Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'legislature power'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 5th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Most recently, in 2019, the Texas Legislature established us as a standalone state agency.
  • I've been surrounded through this legislature and through the governor's office...
  • We continue to cooperate with the legislature, with the governor's office, TMD, and DPS.
  • So, do you think that it would be helpful for the legislature to...
  • The legislature, TECO comes out...
Summary: The meeting of the Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs Committee fostered extensive discussions primarily focused on the ongoing border security issues. Members of the committee, chaired by Rep. Huffman, emphasized the shifting strategies under the new federal administration and highlighted the successful implementation of SB4, which seeks to curb illegal entry into Texas. Notably, the Attorney General's Office reported a 54% decrease in illegal crossings over the past year, signaling a change in the migration trends impacting Texas, largely due to new state and federal cooperation efforts. Additionally, the committee discussed the development of Operation Lone Star, which is now a statewide initiative aimed at addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration and crime associated with it.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part I) Mar 31st, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • known as TMIP, was established in 2007 by the 80th Legislature
  • It's up to the legislature.

    Thank you, ma'am.

  • That's why my question is about the legislature.
  • And so we, as I said, implement the programs that the legislature gives us.
  • support of the Texas Legislature.
Bills: SB22
Summary: The meeting centered around the discussion of SB22, the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, which aims to provide reimbursement grants for projects produced in Texas. Senator Huffman presented the bill highlighting its potential to create jobs and grow the state's economy. Several members discussed the advantages of keeping film production within Texas, emphasizing that for every dollar spent in grants, an estimated $4.69 is returned to the state's economy. Additionally, a portion of the discussion focused on the need for careful oversight of taxpayer money utilized in the reimbursement process, ensuring grants are awarded only to those projects that align with the state's values.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part II) Feb 12th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It gives the government the unwarranted power to expand pre-trial detention and jail thousands of people
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

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice Apr 22nd, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • These powerful peer interactions help currently incarcerated youth see a future beyond the justice system
Summary: During the meeting, several critical bills were discussed with emphasis on public safety and ethical legislation. Notably, SB456 aimed to increase penalties for illegal organ purchases and trafficking was presented and discussed thoroughly, where members raised concerns about the current low-level misdemeanor classification of such offenses. Public testimony was sought, with support and opposition being voiced, highlighting the bill's relevance in addressing urgent ethical issues surrounding organ trade. Furthermore, SB476 focused on legislative measures that enhance officer safety amid rising incidents of violence against law enforcement in Texas, drawing passionate support from various stakeholders, including local police representatives. These topics underscored a broader commitment to reforming policies for public safety and ethical enforcement in the Lone Star State.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • What we do is bring some ideas to the legislature.

