Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'absent members'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

State Affairs (Part I) Aug 4th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ="1233"> many of my family members.
  • Members, any questions for anybody on this?
  • I am also a former member of the Houston ISD.
  • Each council member appoints a board member, and we also have an office.
  • Thank you, members. Thank you for being here.
Bills: SB7, SB14
Summary: The meeting focused on two primary bills, SB7 and SB14, which elicited passionate testimony from various stakeholders. Many speakers opposed SB7, arguing it disproportionally impacts transgender individuals under the guise of protecting women's spaces. Testimonies highlighted concerns about safety, privacy, and the potential for increased harassment against vulnerable populations, such as transgender youth. Supporters of the bill asserted it was a necessary measure for women's safety, yet critics emphasized that it would create further harm rather than protection. SB14 also saw substantial discussion regarding its implications for law enforcement record transparency, with some stakeholders supporting the need for confidentiality while others warned of accountability risks.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Nominations May 19th, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, with that, thank you, members. Are there any other questions?
  • All right, members, any other questions? Senator Eckhardt.
  • We are now going to, members, we're going to go ahead and vote.
  • Members, we will now vote on the nominees that have come forward.
  • Thank you, members.
Summary: The committee meeting, focused primarily on the ongoing regulatory reforms following the recent weather-related crises, commenced with the introduction of Thomas Gleason as the new Chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The Chairman emphasized the need for resilience and proactive measures to improve infrastructure and communications among utility companies, especially in light of recent disasters that impacted service delivery. High-level discussions revolved around HB1500, which mandates stronger oversight and accountability mechanisms for ERCOT, pushing the commission to enhance its monitoring capacity. Several topics of concern, including vegetation management and cost distribution among consumers, were highlighted as priorities moving forward.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Border Security (Part II) Apr 3rd, 2025

Senate Border Security Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman, members.
  • organizations heavily rely on smuggled firearms from the United States that enable them to arm their members
  • does not include a penalty for knowingly transferring a firearm to an individual they know to be a member
  • Members, I do have a committee substitute that makes

  • So with that, members, any questions of the author?
Bills: SB36, SB2202
Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security convened to discuss critical issues surrounding border security and violent crime, particularly in relation to SB36 and SB2202. Senator Birdwell opened the discussion emphasizing the rising dangers at the southern border, citing a significant increase in transnational criminal activity, including drugs and weapon smuggling. The committee heard contrasting views on SB2202, which aims to penalize the illegal transfer of firearms to foreign terrorist organizations. Witness testimonies highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces in proving knowledge of such transfers, with several members expressing concerns over the practical application of the legislation. Senator Hinojosa of Nueces moved for the adoption of committee substitutes for SB36, which passed favorably without opposition, moving forward with recommendations to the full Senate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) May 1st, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Committee members, are there any questions for our colleague?
  • Chairman and members. I appreciate...
  • Chair and members. Thank you, Senator Hagenbueh.
  • Members, any questions for the author on Senate Bill 2943?
  • Thank you, Chairman and other esteemed members of this committee.
Summary: The committee meeting featured extensive discussions focused on time legislation, including HB1393 and SB692. The primary subject was the proposal to adopt permanent daylight saving time, which sparked diverse opinions from committee members and witnesses. Supporters like Erica Boyd, President and CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance, advocated for the benefits of extended daylight for outdoor activities and tourism, while others expressed health concerns and the disruption that early darkness in winter months could cause to families. Testimony revealed a split in public sentiment, further complicating the legislative decision-making process. Additional bills, such as SB2943 regarding religious freedom protections for occupational licenses, also received attention, showcasing the breadth of topics covered in this meeting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part II) Feb 13th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is for additional member agency funding.
  • Mark, Vice Chair, and all host committee members.
  • Thank you, Madam Chair, Vice Chair, and committee members.
  • Our second item is to provide for the board member ...
  • Members.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting covered significant budget recommendations for the Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and the Texas Funeral Service Commission, focusing on their proposed changes and the implications of the funding adjustments. Blake Paul from TDLR presented a comprehensive overview including a $23.1 million net decrease in their budget and a significant push for anti-trafficking efforts, which received positive feedback. Additionally, discussions on the whole body donation program highlighted increased funding to facilitate its transition following the recent legislative changes. The committee members engaged actively, debating the sufficiency of the proposed budgets and their impact on ongoing initiatives.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Mar 6th, 2025 at 08:03 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, any questions for this panel?
  • Members, any more questions? Thank you all for being here.
  • Members of the Texas Legislative Committee.
  • Members, any more questions?
  • Members, any more questions?
Bills: HB2
Summary: The Public Education Committee meeting primarily focused on discussions related to House Bill 2, which addresses public education funding and the need for increased Texas teacher salaries. Testimonies were provided by various educators and stakeholders expressing concerns about the existing funding levels, particularly highlighting the inadequacy of the proposed $220 per student increase, which many believe falls short of what is necessary to meet inflation and the growing costs of education. During the testimony, members emphasized the need for a substantial increase to at least $1,300 per student, citing a critical shortage of certified teachers and the impact this has on student learning outcomes. Witness statements indicated that without a significant funding overhaul, students and teachers would continue to suffer from underfunded programs and resources.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part II) Apr 29th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman and members.
  • Chairman and members.
  • Chairman, members.
  • Chairman and members.
  • Chair and members.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to discuss several key legislative bills, focusing significantly on public safety and law enforcement. Among the prominent bills discussed was SB1858, which aims to amend the eligibility criteria for a law enforcement body armor grant program to include independent school districts (ISDs). This bill addresses safety concerns surrounding school resource officers by allowing them access to necessary protective gear. The committee also reviewed SB1723, which received a favorable recommendation for local non-contested status without any opposition. In total, a number of bills were passed with unanimous votes demonstrating bipartisan support for enhancing community security measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband May 2nd, 2025 at 09:05 am

