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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Sunset Advisory Commission Jan 15th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • He's out of time. You're the first one here.
  • each of these provisions.
  • The compliance report also provides additional information about the status of each of these provisions
  • will be fully implemented by the end of this calendar year.
  • of Texas.
Bills: SR1, SR2
Summary: The final Sunset Commission meeting of this biennium was marked by a series of votes on modifications and new recommendations affecting multiple agencies, including the Texas Ethics Commission and the Trinity River Authority. Notable discussions included a modification proposed by Senator Middleton, aimed at alleviating concerns regarding the accumulation of late filing penalties, particularly for post-election reports. The modifications addressed public feedback on the need for clearer guidance and support from the Ethics Commission for filers navigating the complexities of compliance. The committee successfully passed all recommended changes without objection.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Local GovernmentAudio only. Aug 26th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So that's part of the problem.
  • So I estimated only 14 cents to do over $300,000 of printing, envelopes, and all of that.
  • We didn't look at the cost of this; we looked at the percentage of this.
  • I kind of argued both sides.
  • Of course, with all of this, if you have 10 jurisdictions, it's one thing.
Bills: HB17, HB23
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government focused primarily on two bills, HB23 and HB17. HB23, which clarifies existing tax exemptions for charitable organizations, particularly concerning the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, received unanimous support from committee members and was reported out without opposition. Meanwhile, HB17 sparked more robust discussions surrounding transparency in property tax notifications. Proponents argued the necessity of providing clear, direct information to taxpayers about rate changes, while opponents raised concerns about the financial burden this would impose on school districts and local governments, asserting that the bill could lead to significant mailing costs and create an unfunded mandate.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • At the heart of this devastation was Kerr County, where the lives of over 100 men, women, and children
  • And there are a lot of things about her life that maybe all of us didn't know fully, but one of the things
  • So I'm proud of all of you. I know we always didn't agree on every issue.
  • I miss a lot of you, and we're going to see a lot of

