Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'attorney's fees'

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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:
  • It's analogous to a user fee.
  • dollars in fees.
  • PEG fees, public access television fees.
  • For Austin, our franchise fees in 2014 were $36.7 million.
  • That's five billion per year in right-of-way fees and another million in the PEG fees.
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

S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband May 2nd, 2025 at 08:05 am

House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Transcript Highlights:
  • A cable franchise fee is an annual fee charged by local governments to a private cable television company
  • They are suing to try to collect this fee, but they cannot currently collect this fee.
  • They paid a franchise fee.
  • Phone companies pay a fee on one particular service.
  • And if I do that, would I pay this fee?
Summary: The committee meeting focused on two primary bills: HB2838 and SB924. House Bill 2838 aimed to modernize broadband speed standards in line with FCC definitions, aiming to enhance access and reduce tax burdens on Internet services. Chairman Ashby explained the bill's intent to clarify requirements for the Broadband Development Office and included provisions for tax relief to support broadband expansion. Public testimonies presented both neutral and supportive views, emphasizing the importance of aligning state regulations with federal standards, especially for underserved areas. Senators questioned the bill's implications for service equity and federal funding eligibility.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The ability to levy that 2% fee on the bill, right? It is really like a cash collection system.
  • And this statutory creation facilitated the collection of the fee into...
  • span marker="1399" data-time="8388"> Shall be reported to the district attorney, and the district attorney's
Summary: The meeting of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee featured significant discussions surrounding three key bills: HB158, HB1630, and HB3509. Representative Raymond presented HB158, a proposal to reutilize surplus government properties for veteran and low-income family housing, emphasizing the need for permanent housing solutions in Texas. The discussion also touched on the fiscal implications of the bill and potential housing resources. In another session, HB1630 was put forward to make social workers eligible for the Homes for Texas Heroes Home Loan Program, addressing the ongoing housing affordability crisis faced by many Americans, particularly younger generations. This bill garnered bipartisan support, showcasing the committee's collective awareness of the housing challenges impacting essential workers in the community. Lastly, Representative Enchia introduced HB3509, focused on Tourism Public Improvement Districts (TPIDs), which help collect revenue through hotel self-assessments to promote local tourism. This bill aims to enhance competitiveness for conventions in Texas and made clarifications for ease of creating and managing these districts. The committee received various public testimonies expressing support and concerns about the proposed bills. The meeting highlighted the committee's dedication to addressing housing and economic development challenges within Texas, closing with an invitation for further committee discussions and public input.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 8th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , there is a mitigation fee, and that's for an environmental purpose.
  • I know sometimes there's impact fees. Yeah, there are.
  • cities can do certain fees, you know, impact fees to establish
  • is the impact fees they pay.
  • When we pay a Parkland fee, we have the choice of paying the fee to the city.
Summary: The meeting of the committee addressed multiple bills focusing primarily on local government regulations concerning environmental policy and spending practices. Notably, HB4313 and HB4314 were discussed, with advocates expressing concerns about the overreach of local governments in implementing stringent environmental regulations that might impact efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Testimony included perspectives from organizations like the Texas Public Policy Foundation, emphasizing that local governments should focus on practical criteria rather than subjective social governance measures, particularly in contracting processes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures Apr 8th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I was actually quite surprised that still, storage fees and notification fees were in fact regulated
  • for impound and storage fees.
  • notification fee.
  • Typically, these fees have been frozen in statute for 14 years, and when the fees were
  • Say the fee is $1,500.
Summary: The meeting was marked by thorough discussions regarding several pivotal bills aimed at addressing safety and regulatory reforms within various sectors. Notably, House Bill 3352 was a focal point, where industry representatives highlighted the urgent need for enhanced driver safety training in work zones due to a rise in fatalities. Supporters argued that including work zone safety in driver education programs could significantly improve awareness and reduce accidents. Additionally, House Bill 2186 drew scrutiny from small business owners who expressed concerns about the regulatory burden it would impose on electricians and the potential impact on employment within the industry. Despite the commitment to improve safety, stakeholders warned of unintended consequences that could affect operational viability for non-signatory firms.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The MVCPA collects these fees and handles refunds, but there are gaps and inefficiencies present under
  • /p>

