Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'legislature power'

Page 43 of 53
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Border Security Feb 27th, 2025

Senate Border Security Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • welcome you to the first hearing of the Senate Committee on Border Security for the 8th and 9th legislature
  • Spencer has a long history in the legislature.
  • We couldn't have done any of this without the legislature.
  • The legislature has been great to us, and we've made other adjustments along the way.
  • So we made adjustments, and the legislature was great working with us.
Summary: The meeting of the Border Security Committee was marked by intensive discussions surrounding the ongoing initiatives related to Operation Lone Star. Members shared updates on border security measures, underscoring the significant operational changes resulting from shifts in federal policies. General Salter provided extensive insights into the deployment of state resources, highlighting the 5,000 active personnel engaged in various border control operations. The various strategies employed for enhancing surveillance and interdicting drug smuggling were also covered, emphasizing the importance of strong collaboration between state and federal agencies.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Feb 25th, 2025 at 11:00 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The legislature wrote the budget.
  • So I think it's a way that the legislature has.

  • This is a difficult imbalance for the committee and the legislature to address.
  • It is taking away from what the legislature has done both in 2023 and prior.
  • When I talk about going big, I hope the legislature will seek a higher measure of tax relief.
Summary: The House Committee on Ways and Means conducted a productive meeting addressing several key issues related to taxation and budget projections. The meeting opened with invited testimony from representatives of the Comptroller's Office and the Legislative Budget Board, focusing on the biennial revenue estimates and significant funding changes. Members participated actively, posing questions about specific budget allocations and the impact of tax policies on both local governments and residents. A significant discussion revolved around property tax relief, with calls for higher measures of relief to support taxpayers amid growing financial burdens. Furthermore, recommendations for financial reforms were proposed, stressing the importance of sustaining the benefits from previous tax relief efforts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Feb 25th, 2025 at 10:00 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The legislature passed...
  • ...legislature.
  • And that total state funding, which we're in charge of here at the legislature.
  • districts only exist because the legislature created them.
  • The legislature has made a ton of very specific decisions.
Summary: The House Committee on Public Education convened a comprehensive meeting focused on critical issues impacting education in Texas. Chairman Buckley emphasized the committee's commitment to providing the largest public education investment in the state’s history while addressing pressing concerns such as funding disparities, teacher retention, and legislative changes impacting the educational landscape. Notably, Commissioner Mike Morath presented an extensive report detailing the current state of public education, highlighting a pressing need for adequate funding aligned with student needs and the challenges posed by deficit budgets in various school districts stemming from overreliance on temporary federal funding sources.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Nominations Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The involvement of the legislature is an important step.
  • In 2015, the legislature put the River Authority under

  • But the primary reason the legislature put river authorities
  • The legislature had created them, but they'd become greater
  • that the legislature had great consternation with.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations convened to address various nominee confirmations, highlighting the significance of higher education and environmental management. Discussions centered around the responsibilities of the Brazos River Authority and the need for effective cooperation with the legislature and other state authorities. Several senators raised concerns regarding the agricultural runoff affecting impaired streams leading into the Brazos River. The committee emphasized the importance of stewardship, collaboration, and facilitating a balance between resource utilization and environmental protection.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Apr 3rd, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, specifically, this bill transfers the powers, responsibilities

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education convened to discuss several important bills, prominently featuring Senate Bill 2361, which proposes the transition of the University of Houston-Victoria into the Texas A&M University System. Testimonies from community leaders such as Mayor Dwayne Crocker highlighted the significant positive implications this shift could have for local education and economic development. The consensus was that the integration would not only elevate educational opportunities but also enhance the region's workforce alignment with industry needs, particularly in fields like engineering and agriculture. Additionally, SB 530 was introduced, focusing on removing restrictions on which accrediting bodies universities can engage for accreditation, a move that aims to modernize Texas educational regulations to align with recent federal changes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) May 5th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It was clearly directed to follow the principles the legislature expected the agency commissioners and
  • In fact, the legislature specifically prohibited the