  • With the Civil Heritage Legislature. We're all going to get there someday.
  • Taylor, you're with the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature.
  • So the bill came up through our resolution, this L-35 with the Silverhead Legislature.
  • He urged the legislature to do more to ensure.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a range of legislative bills centered around child welfare and family rights. Notably, House Bill 4870, presented by Representative Aisha Davis, aimed at supporting kinship caregivers by creating a grant program to alleviate the high legal fees for obtaining custody authority. The bill received strong support from testimony highlighting the importance of kinship care in keeping families together and reducing the costs associated with foster care. The witnesses included representatives from various legal aid organizations, all emphasizing the significant financial savings and emotional benefits of formalizing kinship arrangements. Additionally, discussions surrounding HB3758 focused on ensuring due process for parents in child protective services cases, stressing the need for legal protections during therapy and treatment. Observers noted the passionate debates around parental rights and child welfare, underscoring the delicate balance legislators seek to maintain.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Sunset Advisory Commission Jan 15th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • final vote to forward all the recommendations the Commission adopted this biennium to the 89th Legislature
  • brief status report on the implementation of the Sunset recommendations passed during the 88th Legislature
  • forward all of the recommendations we previously adopted during this biennium to the full 89th Legislature
  • chair moves the Sunset Commission to forward all previously adopted recommendations to the 89th Legislature
Bills: SR1, SR2
Summary: The final Sunset Commission meeting of this biennium was marked by a series of votes on modifications and new recommendations affecting multiple agencies, including the Texas Ethics Commission and the Trinity River Authority. Notable discussions included a modification proposed by Senator Middleton, aimed at alleviating concerns regarding the accumulation of late filing penalties, particularly for post-election reports. The modifications addressed public feedback on the need for clearer guidance and support from the Ethics Commission for filers navigating the complexities of compliance. The committee successfully passed all recommended changes without objection.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Agriculture & Livestock Mar 4th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House Agriculture & Livestock Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They were under HHS, but rural Texas just wasn't getting the attention they needed, so the legislature
  • What can we do as a legislature to make it easier on you
  • Do you have any recommendations for the legislature that might help when it comes to this?
  • The Texas Legislature must allocate dedicated funding for essential programs to support our growers.
  • To address the shortage of veterinarians in certain areas, the legislature should...
Summary: The meeting covered various topics and was characterized by in-depth discussions among the members. There were significant dialogues about the implications of recent legislation and its impact on community services. The chair facilitated input from multiple members, allowing for both support and opposition to be voiced regarding key issues. Additionally, there were several public testimonies that added to the discourse, reflecting diverse perspectives on the matters at hand.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Corrections Mar 12th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Corrections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The legislature has been very kind to us in the last

  • In the mid-90s, the legislature realized that there

  • A few reasons for that are that, one, the legislature has provided some other options regarding violations
  • But I wanted to point out in the preamble that the legislature gave us in Chapter 841.
  • I also put the wording that was codified in the legislature when they created the civil commitment.
Summary: The House Committee on Corrections convened to discuss various operational issues and concerns surrounding the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Notably, Executive Director Brian Collier highlighted ongoing initiatives to enhance inmate rehabilitation services, including job training programs aimed at reducing recidivism rates. While the session was not dedicated to voting on bills, the committee reviewed the budget cuts impacting correctional facilities, which raised questions regarding the potential effects on facility operations and inmate management. Concerns were also aired about maintaining standards for educational programs within the correctional framework.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Created by the legislature in 1856, the Texas School

  • that a proposed name may only be approved and authorized by concurrent resolution passed by the legislature
  • The Texas Legislature strongly opposes the creation of a central bank digital currency and urges federal
  • The Texas Legislature acted last session to ensure uniformity in local regulations, and SB 1036 builds
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

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025 at 11:03 am

House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • The governor is our commander-in-chief, and the funding comes from you all in the legislature.
  • I want to thank this committee and the legislature

  • In Texas, the legislature, the governor, and the lieutenant
  • Remember, every single service that we provide is created by the legislature and signed into law by the
  • We do this in conjunction with the Texas Veterans Commission; the legislature requires us to have one
Summary: The meeting of the Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee served as the inaugural session for the legislative year, focusing on various significant veteran issues and programs. Chairman Cortez led discussions around the upcoming legislative workload, with an estimated 75 bills anticipated for review. Members acknowledged the importance of addressing recruitment and retention challenges within the defense forces, with insights on necessary facility upgrades and the impacts on local communities. Collaborative efforts, such as home loan programs and the Veteran Entrepreneur Program, were highlighted to demonstrate the support provided to veterans in transitioning to civilian life. The committee emphasized the vital role of outreach initiatives to ensure veterans are aware of available services.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Feb 18th, 2025 at 02:02 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • SCR 16, Zaffirini, grants the legislature permission

  • education in the state and traces its origins back to 1876 when it was established by the 15th legislature
  • On behalf of all the Texas legislature, thank you for

  • HR3 by Garron, adopting the housekeeping resolution for the House of Representatives of the 89th Legislature
  • As of the 89th Legislature, referred to the Committee on
Summary: The meeting of the committee featured several resolutions and bills being discussed, highlighting statewide recognitions and honors. Notable among the resolutions was HR185, commemorating February 18, 2025, as Mission Day, which brings attention to the city of Mission's rich history and contributions to the economy, particularly in citrus production and international trade. Additionally, HR277 recognized the Alabama Cushata Tribe of Texas Day, honoring the tribe's heritage and its longstanding presence in the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are grateful for the support of the 88th Legislature

  • In 1947, the legislature authorized us.

