Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'University of Houston'

Page 44 of 62
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 2nd, 2025 at 11:00 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of the litigation.
  • a breach of the separation of powers.
  • We own 10 restaurants in the Houston and surrounding areas, and I am in favor of this bill.
  • That's sort of beyond the scope of the last, Mr. Kenley.
  • Nash, we show you as registered on behalf of the Board of Trustees.
Summary: The meeting of the State Affairs Committee convened to discuss House Bill 1606, focusing on public safety and communication regarding vegetation management near power lines. Representative Metcalf presented the bill, highlighting concerns raised by constituents about overgrown vegetation posing risks such as power outages and fire hazards. The bill aims to mandate electric utilities to provide customers with information on how to request vegetation management, thereby enhancing public awareness and safety without imposing new regulations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Apr 23rd, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You know, this is a model that you have seen before in the City of Houston.
  • of service.
  • Rather than a mandatory fashion, we're saving hundreds of millions of dollars for the citizens of Austin
  • Yes, of course.
  • Yes, of course.
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

State Affairs (Part I) Feb 27th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • under 21 years of age.
  • of oxygen to developing brains.
  • of the Constitution.
  • Obviously, Senator Cole, of course, worked with the Office of Attorney General on this.
  • fluidity of childhood."
Bills: SB18, SB19, SB666, SB688, SB707, SB888
Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several legislative measures, notably focusing on youth protection regarding the sale of nitrous oxide and regulations pertaining to 'Drag Queen Story Hours' in public libraries. SB666 aims to prevent the sale of nitrous oxide to individuals under 21, highlighting its health risks, particularly on developing brains. Public health advocates supported the bill, emphasizing the necessity for age restrictions and mandatory state registrations for retailers. The testimony underscored significant concern about the accessibility of nitrous oxide for minors and the urgent need for regulation to mitigate associated health risks. Additionally, SB18 addressed issues related to drag queen performances in libraries, aiming to restrict public funding for libraries that host such events. This proposal stemmed from safety concerns following reports of inappropriate participants being involved in children's activities. The committee displayed a collaborative spirit, with bipartisan support for the bills aimed at safeguarding children from potentially harmful influences. The meeting concluded with plans for public testimony in the next session, indicating ongoing engagement with community perspectives.
US

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine the nomination of Linda McMahon, of Connecticut, to be Secretary of Education. Feb 13th, 2025 at 09:00 am

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • According to a nonpartisan analysis, 23% of bachelor's degree programs and 43% of master's degrees have
  • only answer was to transfer hundreds of billions of dollars—that's hundreds of billions— instead of
  • The Biden-Harris Department of Education stood in the way of student success.
  • The Department needs to get out of the way of states and
  • of billionaires.
Summary: The committee meeting engaged in discussions focused primarily on educational reform, the influence of federal grants on local education systems, and the growing disparities in wealth and access to quality education. Members expressed concerns about the bureaucracy surrounding federal funding that hampers schools' ability to obtain necessary resources for improvement. Several members highlighted personal anecdotes from constituents, emphasizing the urgent need for reform to help students succeed in both K-12 and higher education environments. The meeting included public testimonies that provided insights into various community perspectives on these pressing issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 7th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Of those 200, we have helped 125 of them get copies of their birth certificates and their IDs.
  • ...been a problem in, unfortunately, our large city of Houston
  • The names, there was a true interpretation off of it, off of what was printed in terms of who they had
  • of countywide voting being part of the problem.
  • But I think at the top of the list of what we have to consider is the right of the individual, all individuals
Summary: The meeting involved several key discussions surrounding new legislation, notably SB801, which addresses barriers faced by unhoused young adults in obtaining necessary documentation like birth certificates. Witnesses, including Maria Benavides from SA Youth, testified on how these hurdles impact access to jobs and housing, emphasizing the importance of removing financial barriers to obtaining identification. Additionally, the committee examined SB1200, aimed at increasing transparency in lawsuits against defense contractors connected to foreign adversaries, highlighting national security concerns. Senator Cole Corse articulated the bill's aim to disclose relationships between plaintiffs and adversarial nations, promoting accountability in litigation funding.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 2nd, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm Brian Hawthorne, the Sheriff of Chambers County on Interstate 10 just east of Houston.
  • of Texas, and I've obviously been before many of you before.
  • I'm aware of a number of them.
  • tens of millions of vehicles—across North America.
  • I work for Bot Auto, a Level Four autonomous truck developer out of Houston, Texas.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on two primary bills, SB1598 and SB1493. SB1598, introduced by Senator Hagen Booth, addresses the clarity of collision report information access for law enforcement, aiming to enhance the tools available to police agencies across Texas for solving crimes. The meeting featured strong support from police representatives, including Sheriff Brian Hawthorne of Chambers County, who emphasized the significance of the CARFAX program for police in facilitating access to vital vehicle information, free of charge. Public testimony reflected a consensus on the necessity of the bill for improved investigatory processes.
US

