Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Texas Democrats'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs May 27th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of fact, a couple of sessions back, we all joined together and stood up and passed a bill that made Texas
  • data-time="252">By telling the federal government there will be no federal laws on gun law enforced in Texas
  • on on gun laws that exceed Texas law.
  • No question, you've been a tremendous leader for Texas.
  • up for Texas sovereignty in it.
Summary: The meeting of the committee primarily focused on House Bill 796, which seeks to establish a framework for the legislature to declare federal directives unconstitutional. Senator King introduced a committee substitute that provided a detailed explanation of the bill's intent, emphasizing the importance of state sovereignty in opposing what they deem unconstitutional actions from the federal government. The discussion included various viewpoints on how effective the bill would be in empowering the state against federal overreach. Senator Birdwell moved to adopt the substitute without any objections, indicating broad support for the measure. The bill was subsequently reported favorably to the full Senate for further consideration. In addition to HB796, SB707 was mentioned as part of the discussions but did not receive as much focus as the primary bill. The committee sessions were indicative of a collaborative effort amongst the senators to assert Texas's legal stances on federal directives, pushing forward with legislation intended to protect state rights. With a quorum present, the session was efficient and concluded with a sense of purpose and agreement on future proceedings.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence May 6th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Bill 535 sends a clear message: Texas stands firmly with victims of sexual violence and our laws
  • Place, you've registered here on behalf of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association against the
  • /span> So under 22-109B of the Government Code, Rule 412 of the Texas
  • and the county in which they are appointed, and to be licensed to practice law in the state of Texas
  • at the Texas Council on Family Violence.
Summary: The meeting convened to discuss various bills primarily focused on juvenile justice and legal representation standards. Notable discussions included House Bill 437, which addresses the placement of youth in detention facilities according to regulations, as explained by Representative Cook. House Bill 507, which pertains to legal representation for indigent defendants, also sparked a debate that resulted in tight voting, showcasing the divergent opinions among committee members. Additionally, Senate Bill 40 underwent a reconsideration, reflecting substantial amendments aimed at balancing non-profit and for-profit entity payments related to bail bonds, which highlighted the complexities of legislative amendments and the procedural adherence required to maintain order in discussions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Laura Presley with True Texas Elections, and I strongly oppose HB 3709.
  • I'm here with the Texas Secretary of State's Office. I'm testifying.
  • This bill is the one missing piece of our Texas judicial security laws.
  • Laura Presley with True Texas Elections. We approve of this bill; it's a really good bill.
  • Laura Presley with True Texas, and we really like this bill.
Summary: The committee meeting conducted significant discussions around various bills, notably focusing on House Bill 223, which was reported favorably with recommendations for a full Senate pass. Several members, including Senator Middleton, participated in laying out the bill, emphasizing its potential impacts. Senator Gann's HB521 also garnered attention, receiving approval with aim to accommodate voters' needs, particularly those with disabilities. Throughout the meeting, members exhibited collaboration despite differing views on certain propositions, reflecting a commitment to legislative progress. Public testimony was sought for various bills, expanding the dialogue with stakeholders on topics affecting their communities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures Apr 29th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Adding human trafficking by the Texas Department of Licensing
  • that we previously voted out relating to exempting certain transactions from the regulation of the Texas
  • relating to the licensing and regulation of massage therapy and other programs administered by the Texas
  • The Board of Boiler Rules is within the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
  • Under current law, the Texas Department of Licensing must update the Texas Workforce Commission monthly
Summary: The committee meeting covered a variety of bills primarily focusing on public safety, regulatory measures, and licensing issues. Notable discussions included the approval of SB1366, which mandates the inclusion of construction and maintenance work zone information in driver education curriculums, and SB378, which clarifies the restrictions on cosmetologists and estheticians regarding injections and incisions, addressing safety concerns regarding unauthorized procedures. Members actively debated the merits of these bills, with several voiced concerns about the implications for public health and safety. The meeting also saw the passage of several bills without opposition, indicating a generally collaborative atmosphere among members.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • ="13" data-time="112">Not sure if y'all know a lot about it, but it was a nuisance to the state of Texas
  • The state of Texas allows the officers to...

