Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Texas General Land Office'

Page 47 of 60
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • We have our network, Texas Mesonet, that's part of that. Of course, we couple it with West Texas.
  • As you know, the state experienced historic flooding in Central West Texas and West Texas last month,
  • Texas and Texans do incredible work.
  • the state of Texas.
  • Texas needs to step up and work with its communities to remap Texas flood risk.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several critical bills related to disaster response and water conservation. Senate Bill 1, the Natural Disaster Omnibus Bill, was extensively discussed, with testimonies reflecting on recent flooding incidents in Texas. Senator Perry emphasized the need for policy solutions to prevent future tragedies following historic flooding that resulted in significant loss of life. The committee adopted the committee substitutes for both SB1 and SB13 without objection, highlighting the broad support for these initiatives aimed at water conservation and improved emergency response protocols. Additionally, members expressed the importance of training and educating officials involved in disaster management to ensure they are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 14th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And yet in Texas, there...
  • Under current Texas law, Under current Texas law, Texas defines
  • ...for the Texas Secretary of State's office.
  • of State's office.
  • I serve as General Counsel and Director of Policy for the Texas Conservative Coalition.
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

Education K-16 (Part II) May 8th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Committee staff watches, and people in Texas watch.
  • I'm with Texas AFT. I'm a government relations specialist, and I'm here testifying on the bill.
  • Texas must make continued investments in career and technical education.
  • Before joining Texas 2036, I was a high school teacher.
  • , and honorably retired police officers who maintain an active license and complete...
Summary: The meeting largely centered on discussions about House Bill 120, which aims to improve career and technical education in Texas, particularly focusing on rural students. The bill was introduced as an innovative approach to enhance educational pathways for high-demand jobs, including programs for military readiness and industry-based certifications. Various stakeholders, including educators and representatives from the Career and Technical Association of Texas, provided testimonies in support of the bill, emphasizing the need for such initiatives to address the workforce requirements of the state. Conversely, concerns regarding the bill's implications were raised by several witnesses, primarily focusing on the potential unintended consequences for students with disabilities and the importance of maintaining a collaborative educational approach rather than a punitive one.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) May 8th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the executive director at the Autism Society of Texas.
  • My name is Grace Atkins with Texas 2036, testifying in support of HJR5.
  • With the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
  • It's a really great thing I can tell my kids that we care about Texas.
  • from, you know, I would say teachers across Texas that don't.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Education, K-16, revolved around multiple bills, notably HB1188, HB2856, HB3126, HJR5, and HB6. Key discussions highlighted the importance of early intervention for families with special needs through HB1188, which aims to provide better resources for parents. Public testimony included compelling narratives that underscored the personal impact of such legislation. Additionally, the committee engaged in important dialogue concerning student discipline, specifically focusing on vaping in schools and its consequences under HB6.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • And that's why we're here, the Texas Women's Privacy Act.
  • Texas women and girls.
  • Groups that support it include Texas Values, Texas Pastors Council, American Principles Project, Patriot
  • Mobile, Texas Family Project, Texas Eagle Forum, Moms for Liberty Texas, and Moms for America.
  • Attorney General.
Bills: SB15, SB9, SB4, SB8, SB60, SB4, SB8, SB60
Summary: The committee meeting focused on Senate Bill 7, known as the Texas Women's Privacy Act, which aims to reinforce the separation of men's and women's private spaces such as restrooms, locker rooms, and shelters based on biological sex. The discussions highlighted personal testimonies from women advocating for this bill, emphasizing the importance of privacy and safety. Several supporters, including a representative of Texas Values, expressed strong sentiments regarding the necessity of this legislation to protect women's rights against what they perceive as encroaching ideological views that deny biological realities. The testimonies were powerful and emotional, advocating for a return to maintaining distinct gender-specific spaces, especially in vulnerable settings like prisons and schools.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 3rd, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We'll start with the Office of Inspector General, Texas

  • Office of the Inspector General, or OIG.
  • We'll start with the Office of Inspector General, Texas