House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, any questions? Representative McQueen?
  • I just wanted to say thank you to my constituent and council member for being here.
  • And good afternoon, Chair and committee members. My name is Ed Van Eno.
  • Chairman and members. Todd Baxter representing the Texas Cable Association.
  • Thank you, members. And good afternoon.
Summary: The meeting of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Broadband included significant discussions surrounding Senate Bill 924, which addresses cable service providers and their financial obligations related to franchise fees. Council Member Julian Ramirez opposed the bill, emphasizing its potential fiscal impact on cities like Houston and Austin by restricting franchise fee collections, thus threatening vital public services funded by these fees. Public testimony supported his stance, highlighting the financial realities these cities face, particularly in maintaining public safety and infrastructure.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health Apr 7th, 2025 at 03:30 pm

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, we are going to.
  • Thank you, committee members.
  • Thank you, Madam Chair and members.
  • Members, other questions?
  • Members, any questions?
Summary: The meeting of the public health committee focused on the pressing issue of opioid addiction in Texas, with a particular emphasis on House Bill 3717. Chairman Harris detailed the bill's intent to fund a grant program for Ibogaine clinical trials, framing it as a critical response to the ongoing opioid crisis. He shared poignant testimonies highlighting the struggles of families and veterans battling addiction and mental health issues. The conversation underscored the necessity of innovative treatments, like Ibogaine, which showed promising results in studies for reducing symptoms of withdrawal and PTSD.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Agriculture & Livestock Aug 19th, 2025 at 02:08 pm

House Agriculture & Livestock Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, committee members.
  • And for those members, yeah.
  • Members, any other questions?
  • Other questions, members?
  • Any other questions, members?
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Agriculture and Livestock addressed the ongoing threat of the New World Screw Worm, which poses significant risks to both livestock and wildlife in Texas. Chairman Kitzman emphasized the importance of a coordinated response among state and federal agencies, including the recent $750 million investment for a new sterile fly facility in south Texas, crucial for combating this threat. Several invited witnesses provided insights on current research, management strategies, and the collaboration needed to effectively handle potential infestations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) May 8th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman, members of the committee, my name is David Earle.
  • Chairman, members of the committee.
  • Chairman and members.
  • Chair and members.
  • Chairman, members.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee focused on the discussion of several significant bills including HB3526, which aims to improve transparency in local government bond obligations. Advocates from the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association and Texas Public Policy Foundation emphasized the importance of this legislation for making financial information accessible to taxpayers and policy makers. Furthermore, the meeting included deliberations over HB148 and HB762, which seek to enhance the regulatory framework around appraisal district board training and limit executive severance packages in local government, respectively. Public testimonies reflected a range of perspectives, underscoring the complexities surrounding property rights and fiscal responsibility in governance.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Aug 20th, 2025 at 09:08 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, this is the omnibus courts bill that was vetoed by the
  • Members, are there any questions?

