Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Department of Justice'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • water from out of state.
  • being included, and I think that takes care of many of our concerns.
  • of Senate Bill 7 today.
  • That's just a result of labor issues, the cost of inputs, and everything else.
  • So it is an issue of timing, part of the challenge here.
Bills: SB7
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on Senate Bill 7, which aims to enhance Texas's water infrastructure amid growing population and environmental challenges. Various stakeholders, including representatives from engineering firms, environmental organizations, and water associations, testified in support of the bill, emphasizing its potential to address pressing water supply issues and improve infrastructure reliability. Key topics of discussion included water reuse, flood infrastructure funding, and the need for legislative oversight to ensure effective management of financial resources. The testimony underscored the importance of adapting to aging water systems while promoting innovative solutions for sustainability.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education May 1st, 2025 at 08:05 am

House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • of the committee hearing room.
  • of teamwork.
  • people have heard of.
  • quite a mix of students.
  • they do in terms of the robustness of our economy in the regional area.
Bills: HB1079, HB3651, HB4980
Summary: The meeting of the committee on academic and career-oriented education centered on a series of bills focused on career and technology education. Notably, Representative Kerr introduced HB1079, which aims to formally recognize JROTC and LOTC programs as viable career and technology education pathways. Kerr expressed the significance of these programs for student readiness in both military and civilian careers, emphasizing the importance of leadership and teamwork skills gained through these courses. Public testimony included support from former JROTC members, highlighting the positive impact of the program on their lives and career trajectories.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health May 19th, 2025 at 10:05 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of provider scope.
  • That's what our entire scope of practice is. I sort of think of it as an expansion.
  • expansion of scope.
  • One of you said, and I'm not certain which of the two of you, that there is a way...
  • None of that.
Summary: During this meeting of the Committee on Public Health, members discussed several significant bills focused on expanding the scope of practice for dental professionals, specifically regarding the administration of neuromodulators such as Botox for aesthetic purposes. Senator Van Dever presented SB1117, which would allow licensed dentists to administer these treatments following proper training, a point that sparked a lively debate among committee members. While proponents emphasized the benefits of improving patient access to regulated aesthetic care, opponents raised concerns about the potential for dentists to prioritize cosmetic procedures over essential dental care, fearing that the marketplace could prioritize profit over patient safety. The bill enjoyed bipartisan support, having passed the Senate unanimously but faced scrutiny regarding the implications of allowing such expansion beyond traditional dental practices.
US

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine the President's 2025 trade policy agenda. Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • and economic engagement, and we have plenty of substantive trade ideas to discuss.
  • The validity of free trade will be seen again.
  • The validity of free trade will be seen again.
  • The validity of free trade will be seen again.
  • era of 1870s-style protectionism.
Summary: The meeting focused on various significant topics concerning the recent tariff policies and their wide-ranging implications on the American economy. Members expressed their concerns regarding the negative impact of increased tariffs as proposed by the Trump administration, with specific emphasis on how families might suffer from higher costs and market access issues. The discussion was lively, with members questioning the clarity of the tariff plan and raising concerns about its potential effects on small businesses and American exports.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Property Tax Appraisals May 1st, 2025 at 10:05 am