    Committee Substitute House Bill 4401 does not change the MVCPA fee

  • The fee now is $5, but only $2 goes to the MVCPA.
  • The statute ensures insurance companies must pay a $5 per vehicle yearly fee to support the model.
  • The fee now is $5, but only $2 goes to the MVCPA.
Summary: The committee meeting featured significant discussion around various bills impacting transportation, housing, and public safety. Notably, House Bill 4348 garnered substantial opposition due to concerns that it could hinder local governments' ability to address safety improvements on their streets, potentially impacting affordable housing initiatives. Representatives from community organizations expressed that the bill would punish cities attempting to enhance road safety, while proponents argued it encourages effective use of transportation facilities. House Bill 4402 regarding autonomous vehicle regulation also sparked a heated debate about safety concerns related to driverless trucks operating without human oversight, with passionate testimonies both for and against the bill.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • "4608">Members, currently under the transportation code, the comptroller receives a portion of the fees
  • Of those fees collected by the comptroller, 70% is deposited to the credit of the undedicated portion
Summary: During this meeting, the committee engaged in detailed discussions surrounding various legislative proposals, notably focusing on HB2054 and HB4601. HB2054 was discussed in the context of addressing financial support for victims' families during declared emergencies, removing existing procedural barriers. Representative Manuel presented HB4601, which aims to assist Texas veterans in purchasing affordable housing by creating a down payment assistance program financed through a dedicated tax fund. This program is essential to simplify homeownership for veterans facing financial challenges in the current housing market.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 17th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee meeting involved robust discussions focusing on three key bills: HB791, HB1729, and HB2876. HB791, presented by Representative Gortez, quickly passed through the committee with no objections, relating to approval for Central Catholic High School. Next, HB1729, which concerns term limits for commissioners of the free board, also saw no discussion before being moved favorably to the full House. The final bill discussed, HB2876, was pulled back from subcommittee and addressed amendments to a comprehensive development agreement aimed at enhancing portions of State Highway 130. The chair demonstrated an intent to expedite these measures, highlighting a commitment to advancing local infrastructure projects efficiently. Additionally, public testimony was not on the agenda for this meeting, indicating a focus on internal discussions. Members expressed gratitude for the cooperation shown during the session, suggesting a positive working environment. As the meeting adjourned, it was noted that the upcoming agenda would include numerous bills, ensuring ongoing legislative activity in the following weeks.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education May 8th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • associated requirements, such as Application or processing fees
Bills: HB1061, HB2800
Summary: The meeting of the subcommittee on academic and career-oriented education was convened, with a focus on discussing House Bill 1061. Representative Bojani presented the bill, which aims to enhance financial assistance for public school teachers and students pursuing career and technology education certifications in Texas. A key amendment in the bill removes the cap on the number of reimbursement claims students can make for certification exam costs, allowing them to apply for multiple reimbursements depending on their professional aspirations. The bill also broadens the support for teachers beyond just cybersecurity certifications, encompassing all career and technology education fields.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures Apr 1st, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB3012 removes a mandated $3 course fee from the education...
  • Each permit also incurs an additional $3,000 fee.
  • There are unidentified employees, excessive removal fees, and unscrupulous business practices.
  • They're just there for people to collect these fees.
  • He told me that the fee was non-negotiable, and I refused to pay the $100.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused primarily on several key bills, including HB2286, HB1562, and HB1732, which were reported favorably to the full House with the recommendation that they do pass and be printed. Representative Hernandez notably contributed to the discussions on HB1562 and HB1732, both concerning massage therapy regulations. Furthermore, the committee heard discussions on HB491 regarding civil penalties for massage therapy violations and HB11 relating to occupation licensing reciprocity agreements. Most bills passed with unanimous support, indicating a strong consensus among committee members on these legislative issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Summary: The recent meeting of the Natural Resources Committee covered significant discussions primarily focused on various water-related bills, notably HB685, HB1918, HB2601, and HB2608. Representative Wally introduced HB1918, which seeks to limit water rate increases for Class A utilities to a maximum of 20% every 36 months. The bill is in response to alarming reports from constituents who experienced drastic increases in their water bills, leading to concerns about financial sustainability for residents on fixed incomes. Supporters emphasized the need for better regulations to protect consumers, while opponents argued that the bill could dissuade necessary investments in utility infrastructure, jeopardizing service quality. Public testimony was a vital component, with various stakeholders expressing both support and opposition to the proposals under discussion.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development May 7th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's an annual fee, and it's about $475. Okay, gotcha.
  • , processing fees, rush fees, document assembly fees, document preparation fees, or other creative labels
  • Resale certificate fees are generally paid by the buyer, not the seller, right?
  • In some cases, they charged contingency fees for work never performed.
  • Attorney's fees should they lose.
Summary: The Committee on Trade, Workforce and Economic Development convened to discuss a range of bills addressing workforce policies, business practices, and data privacy issues. A highlight was the presentation of HB5146, aimed at expanding subsidized childcare eligibility to include parents pursuing non-credit workforce training, which drew significant support from both committee members and witnesses. Additionally, SB2121 was introduced to rectify clerical errors within the data broker law, ensuring better consumer protections around the collection and use of personal data. Various other bills saw quick passages with unanimous support, reflecting broad agreement among members regarding workforce development and operational efficiency.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 26th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Let's just assume those for all new residences, and you have a minimum rate fee, a minimum amount of
  • 6120">This bill would remove the question of interlocal agreements in Chapter 36 for the use of these fees
  • Under part B, but it says a district may use funds obtained from the amount of an export fee.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing several important water-related bills, including HB391, HB420, and HB2626 among others. Representative Bell presented updates on HB391 related to accountability for rural water districts, achieving a consensus for statewide applicability and allowing for virtual meetings. Multiple testimonies were heard, showcasing both support for and concerns regarding the bills, specifically emphasizing the significance of maintaining water resources and addressing community needs amid Texas's growth. Representative Buckley advocated for HB2626 aimed at establishing the Central Texas Water Alliance to ensure sustainable water management across the region, which involves collaboration among various public, private, and state entities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence (Part II)Audio only. Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Bill 1760 is Senator Zaffirini's bill about guardianships for incapacitated persons and charging a fee
Summary: The Committee on Jurisprudence convened to discuss multiple pending bills aimed at improving various aspects of legal and property matters. Notably, several bills were reported favorably to the full Senate with unanimous support, including SB1335, which addresses issues involving decedents' affairs, and SB1734, focusing on property title documentation. Senator Zaffirini and Senator Johnson were instrumental in moving these bills forward, ensuring the committee maintained a swift pace in considering legislation. Furthermore, the chair highlighted the importance of guardianship for incapacitated persons in upcoming discussions around SB1760, indicating a commitment to addressing vulnerable populations in legislative changes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence (Part I) Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • members, Senate Bill 1760 relates to guardianships for persons who are incapacitated, changing the fee
  • Generally, the bill would set a fee of $45 for filing