  • Sign die, pending the receipt of House messages and the completion of administrative duties.
Bills: SB2, SB10, HB27, HB18, HB17, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB18, SR1, SR2, SR5
Summary: The meeting convened to address significant resolutions, including the formation of a committee to investigate the catastrophic flooding events in July 2025 that resulted in tragic losses across Texas. Senator Flores introduced Senate Resolution 2, aiming to conduct a comprehensive examination of the flooding's impacts and the effectiveness of immediate legislative responses. The resolution was adopted unanimously, indicating a shared commitment to understand and improve future disaster preparedness. Additionally, Senate Resolution 5 was discussed, which proposed amendments to the Senate rules regarding committee structure, particularly in creating a new combined committee for Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs. This resolution also received unanimous support, showcasing a collaborative effort to streamline legislative functions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Apr 22nd, 2025 at 11:04 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • and parents of students.
  • Also, the substitute adds the repeal of sections 11059F and G of the Education Code.
  • the Board of Trustees of an independent school district.
  • a person required to register as a sex offender from serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of
  • characteristics that are objectionable, or accusing somebody of being a member of a...
Summary: The committee meeting focused on multiple bills pertaining to educational reforms and initiatives. Notable discussions included the passage of HB824, which aims to expand civics education in Texas high schools, emphasizing the importance of understanding government functions and participation in democracy. The bill received unanimous support from the committee members, reflecting broad consensus on the need for enhanced civic education. Similarly, HB1581 and HB1579 were discussed, aiming to improve bilingual education and establish a state seal of bilingualism and biliteracy for high school students, respectively, thereby emphasizing the educational framework's inclusivity and quality enhancement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources (Part II) Mar 26th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • the standard permit and the substitute continue to go beyond the regulation of a piece of equipment,
  • Are there other questions of witnesses?
  • of their scope, the bounds of what the federal requirements cause them to consider.
  • The bill addresses several of our comments.
  • Just to give you a point of comparison.
Summary: The committee meeting was convened to discuss SB1757, which proposed a new standard permit impacting aggregate production operations (APOs) in Texas. Witnesses from various industries, including the Associated General Contractors and the Texas Aggregate and Concrete Association, provided insights supporting the bill while cautioning about potential overreach in regulation. Many expressed gratitude towards the committee members for their collaboration in achieving regulations that could accommodate operational needs while still being protective of community interests. Concerns were raised concerning the proposed public participation measures and the adequacy of environmental monitoring requirements under the new permit structure. Significant discussions centered around balancing industry growth with community health, particularly regarding air quality and the implementation of best management practices. Some witnesses voiced opposition, insisting that the current version fails to correctly incorporate control requirements and could potentially exacerbate tensions between industry and public health considerations. It was clear that ongoing negotiations were taking place among stakeholders, with a collective aim to refine the bill to better align with both industry and community needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Jan 16th, 2025 at 10:01 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Rodriguez-Ramos because of family on the motion of Ms. Morales of Harris. Is there objection?
  • Manju Kumar Dhopariji of Kapal as the Doctor of the Day.
  • Gonzalez of Dallas because of important business in the district on the motion of Ms.
  • I would like to ask the mayor of Navasota to please rise for a moment of silence.
  • I ask the mayor of Navasota to please rise for a moment of silence.
Summary: The meeting included significant discussions around memorial recognitions for fallen law enforcement officers, specifically honoring Brazoria County Deputy Jesus Jesse Vargas and Navasota Police Sergeant Mark Butler. Representatives expressed their condolences and shared memories of the fallen officers, highlighting their service and the impact they made in their communities. The emotional nature of these tributes emphasized the importance of solidarity and respect for those who serve in law enforcement. The meeting also included an acknowledgement of National Religious Freedom Day, emphasizing the fundamental rights of all citizens to practice their faith freely.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, in so many cases, what I am tired of, and I believe so many of my colleagues are tired of hearing
  • of it in any of our state agencies or training.
  • about the inclusion of anyone.
  • What I am tired of, and I believe so many of my colleagues are tired of hearing, is that no one qualified
  • of it in any of our state agencies or training.
Summary: During this meeting of the committee, significant discussions centered around Senate Bill 688 and Senate Bill 9, with members expressing deep concerns over the implications of the proposed legislation. Chair Carol Alvarado initiated the meeting by addressing the audience and highlighting the need for robust dialogue regarding the bills in question. Senator Royce West actively contributed to the discussions, emphasizing the necessity to reform existing policies that some believe would regress social progress in the state. The debate revealed a passionate division among committee members, as they navigated the complexities of equity and meritocracy in legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 Apr 24th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the intervening six years since the passage of that legislation, we've seen a number of issues crop
  • Chairman and members, that the reason why we passed Senate Bill 25 is because of the amount of money
  • We've rolled them out kind of in a staggered way in terms of we have 15 of them now, but we started with
  • So we see a lot of students either where this is a little bit of a dilemma.
  • And I'd like to get something by Monday of next week in terms of exactly what the progress has been.
Bills: SB2847, SB3039
Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K through 16 convened to discuss two significant bills, SB2846 and SB2847, with a focus on enhancing educational structures in Texas. Senator Hagen-Booe introduced SB2847, which aims to provide greater flexibility in core curricula for bachelor's degree programs. The discussion highlighted the potential positive implications of this bill, particularly in terms of aligning education with workforce needs and reducing barriers for students seeking technical degrees. However, there was no public testimony registered for either bill, which limited the input from stakeholders outside the legislative body. The committee chair indicated that further review of SB3039 would be necessary, pending additional discussions and data collection on student transfer issues from community colleges to four-year universities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Finance Aug 27th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...test at the beginning of the year, middle of the year, and
  • end of the year.
  • a middle-of-the-year test, and then an end-of-year test, but that allows them to have alternate testing
  • middle-of-year tests are automated, yes, that whole cap is going to be used on the end-of-year test.
  • all the years of work on the prior versions of House Bill 8.
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.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You're here on behalf of the city of Coppell, and you're...
  • I serve as Mayor Pro Tem of the city of Coppell, as well as represent Coppell on the Dallas Regional
  • of a taxing unit is required to approve a proposition for the issuance of 57 million dollars intended
  • The law also currently requires 60% of the governing body of a taxing unit to adjourn until January 31
  • 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

