Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Committee on Trade'
Page 56 of 62
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Federally, we place limits on when we can raise funds, we place limits on...
- hope this body will understand that if we think, one...
- But the Democrats are the only ones that did it.
- They were the only ones that were preventing flood relief.
Hearing none, the House Committee on Elections stands
Bills:
HB18
Keywords:
political contributions, legislature, civil penalty, quorum-breaking, Texas Ethics Commission, fundraising, quorum, HB18, legislative process, financial gain, special session, political contributions
Summary:
In the meeting, the primary focus was on HB18, which aims to prohibit legislators from fundraising while breaking quorum without an excused absence. The bill sparked a lively discussion among committee members, highlighting concerns regarding the financial benefits that legislators may receive while hindering the legislative process. Members debated the implications of enacting such a law, with some arguing that it could unfairly penalize minority parties exercising their constitutional rights. Notably, testimony was heard from constituents who expressed their discontent with fundraising efforts that coincided with quorum breaks, presenting a strong case for the necessity of the bill. The committee ultimately chose to leave the bill pending for further discussion.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Criminal Jurisprudence S/C New Offenses and Changed Penalties May 1st, 2025 at 08:05 am
Transcript Highlights:
- An attack on a bus driver might as well be an attack on everyone on or near the bus.
- No one should fear.
- On a weekly basis, we get probably one or two serious assaults, and that's an assault with injury, whether
- One of my concerns is taking one problem and creating two
- on exactly what's going on here.
Keywords:
public safety, criminal penalties, HB544, vulnerable populations, child abuse, consecutive sentencing, HB689, elder abuse, public testimony
Summary:
The committee meeting primarily focused on discussing various bills addressing public safety and criminal penalties within Texas. Notable discussions included the introduction of HB544, which aims to expand consecutive sentencing for crimes against children and vulnerable adults. Representative Gervin Hawkins highlighted the urgent need for this legislation by referencing a shocking case in Bexar County involving severe abuse, illustrating the limitations of current law in imposing adequate penalties. The bill received public support and raised awareness of the ongoing issues surrounding the safety of vulnerable populations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I know there's a committee substitute being discussed for House Bill 2667, based on a law passed in Oklahoma
- As it was discussed, I'm currently waiting on a sub.
- Audrey O'Neill, DFPS Resource Witness, on the bill.
- Is there anyone else who wishes to testify on for...
- Now, if you have time for a committee substitute or maybe do an amendment on the floor, but I'd like
Bills:
HB1531, HB2667, HB2809, HB2865, HB3589, HB3151, HB3748, HB3750, HB4419, HB4643, HB3597, HB4129, HB4130, HB4131
Keywords:
senior living, referral agencies, consumer protection, regulation, elderly services, youth, mental health, suicide prevention, protective services, child welfare, reporting requirements, Medicaid, public assistance, ex parte renewal, eligibility, Texas, group home, licensing, regulation, health and safety
Summary:
The meeting focused primarily on several key bills pertaining to the accountability and operational continuity of single-source continuum contractors within the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Representative Davis presented three related bills: HB4129, HB4130, and HB4131, which were designed to strengthen DFPS's enforcement mechanisms, clarify contract termination timelines, and enable swift action in cases of non-compliance by services providers. Each bill was discussed in detail, highlighting their importance for ensuring services for children and families remain uninterrupted and meet quality standards. Witnesses from various stakeholders provided testimony both in support and in critique of the proposed legislation, indicating the significant impact these bills could have on service delivery across the state.
A notable moment during the meeting was when the discussion surrounding HB4130 revealed concerns regarding current 60-day notice requirements for contract terminations, which were deemed insufficient. The proposed extension to 180 days is aimed at ensuring a seamless transition without service disruption. The meeting concluded with the decision to leave the bills pending further consideration, demonstrating a commitment to address the pressing issues raised by the lawmakers and community members involved.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.
Intergovernmental Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025 at 10:08 am
House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
The House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs will come to order
- The committee can take public comments on individual bills
- Just one.
- One number one, right?
- and on.
Keywords:
fiscal responsibility, local government spending, House Bill 46, House Bill 73, public safety, infrastructure, taxpayer concerns, cost inflation, community services
Summary:
The committee meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding fiscal responsibility in local governments, particularly the implications of House Bills 46 and 73. Proponents argued that these bills would help limit unnecessary spending and ensure that expenditures are tied to inflation and population growth, addressing taxpayer concerns about rising local budgets. However, numerous city officials and representatives from various organizations voiced strong opposition, claiming that these measures would hinder essential services and infrastructure improvements, particularly in rapidly growing areas. Current spending practices were deemed inadequate for meeting the demands of public safety and community services, especially in light of increased costs in areas like public water systems and emergency response. The meeting was characterized by passionate debate, as stakeholders lined up to express their views both for and against the proposed legislation.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 29th, 2025 at 10:04 am
House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee
Transcript Highlights:
The Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence will come back to order.