  • Texas Civil Commitment Office, or TCCO.
  • Department of Criminal Justice** (TDCJ), **Office of Inspector General** (OIG), and **Texas Alcoholic
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

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Mar 27th, 2025 at 08:00 am

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

Transcript Highlights:
  • In Central Texas, Mr.
  • Many Duchenne families like ours in Texas.
  • Texas is fortunate; we have two non-profit milk banks.
  • in Texas.
  • Lauren Gamble, Texas Pediatrics.
Summary: In this committee meeting, members engaged in extensive discussions regarding several bills aimed at enhancing public health initiatives in Texas. Notably, House Bill 1295 was introduced to tackle the pressing issue of health literacy, highlighting its critical importance for improving health outcomes and reducing costs within the state's healthcare system. Vice Chair Busey presented House Bill 321, which aims to streamline the enrollment process for Medicaid and CHIP by utilizing data from the SNAP application to ensure that eligible children can access necessary healthcare coverage. Both bills received public testimonies that emphasized the need for better health education and access to health insurance, particularly for children and vulnerable populations in Texas. Witnesses spoke on the societal importance of nurturing a health-conscious generation, thereby laying a moral obligation on policymakers to support such legislative endeavors.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Mar 26th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • sense to keep the arbitration in Texas and ensure that Texas law is applied.
  • And sorry, one other thing: aren't Texas courts generally

  • I'm a Texas lawyer; obviously, I have nothing against Texas courts or Texas law.
  • We are saying in Texas, the venue should be Texas.
  • My name is Heather De La Garza Barone, Associate General Counsel for the Texas Hospital Association,
Summary: The committee meeting revolved around key discussions on several proposed bills, particularly focusing on HB3211, which aims to improve patient access to optometrists. Multiple stakeholders participated, expressing their views and concerns regarding the impact of the bill on vision care networks. The discussions highlighted the need for a clearer application process for optometrists to be included in vision plan networks, reflecting a powerful sentiment from both healthcare professionals and patients about access to care. The meeting also encapsulated varying perspectives on the legal aspects surrounding HB2275, addressing arbitration provisions for surplus policies, illustrating the committee's diligence in scrutinizing regulatory frameworks for consumers.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • ...Office of Human Resources and Administration.
  • Al Montoya, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Veterans Health Administration; Ms.
  • In general, VA offers support and is appreciative of much of the proposed legislation before us today
  • My office following today's hearing.