  • span> ...work and they have to live their lives, and the State of Texas
  • H.C.R. 59 designates April as Promise Month in Texas, a time to recognize and celebrate the enduring.
  • Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas for a 10-year period
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Administration focused on multiple resolutions, including the designation of important dates and recognitions for communities across Texas. HCR 9, pushed by Senator Hinojosa, proposed the first Saturday of each month to be designated as 'Small Business Saturday', intended to support local businesses and foster community ties. The committee reported favorably on this resolution, alongside others like HCR 135 which recognizes Slayton as the official 'Banana Pudding Capital of Texas'. Public testimony was held for several of the proposals, but most passed with little opposition, showcasing bipartisan support for promoting local initiatives. Additionally, the meeting featured emotional testimony concerning HB 1135, which aims to combat fraud involving vehicle tags. Tawni Solberg spoke passionately about her son's tragic experience related to the misuse of temporary tags, underscoring the necessity for legislation that honors victims and prevents future incidents. The committee members expressed their sympathy and support, highlighting the bill's importance in ensuring safety and accountability on the roads. Overall, the atmosphere was collaborative, with a clear focus on generating positive outcomes for Texas communities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation (Part II) Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • says Houston, Texas. Born in St.
  • The North Texas Turnpike Authority does compensate DPS.
  • I live in Deer Park, Texas.
  • This is the state of Texas.
  • What happens is train crews in Texas often face unavoidable tragedies.
Summary: The meeting involved significant discussions around several bills focused on public safety and infrastructure, particularly involving the Texas Toll Road Authority. A prominent topic was SB2722 and its implications for funding essential services at the local level. Various members expressed concerns that the bill could undermine local budgets and infrastructure projects, potentially redirecting funds intended for critical transport services to cover emergency responses without proper oversight. Fire and police representatives emphasized the importance of toll revenue being used for its intended purposes rather than being diverted to address fiscal mismanagement within the city.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) Mar 24th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • and the committee for their attention to the vaping epidemic wreaking havoc across communities in Texas
  • Tobacco companies spend more than $600 million in Texas

  • than 150,000 Texas residents.
  • ownership less attainable for Texas families.
  • I'm the CEO of the Texas Association of Builders.
Summary: The committee meeting focused primarily on the discussion of various bills aimed at addressing key issues related to housing development and youth tobacco use. Notably, SB1882 was brought to the floor by Senator Betancourt, which aims to reassess the regulations surrounding moratoriums on residential and commercial property development. Several industry representatives testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the necessity of increased transparency and more robust guidelines for imposing moratoriums. The discussions highlighted the economic impact that open-ended moratoriums can have on local builders and potential homeowners, urging the need for legislative changes to protect development rights and housing availability.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Mar 25th, 2025 at 02:03 pm

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas should prohibit the possession...

  • , or even outside of Texas?
  • Like how effective would it be in addressing things that come from outside of Texas?
  • Yes, outside of Texas.

  • Would be in Texas, right?

    Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

Summary: The committee meeting focused on a range of bills addressing important topics such as artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation laws. Notably, House Bill 235, which aims to add civil and criminal liability for the use of AI-generated deepfake materials, garnered discussion from multiple members and witnesses, including Adrian Shelley from Public Citizen who expressed support for the bill. Concerns about ensuring the legislation's clarity and enforcement were raised. Additionally, House Bill 207 was presented, which seeks to expand definitions within sexual offense laws to include representations involving anatomically correct dolls, eliciting varied perspectives from representatives during the debate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Mar 24th, 2025 at 04:00 pm

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I want to thank all the women of the Texas House who signed that rider.
  • acuity behavioral health needs, providing resources to combat infectious disease across the state of Texas
  • the House floor for our deliberation and ultimately addressing the needs of our public schools in Texas
  • 864"> additional funds for work towards making higher education more affordable and accessible for Texas
  • data-time="1278"> input and their thoughtful ideas in trying to address the needs of the state of Texas
Summary: The meeting of the Appropriations Committee focused on the adoption of subcommittee reports for various articles, emphasizing critical funding needs for Texas. Representative Gonzalez highlighted significant budget recommendations, including appropriations for crime victim services, military community support, and enhancements to juvenile probation departments. The adoption of several articles was met with a mixture of support and dissent, showcasing discussions surrounding the allocation of state resources and adherence to House rules regarding formal meeting records and transparency.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance Apr 30th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Texas Department of