- Which one do you prefer?
During the interim, the House Committee on Criminal
- on this bill.
- Only one...
Bills:
HB115, HB507, HB1765, HB1847, HB2046, HB2239, HB2328, HB2309, HB2417, HB2728, HB2794, HB3206, HB3566, HB3694, HB3744, HB4254, HB4697, HB4733, HB4915, HB5465, HB2813
Keywords:
habeas corpus, postconviction, criminal procedure, indigent defense, scientific evidence, legal representation, judicial power, indigent defense, capital felony, legal representation, criminal law, death penalty, attorney qualification, training standards, law enforcement, no-knock warrant, search warrant, criminal procedure, peace officer, indigent defense
Summary:
The committee meeting featured comprehensive discussions surrounding several significant bills aimed at reforming laws related to criminal justice and individual rights. Notable among the bills was HB2309, which intends to update the civil asset forfeiture laws in Texas, empowering the Attorney General's office to pursue forfeiture in serious cases like human trafficking and organized crime. Representative Villalba presented this bill, emphasizing the need for state-level resources to address broader criminal enterprises effectively. The bill's testimony included insights from witnesses associated with the Texas Attorney General's office who affirmed the necessity for such changes to enhance law enforcement's capabilities across jurisdictions.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Finance Jan 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
The Senate Committee on Finance will come to order.
- Thank you, Senator Alvarado, for agreeing to serve on this committee.
- Could you brief the committee on what recommendations the Texas Judicial Council has?
- Could you brief the committee on what recommendations the Texas Judicial Council has?
- Could you brief the committee on what recommendations the Texas Judicial Council has?
Keywords:
budget proposals, judicial services, salary increases, attorney shortage, indigent defense, rural legal access, funding requests
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Finance Committee was marked by extensive discussions around the budget proposals for various judicial services and the impact of proposed salary increases on staffing. Notably, there were concerns raised regarding a significant attorney shortage in rural areas, which has seen a 27% decline in attorneys taking positions compared to previous years. Scott Ehlers highlighted a crucial $12 million funding request aimed at addressing this shortfall to maintain the adequate operational capacity of indigent defense services across the state. The committee members, led by Chairman Hinojosa, emphasized the importance of finding solutions to improve legal access and representation in underserved areas to respond effectively to this critical issue.
US
Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Martin Makary, of Virginia, to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Department of Health and Human Services. Mar 6th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- on Health, Education.
- Sondland for appearing before the committee last week.
- I think everybody on this committee and the people of America understand who is running the government
On Sondland.
- , number one.
Keywords:
nominations, labor, health, veterans, Social Security, Elon Musk, transparency, government accountability
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on various executive nominations and their implications on labor and health affairs. Significant discussions surrounded the nomination of Mr. Sonderling as the Deputy Secretary of Labor, with members expressing concerns about workforce cuts affecting veterans and Social Security employees. There was also a debate led by a member regarding the authority and influence of private individuals, specifically citing Elon Musk's involvement in government decisions. Such discussions raised questions about transparency and accountability within governmental agencies, leading to a proposal for Mr. Musk to provide testimony before the committee.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
S/C on State-Federal Relations May 1st, 2025 at 08:05 am
House S/C on State-Federal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, the Chair offers a committee substitute.
- One of those challenges is that the city of Texarkana, Texas, actually has some facilities over on the
- That's just one example. The airport as well.
- I'm the one that wrote what was originally filed.
- But now you'll notice on your identification card, your driver's license, there's a star on the right-hand
Keywords:
border municipalities, agreements, funding eligibility, infrastructure, intergovernmental cooperation, REAL ID, travel document, border crossing, Texas, U.S. citizens, Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, defense innovation, national security, Texas, U.S. Army Futures Command, military technology, economic growth, HB3484, HCR112, border municipalities
Summary:
During the meeting, the committee addressed significant legislative topics, focusing on HB3484 and HCR112. HB3484 was presented by Chairman Van Dever, who detailed the challenges faced by border cities like Texarkana in accessing funding for facilities located across state lines. The discussion included testimonies from community members highlighting the necessity of operational agreements between neighboring municipalities to streamline resource management and funding eligibility. This bill aims to ensure that infrastructure projects serving both Texarkana, Texas and its Arkansas counterpart are recognized adequately for funding purposes. The testimony emphasized the benefits of cooperative projects such as wastewater treatment plants and how these arrangements have historically contributed to the well-being of residents in both regions. HCR112, presented by Representative Perez, urged Congress to accept state-issued Real ID cards for U.S. citizens reentering the country, streamlining identification processes at border crossings. The resolution sparked dialogue about the practical impacts of federal ID compliance on daily border interactions and the potential economic benefits for border communities.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
Senate Committee on Finance, come to order.