  • Let me ask you, how many employees have been removed or resigned from the Office of General Counsel?
Summary: During the meeting, various members engaged in extensive discussions surrounding 15 proposed bills related to veterans' affairs. Notably, concerns regarding recent VA workforce changes sparked debates, particularly about potential cuts and their implications for veterans' care and benefits. Chairman Moran emphasized the need for thoughtful reforms and coordination with stakeholders, urging responsible measures to prevent negatively impacting service delivery. The meeting highlighted a significant bipartisan effort to enhance veterans' access to essential health services, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by the VA workforce. Senator Blumenthal's assertions about the urgent plight of veterans due to cuts in personnel drew strong reactions, showcasing the deep concern among committee members regarding the current state of veteran services.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management May 15th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Under platting, small tracts of land or large tracts of land
  • So this was a bill that the Texas Association of Builders and...
  • Texas Public Policy Foundation testifying for the bill, is that correct?
  • I'm a policy analyst with the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • I'm a local developer, land broker here in Austin, Texas.
Bills: SB1708, SB2523, SB1450
Summary: The meeting involved discussions primarily around SB1450, SB2523, and SB1708. The highlight was SB1450, which seeks to streamline the review process for building permits by allowing licensed third-party professionals to conduct inspections. Testimonies from various stakeholders, including local housing advocates and property developers, indicated strong support for the bill, as it addresses the ongoing housing crisis by reducing permitting delays. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on county regulatory authority, emphasizing the need for counties to retain oversight in the review process, especially regarding flood insurance and safety regulations. The committee members showed proactive engagement in addressing amendments to the bill aimed at safeguarding public interests, while also facilitating efficient housing development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Feb 18th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • There's the general revenue funds, general revenue dedicated funds.
  • I am the Chief Program and Services Officer at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
  • Just so you know, we have the benefit of the Office of the Inspector General.
  • Okay, or the Office of the Inspector General may also have
  • I think that would most likely come from the Office of Inspector General, as they're the ones that do
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the proposed budget for the upcoming biennium, with substantial discussions around House Bill 1 and its implications for public education, healthcare, and border security. The Comptroller presented a revenue overview indicating a total of $194.6 billion available for general purpose spending, which reflects a slight decrease compared to previous years due to fluctuating economic conditions. Members raised questions regarding spending limits and the impact of federal funding on state programs, highlighting concerns about the sustainability of funding in light of potential changes at the federal level.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Senate Session Aug 12th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In Texas, abortion...
  • Ninety-nine percent of our officers are damn good officers, but it's that one percent of our officers
  • , or just bad, bad officers.
  • But what happens if Officer Smith is seen by a Pearland police officer?
  • experts to Rice University, University of Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and everyone was in agreement
Bills: SB8, SB4, SB43, SB1, SB2, SB13, SB6, SB10, SB16, SB14, SB3
Summary: The meeting of the legislative committee prominently featured discussions surrounding several critical bills, including SB1, which addresses natural disasters and emergency preparedness in Texas. Senator Perry presented detailed amendments focusing on enhancing the state's response capabilities to flooding, which included the establishment of better training protocols for first responders and the development of a statewide flood monitoring system. Public testimony was actively solicited, with multiple witnesses providing input regarding the implications of SB1, highlighting the need for comprehensive disaster management strategies following recent floods that impacted the community severely. Additionally, considerable dialogue took place around SB6, relating to abortion-related civil liabilities, where senators debated the bill's implications on women's health and wellness in Texas, leading to contentious voting results and reflections on the bill's social impact.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Airport when a small jet on the ground entered a runway without authorization as an incoming flight was landing
  • As a former General Counsel of the Department of Transportation
  • ...Stephen Bradbury to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation and the promotion of one Coast Guard officer
Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation convened to consider the promotion of Coast Guard Lieutenant Samuel Hafensteiner to Lieutenant Commander and the nomination of Stephen Bradbury as Deputy Secretary of Transportation. The meeting highlighted ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety, especially in light of recent aircraft incidents. Members discussed the critical need for knowledgeable leadership within the Department of Transportation to address these safety challenges effectively. Mr. Bradbury's background as a former General Counsel of the Department was presented as a strong asset for the role he seeks.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Public Health Aug 13th, 2025 at 09:08 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • West Texas is running out of water, which makes diversifying vitally important to the next generation
  • of Texas farmers.
  • I'm a fourth-generation farmer up close to Lubbock, Texas
  • And yet, do our duty to the state of Texas and to the citizens of Texas.
  • In general, the...
Bills: HB5
Summary: The meeting of the Public Health Committee focused primarily on discussions surrounding HB5, which seeks to regulate THC consumables in Texas. Numerous witnesses provided testimony, both in favor and against the bill, highlighting concerns regarding public health and safety as well as the economic implications of regulation versus prohibition. Chairman Van Dever and other committee members actively engaged with witnesses to clarify the potential impact of the proposed legislation. The testimonies brought to light intense disagreements over how best to approach the management of hemp and cannabis products, demonstrating a division between those advocating for strict regulations versus those calling for responsible oversight without outright bans on THC.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice Apr 22nd, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Generally, members...
  • the department and the Office of the Attorney General.
  • Across Texas, peace officers, parole officers, and emergency personnel put themselves at risk daily while
  • , patrol officer, or community supervision officer while they are performing official duties.
  • As president, we represent over a thousand officers.
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

State Affairs (Part II) May 25th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill simply states that if a vaccine manufacturer chooses to advertise in the state of Texas, they
  • caused harm or injury to an individual in Texas.
  • vaccine, but for advertising in the state of Texas and then
  • I'm Tom Glass with Texas Constitutional Enforcement,

