with many members emphasizing the importance of balancing economic growth, security concerns, and the rights of individuals.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 10th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Seeing none, public testimony is closed.
  • It doesn't say that it can be secret from the public, but it's okay for elected officials, public officials
  • We'll open public testimony on Senate Bill 3013.
  • We'll open public testimony on Senate Bill 3014.
  • 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 2nd C.S.

State Affairs Aug 26th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...public policy.
  • comment, very little public awareness of this kind of legislation.
  • It very well will open public testimony.
  • Public testimony is closed. Thank you.
  • Seeing and hearing none, public testimony is closed.
Bills: SB53, SB54, HB16, SB19
Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several significant bills, including SB19, SB54, HB16, and SB2217. A major focus was the potential changes to fundraising rules during special legislative sessions, aimed at aligning policies for regular and special sessions. Senator Bettencourt presented SB19, which prohibits political contributions during special sessions, raising questions about the implications for ongoing fundraising activities. Additionally, the committee reviewed SB54, which seeks to amend recent changes around voting procedures to prevent misunderstandings related to voter registration within counties. The session featured robust discussions, particularly surrounding the balance of regulations and the need for clear public policy. The meeting concluded with several bills moving forward positively, highlighting the collaborative effort among members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session May 31st, 2025 at 02:05 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • service, public health, and public safety.
  • This prioritizes public education, tax relief, public safety
  • Some legislators and certainly the public may...
  • I'm simply saying that, let's not do it in our public schools.
  • We love our public schools, and we've invited them to partner with us.
Summary: The meeting involved extensive discussions around several key bills, with highlights focused on the implications of SB12, which emphasized the Texas Parent Bill of Rights. Members debated its potential impacts on educational practices, particularly concerning diversity and inclusion efforts in schools. Concerns were raised about how the removal of DEI programs could adversely affect students with disabilities, particularly those on the autism spectrum. Additionally, SB1506 was addressed, with a significant change proposed to include stricter regulations regarding fentanyl possession, reflecting ongoing concerns about substance abuse in the community. The meeting was well-attended, featuring participation from multiple representatives expressing opinions regarding these bills. The chair recognized various members to provide input, and all discussions culminated in multiple votes on the proposed conference committee reports. The atmosphere was charged as representatives weighed the consequences of these legislative actions on their constituents. In conclusion, the committee successfully adopted multiple measures and set the stage for further engagement on the legislative agenda ahead.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Nominations Mar 31st, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • engagement.
  • It's the way that I led as a policymaker, always ensuring that I was engaging.
  • Cavazos is not a nurse; he is one of the public.
  • of Public Accountancy helped me a lot by looking at things in a different way.
  • We will now have public testimony.
Summary: The meeting of the committee predominantly focused on discussions surrounding juvenile justice reform and nomination confirmations. A notable point of contention was the nomination of Officer Justin Barry to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, which was met with dissent from Senator Eckhardt due to previous allegations of excessive force against protesters. The committee also engaged in discussions about the state of juvenile facilities and the Department of Juvenile Justice's current capacity and staffing, with various members emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. There's a collective effort observed among committee members to adopt new strategies that encompass better training and improvements in facilities to ensure the proper care of youth within the system. Towards the end of the meeting, members reflected on past legislative efforts to increase funding and resources aimed at enhancing the juvenile justice system's effectiveness. The committee adjourned with decisions to continue refining their approaches to juvenile rehabilitation and to reconnect with community stakeholders to improve outcomes. Public contribution to these matters was apparent, highlighting a commitment to collaborate with various entities for better juvenile justice practices in Texas.

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