Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'quorum'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
And just as a reminder, the quorum wasn't broken because
- And while we have a quorum, I know many members were out in the State Affairs Committee dealing with.
- Now that we have a quorum back, while Senate Bill 6 is before us, we'll take a vote on this one.
- rein in my anger as much as possible because I will tell you I am absolutely frustrated that the quorum
- Whatever the quorum is, it's going to pass anyway.
Keywords:
gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, education, accountability, public school assessment, state law, transparency, intervention, performance ratings, lobbying, public funds, political subdivisions, government accountability, transparency, impact fees, water conservation, reuse projects
Summary:
This meeting of the committee addressed several significant bills, with strong expressions of support and opposition from various stakeholders. Notably, SB8, a controversial bill concerning gender identity and access to bathrooms, drew extensive public testimony. Many speakers voiced concerns about the implications of such legislation, emphasizing the potential harm to transgender individuals and the necessity for an atmosphere of safety and inclusivity. In contrast, other members supported the bill, arguing for the protection of women's spaces. The committee also discussed SB15 regarding police records, which sparked debates on transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The meeting concluded with the committee members voting favorably on several bills, despite ongoing public dissent and calls for more urgent discussion on flooding relief efforts and community safety.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Public Education Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:04 am
House Public Education Committee
Transcript Highlights:
All right, the quorum is present.
- "421" data-time="2520">The second exception is that they are not counted in determining whether a quorum
- And they definitely would not count towards any quorum.
- And is not counted for the quorum.
Bills:
HB1178, HB1411, HB1441, HB1773, HB1813, HB2107, HB2598, HB2911, HB2967, HB3672, HB5263, HB3797
Keywords:
education, temporary certification, out-of-state educators, teacher shortage, military spouses, personal leave, school holidays, education, employee compensation, overtime provisions, school safety, peace officers, mental health, de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, student trustee, school board, student representation, education policy, nonvoting position
Summary:
The meeting convened with a focus on educational legislation, with discussions spanning several key bills concerning mental health support for students, school safety measures, and the involvement of students in school governance. House Bill 1441, aimed at enhancing training for school resource officers on mental health awareness, received notable attention. Advocates highlighted the importance of equipping officers with the skills to address grief and trauma, thereby fostering a supportive environment for students. The bill was backed by testimonies from stakeholders emphasizing the critical need for proactive measures in schools to prevent crises and support students in need. Another significant piece of legislation was House Bill 3672, introduced by Chairman Ashby, focused on creating grant programs for extracurricular community education, providing essential resources for youth development and engagement.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Natural Resources (Part I) May 21st, 2025
Senate Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
Members, a quorum is not established.
- We will be able to hear bills, but we won't be able to take any votes until after a quorum is established
- We'll need to adopt a committee substitute when we have a quorum.
- Therefore, a quorum is present.
Keywords:
oil waste, gas waste, liability, treatment processes, environmental safety, beneficial use, motor vehicle, air quality, energy source, engine, state implementation plan, construction, wildlife impact, height restrictions, national wildlife refuge, environmental regulations, surface estate, well plugging, Railroad Commission, landowner rights
Summary:
The committee meeting covered several significant bills with a focus on environmental concerns and public health implications. Notably, House Bill 2440 was discussed, which aims to prevent state agencies from restricting vehicle ownership based on energy sources, ensuring Texans can choose the vehicles that suit their needs. Representative Curry presented the bill, emphasizing the need for consumer choice and the protection of personal freedoms in transportation policies. The bill left the floor pending after no public testimony was provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Quorum was established at the last hearing.
- A bit of a quorum. I am the clerk.
A quorum is present, and Senator West.
Bills:
HB767, HB1708, HB2143, HB2198, HB2415, HB2457, HB2763, SB876, SB1230, SB2515, SB2688, SB2790, SB2799, HB3012, HB1672, HB2523, HB3135
Keywords:
highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, memorial highway, Kevin Ramirez Vasquez, Ector County, transportation, state designation, memorial designation, highway, military honors, Montgomery County, veteran commemoration, memorial highway, Officer Jacob Candanoza, Transportation Code, state highway, Kaufman County
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on reviewing a series of bills with significant implications for local memorials and dedication of roads to honor public servants. Notably, House Bill 1708 was presented by Senator Hinojosa, which aims to designate a section of State Highway 302 as Trooper Kevin Ramirez Vasquez Memorial Highway, in honor of the fallen trooper who lost his life in the line of duty. The bill was supported by different members and received public testimony, highlighting the commitment of law enforcement to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Additionally, discussions surrounding House Bill 2415 and House Bill 2523 also captured the testimonies of various community members and officials, further emphasizing the community's dedication to memorializing public servants.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
There being five members present, a quorum is established
There being five members present, a quorum is established
Keywords:
Senate Committee, Local Government, Senate Bills, financial compliance, property tax refund, legislation, recommendation
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government focused on the examination and recommendation of various bills, most notably Senate Bills 15, 65, 241, 304, 402, and 850. Senator Bettencourt, the committee chair, guided discussions through a series of motions for the recommendation of these bills, with many passing without objection. Key topics included financial compliance for local governments in relation to state-funded loans and the implementation of uniform timelines for property tax refunds. Senators Middleton and Nicholls each made contributions regarding changes to various bills, illustrating collaborative efforts to refine the legislative proposals.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
A quorum will be established as the meeting progresses.