House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Transcript Highlights:
  • the Texas Association of Appraisal Districts to speak in support of the bill.
  • And again, we show you as the Chief Appraiser, and you're here on behalf of the Texas Association of
  • So we are in support of this bill.
  • Many of us have hundreds of taxing entities that we have to work with.
  • Chapter 6 of the tax code, with the disapproval of the budget or disapproval of other board actions.
Summary: The meeting of the Permanent Standing Subcommittee on Property Tax Appraisals focused on several important bills aimed at improving the efficiency and transparency of property appraisal processes. Notably, Senate Bill 2073 was discussed, which seeks to provide appraisal districts with more flexibility in managing facility improvements while streamlining the approval process. The bill was noted to enhance operational efficiency, allowing Appraisal Districts greater financial tools to manage long-term capital projects. Witness Leona Mann testified in support, highlighting the need to reduce bureaucratic barriers that currently hinder timely decisions on property acquisitions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources May 21st, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm here to testify on behalf of and in support of Senate Bill 1855.
  • We are one of those problem children that Doug Shaw spoke of; we are ground zero for groundwater wells
  • In other words, just to cut to the quick of it, a lot of groundwater is being used.
  • That takes us out of the fiscal...
  • millions of dollars statewide.
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Natural Resources was convened to review several bills concerning water regulation and development. Chairman Harris facilitated discussions on SB1965, SB2885, SB2440, SB1855, SB2568, SB3058, and SB612. Notable was the acknowledgment of rising concerns over groundwater availability and the regulatory framework surrounding it. The members emphasized the essential nature of the decisions being made, particularly in light of recent developments in water conservation and infrastructure. The bill SB1855 emerged as a focal point, addressing ambiguities in prior legislation about groundwater certification, which has caused confusion among local officials and developers alike. Testimonies were provided by representatives from various counties, emphasizing the necessity for clear guidelines and standards to protect water resources and support sustainable development.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • feels that she was taken advantage of because of her age.
  • The bill states that possession of more than five pieces of
  • Rather than seeking to charge a defendant based on the value of the check, like the theft of personal
  • The theft of universal mail arrow keys also appears to be a part of this growing crime.
  • any of them.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several critical pieces of legislation, including discussions around HB1720, aimed at enhancing the security of animal housing facilities to prevent unauthorized trespassing. Representative Gerben-Hawkins emphasized the bill's importance in protecting both the animals and the safety of facilities. The discussion highlighted personal accounts, including a notable incident involving a break-in at the Dallas Zoo, underscoring the urgency of implementing stricter penalties for trespassers in these settings. The bill aims to classify such trespassing as a jail felony or even a third-degree felony depending on the circumstances of any harassment towards the animals involved. Additionally, HB2593 was brought up, proposing to increase penalties for indecent assault against the elderly and disabled, reflecting a growing concern for the safety of vulnerable populations. The committee also discussed HB4414, which addresses mail theft related to checks and introduces offenses for the theft of mail keys. The meeting was well-attended, with ample public testimony supporting these legislative measures, indicating a strong concern from the community about animal welfare and protection for vulnerable citizens.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Apr 28th, 2025 at 09:04 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This legislation has a positive impact on the state of Texas of $25 million.
  • In the state of Texas, it happened specifically to the town of Prosper in 2022.
  • You're here on behalf of Prosper, and you're here to testify in favor of the bill.
  • As part of their acquisition, they became part of this sales tax loophole.
  • And out of Texas residents who pay the franchise tax, 65% of that is...
Summary: The meeting was focused on various legislative discussions, particularly centered around environmental initiatives and tax incentives. Notable discussions occurred regarding HB3746, which aims to grant sales tax exemptions for power generation equipment, a proposal that sparked significant engagement among members. Representative Darby, who championed the bill, emphasized its limited scope and potential benefits to Texas businesses. The session was lively, with members exchanging views on the implications of the bill on the local economy and the environment. Public testimony was invited to weigh in on this matter, further enriching the dialogue.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Apr 10th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair, members of the committee.
  • Colby Ferguson, on behalf of the Texas Pork Producers Association, here in support of House Bill 3630
  • Pendleton on behalf of Texas.
  • I'm a big fan of this niche of housing.
  • I'm also a resident of Fort Bend County and the Vice President of Fort Bend County MUD 35.
Bills: HB1835, HB2561, HB3630
Summary: The meeting convened with a quorum present and was primarily focused on multiple pieces of legislation related to municipal utility districts (MUDs). Among the bills discussed, HB2225 was moved forward favorably, extending public notice requirements for fee impositions. Representative Nozzolio and Vice-Chair Malani contributed significantly to the discussion, highlighting the implications of these changes. Another significant bill was HB2797, which prohibits municipalities from regulating the number of occupants in a dwelling unit based on various status categories. The committee adopted a substitute for this bill, which suggested that key modifications address community concerns around housing policies. Positive sentiments were expressed regarding the adaptability of this substitute which was widely discussed among the members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 2nd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • If any of you have driven north of the Capitol, you've