  • The meaningful increase in funding provided by the last legislature was a significant benefit to the
  • legislature for formula funding levels that recognize enrollment
  • And your source of revenue is entirely from the legislature
Summary: The meeting primarily revolved around discussions on higher education funding, workforce development, and new program initiatives addressing critical shortages in Texas. Various university representatives presented requests for funds to support expansion in nursing, engineering, and technical programs aimed at meeting the demands of a changing job market. A strong emphasis was placed on the importance of combatting healthcare and workforce shortages, particularly in nursing and STEM fields, with calls for increased funding for institutional enhancements and support for significant projects like new education centers and degree programs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Point out is no one in this legislature has fought harder
  • In cases where the legislature said, "This is illegal, you can't grant PR bonds for certain offenses,
  • to make a civil action for any damages resulting from the willful violation of the law that the legislature
  • These bills have been uniformly adopted by the legislature every two years.
  • Last session, the legislature passed a bill which made certain information about state license holders
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered on several bills related to liability, fraud, and public safety. Representative Slauson's HB1088 concerning healthcare liability claims related to gender modifications was revisited, with discussions highlighting the implications of amendments and a contentious vote that resulted in a 7-4 decision to report it to the full House. Notably, HB4101, led by Vice Chair Hayes, introduced a committee substitute that raised the limited liability from $50,000 to $250,000 for funeral service providers in cases of mental anguish, which passed after brief deliberations. Additionally, the committee discussed HB4281 targeting fraudulent crowdfunding campaigns, aiming to provide victims legal recourse, which sparked an emotional response due to real-life implications presented by witnesses.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • dangerous and unpredictable product quality and potency, demands that we act immediately in the legislature
  • marker="64" data-time="378"> What that advisory committee is to do is to biannually report to the legislature
  • So we have explicitly included in the legislation the legislative intent that the future legislature,
  • A subsequent legislature will fully regulate THC products.
Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12
Summary: The meeting focused on the pressing issue of THC regulation in Texas, led by several key legislators including Senator Johnson who emphasized the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework for THC products. Key topics included the unregulated sale of hemp-derived THC, its negative impact on public health, especially among children, and the disproportionate incarceration rates for minor marijuana offenses. Senators discussed the need for reforms to create a safer, more enforceable regulatory environment as public sentiment increasingly favors regulation over prohibition. Numerous public testimonies highlighted personal experiences and the necessity of changing current laws to reflect public safety and health concerns.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Mar 24th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...will prohibit the Texas legislature from imposing a carbon
  • or prohibit a certain type of tax that, to my knowledge, no one has ever proposed in the Texas legislature
  • You know, in order to enact a carbon tax through the legislature right now, you'd only need 76 votes
  • We implore the Legislature to assure that the property tax
  • Our hope is that by passing HB 23, the legislature will make it clear that it supports Texas seniors
Summary: The meeting of the Ways and Means Committee was marked by significant deliberation on several bills aimed at improving tax policies and supporting community welfare. A noteworthy discussion surrounded HB1256, which proposes tax exemptions for rainwater harvesting systems, reflecting the pressing issue of water conservation amid drought conditions affecting Texas. Representative Zwiener emphasized the necessity of incentivizing families to conserve water, championing the bill as a common-sense solution. The committee also considered HB1632, which aims to make pet food tax-exempt, further engaging legislators in a light-hearted yet crucial dialogue about affordability for pet owners amidst rising living costs. Following these discussions, a series of resolutions and bills were reported favorably out of the committee, including HJR138, which seeks to prohibit a carbon tax in Texas as a precautionary measure against potential economic repercussions. The meeting concluded with clear communication regarding upcoming votes and recommendations for moving these bills forward to the full house. The atmosphere fostered a collaborative spirit as committee members shared their insights on pressing issues, highlighting their commitment to supporting Texas families and communities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) Mar 31st, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • data-time="90">In order to accomplish this, two-party ownership legislation was passed in the Texas Legislature
  • It has always been the intent of the legislature to preserve familial transfers without allowing the
  • tend to believe that the laws passed by the legislature are
  • In 2017, during its first special session, the 85th Legislature passed Senate Bill 6.
  • Additionally, if the legislature deems disannexation necessary, we urge you to bracket the bill to a
Summary: The committee meeting on [date] focused on several key pieces of legislation, primarily addressing land use and city governance issues. Prominent discussions included SB1579, which seeks to empower municipalities in El Paso County to manage abandoned properties through a court-appointed receiver process. This bill aims to tackle long-standing challenges posed by undeveloped and neglected land parcels that hinder community growth. Public testimonies highlighted concerns regarding safety, illegal dumping, and the economic potential of reclaiming these properties for housing and development. Notably, Mayor Rudy Cruz Jr. of Socorro expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing the need for a clear process in handling unoccupied land. Additionally, SB1851 was discussed, aimed at addressing audit compliance for Texas cities to improve financial transparency and accountability. Senator Nichols presented this bill, arguing for its necessity in ensuring cities cannot raise taxes without adhering to established audit requirements. Public testimonies underscored the experiences of city officials facing obstacles due to outdated audit practices, with calls for legislative action to protect taxpayers while enforcing compliance. The meeting was characterized by substantial participation from public officials, showcasing a collaborative effort to address these pressing issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs May 19th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In 2019, the Legislature passed House Bill 2624, which