- span>
No votes or actions will be taken in the absence of a quorum
Keywords:
border region, infrastructure, economic development, government operations, education, historical documents, Texas Constitution, Texas Declaration of Independence, Alamo, cultural preservation, Texas-Mexico border, apprenticeship program, information technology, historic preservation, economic development, public testimony
Summary:
The meeting of the Economic Development Committee featured extensive discussions on several bills focused on streamlining processes, improving technology education, and preserving historical sites. House Bill 1240 was presented to unify the definition of the Texas-Mexico border region, which drew no objections during the public testimony segment. Another significant bill discussed was HB2768, aimed at establishing an IT apprenticeship credential to address workforce shortages in state government, indicating a proactive approach to enhancing the state's technical capabilities. The chair emphasized the importance of these initiatives in bolstering both education and economic capacity within Texas.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session Mar 3rd, 2025 at 02:03 pm
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- > H.A.R. 42 by Schofield, proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the determination of a quorum
- 1134">H.J.R. 48 by Tepper, proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the determination of a quorum
Keywords:
constitutional amendments, property tax, ad valorem taxation, environmental rights, public testimony, Texas Legislature, Committee on State Affairs
Summary:
The committee meeting included extensive discussions on numerous proposed constitutional amendments, focusing particularly on issues related to property taxation and environmental rights. Various members, including Representative Metcalfe and Representative Goodwin, brought forward bills addressing the appraised value of residential and commercial properties for ad valorem tax purposes, as well as amendments guaranteeing citizens the right to a clean environment. The conversation was vibrant, with a mix of supportive and opposing views presented by committee members and public witnesses who joined the discussions.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Senate Session (Part II): Joint SessionJoint Session with the House of Representatives; Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock delivers the biennial State of the Judiciary address. Feb 26th, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
A quorum is present. The House will come to order.
A quorum is present.
Keywords:
teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework
Summary:
The meeting focused notably on judicial salaries and the importance of retaining qualified judges in Texas. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock discussed the need for a significant pay increase for judges, citing that their base salary has not risen since 2013 despite rising inflation. He made a compelling case that increasing judicial salaries would attract better candidates to serve the public as judges. The Chief Justice emphasized that the state's judicial system relies on highly capable individuals to uphold the rule of law and deliver fair justice to Texans, especially in family law cases where outcomes dramatically affect vulnerable populations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
Obviously we don't have a quorum, so we won't call the roll
- We'll wait to adopt it when we have a quorum.
Keywords:
diesel fuel tax, tax credit, auxiliary power units, power take-off equipment, refund, energy efficiency, firefighter retirement, municipal contributions, pension system, retirement benefits, funding ratios, sales tax exemption, exotic animals, game animals, agriculture, livestock, firefighter pension reform, tax equity, diesel fuel, auxiliary power units
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee meeting covered crucial legislative discussions surrounding several important bills, particularly focused on firefighter pension reforms and tax equity for diesel fuel. Senate Bill 771, presented by Senator Hinojosa, seeks to rectify a gap in state tax law regarding tax credits for diesel fuel used in auxiliary power units. The bill drew support from several witnesses who emphasized its importance for maintaining fairness in tax treatment across fuel types. Additionally, House Bill 135, aimed at providing tax exemptions for exotic game sales, was discussed with fervent support from stakeholders within the industry. Public testimonies highlighted the positive economic impact of the bill on rural communities in Texas. The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 2345, another pension-related bill, which showcased collaboration between the city and the firefighters' association.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
Quorum is present.
- Yeah, we have to have quorum, but we can do a formal later in the week. Okay. Thank you.