- to the members of the Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness
- It's strategy one. In two, I believe, yes, right? It's strategy one.
- One was surface water data collection analysis and one was the Texas Mesonet coverage.
- accord on the same page.
Bills:
SB3
Keywords:
flood response, SB3, disaster preparedness, public testimony, emergency funding, first responders, training facilities, FEMA
Summary:
The Senate committee on finance convened to discuss critical flood response legislation, particularly SB3, which aims to address the needs of flooding victims in Texas. The bill, presented by Chair Huffman, includes $200 million for FEMA reimbursements and additional funding for disaster preparedness, equipment, and training facilities. Public testimony indicated strong support for SB3, highlighting the significant need for improved flood response mechanisms. Several first responders shared their need for consistent, year-round training facilities, emphasizing that current training resources are insufficient.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
The Committee on State Affairs will come to order.
- Ours on the flag. There are not 13 big ones and 37 little ones because the...
- Castillo, come on down. We have a seat for you. Will you come on down?
- committee.
- Of the business at this time, the Senate Committee on State
Keywords:
public school funding, education, budget allocation, financial transparency, state law, local control, fiduciary responsibility, public retirement systems, investment management, proxy voting, financial factors, public retirement systems, fiduciary responsibility, investment management, proxy voting, financial factors, insurance, political shareholder proposals, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions
Summary:
The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several significant legislative measures, notably focusing on the SJR54, which is an application for a Convention of States under Article V of the Constitution. The resolution seeks to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit federal jurisdiction, and restrict terms of Congress members. The discussion included historical perspectives and current motivations behind the push for such a convention, highlighting its urgency in light of perceived federal overreach. Members engaged in a thorough debate regarding the implications of a permanent application for a convention, and several witnesses from various interest groups provided testimony both for and against the resolution.
US
Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine turning back time, focusing on locking the clock. Apr 10th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
- Senator Scott, welcome back to the Commerce Committee.
- are the same in every way, but today one of them is out of prison and one of them remains behind bars
- That one seemingly harmless government mandate, dialing our clocks back one hour, means some people receive
- What should this committee do? My name is Scott Yates.
Keywords:
daylight saving time, Sunshine Protection Act, health impacts, clock change, legislative discussion
Summary:
The committee meeting was dedicated to discussing significant legislative topics, focusing particularly on the implications of daylight saving time (DST). Senator Scott advocated for the Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes and keep daylight saving time year-round. He emphasized the negative health impacts associated with DST, including increased risks of heart attacks and accidents immediately following the time changes. Various witnesses provided personal testimonies and expert opinions, highlighting the confusion and health disruptions caused by the current time change practices.
US
Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine stemming the tide of antisemitism in America. Mar 5th, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- There is only one solution: Intifada revolution. One protester was seen carrying a Hamas flag.
This committee held a generalized hearing on hate crimes
- But on this side of the Capitol, committees remained silent.
- Continuing to quote that senator, "I don't hear a lot of people on our side really focused on..."
- In light of their deafening silence, on May 2nd, 2024, every Republican on this committee wrote a letter
Keywords:
anti-Semitism, hate crimes, college campuses, civil rights, public safety, protests, intimidation
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on addressing the rising tide of anti-Semitism across the nation. Among the discussions, members expressed concerns about the disturbing acts of hate witnessed on college campuses, with instances of harassment and intimidation targeting Jewish students being highlighted. High-profile incidents, including vandalism and the display of extremist symbols, prompted urgent calls for investigations and measures to protect civil rights. The importance of moral clarity in confronting such hate crimes was emphasized as well, outlining the responsibilities of leaders to ensure safety and uphold justice.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Any questions for the witness on this?
- If we lose one child, that's really one child too many.
- Wood on this bill?
- I'm on a county court law bench.
- If there's no other business, the Committee on Jurisprudence.
Keywords:
disability, supported decision-making, legal assistance, confidentiality, access to justice, autonomy, civil rights, advocacy, judicial branch, court security, expunction, pretrial intervention, youth diversion, record retention, legislative procedures, Senate Bill 2165, foster care, missing children, supportive decision-making, legal jurisdiction
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
Agriculture & Livestock Apr 22nd, 2025 at 02:04 pm
House Agriculture & Livestock Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- If you require assistance in registering or testifying, please contact the committee staff.