  • ...was implemented by the 81st legislature in 2009.
  • The legislature has said that. I want that to be clear.
  • Well, the legislature said the two are separate, and so...
  • Judges have, in this area, too much discretion, which is why, on the criminal side, the legislature..
Summary: The meeting of the State Affairs Committee focused on several significant bills, notably HB4145, HB2820, and HB4157, which address healthcare billing practices, charitable bingo operations, and protections for employees in the commercial spaceflight industry, respectively. Each bill received attention from members of the committee, with public testimony highlighting both support and concern among stakeholders. For instance, testimony on HB4145 underscored the importance of timely healthcare billing to prevent patient financial distress, while discussions surrounding HB2820 illuminated the challenges charities face in maintaining sufficient reserves amidst outdated regulations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part II) Jan 28th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • DPS was directed by the 88th legislature to...

  • **Kelsey Vela**: ...DPS was directed by the 88th legislature
  • The 88th legislature appropriated $11 million for this project.
  • The legislature, through this program, has funded 22 armory revitalization projects.
  • Again, we appreciate the support we received from the Legislature.
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around discussions on the budgets for the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Significant recommendations included a proposed budget of $3.7 billion for the Department of Public Safety, which reflects a decrease of $199.6 million from the previous cycle. Key topics included customer service enhancements and the increase of staff to improve operations and reduce wait times. Additionally, the Juvenile Justice Department's funding was discussed, including adjustments related to staff salary increases and facility needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • data-time="414">As mentioned previously, when I've been up here before, we issued a water report to the legislature
  • The Texas Water Fund Advisory Council Committee will give the legislature
  • These accountability measures are very important in that they'll allow the legislature and voters to
  • And now that the legislature has stepped up to do that, it's
Bills: SB7
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on Senate Bill 7, which aims to enhance Texas's water infrastructure amid growing population and environmental challenges. Various stakeholders, including representatives from engineering firms, environmental organizations, and water associations, testified in support of the bill, emphasizing its potential to address pressing water supply issues and improve infrastructure reliability. Key topics of discussion included water reuse, flood infrastructure funding, and the need for legislative oversight to ensure effective management of financial resources. The testimony underscored the importance of adapting to aging water systems while promoting innovative solutions for sustainability.

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