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine stemming the tide of antisemitism in America. Mar 5th, 2025 at 09:15 am

Senate Judiciary Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • all Americans," end of quote.
  • But threats to the safety of Jewish people are obviously not protected forms of speech.
  • And of course, we all hate hate, be it on the basis of someone's religion, race, or anything else.
  • But one of the things she made a point of bringing to the United States in 19...
  • of it.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing the rising tide of anti-Semitism across the nation. Among the discussions, members expressed concerns about the disturbing acts of hate witnessed on college campuses, with instances of harassment and intimidation targeting Jewish students being highlighted. High-profile incidents, including vandalism and the display of extremist symbols, prompted urgent calls for investigations and measures to protect civil rights. The importance of moral clarity in confronting such hate crimes was emphasized as well, outlining the responsibilities of leaders to ensure safety and uphold justice.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Apr 10th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair, members of the committee.
  • Colby Ferguson, on behalf of the Texas Pork Producers Association, here in support of House Bill 3630
  • Pendleton on behalf of Texas.
  • I'm a big fan of this niche of housing.
  • I'm also a resident of Fort Bend County and the Vice President of Fort Bend County MUD 35.
Bills: HB1835, HB2561, HB3630
Summary: The meeting convened with a quorum present and was primarily focused on multiple pieces of legislation related to municipal utility districts (MUDs). Among the bills discussed, HB2225 was moved forward favorably, extending public notice requirements for fee impositions. Representative Nozzolio and Vice-Chair Malani contributed significantly to the discussion, highlighting the implications of these changes. Another significant bill was HB2797, which prohibits municipalities from regulating the number of occupants in a dwelling unit based on various status categories. The committee adopted a substitute for this bill, which suggested that key modifications address community concerns around housing policies. Positive sentiments were expressed regarding the adaptability of this substitute which was widely discussed among the members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs May 9th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You're here on behalf of the Texas Association of Manufacturers and you're for the bill, is that correct
  • My name is John Ross Hubbard, and I am here on behalf of the Texas Association of Manufacturers.
  • A central bank digital currency, or a CBDC, would be a digital form of money, kind of like Bitcoin, that
  • The record shows you're testifying on behalf of the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas and you're
  • I serve as the Executive Director of the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on several Senate Concurrent Resolutions and Senate Bills. Notably, SCR8 was introduced to express Texas' strong opposition to the creation of a central bank digital currency, raising concerns about cybersecurity and privacy implications. There was no public testimony for or against, but committee members engaged in dialogue on its potential impact. Another highlight was SCR5, which proposed naming a gymnasium at the Texas School for the Deaf after Robert Rivas, recognizing his significant contributions. This sentiment garnered unanimous support from committee members, highlighting the importance of honoring legacies within the state educational system. In addition, various bills concerning utilities were discussed, particularly SB1566, which clarifies utility connection requirements, and SB1036, aiming to regulate the solar panel sales industry to protect consumers. The discussions reflected a commitment to enhance transparency in utility rate changes and impose stricter regulations on the solar market to prevent consumer fraud. Overall, the meeting showcased a collaborative approach to addressing pressing legislative matters, with an emphasis on consumer protection and legacy recognition.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 12th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Houston and many of our Gulf Coast ports.
  • Houston and many of our Gulf Coast ports.
  • Houston and many of our Gulf Coast ports.
  • Thompson**: I also represent a lot of rural counties on top of Houston as well.
