Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Texas Sunset Advisory Commission'
Page 56 of 58
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.
Keywords:
SCR7, committee meeting, agency information session, Pledge of Allegiance, legislative engagement
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
Appropriations - S/C on Article I, IV, V Mar 5th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
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
Keywords:
House Committee, Appropriations, HB1, law enforcement stipends, funding proposals, technical adjustments
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.
Keywords:
broadband, internet access, digital equity, tax reduction, government funding, broadband, rural counties, fiber-optic, internet access, state funding, infrastructure, digital divide, economic development, fiber-optic cable, excavation, utilities, civil penalties, municipal regulations, infrastructure, video services
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
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
Keywords:
standardized testing, education reform, law enforcement, Harris County, accountability, public testimony
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
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs (Part II) Apr 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm an attorney in Amarillo, and I represent the Texas Association of Water Companies.
- which, of course, would bankrupt my client, who grows 80% of the potatoes produced in the state of Texas
- That includes Hayes Trinity in the current Aqua Texas litigation.
- Today, I'd also like to point out that in the case of a utility like my client and even like Aqua Texas
- , when you are producing water, you are complying with your mandatory duty under Chapter 13 of the Texas
Keywords:
groundwater, water utilities, Senate Bill 2661, penalties, public testimony, aquifer depletion, water conservation, Senate Bill 2662, drought resources
Summary:
During this meeting, the committee had a thorough discussion centered around various Senate Bills primarily related to groundwater management and water utility regulations. Notably, Senate Bill 2661, introduced amendments to enhance penalties for over-pumping water, highlighting the growing concern over depleting aquifers and ensuring compliance with existing water use regulations. Multiple senators voiced their opinions regarding the necessity of tougher penalties and the implications for both water users and conservation methods. Public testimony was heard, with some arguing against the proposed penalties, stating they could unfairly burden farmers and landowners.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Agriculture & Livestock Apr 22nd, 2025 at 02:04 pm
House Agriculture & Livestock Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- span marker="16" data-time="90">Take, for example, in 2011, Texas
As our population in Texas and across the world grows
Texas A&M Agricultural Life Extension Service
- if the food industry in Texas.
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
Transcript Highlights:
- smuggled illegal items into Texas.
Texas is on the front lines.
- Texas has the constitutional duty to protect its citizens.
- HB160 seeks to codify this authority and enable Texas to...
Keywords:
border security, HCR98, HB180, drones, intergovernmental cooperation, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, drug trafficking, human trafficking
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Border Security convened to discuss key resolutions aimed at enhancing border security measures. Notable discussions centered around HCR98, which urges Congress to bolster intergovernmental cooperation in deploying counter-unmanned aircraft systems to address unauthorized drone activities at the border. Committee members expressed the urgency of establishing operational protocols for detecting and neutralizing drones that threaten national security. Additionally, HB180 was presented, focusing on elevating state-level cooperation with Mexican authorities to better manage cross-border challenges like drug and human trafficking. There were no public testimonies for either bill; however, HCR98 was reported favorably to the full Senate following a brief voting process.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- about this historic legacy level of funding, and all the great things that will come from this for Texas
- With 56% of teachers that were hired last year for Texas public schools being uncertified, we're creating
- and this bill significantly stands for them, not just for the biennium, but from here forward, as a Texas
- I just want to thank you, and I think you just articulated so well what everybody in Texas knows is your
- It's going to make a huge difference, and we just want to thank you from South Texas.
Keywords:
House Bill 2, education funding, public schools, special education, teacher pay, Senate Committee on Education K-16, substitute bill, public testimony, Senator Creighton, educational reforms
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened to discuss House Bill 2, which focuses on public education funding and reforms. Senator Creighton presented amendments to the bill, highlighting significant increases in funding for special education and enhancements to teacher pay. Notably, the committee adopted a new substitute version of the bill after thorough discussions regarding its implications on districts and educators. Several senators expressed their concerns and support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all educational stakeholders are adequately compensated and that the bill addresses ongoing educational challenges in Texas.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- districts for the election of members of the United States House of Representatives from the state of Texas
- data-time="108"> The Texas
- >Please join us on this same channel for the next meeting of the Texas
Keywords:
tax rate, local government, voter approval, taxing units, property tax, ad valorem tax, public school accountability, educational assessments, performance ratings, transparency, interventions and sanctions, youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health and safety, weather alerts, camp regulations, public school accountability, educational assessments, performance ratings
Summary:
During the meeting, the committee convened to discuss various bills including SB4 regarding redistricting for congressional elections, SB8 focused on public school accountability, and HB60 which tackles emergency preparedness for youth camps. Notable discussions arose surrounding the implications of each bill, especially SB8, as members expressed their concerns regarding its potential impact on educational transparency. The chair encouraged active participation, prompting members to comment on the bills, establishing a lively dialogue among participants. The meeting concluded with a motion to recess until the next scheduled session, underscoring the committee's commitment to thorough examination of legislative matters.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- 14 by Representative Cody Harris seeks to advance the development of a nuclear energy industry in Texas
- It creates the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office within the governor's office.
- It also establishes the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund.
- structured as low-interest loans, 3% loans for entities qualified through an application process for the Texas
- that is either developing or deploying nuclear supply chain or nuclear technology in the state of Texas
Keywords:
Business and Commerce Committee, energy initiatives, nuclear energy, reimbursable grants, legislative efficiency, collaborative efforts
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.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Congressional Redistricting, Select Aug 2nd, 2025 at 09:08 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And it seems like leadership in Texas...