  • Good morning, Chairman Leach and members.

  • Members, any questions for Megan?
  • Members, is there any objection to the adoption of the amendment?
Bills: HB16
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence focused on House Bill 16, an omnibus courts bill that was previously vetoed by the governor. The committee discussed several amendments aimed at addressing the governor's concerns as well as other member requests. Significant changes included the adjustment of court creation dates and the establishment of a new county court at law in Maverick County. Public testimony was heard, featuring insights from representatives including Megan LeVoy of the Office of Court Administration and Steve Bresnan of the Texas Court Reporters Association, both supporting the bill and highlighting its importance for the judiciary system.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 12th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Okay, any questions, members?
  • Thank you, Chair and members.
  • Thank you, Chair and members.
  • Thank you, Chair and members.
  • Thank you, Chair and members.
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.
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:
  • Members, thank you. Representative Dutton.
  • I also serve as a participating member.
  • Good afternoon, Chairman and members of this committee.
  • Members, any questions? Thank you for being here.
  • Chairman and members. Let me first thank...
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

Local Government Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman and members.
  • Chairman and members.
  • Chairman, and thank you, members.
  • Thank you, Members.
  • Chairman, and thank you, members."
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government covered various pressing bills focused primarily on property tax issues. Notable discussions included the examination of Senate Bill 1052, which addresses appraisal challenges faced by Gulf Coast counties and aims to ensure tax calculations reflect realistic revenue expectations. Witnesses from local governments expressed the necessity of this bill, highlighting the severe financial implications of tax disputes on public services and education. Additionally, the committee reviewed Senate Bill 325, which reinforces the requirement for water availability to be confirmed prior to land development, as previous loopholes allowed developers to bypass this essential regulation. Public testimonies echoed concerns around the implications of unchecked property development and emphasized the need for proper resource allocation.
US

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine certain pending nominations. May 1st, 2025 at 08:30 am

Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Transcript Highlights:
  • What Marx's ideology does to the Chinese military service members, it will do to the Americans."
  • Thank you very much, Ranking Member Reid, and I now

  • And I want to thank you as well, Ranking Member Reid.
  • members of this committee for considering my nomination.
  • Our service members and the American people truly deserve the opportunity.
Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on discussing nominations for key positions within the Department of Defense, specifically for roles such as the Undersecretary of the Air Force and the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Senators expressed urgent concerns about global security threats, the need for robust military readiness, and the emphasis on effective collaboration with NATO allies amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as Russia and China. Several senators highlighted the challenges facing military infrastructure and defense capabilities, suggesting a critical need for improvements and investment in these areas to ensure national security.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 14th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman and Members.
  • Members, any questions?
  • Chairman and committee members.
  • Thank you, Madam Chair and members.
  • Chairman and members.
Summary: The meeting of the State Affairs Committee involved deliberations on a series of significant bills addressing issues such as election procedures, mental health crises, and the interplay between homelessness and public safety. Notably, Senator Parker presented Senate Bill 2487, focusing on creating infrastructure for mental health crisis management in urban areas, emphasizing the need for crisis service centers. Testimonies were heard from various stakeholders about the impact of mental health on homelessness, with supporters advocating for more comprehensive care while opposing viewpoints cautioned against conflating mental illness with criminal behavior. Another prominent discussion was around Senate Bill 2876, which proposed increasing penalties for rioting, specifically targeting those who conceal their identities. This stirred public outcry as civil rights advocates raised concerns about potential profiling and freedom of expression.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 17th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, we will get as far as we can.

  • Members, any questions?

  • Members, any questions?
  • Members, any questions? All right. Thank you very much.
  • Okay, members, any questions?

Summary: The meeting revolved around critical discussions regarding health-related bills, particularly focusing on women's health and food access issues highlighted in HB1786 and HB231. Representative Howard proposed HB1786 to reinstate the Women's Health Advisory Committee, emphasizing its necessity to address women's healthcare challenges in Texas due to the dissolution of the committee, which had previously facilitated valuable collaboration among healthcare providers. The discussions included testimonials from various stakeholders including health professionals and representatives from advocacy groups, all supporting the need for an advisory body that could effectively address women's health concerns. Additionally, there was strong support for HB231, which aims to study the impact of food deserts on vulnerable populations, as articulated by Representative Morales, making a case for equitable access to nutritious food across the state.

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