  • Property owners can often face expensive legal fees just to clear these fraudulent claims.
  • This motion for fraudulent conveyance incurs no cost for the citizens because there's no filing fee to
  • have this petition heard by a district judge, and there's also no filing fee to have it recorded with
Summary: In this meeting of the committee, significant discussions were held regarding various bills, particularly focusing on the issue of deed fraud, as highlighted by Senate Bill 1734. Senator Hughes advocated for this legislation as a self-help solution for property owners affected by fraudulent deeds, underscoring its timely relevance given the recent uptick in such incidents. Public testimony included supportive statements from a Texas title industry representative, explaining how the bill would streamline the process for victims to clear their titles in a cost-effective manner. The meeting also addressed Senate Bill 1975, which seeks to protect Texas contractors from unfavorable litigation practices imposed by out-of-state general contractors; however, no public testimony was provided on this bill.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part II) Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Summary: The meeting of the committee covered critical discussions focused on several key bills aimed at enhancing safety and improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations, particularly seniors and pediatric patients. The members heard testimony in support of SB1283, with Lieutenant Jonathan Blanchard from the Dallas Police Department advocating for the bill as a means to ensure safer environments in senior facilities by instituting criminal history checks for employees. Carmen Tilton from the Texas Assisted Living Association also highlighted the bill's balance between safety and privacy, showing strong support from various stakeholders. Additionally, the committee discussed SB527, which addresses the challenges of obtaining insurance coverage for general anesthesia required for pediatric dental procedures. Experts testified about the urgent need for reform to prevent potential health crises in children and to streamline care access for parents.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 May 1st, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We pay tuition, room and board fees just like the regular