  • how to beat the lottery system the legislature intended.
  • I believe the legislature must present this to the people of Texas.
  • It's not the same thing that was established initially by the legislature.
Summary: The Committee on State Affairs held a comprehensive meeting focused on several noteworthy bills, particularly those related to the Texas Lottery Commission and foreign adversaries. Discussions were led by various members, including Senator Hall, who expressed serious concerns regarding the legality and integrity of practices within the Lottery Commission, alleging that it has enabled a series of fraudulent activities. Testimonies were heard from stakeholders advocating for House Bill 130, aimed at protecting Texans' genetic information from foreign access. The committee also reviewed House Bills 119 and 581, which tackle transparency in dealings with lobbyists connected to foreign adversaries and address child safety against evolving technological threats, including deepfake technology, respectively. The atmosphere was engaging, with active participation from both committee members and witnesses from various organizations arguing for or against the proposed legislation. The meeting concluded with gratitude expressed towards the committee staff for their efforts in facilitating a productive session, acknowledging both the importance of the issues at hand and the various testimonies provided. The members agreed on the significance of regulating the Lottery Commission more effectively and ensuring the protection of Texans from potentially harmful external influences. All bills were left pending for further discussion and refinement in future meetings.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Natural Resources Aug 11th, 2025 at 01:08 pm

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • happen there, but Flooding is a statewide issue that the legislature
  • So, the 86th legislature in 2019 passed landmark legislation, as I referenced earlier, to address all
  • I think that kind of bolstered the efforts of both the legislature and, of course, the board.
  • Extensive coordination with leadership and the legislature
  • Something that the legislature really wants to highlight
Summary: The meeting of the committee emphasized the urgent need for effective flood mitigation strategies in response to recent severe flooding events in South Texas. Local officials, including Commissioner David Fuentes and General Manager Raul Sassin, presented the devastating impacts of heavy rainfall that inundated homes, destroyed infrastructure, and led to significant loss of life. They discussed the importance of projects like the Delta Region Water Management initiative, which aims to manage stormwater effectively while also addressing future water supply challenges. The legislators reiterated the legislature's ongoing commitment to funding and implementing robust flood management policies, underscoring the significance of community involvement in these efforts. The discussions also highlighted innovative approaches to capturing floodwaters for potable use as part of a broader water management strategy.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance May 25th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Allow the legislature to reduce dedication by 50% or increase
  • Fourth, it authorizes the governor or the legislature to spend the allocation of dedicated funding for
  • data-time="288"> The substitute removes the provisions of the constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature
  • This means that it will require active engagement with the Texas Water Development Board and the legislature
  • and you're looking at projects that will extend beyond that, I fully anticipate and expect the legislature
Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance convened to discuss several key bills focused on public finance and water resources. Senator Perry presented House Bill 3000, which proposes a $90 million grant program aimed at providing financial assistance to qualified ambulance service providers in rural counties. The bill received strong support, being reported favorably to the full Senate without any opposition. Concurrently, the committee adopted a substitute for HGR 7, which seeks to amend the state constitution for revenue allocation to the Texas Water Fund, extending the dedication period from 16 to 20 years. This change was met with discussions on revenue splits and interim allocations, pivotal for funding future projects related to water infrastructure in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs May 27th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span marker="10" data-time="54">Essentially, SB 700—I'm sorry, House Bill 7—would authorize the legislature
  • resolution would have to identify the federal directive the legislature
  • It establishes a process by which the legislature can

  • And then the legislature could take up a concurrent resolution
  • could prohibit them from assisting the federal government in carrying out any action that we, as a legislature
Summary: The meeting of the committee primarily focused on House Bill 796, which seeks to establish a framework for the legislature to declare federal directives unconstitutional. Senator King introduced a committee substitute that provided a detailed explanation of the bill's intent, emphasizing the importance of state sovereignty in opposing what they deem unconstitutional actions from the federal government. The discussion included various viewpoints on how effective the bill would be in empowering the state against federal overreach. Senator Birdwell moved to adopt the substitute without any objections, indicating broad support for the measure. The bill was subsequently reported favorably to the full Senate for further consideration. In addition to HB796, SB707 was mentioned as part of the discussions but did not receive as much focus as the primary bill. The committee sessions were indicative of a collaborative effort amongst the senators to assert Texas's legal stances on federal directives, pushing forward with legislation intended to protect state rights. With a quorum present, the session was efficient and concluded with a sense of purpose and agreement on future proceedings.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

State Affairs Sep 3rd, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • political funds, creating concerns that members were benefiting financially while preventing the legislature
  • By passing House Bill 18, the legislature ensures that