  • Thompson**: I also represent a lot of rural counties on top of Houston, as well.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The committee meeting addressed various pressing issues, notably the funding and appropriations for transportation and housing programs. Presentations focused on $40.4 billion in funding for highway projects, which is directed towards construction, maintenance, and infrastructure development for the upcoming biennium. Discussions highlighted the importance of addressing the capacity for project delivery amid increasing demands due to population growth and increased vehicle miles traveled in Texas. Additionally, Senator Hinojosa pushed for clarifying the funding available for driver education programs, especially for homeless and foster youth, which underscored a need for legislative support to ensure adequate resource allocation. Public testimonies lent depth to these discussions, presenting the human impact of legislative decisions.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • of dairy in a pattern.
  • type of dairy that is consumed because of the importance of whole milk to supporting brain development
  • of them.
  • of Education.
  • University Eli Broad School of Business with a bachelor's degree in hotel restaurant management.
Bills: SB222
Summary: This meeting of the committee focused primarily on the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, S222, which aims to permit schools to offer a fuller range of milk options, including whole, reduced, and low-fat varieties, that have garnered bipartisan support. Chairman Bozeman opened the session by highlighting concerns over children's nutrition and the obesity epidemic, emphasizing the significance of nutritious school meals in addressing these issues. Experts from various organizations were invited to discuss the implications of this bill as well as the current challenges facing school meal programs, including budget constraints and food supply issues. The meeting included passionate testimonies about the direct impacts of current dietary guidelines and federal funding reductions affecting schools' abilities to provide healthy meal options.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of the health.
  • of the American College of Physicians.
  • It's kind of obvious.
  • Tom Banning with the Texas Academy of Family Physicians in support of HB1959.
  • of why we're here.
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Insurance was a significant gathering that focused on various health-related bills, including HB138, AB388, HB1942, and others. The committee heard testimony from multiple stakeholders, including representatives from the Texas Medical Association, who emphasized the importance of health insurance transparency and compliance. Notably, HB1818 garnered attention as it aims to enhance the oversight of utilization review processes, which has previously faced challenges from both insurers and healthcare providers. The committee also discussed measures to improve the prescribed burning insurance under HB2563, a critical topic due to the increasing risk of wildfires in Texas. Several witnesses provided insights into the urgent need for a robust insurance framework to support prescribed burn managers, highlighting the current limitations and risks posed by the lack of coverage in the market.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs May 5th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But instead of telling that branch, the Houston Public Library system,
  • I'm in favor of a bill that would protect the families of Texas in the case of catastrophic events.
  • For the record, my name is Mark Bell, on behalf of AECT, the Association of Electric Companies of Texas
  • This issue impacts every aspect of the lives of all Texans.
  • of Electric Companies of Texas and you're new.
Bills: SB34, SB75, SB330, SB1535, SB18
Summary: The committee meeting was focused on several critical pieces of legislation, particularly SB34 aimed at enhancing wildfire response capabilities for volunteer fire departments throughout Texas. This bill introduces a statewide database for firefighting equipment and raises the grant cap for rural volunteer fire departments. Various witnesses, including experts and stakeholders, testified in support of the bill by emphasizing the increasing wildfire threats experienced in recent years. The committee spent considerable time addressing the amendments and concerns surrounding ongoing wildfire risks, ensuring that necessary resources are allocated to combat this urgency effectively. Discussion also revolved around SB75, a bill that seeks to codify security measures for the Texas electric grid in response to potential electromagnetic pulse threats and other vulnerabilities, with multiple testimonies highlighting the considerable risks posed to public safety and infrastructure if inaction persists. In addition to other bills discussed, there were notable debates around SB18 which aims to restrict public funding for libraries hosting certain performances. Critics expressed concerns over the potential limitations on community literacy programs, drawing attention to the overwhelming need for inclusive educational resources to combat literacy issues in Texas. The rigorous dialogue reflected the committee's commitment to not only legislative processes but also the significant impact these decisions hold for the broader Texas community. Overall, the meeting was well-attended, indicating active participation from both members and the public.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Border Security Feb 27th, 2025