  • students, and then we have what's called the Empower Fee, which is just to help fund the program itself
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Education K-16 was characterized by a series of discussions on multiple Senate Bills aimed at enhancing educational opportunities across the state. Notably, SB750 was presented by Senator Eckhardt, which seeks to close a loophole that currently excludes standalone EMS employees from receiving tuition exemptions available to firefighters and law enforcement. The testimony from James Monks of the Austin EMS Association highlighted the critical shortage of EMS personnel and the need for incentives to attract workers to this career path. The committee allowed public testimony, which generally supported the bill, leading to positive discussions among members regarding the importance of equal benefits for all first responders. Additionally, SB2430, introduced by Senator Higginbotham, aims to regulate higher education institutions' interactions with foreign adversaries. The bill received support from witnesses such as Michael Lucci, who emphasized the necessity of securing Texas's higher education from potential threats while facilitating collaborations with trusted entities. These discussions emphasized the need for strategies that not only bolster educational funding and accessibility but also protect academic integrity. Overall, the meeting was well-attended, with robust engagement from both committee members and the public.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management May 1st, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • may take action by adopting a reasonable specification for park and open space land, or imposing a fee
  • span marker="55" data-time="324">HB 5380 empowers counties to require parkland dedication or collect a fee
  • parkland dedication ordinances that make a developer donate part of their site plan for a space or fees
Summary: The meeting of the committee involved in-depth discussions on various bills aimed at addressing community needs and rights pertaining to land use and environmental management. Notably, House Bill 2011 proposed a framework for original property owners to repurchase their land under specific conditions when property taxes are not paid by the acquiring entity. Representative Bell articulated concerns regarding the rights of owners affected by eminent domain, engaging with public testimony on the bill's implications. House Bill 5380, presented by Representative Wally, focused on improving access to parkland and green spaces in unincorporated areas, allowing counties to set criteria for parkland dedication, which sparked debates about urban versus rural development considerations and community planning.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management May 1st, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You did it in 2019 when it came to building permit fees.
  • You can't charge building permit fees based upon valuation; come up with a different way that forced
  • Infrastructure impacts can be addressed by removing the language that prevents cities from charging impact fees
  • Was the impact fees issue listed?
Summary: The meeting focused on discussions surrounding Senate Bill 673, which addresses the regulations concerning Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) across Texas. Various testimonies from stakeholders highlighted the bill's implications for local governance, housing affordability, and infrastructure challenges. Supporters argued that SB 673 promotes affordable housing and addresses multi-generational living needs, while opponents raised concerns about the potential strain on local infrastructure and the erosion of municipal zoning authority. Notable opposition came from representatives of smaller municipalities, indicating that while they support the idea of ADUs, they seek more localized control over housing policies to reflect community needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB290 by Lopez-Auberre relating to assistance for tuition and fees at post-secondary educational institutions
  • limited power of eminent domain and providing authority to issue bonds, writing authority to impose fees
  • bonds, providing authority to impose assessments, fees,
  • eminent domain and providing authority to issue bonds, along with the authority to impose assessment fees
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by significant discussions surrounding several House Bills, particularly focusing on topics such as the payment for college athletes and the commemoration of veterans. HB290 was passed with a vote of 115 to 29, while HB300, aimed at updating the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program, garnered unanimous support with 147 votes in favor. A notable moment came during the discussion of HB2143, which proposed to dedicate a segment of a farm-to-market road in honor of Army Specialist Joey Lenz, eliciting heartfelt responses from members as they recognized his sacrifice and service to the country. Overall, the meeting included both procedural motions and passionate debates on the implications of the proposed legislation.

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