Keywords:
Medicaid, provider enrollment, credentialing, healthcare, administrative burden, Texas Health and Human Services, child welfare, adoption timelines, senior care, consumer protection, continuing care retirement communities, legislation, public testimony
Summary:
The Committee on Human Services meeting was marked by meaningful discussions on multiple bills affecting the welfare of children and senior citizens in Texas. Notably, SB500 was presented to establish clearer timelines for adoption processes, aiming to decrease the wait times significantly from several months to within a few weeks for critical health and personal history reports. This bill was met with positive feedback from committee members and stakeholders, highlighting the importance of expediting adoption to ensure permanency for children in foster care. Additionally, the committee discussed SB1522, which modernizes regulations for continuing care retirement communities to enhance consumer protections and clarify definitions that have long created confusion in the marketplace. Stakeholders emphasized the need for greater transparency in advertising and regulations, underscoring the bill's potential to better safeguard seniors.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
S/C on Transportation Funding Apr 28th, 2025 at 10:04 am
House S/C on Transportation Funding
Transcript Highlights:
Quorum is present.
Quorum is present.
Keywords:
vehicle registration, county fee, local governance, referendum, taxation, transit authority, financial obligation, withdrawal, election unit, Texas Transportation Code, veterans, toll discounts, transportation, infrastructure, Texas highways, veteran discount program, toll collection, State Highway 130, transportation funding, Texas Department of Transportation
Summary:
The meeting focused primarily on discussions surrounding several notable bills, particularly concerning toll roads in Texas. Chairman Metcalf introduced HB5346, which aims to establish clear mandates for the cessation of tolling once a project's financial obligations have been satisfied. This bill sparked considerable debate, with proponents arguing for taxpayer fairness and control, while opponents raised concerns about potential perpetual tolls disguised as public votes every five years. Witnesses voiced strong opinions both for and against the measures, highlighting the ongoing tensions over infrastructure funding and user fees.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Session (Part III)Note: due to technical difficulties with the microphone system, there is no audio from 2h:15m:17s to 2h:16m:26s. Aug 26th, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- specifically for quorum breaks and other events.
- No fundraising for those that broke quorum in any way a punishment
- ultimately now it just disincentivizes special sessions during summer break and also only addresses summer quorum
Keywords:
disaster relief, emergency preparedness, flood management, local government grants, meteorological forecasting, state appropriations, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, abortion, civil liability, abortion-inducing drugs, qui tam actions, Texas Citizens Participation Act, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, healthcare regulations, judicial branch, court security
Summary:
The committee meeting led by Senator Perry addressed various legislative measures including discussions around House Bill 23, which clarifies tax exemption for charitable organizations serving agricultural youth in populous counties. The bill was successfully passed with unanimous support after being brought up for expedited consideration. Notably, the discussion around Senate Bill 10 became contentious as Senator Bettencourt moved to not concur with House amendments citing potential tax increases, initiating a discussion about the implications and future direction of the bill. Furthermore, the importance of tax rate transparency was highlighted in the presentation of House Bill 17, aimed at improving communication regarding property tax rates to taxpayers, ensuring broader public engagement in tax matters and hearings as feedback and participation in the past had been low.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Criminal Justice (Part II) Apr 8th, 2025
Senate Criminal Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Do we have more of a quorum?
- Well, we have a quorum, but we're going to hold the bill.
- Oh, so we'll have a quorum. We have a quorum.
Bills:
SB552, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1372, SB1506, SB1667, SB1804, SB1806, SB1870, SB1936, SB1937, SB2180, SB2405, SB2569, SB2570, SB1646
Keywords:
community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, criminal procedure, discovery, defendant rights, evidence disclosure, justice system, crime laboratory, access, defense counsel, criminal proceedings, discovery, parole reform, inmate release, Board of Pardons and Paroles, recidivism, criminal justice
Summary:
The meeting of the committee was marked by critical discussions surrounding several bills focused on enhancing public safety and addressing criminal activities. Notably, Senate Bill 1208 sparked significant debate as several members expressed concerns regarding its implications for free speech and civil rights. Testimonies from various public participants highlighted fears that the increased penalties could infringe on First Amendment rights by deterring individuals from holding law enforcement accountable. The committee also tackled Senate Bill 1646, aiming to combat copper theft, which has surged significantly across Texas, affecting essential infrastructure and emergency services.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
Do we have a quorum?
We do not have a quorum.
We do not have a quorum.
- There being five present, a quorum has been established.
Summary:
The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting convened to gather public input regarding redistricting in the North Texas region. With an emphasis on improving public participation, several committee members expressed the need for in-person hearings, highlighting the limitations of virtual formats. Despite technical glitches, participants were encouraged to provide testimony via video conference. Notably, one citizen voiced concerns about the legislature's shift away from traditional redistricting processes, arguing that mid-decade changes undermine fair representation. The committee reiterated its commitment to collecting public opinion and plans to hold future hearings in different regions of Texas.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Since we have a quorum, I'm going to have the clerk call
There being four present, there is a quorum.