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • behalf of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Texas Dental Association.
  • Just a quick question for both of you. At the time that I call it really kind of a dark, sad time.
  • of senior facilities.
  • The posting of criminal activity should also assist residents by making them aware of activity where
  • We get a lot of handouts, but the handout that was given with all the pictures of those that died from
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.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • the vote, so that's just part of the process of having members on multiple committees who are doing
  • Not one of the fixes would restrain innovation. Not one of these fixes would be enough.
  • Thanks to all of you very much.
  • It's the product of years of policy development and negotiations that were started in 2020.
  • In recent days, many members of this committee have reviewed classified analysis of the scope of the
Bills: SB875
Summary: This meeting focused on the markup of the Genius Act and the FIRM Act, two significant pieces of legislation addressing stablecoin regulation and the financial industry's regulatory framework. The Chairman noted the importance of providing clarity to the digital asset community and protecting American consumers, while also promoting innovation and competition within the financial sector. Members of both parties expressed varying viewpoints, with some highlighting concerns related to national security and the potential risks associated with stablecoins.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • How many of you in your daily lives have a multiple-choice quiz slapped down on the table in front of
  • that each of us possesses and that each of us uses, regardless
  • set of tools in the form of three grueling STAAR tests to exert their power over our schools.
  • That is part of the problem we have here.
  • That's not much of an issue.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on the impacts of House Bill 8, which proposes increasing the frequency of state testing for students in Texas. During the meeting, various testimonies were provided by students, highlighting their concerns about the negative effects of standardized testing on their educational experience. Students expressed that the pressure of multiple assessments causes significant stress and detracts from the joy of learning. Some lawmakers voiced their opposition to the bill, emphasizing the need for a thorough review and consideration of alternative evaluation methods that prioritize student well-being over testing metrics.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Our friendship with the UK, of course, as many of you

  • in this room know, stretches back to the days of the Republic of Texas.
  • And of course, it's an extension of the wonderful trade

  • Truly, you are a great reflection of our great state. So it was great to be part of this.
  • What an honor to be with all of you.
Summary: The meeting was convened to announce the formation of the Texas Legislative U.K. Caucus, aimed at strengthening the relationship between Texas and the United Kingdom. Representative Claudia Ordaz and other legislators discussed the historical significance of this relationship and its implications for trade, cultural exchange, and innovation. The formation of this caucus is seen as a vital step towards promoting Texas interests abroad and enhancing bilateral policy discussions on key economic sectors such as energy, technology, and healthcare. Talks included plans for establishing a Texas trade office in the U.K., inspired by successful models with Texas and Taiwan.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Keyes' wealth of experience in the world of tax policy makes him eminently qualified to assist us in
  • They will make up part of Donald Trump's hand-picked team to run key portions of what I consider to be
  • Keyes' wealth of experience in the world of tax policy makes him eminently qualified to assist us in
  • They will make up part of Donald Trump's hand-picked team to run key portions of what I consider to be
  • plenty of time on the agenda of the billionaires and multinational corporations.
Summary: The committee convened to discuss various bills and nominees, including the critical nominations of William Kimmett for Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade and Ken Keyes for Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department. Discussions highlighted the nominees' roles in managing critical trade and tax policies amidst rising economic concerns, particularly focusing on inflation and its impact on American families. Members expressed both support and skepticism, emphasizing the significance of fostering fair trade practices and ensuring tax policies that benefit the middle-class amidst claims of an agenda favoring affluent individuals and corporations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