- Chair, Vice Chair, and members of this illustrious committee.
- on the impact of seed banks and seed preservation on access
- Representative Cain offers up a committee substitute. The substitute just changes "or" to "and".
- on Agriculture and Livestock stands adjourned subject to the call of the chair.
Bills:
HB5085
Keywords:
seed banks, food access, environment, biodiversity, agriculture policy, agriculture, seed banks, food security, biodiversity, local regulations, veterinary
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on several agricultural bills, including HB5085, SB1035, and SB2155. Representative Hawkins opened the discussion regarding HB5085, emphasizing the importance of seed banks and preservation efforts for maintaining food security and biodiversity in light of environmental challenges. The bill was passed favorably with a vote of six to three after discussion on its potential impact on local agricultural practices. The meeting proceeded with SB1035, which aims to provide a legal pathway for agricultural operators to contest unlawful local regulations, where a committee substitute was successfully adopted. This bill received unanimous support in voting before moving on to SB2155, which seeks to modernize the structure of the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, also passed with unanimous support.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education Apr 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am
House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll let the record reflect that Vice Chair Talarico is present on the dais.
Hang on one second. OK.
- All right, hang on one second. I think it says Gratham.
- However, others focused on non-rural and higher-needs settings find consistent negative effects on student
- Yeah, I think that's when, in our opinion, is one of the ways to make us stronger.
Keywords:
school funding, instructional days, education, public schools, school performance, four-day school week, instructional days, education, four-day school week, performance rating, school governance, instructional days, school calendar, education funding, emergency closures, four-day school week, public schools, education, instructional days, public schools
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on various educational bills, prominently House Bill 1209, which aims to address concerns surrounding the implementation of four-day school weeks in Texas. Key discussions highlighted the potential negative impacts on student performance, particularly after a report indicated that students in four-day districts scored lower in reading and math compared to their peers in traditional five-day school weeks. Representative Cunningham raised significant points regarding the importance of maintaining instructional time and the need for accountability for school districts opting for shorter weeks.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- of those or you are currently on bond for one of those most serious offenses, then there is...
- I see no one registered.
Six ayes, one nay. Six ayes, one nay.
- One has all the public information that can be on an officer.
- ...One nay, the committee substitute for Senate Bill 781
Keywords:
bail reform, criminal justice, felony offenses, constitutional amendment, public safety, bail reform, SJR87, SB3073, public safety, due process, judicial discretion, criminal justice, violent offenders, legislation
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to discuss important legislative amendments regarding bail reform in Texas. The meeting centered around two key bills: SJR87 and SB3073. SJR87 is a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at imposing stricter bail conditions for repeat violent offenders, requiring judges to deny bail without individual assessments of risk in certain cases. This sparked contentious debate, highlighting the concerns among committee members and public witnesses about potential infringements on due process and judicial discretion. Proponents argued that the amendment would help safeguard the community against repeat offenders by ensuring that those with serious crimes on their record could not be released on bail under questionable circumstances.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- does not contest the right to be on that property.
- Increasing taxes on property owners is a serious matter.
- Chairman, members of the committee.
- It depends on how they calculate, right?
- The House Committee on Ways and Means stands adjourned, subject
Keywords:
ad valorem tax, elderly, disabled, homestead exemption, school district, Senate Bill 1277, Coppell, municipal street maintenance tax, infrastructure projects, tax stabilization, public testimony
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
Agriculture & Livestock May 14th, 2025 at 09:05 am
House Agriculture & Livestock Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- That's based on industrial models.
- One reason there's not much...
- Can you shed light on that, please?
- Oh, there's a small one in here, here's a large one in here.
- If there's no further business and without objection, the House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock
Bills:
SB1864
Keywords:
SB1864, graded egg market, small-scale producers, food safety, agribusiness, consumer protection, local markets
Summary:
This meeting of the committee centered around the discussion of SB1864, which aims to increase access to the graded egg market for small-scale producers. Chairman Wilson introduced the bill, highlighting its potential to lower barriers for entry, allowing smaller producers to sell ungraded eggs to retailers and wholesalers with proper labeling and documentation. The committee heard differing viewpoints, with supporters emphasizing the importance of farming diversity and access to local markets, while opponents raised concerns about food safety and maintaining quality standards. Testimonies from various stakeholders, including farmer representatives, industry experts, and regulatory bodies, were presented, showcasing the tension between market access for small producers and the need for consumer protection through existing food safety regulations.