  • Okay, I show registered Audrey Vanderwaal from the Texas Chiropractic Association.
  • Interested is Corey Rose from the Texas Car Project Association
  • I'm here in support of House Bill 1642 on behalf of myself and the Texas Chiropractic Association.
  • span>

    I am a chiropractor that practices in New Braunfels, Texas

Summary: The meeting focused on House Bill 1642, which aims to establish an expedited credentialing process for chiropractors to help ensure patients receive timely treatment. Representative Cain presented the bill and emphasized that the lengthy credentialing delays harm patients seeking prompt care. Witnesses, including representatives from the Texas Chiropractic Association, voiced support for the bill, reiterating how essential it is for chiropractors to have the same expedited process available as other healthcare providers. The discussions highlighted the impact of delays in credentialing on patient care, particularly for those in pain, and proposed that the bill would alleviate these issues by enabling faster access to care for chiropractic patients. The meeting also included public testimony, where individuals expressed their concerns about current delays and the financial burden on patients. Representative Cain responded to queries and emphasized the importance of passing the bill to prevent unnecessary suffering and provide patients with timely access to chiropractic services. Ultimately, HB 1642 was left pending, allowing for further consideration, and the meeting concluded with appreciation for the witnesses and attendees present.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Jan 15th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It reflects our recommendations for the operation of the Texas Senate. Mr.
  • solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of the Senate of the State of Texas
  • /span> Of the office, your office, of the Senate of the State of Texas
  • Senator Eckhardt: ... bolstered by her affiliation with the American Academy of Family Medicine and the Texas
  • Liu, thank you for volunteering your time, your expertise, and your care to the people of Texas today
Bills: SR1, SR2
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion surrounding SCR7, which was introduced to direct the State Preservation Board to initiate steps for replacing the Children of the Confederacy Plague with a Plague of Honor recognizing victims of the State's convict leasing system. The resolution sparked notable conversations among members regarding its historical implications and the importance of addressing past injustices. Senators expressed their support for the resolution, recognizing the need for collective acknowledgment of the state's history.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the director of public policy for Texas CASA. I am here in support of Senate Bill 2165.
  • I'm here on behalf of the Texas Guardianship Association
  • Jeff Miller, Disability Rights Texas.

  • Obviously, at Disability Rights Texas, we believe Supported Decision-Making has made a huge impact in
  • the state of Texas, allowing individuals that need a little more support.
Summary: The meeting included significant discussions surrounding several bills focusing on children's welfare, particularly regarding foster care and supportive decision-making agreements. Notably, Senate Bill 2165 was presented, which addresses the issue of foster children who go missing and the legal implications of dismissing their cases while they are unaccounted for. The bill aims to ensure that courts retain jurisdiction over these cases to provide continuous support and monitoring until the children reach adulthood. Several witnesses, including legal experts and advocates, expressed fervent support for the bill, highlighting the vulnerabilities of youth in the foster care system and the risks of human trafficking associated with missing children. The importance of maintaining oversight and support for these youth was a common sentiment throughout the testimony.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services May 20th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Show you, Sarah Crockett with Texas CASA for the bill.
  • I'm the Director of Public Policy for Texas CASA, here in support of Senate Bill 2311.
  • Most residential treatment centers in Texas do have a charter
  • For too many of our kids in Texas, once they come into care, they bounce from placement.
  • With this legislation, Texas can protect residents from being exploited through profit-driven referrals
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around discussions of several key bills, primarily focused on enhancing protective measures and improving the welfare of children under state care. Notably, SB596 was reported favorably for the full House, addressing critical gaps in the reporting of placements of children. Similarly, SB1524 was discussed, presenting a substitute that contained amendments related to confidentiality surrounding firearms in foster homes. The committee also reviewed SB2311, aimed at improving educational planning requirements for residential treatment centers through written agreements with local schools to ensure stable educational environments for children.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Jan 22nd, 2025 at 02:01 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Lauren Ashley Simmons of Harris County to lead us in the pledges of allegiance to the United States and Texas
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the State of Texas,