Senate Border Security Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • drug smuggling, and some of the other issues of getting along.
  • For example, the use of the CBP One app was the source of a couple of pieces of litigation that my division
  • In the last two weeks, we had a seizure of 156 kilos of drugs.
  • people of Texas.
  • I'm the Chief of Special Litigation for the Office of the Attorney General.
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
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm also a member of ...
  • , and anything short of that will result in millions of dollars of lost packaging.
  • So, what you see in front of you is the state of Texas ice.
  • The inadequacies of much testing and evidence of carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, meaning alteration of
  • They want to see the longevity of life; they want quality of life.
Summary: The committee convened to discuss SB25, receiving public testimonies from various stakeholders. Significant discussions centered around the implications of the bill, with multiple witnesses voicing their support and concerns. The atmosphere was engaging, with committee members actively questioning the witnesses to clarify their positions and gain deeper insights into the potential impact of the legislation. Chairman's leadership facilitated a structured dialogue that allowed for both support and opposition viewpoints to be expressed.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part II) Feb 12th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Andrews University.
  • stating that no individual shall be deprived of liberty without due process of bail.
  • I'm here on behalf of the ACLU of Texas, speaking against SJR 5.
  • This denial of freedom was predicated on falsehoods and resulted in the loss of precious years of my
  • is one of the safest places in the state of Texas and the country.
Summary: The Senate Committee for Criminal Justice convened to discuss several significant pieces of legislation, including SB999, SB1047, SB40, SJR1, and SJR5. Notably, SJR5 sparked a robust debate among committee members and witnesses regarding its potential implications on pre-trial detention practices. Witnesses expressed concerns about the risks of pre-emptive detention outlined in the bill and the associated human costs, particularly for those who are innocent. Testimonies highlighted the disparity in how such legislation could disproportionately affect marginalized communities and lead to increased incarceration rates without addressing the root causes of crime. Overall, the committee displayed a commitment to ensuring public safety while wrestling with the balance of due process rights for individuals.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • feels that she was taken advantage of because of her age.
  • The bill states that possession of more than five pieces of
  • Rather than seeking to charge a defendant based on the value of the check, like the theft of personal
  • The theft of universal mail arrow keys also appears to be a part of this growing crime.
  • any of them.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several critical pieces of legislation, including discussions around HB1720, aimed at enhancing the security of animal housing facilities to prevent unauthorized trespassing. Representative Gerben-Hawkins emphasized the bill's importance in protecting both the animals and the safety of facilities. The discussion highlighted personal accounts, including a notable incident involving a break-in at the Dallas Zoo, underscoring the urgency of implementing stricter penalties for trespassers in these settings. The bill aims to classify such trespassing as a jail felony or even a third-degree felony depending on the circumstances of any harassment towards the animals involved. Additionally, HB2593 was brought up, proposing to increase penalties for indecent assault against the elderly and disabled, reflecting a growing concern for the safety of vulnerable populations. The committee also discussed HB4414, which addresses mail theft related to checks and introduces offenses for the theft of mail keys. The meeting was well-attended, with ample public testimony supporting these legislative measures, indicating a strong concern from the community about animal welfare and protection for vulnerable citizens.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Andrew Canarsa is the Executive Director of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency
  • That's an independent part of the Executive Branch focused on supporting the work of Inspectors General
  • It is the nature of being here during a fairly chaotic time.
  • That aside, the ethos of the Department of Justice.

  • get paid more for taking care of them—while they receive less for taking care of healthier individuals
Summary: The meeting was chaired by Chairman Schweikert and involved a comprehensive discussion on how to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for reducing waste, fraud, and improper payments within federal programs. Key witnesses, including Mr. Andrew Canarsa from the Council of the Inspectors General, provided insights on the potential of AI in enhancing government efficiency. The committee emphasized the importance of reliable data and thorough examination of AI application to avoid unintended consequences while addressing the estimated $162 billion in improper payments reported by the federal government. Concerns were raised regarding the recent firing of inspectors general and the impacts that could have on oversight and accountability processes.

Research Filters

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