  • "103" data-time="612">Unfortunately or fortunately, you don't get everything you ask for in the legislature
  • This bill draws a bright line to protect the trust between the legislatures, the citizens of Texas, and
  • Is there any other instance where the legislature actually uses a district court to enforce its rules
Bills: HB18
Summary: The committee meeting focused on House Bill 18, which aims to establish penalties for lawmakers who intentionally break quorum to obstruct legislative processes. Senator Hinojosa presented the bill, explaining that it prohibits absent legislators from fundraising and incurs civil penalties for violations. Public testimony was taken, with supporters emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency among legislators. Discussions among committee members highlighted the bill's implications and raised questions about its efficacy in preventing planned quorum breaks.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • AI-powered grooming will allow offenders to manipulate

  • The solutions are within your power.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on the pressing issues surrounding child safety online, with a particular emphasis on recent legislative efforts aimed at curbing child sexual exploitation and harmful content accessible through social media platforms. Senators engaged in a heated discussion regarding the implications of Big Tech's lobbying efforts against vital bills such as the Stop CSAM Act and the Kids Online Safety Act. Noteworthy testimonies highlighted real-life impacts of online dangers, including tragic cases of child exploitation and drug-related fatalities linked to social media interactions. The bipartisan nature of the committee's commitment to address these issues showcased a collective determination to make the digital environment safer for the younger generation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures Apr 29th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Relating to the powers that certain non-resident seller permit
Summary: The committee meeting covered a variety of bills primarily focusing on public safety, regulatory measures, and licensing issues. Notable discussions included the approval of SB1366, which mandates the inclusion of construction and maintenance work zone information in driver education curriculums, and SB378, which clarifies the restrictions on cosmetologists and estheticians regarding injections and incisions, addressing safety concerns regarding unauthorized procedures. Members actively debated the merits of these bills, with several voiced concerns about the implications for public health and safety. The meeting also saw the passage of several bills without opposition, indicating a generally collaborative atmosphere among members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 3rd, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's something, that direction, that typically comes from the legislature to do that.
  • Legislature. Turning to page 32.
  • What can the legislature help you do?
  • The legislature will work through...
  • The document references what the 88th legislature did.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting focused on various topics related to child welfare, particularly emphasizing the importance of kinship placements in the foster care system. Senators Alvarado and Hinojosa engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the benefits of kinship care, highlighting better outcomes for children and the financial implications for the state. They emphasized a need for continued investments in kinship care as a strategy to improve child welfare outcomes, encouraging the legislature to consider this approach moving forward. Additionally, the committee reviewed community-based care programs, which aim to keep children in their communities to promote stability and familial connections.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • SB 2476, a solution that has been copied by several other states, was championed during the 88th legislature
  • So we want to work with the legislature on anything

  • So when these bills came through the legislature a couple of sessions ago, the legislature imposed these
  • The cost was $70 million for state teachers, so the legislature pulled ERS and the Teacher Retirement
  • I would just encourage both the legislature not to pass this bill, but just generally.
Summary: The meeting of the committee witnessed significant discussions surrounding several Senate Bills aimed at healthcare and child welfare. Notably, Senate Bill 916, presented by multiple representatives, garnered positive testimonials from various stakeholders including emergency medical service leaders who emphasized the bill's potential to promote transparent billing practices, thereby reducing the financial burden on patients. The committee also heard extensive testimony supporting Senate Bill 1122, which aims to regulate pharmacy benefit managers to ensure that cancer patients are not forced into medication access issues. Stakeholders argued for and against the bill, suggesting that it may raise healthcare costs for Texas businesses in the long run, eliciting a vigorous debate.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • However, thanks to the efforts of the legislature, Truman