89th Legislative Session - First Called Session Jul 24th, 2025 at 10:07 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Please join me in the pledge of allegiance to the United States and the State of Texas.
  • Bell of Montgomery because of important business on the motion of Mr. Harris.
  • Morales-Shaw because of important business in the district on the motion of Ms.
  • Morales because of important business on the motion of Mr.
  • Yesterday, Tuesday, many of us were out in Burnet County with the Arc of Highland Lakes.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on the aftermath of a devastating flood in Kerr County, where lives were lost and families were displaced. Many representatives expressed their condolences and shared stories of community support, highlighting the extraordinary efforts of volunteers who rushed to help those affected. Member discussions were filled with heartfelt sentiments, as many acknowledged the long road ahead for recovery and rebuilding efforts. The atmosphere was one of solidarity, reflecting the commitment of the representatives to aid their constituents in times of crisis and to ensure such disasters are better managed in the future.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce May 25th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Pre-construction grants may not exceed the lesser of 50% of the expenses or $12.5 million.
  • of 50% of expenses or $100 million.
  • , with limitations on the amounts of money.
  • of the $10 billion for low-cost loans, and of course the
  • This, of course, evaluates each application.
Summary: The meeting of the Business and Commerce Committee was characterized by extensive discussions on several vital bills aiming to advance various economic and energy initiatives within the state. Notably, Senator King played a pivotal role in steering discussions as multiple bills were presented for voting. The committee favorably reported on a number of bills, including HB7, HB1094, and HB2037, with unanimous or overwhelming support. The focus on streamlined legislation indicated a collaborative effort among committee members to address pressing issues efficiently. Furthermore, Senator Menendez raised questions regarding the validation process of reimbursable grants linked to nuclear developments, underlining the committee's emphasis on ensuring fiscal responsibility alongside innovative energy solutions.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Vaden to be Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, and Mr.
  • Tyler Clarkson to be General Counsel of the United States Department of Agriculture.
  • Department of Agriculture.
  • By way of his background, he's a native of Union City, Tennessee, where he grew up.
  • Department of Agriculture.
Summary: The meeting focused on the nominations of Judge Stephen Alexander Vaden for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Mr. Tyler Clarkson for General Counsel at the USDA. Members expressed concerns regarding the challenges farmers and ranchers face, especially in navigating the impacts of recent tariffs imposed by the President. Significant attention was given to how these nominations could influence agriculture policy and support rural communities amidst economic uncertainty. The committee emphasized the necessity for strong leadership in the USDA to advocate for farmer needs and ensure the proper implementation of assistance programs.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Kim Jong-un has abandoned the goal of unification of

  • to the people of the Republic of Korea and the soldiers,
  • border, the rejection of reunification discussions, and the destruction of unification monuments and
  • Speaking of asymmetric advantages, the NCO Corps of

  • the United States of America is one of the Joint Forces' absolute asymmetric advantages.
Summary: The meeting focused on significant strategic discussions regarding the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and its military posture in the region. Admiral Paparo and General Brunson were commended for their services, with the Chair noting an alarming shift in the balance of power towards China. Key topics included China's aggressive military drills near Taiwan, the increasing coercion against the Philippines, and the need for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitments to its allies in the region. Concerns were raised regarding China's military modernization and its implications for U.S. forces, alongside discussions on North Korea's threats and its burgeoning nuclear capabilities. The committee emphasized the urgent need for military and defense appropriations to counteract these growing security challenges.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • It now includes all of Liberty County.
  • It takes a portion of Zoria from CD 14.
  • So this shows, obviously, just with the limit of an 11 by 17 piece of paper, the changes that were made
  • Any type of color shading is the...
  • that the lack of economic interest and the lack of economic
Summary: During the meeting of the House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting, significant discussions revolved around the proposed changes to HB4. The committee focused on a committee substitute that aimed to redraw congressional district lines to enhance Republican representation. Concerns were raised about the transparency and fairness of the redistricting process, particularly regarding input from historically underrepresented communities. Representative Woo notably objected to the lack of public testimony on the new maps, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. Despite objections, the committee debated the necessity of the changes and eventually voted to adopt the substitute to recommend its passage to the full House.

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