  • A lot of y'all were on this committee and were part of that.
  • Army Corps of Engineers.
  • the Port of Houston and some of the metrics on the impact on Texas.
  • There was just kind of a little hole in terms of desired future conditions when they are challenged.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the consideration of several water-related bills, including HB1618, HB2970, HB3609, and HB3628. Representative Harris introduced HB1618, which aims to facilitate aquifer storage and recovery projects in Williamson County to support growth and address drought issues. Multiple witnesses testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the need for effective water management in a rapidly growing area. The discussion highlighted the increasing water demands along the I-35 corridor. Representative Paul advocated for HB2970, which codifies navigation safety measures for the Houston Ship Channel, a vital component for Texas's economy. This bill is linked to a major federal project intended to protect against storm surges while ensuring two-way traffic on the channel.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 24th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of people,

    Aiming this stretch of the highway is yet

  • Canales: How long of the last thing, part of the testimony I've heard is, is OK, this is, why is that
  • We're staying out of it.
  • It's because of the number of ships that are...

  • safe for the state of Texas.
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by detailed discussions on four significant bills, notably HB5597, HB2462, HB4420, and HB4429. Each bill was thoroughly examined, with representatives offering insights and public representatives providing testimony. One of the standout moments was when Representative Leach presented HB2462, which seeks to allow pregnant drivers to use HOV lanes, described as a step toward elevating motherhood and supporting life in Texas. The committee enjoyed robust dialogue around the implications of this legislation, leading to inquiries about potential impacts and reception from the public and other stakeholders. As the meeting progressed, urgent matters pertaining to the other three bills were deliberated, with various opinions being voiced about their respective benefits and drawbacks. Notably, discussions included concerns regarding safety, economic implications, and community impact. After addressing all bills, the meeting concluded with plans for upcoming sessions to explore these topics further. The committee encouraged continued public engagement and input on the matters discussed, emphasizing the importance of addressing community needs through thoughtful legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs May 5th, 2025 at 12:05 pm

House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm here on behalf of Dallas County in support of SB651.
  • outside of the government.
  • a portion of Business U.S.
  • The reality of it is I think all of us have a special moment that we think of when we think of our moms
  • As a matter of fact, I do. Yeah, a mother of four.
Summary: The meeting focused on the discussion of four key bills related to veteran services, primarily aimed at improving the transition from military to civilian life. Representative Rosita presented HB4458, which proposes the establishment of the Texas Veterans Achieving Self-Respect Reliance pilot program to help veterans navigate challenges post-service, such as employment and housing. The bill was well-discussed, emphasizing the need for proactive support, rather than reactive measures after veterans face difficulties. Public testimonies included support from various organizations advocating for the betterment of veteran services.
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

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Mar 10th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • maintenance and operations that is sent to the state of Texas in the form of recapture and the percentage
  • Just a couple of questions. One is, some of the land, my understanding...
  • For a number of years now, the state of Texas has taken a strong stance against illegal immigration,
  • or a percentage of the property, but this is sort of an exemption that is specific to a portion of the
  • I might add that in the chain of my acquisition to San Diego, the sale of my acquisition, production,
Summary: The meeting of the committee on ways and means centered on several significant bills aimed at addressing property tax issues, particularly regarding agricultural and border security infrastructure. A committee substitute for HB247 was discussed, emphasizing a voluntary approach with private landowners in light of enhanced border security measures, which reassured many stakeholders previously hesitant about such initiatives. Notably, the bill provides tax exemptions for landowners who allow construction of border security infrastructure, effectively alleviating concerns about increased property values leading to higher taxes. Committee members expressed support for transparency and fairness in how these laws impact stakeholders, especially those along the Texas-Mexico border.
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

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
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.
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:
  • People across our country are tired of the constant cycle of falling back and springing forward.
  • My home state has one of the highest per capita rates of pedestrian fatalities.
  • that would allow the state to opt out of the practice of changing the time.
  • She is here on behalf of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
  • them is out of prison and one of them remains behind bars.
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.

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