  • But this is a fantastic way for the people of Texas to start reclaiming.
Summary: The meeting held by the Committee on State Affairs focused on two significant bills, HB3441 and HB3385. HB3441, aimed at holding vaccine manufacturers liable for harm caused by their advertised products, generated considerable discussion among committee members and witnesses. Senator Hall presented the bill, emphasizing the need for accountability and drawing attention to the lack of liability for vaccine manufacturers under current federal law. The committee heard testimonies from various stakeholders, expressing both support and concern regarding the implications of this bill on public trust and medical practices. Following extended dialogue, HB3441 was reported favorably to the full Senate with a recommendation to pass, gathering a vote of nine ayes to one nay.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation May 21st, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Generally, what's this about?

  • Greyhound Lines, a Texas-based company, is part of Flix North America.
  • including over 100 communities in Texas.
  • I'm the legislative director for the Texas Automotive Recyclers Association.
  • DMV, Texas DMV, Annette Quintero.

Summary: The committee meeting featured a number of bills focused on local issues, particularly in relation to transportation and public safety. Notably, Senator Alvarado presented HB3966 regarding the relocation of a Greyhound bus terminal to a residential area, which has raised community safety concerns due to increased crime. The bill aims to require commercial bus companies to notify residents before opening new locations, fostering accountability and transparency. The meeting highlighted testimonies from both supporters and opponents regarding the implications of such legislative changes on community dynamics.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Senate Session Aug 11th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Bills: SB8, SB4, SB43, SB1, SB2, SB13, SB6, SB10, SB16
Summary: The meeting convened with discussions predominantly focused on legislative motions and updates. There were significant discussions led by various senators, including proceedings on the agenda items with motions for adjournment and future considerations. Notably, two motions were read into the record, and no objections were raised during the adjourning process. Members expressed a willingness to reconvene, emphasizing the importance of receiving committee reports before the next session. The presence of all members and their engagement reflects a strong commitment to legislative responsibilities. The meeting concluded with a unanimous decision to adjourn until August 12th. This highlights the procedural nature of Senate meetings and the emphasis on maintaining order and structure through established parliamentary procedures. The atmosphere was professional, with all members present and contributing to a constructive environment for decision-making.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman, generally, Mr.
  • So, Texas Rural Water Association, we have met with staff.
  • In Texas, there are now more...
  • Even HEB has sponsored the Pollinators for Texas project.
  • The Texas Wildlife Association does a lot of this.
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by significant discussions around various bills, especially those related to water quality and public utilities. House Bill 2692 was presented to simplify and clarify the enabling legislation for the San Antonio River Authority, highlighting improvements necessary for effective governance and administration. Additionally, there were discussions on Senate Bill 2497, which mandates public water systems to install filtration systems to ensure safe drinking water in communities facing water quality issues. Witnesses emphasized the financial burden and the need for more flexibility in solutions to address water contamination without imposing heavy costs on small water systems. The conversation underscored the balance between public health and fiscal responsibility, with various solutions proposed to mitigate the risks of water contamination.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Supreme Court held that Texas had discriminated against Latino voters in West Texas.
  • I work in San Juan, Texas.
  • El Paso, Texas.
  • Texas Broadband Development Office, I can tell you that's
  • Escobar's office.
Summary: The committee meeting addressed the contentious issue of congressional redistricting, following concerns about the legality and fairness of past maps that allegedly disenfranchised minority voters. The testimony predominantly rejected the notion of conducting mid-decade redistricting, with multiple witnesses arguing against the initiative citing lack of legal justification and the risk of exacerbating racial gerrymandering. Prominent discussions included calls for more transparency in the redistricting process, with several members expressing the need for public engagement through field hearings and meaningful opportunities to review and comment on proposed maps. Senator King and other members led discussions emphasizing the significance of community involvement in shaping equitable congressional districts that reflect Texas' demographics.

Research Filters

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