  • And the 88th legislatures.
  • p>In addition to an appropriation during the 88th session, the legislature
  • services will be based on our actual costs and comply with the financial limits set forth by the legislature
Summary: The meeting of the committee included extensive discussions regarding the sustainability of health facilities serving vulnerable populations, particularly focusing on reimbursement rates for services provided. The testimony highlighted the challenges faced by providers due to past inadequacies in Medicaid reimbursement methodologies, which have resulted in financial strains on their operations. Members of the committee engaged with the testimonies, seeking clarification on the implications of proposed adjustments to reimbursement rates and the potential impacts on service quality for the most fragile Texans.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance May 7th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In 2015, the state legislature passed SB752 by Senator Bettencourt
  • Not having a window of at least 16 years may lead the legislature to be disappointed with an eight-year
  • In the water world, I can almost predict that we would come back to this legislature with minimal to
  • The legislature typically has a match requirement, and we usually meet that.
  • We do feel like the legislature can always step in and allocate if there are important projects that
Bills: HB3077, HJR2, HJR7
Summary: The meeting focused on HJR7, with substantial discussions surrounding Texas' dire water infrastructure needs and proposed funding allocations. The committee, led by Chairman Perry, emphasized the necessity for a dedicated funding source to address an estimated $154 billion required for both water supply projects and repairing aging infrastructure. Witnesses, including executives from various engineering and environmental organizations, testified about the critical state of Texas' water systems and the anticipated shortfall of 6.8 million acre-feet of water annually by 2070. Testimony highlighted the urgency of implementing strategies such as desalination and flood mitigation to secure Texas' future water resources.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article II Feb 25th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article II

Transcript Highlights:
  • As a reminder, the legislature included $2 billion in funding for community
  • So y'all, the legislature appropriated prior funding

  • Yeah, so I think the legislature has done a little

  • I would like to thank the legislature and Governor Abbott for the continued support of our agency in
  • Our LAR you'll see is a very lean legislature.
Summary: The meeting of the House Appropriations Subcommittee focused on the budget and operational needs of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), with a particular emphasis on addressing the significant issue of SNAP benefit theft. Key discussions included the challenges faced by the agency in combating fraud, the need for increased support for state peace officers, and the implications of rising health concerns such as congenital syphilis, which has seen an alarming increase in Texas. Representatives expressed their concerns about handling these issues effectively and discussed the importance of resource allocation to prevent further fraud and provide adequate care to Texans in need.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Feb 11th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • She came to the legislature through the...

  • Beginning on the 84th legislature, the Texas Senate has

  • And then in the 87th legislature, my...

  • , we are taking a position that we are urging the 89th Texas Legislature to support a Senate bill.
  • We commend the Senate and the legislature for fast gains in the reduction.
Bills: SB4, SJR2
Summary: The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding property tax relief, particularly through Senate Bill 4 (SB4) and Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR2). Chairman Bettencourt and other committee members expressed strong support for increasing the homestead exemption to $140,000, emphasizing the necessity of this adjustment in light of a multi-billion dollar revenue surplus. Public testimonies revealed a mix of support and opposition, highlighting the complexities of local government spending and its impact on tax relief effectiveness. Witnesses articulated concerns about rising property taxes and urged the committee to consider systemic reforms to enhance the efficacy of tax relief initiatives.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Feb 19th, 2025 at 08:02 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • first essentially by a collection of property taxes, which is not actually appropriated by the legislature
  • , but it's authorized by the legislature.
  • Then there's the gray and blue, which is property taxes that then get appropriated by the state legislature
  • ...for special education is from the legislature.
  • This is an optional incentive program that the legislature has created.
Summary: The meeting hosted various discussions surrounding legislative measures impacting community resources and public safety. Notable discussions included a focus on environmental initiatives, which spurred passionate debates among committee members regarding the potential economic and ecological impacts. Several members raised concerns about the implementation timeline for new policies, while proponents emphasized the need for swift action to address pressing environmental challenges. Public testimony was also a significant part of the meeting, with citizens voicing their opinions on recent bills.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Property Tax Appraisals Apr 3rd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Transcript Highlights:
  • Second, these bills promote educational policy goals of this legislature.
  • The law that this legislature has passed with respect to implementing the property...
  • You folks know that the legislature has put significant constraints on that task.
  • the Legislature has done to this property tax system.
  • We believe that tax policy is set at the legislature and at the taxing entities.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several key bills related to property tax appraisals and education funding. Notable discussions included House Bill 2786, which proposed annual reappraisals to ensure property values reflect current market conditions. Representative Turner highlighted concerns around inconsistent appraisals that could adversely affect funding for local schools, particularly in Tarrant County. The session also saw testimony from representatives and concerned citizens advocating for the bill, emphasizing the importance of fair and accurate appraisals for maintaining educational funding and taxpayer equity. The committee members discussed the overall impact of property tax policies on local districts and pushed for a resolution to this ongoing issue.

Research Filters

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