Keywords:
veteran-owned businesses, state contracting, historically underutilized business, economic opportunity, small business, veteran-owned businesses, historically underutilized business, state contracting, economic development, small business, veterans, small business, state contracting, historically underutilized business, certification, veteran-owned businesses, historically underutilized business, state contracting, economic opportunity, Texas legislation
Summary:
The meeting of the Committee on Veteran Affairs addressed several significant bills aimed at supporting veterans and their businesses. Among the bills discussed was SB390, which seeks to expand the definition of historically underutilized businesses to include all veteran-owned businesses, regardless of disability status. This change aims to create a more equitable economic landscape for veterans and to foster their participation in state procurement opportunities. The committee heard strong testimony supporting this initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing veterans with fair chances in business development.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Press Conference: Special Session Jul 21st, 2025 at 10:07 am
Transcript Highlights:
- data-time="306"> Doing whatever it takes, having on the table filibusters, dragging out hearings, and quorum
- Is a quorum break inevitable?
Keywords:
Texas floods, disaster relief, Governor Abbott, political agenda, House Democratic Caucus, redistricting, public safety, climate change, legislative accountability
Summary:
The meeting showcased intense discussions centered on not only legislative proposals but also the response to recently experienced devastating floods in Texas. House Democratic Caucus leader Gene Woo highlighted concerns about the political motives driving the current special session, arguing that Governor Abbott is prioritizing partisan redistricting over necessary flood relief efforts. Multiple speakers condemned the use of a natural disaster as a vehicle for advancing a political agenda and emphasized the urgency of addressing disaster preparedness and public safety. Throughout the meeting, representatives stressed the need to hold leadership accountable and to ensure that the voices of affected Texans are heard.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
Members of the quorum are
- Madam Clerk, would you recognize that Senator Sparks has joined us to form a quorum?
So members, a quorum is established.
Keywords:
SB786, SB119, SB1186, geothermal injection wells, brine mining, environmental regulations, water management, Texas Railroad Commission, economic growth
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee focused on several key legislative initiatives, including the implementation of new regulations concerning geothermal injection wells as per SB786, and the jurisdiction over brine mining clarified by SB119 and SB1186. Commissioner Christy spoke about the achievements of the Railroad Commission of Texas in regulatory standards and emphasized the importance of updating environmental practices that safeguard groundwater and surface water while facilitating economic growth. Senators expressed their concerns regarding operational impacts on various sectors, highlighting the need for continued collaboration between agencies to address challenges related to water management and environmental compliance.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Public Education Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am
House Public Education Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, a quorum is present.
- No quorum, no walking quorum, no tomah. Look.
Bills:
HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB1122, HB1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369
Keywords:
non-human behaviors, education, Texas schools, policy, regulation, education, funding, teacher salaries, school districts, state budget, non-enrolled students, University Interscholastic League, participation, school districts, eligibility standards, non-enrolled students, University Interscholastic League, school participation, academic standards, Texas education
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on House Bill 5089, concerning the creation of new school districts through detachment of existing territories. During the discussions, multiple committee members expressed significant concerns about the implications of the bill, emphasizing the need for community involvement and public voting whenever major district changes are proposed. Witnesses from the Keller Independent School District testified against the bill, highlighting the potential for confusion and the erosion of local control if school boards could make such determinations without voter approval. The testimonies painted a picture of a heated community reaction regarding the handling of the detachment process and underscored a general agreement that any significant changes should require a public vote to ensure accountability and transparency.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Criminal Jurisprudence May 13th, 2025 at 08:05 am
House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We've got a quorum. A quorum is present.
- marker="34" data-time="198">Okay, we'll leave Senate Bill 2595 pending for now because I don't have a quorum
Bills:
SB1099, SB1896, SB1980, SB127, SB614, SB955, SB1278, SB1372, SB1936, SB1937, SB2580, SB2595, SB2798
Keywords:
emergency protection, arrest information, victim rights, magistrate duties, criminal procedure, child abuse, reporting obligation, statute of limitations, negligence, legal professionals, forensic science, capital writs, criminal justice, case review, Texas Forensic Science Commission, human trafficking, penal code, felony, punishment, child protection
Summary:
The meeting of the committee primarily focused on several legislative bills aimed at enhancing public safety and criminal justice reforms. Notable discussions included Senate Bill 2595, which aims to criminalize acts of concealing identity while committing harassment or intimidation, with provisions for affirmative defenses. Additionally, Senate Bill 1980 was discussed, aiming to increase penalties for assaults on peace officers and extending legal protections to community supervision officers. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, emphasizing the need for enhanced protections for vulnerable groups, including victims of trafficking.