  • Now for the Texas pledge.
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the State of Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.
Summary: In this meeting, the committee convened to discuss SCR7. The session started with a prayer led by Honorable Gio Capriclione, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flags. Members were reminded of the agency information sessions taking place during the week, providing opportunities for legislative engagement with constituents and agency leadership. The atmosphere was collegial, and members appeared engaged in the preliminary discussions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means May 19th, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • data-time="72"> The SMR tax for the city of Coppell is a special sales tax utilized by cities across Texas
  • ...Texas voters residing in Coppell.
  • You're here on behalf of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and you're here for the bill.
  • My name is Judge Shepard, and I'm a policy analyst with the Texas Public Policy Foundation here to testify
  • Thompson is here on behalf of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on a series of Senate Bill presentations, particularly highlighting SB1277 which aims to extend the reauthorization period for the municipal street maintenance (SMR) tax in the city of Coppell from four years to ten years. This extension aims to stabilize funding for vital infrastructure projects, helping the city avoid potential financial disruptions and additional tax burdens on residents. Testimonies included insights from public representatives, including Mayor Pro Tem Don Carroll, who emphasized the bill's importance for ongoing maintenance efforts and taxpayer savings.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • All right, so Haley, let's move on to Texas Military Department.
  • Texas Military Department, technical.

  • E is for protective equipment for the Texas Highway Patrol
  • 5C is taser lease cost for the Texas Highway Patrol

  • 7C is for 18 Forensic Specialist FTEs to assist the Texas
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee focused primarily on discussions surrounding the details of HB1, along with recommendations regarding law enforcement stipends. Several members expressed their concerns about updating the stipends to address discrepancies with local law enforcement agencies and enhance competitiveness. The conversation also touched on the technical adjustments and modifications needed for the current funding proposals, affirming a collaborative approach to managing the agency's budget and needs. Members expressed appreciation for each other's hard work and laid out future meeting plans to review riders and finalize recommendations for the chairman.
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:
  • >

    However, for the City of Houston and for other cities across Texas

  • creates two big problems for cities, not just Austin and Houston, but all cities across the state of Texas
  • said, the reason why I'm here is that there is an ongoing broadband development project in Monahans, Texas
  • Okay, rather than testifying, Todd Baxter with the Texas
  • Todd Baxter representing the Texas Cable Association.
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 1st C.S.

89th Legislative Session - First Called Session Jul 28th, 2025 at 10:07 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We pray for all citizens of Texas that are suffering

  • The United States and Texas flags.
  • On the Texas flag, I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas

Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on procedural motions and the attendance status of committee members. A number of excusals were noted due to important district business, indicating active participation in local matters by several representatives. The chair acknowledged the invocation and the pledges of allegiance led by a member, which framed the session with a sense of civic responsibility and decorum. However, no substantial discussions on specific bills were recorded in the transcript, showcasing a more administrative nature of the meeting rather than legislative debate or public engagement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Finance Aug 27th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...test over Texas TEKS with the norm-referenced output from
  • the Texas TEKS.
  • I'm with the Texas Association of School Boards.
  • Texas educates 20% of all emergent bilingual students in the nation, and we have a very limited...
  • Commissioners registered against the bill earlier, as did the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas
Bills: HB8, HB26, HB192
Summary: The committee meeting predominantly revolved around the discussions of three significant bills: HB8, HB26, and HB192. Bill HB8 seeks to reform the current standardized testing system by replacing the STAAR test with a series of three assessments across the academic year, thereby offering more timely feedback to students and teachers. Senator Bettencourt emphasized the importance of modernizing the assessment approach to enhance educational accountability. The bill garnered support from various committee members and is set to be forwarded to the full Senate for further consideration. Public testimony was minimal, with no opposition to the bill being recorded.

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