- it the hardest, the most difficult state in the union to register and cast a ballot is the state of Texas
- So the people of Texas spoke. They came out in overwhelming numbers to these hearings.
- To assert that the people of Texas...
Keywords:
redistricting, HB4, congressional representation, discrimination, minority districts, public testimony, Civic engagement
Summary:
The House Select Committee on Congressional Registration convened to discuss and vote on HB4, a congressional redistricting bill. During the meeting, Representative Turner expressed strong opposition, labeling the bill as discriminatory and racially motivated, claiming it intended to dismantle historically minority districts. Overall, there was a significant public outcry regarding the process, with many constituents unable to voice their concerns effectively. Despite the strong backlash, the bill was moved forward without amendments, reflecting broader tensions in the committee regarding representation and civic engagement.
Members voiced their concerns about the bill's implications on minority communities and how the redistricting process appeared opaque. Emotional testimonies highlighted the potential disenfranchisement of historically marginalized groups, with representatives stressing the importance of community representation in Congress. Although the bill was passed along party lines, it sparked a commitment among members to continue advocating for fairness and transparency in future legislative processes.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Criminal Justice (Part I)Audio only. May 27th, 2025
Senate Criminal Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- span marker="5" data-time="38">In 2021, the legislature passed SB 2022, which required equipping all Texas
Texas has seen a rise in violence against law enforcement
- This change aligns with current Texas law and other venue statutes
Bills:
HB2217
Keywords:
law enforcement, bullet-resistant, grant program, safety equipment, peace officers, HB2217, HB2594, law enforcement, public safety, cybercrime, legislation, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice was convened by Chair Flores and involved the discussion of two significant bills: HB2217 and HB2594. HB2217 was presented by Senator Higginbotham, establishing a grant program to equip local law enforcement vehicles with bullet-resistant components. The purpose of this legislation is to enhance officer safety amid rising violence against law enforcement personnel, as it aims to reduce fatalities caused by gunfire. The bill was favorably reported to the full Senate with unanimous support from committee members, indicating strong approval for initiatives aimed at law enforcement safety. Public testimony for the bill was minimal as no speakers registered for or against it.
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:
- > As Liana Mann, the Chief Appraiser, I am here on behalf of the Texas
- And again, we show you as the Chief Appraiser, and you're here on behalf of the Texas Association of
- We see you registered as a young man on behalf of the Texas Association of Appraisal Districts, and you're
- Chapter six of the Texas property tax code provides the legal requirements for an appraisal.
Keywords:
ad valorem tax, property tax, incomplete structure, human occupancy, tax exemption, property tax, appraisal, reappraisal, transparency, data privacy, teacher eligibility, appraisal review board, education, criminal offense, school district, Property Tax, Appraisal Efficiency, Senate Bill 2073, Senate Bill 974, Transparency in Property Appraisal
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
Transcript Highlights:
- of weapons recovered in Mexico were traced back to the United States, including about 14,000 from Texas
- ...for Texas that should future administrations return us to
- And I'm Freeman Martin, the colonel of the Texas Department
Keywords:
homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, border security, transnational crime, firearms legislation, Senate Bill 36, Senate Bill 2202, public testimony, Senator Birdwell, criminal activity, weapon smuggling
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Border Security convened to discuss critical issues surrounding border security and violent crime, particularly in relation to SB36 and SB2202. Senator Birdwell opened the discussion emphasizing the rising dangers at the southern border, citing a significant increase in transnational criminal activity, including drugs and weapon smuggling. The committee heard contrasting views on SB2202, which aims to penalize the illegal transfer of firearms to foreign terrorist organizations. Witness testimonies highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces in proving knowledge of such transfers, with several members expressing concerns over the practical application of the legislation. Senator Hinojosa of Nueces moved for the adoption of committee substitutes for SB36, which passed favorably without opposition, moving forward with recommendations to the full Senate.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'm the Mayor of Austin, Texas.
- The exotic game industry is a crucial part of the Texas economy, particularly in rural areas where it
- It benefits ranchers, landowners, and hunters in Texas.
- Prior to 2003, Texas provided credits and refunds for both diesel and gasoline using APUs and PTOs, but
Keywords:
diesel fuel tax, tax credit, auxiliary power units, power take-off equipment, refund, energy efficiency, firefighter retirement, municipal contributions, pension system, retirement benefits, funding ratios, sales tax exemption, exotic animals, game animals, agriculture, livestock, firefighter pension reform, tax equity, diesel fuel, auxiliary power units
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee meeting covered crucial legislative discussions surrounding several important bills, particularly focused on firefighter pension reforms and tax equity for diesel fuel. Senate Bill 771, presented by Senator Hinojosa, seeks to rectify a gap in state tax law regarding tax credits for diesel fuel used in auxiliary power units. The bill drew support from several witnesses who emphasized its importance for maintaining fairness in tax treatment across fuel types. Additionally, House Bill 135, aimed at providing tax exemptions for exotic game sales, was discussed with fervent support from stakeholders within the industry. Public testimonies highlighted the positive economic impact of the bill on rural communities in Texas. The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 2345, another pension-related bill, which showcased collaboration between the city and the firefighters' association.
US
Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Reed Rubinstein, of Maryland, to be Legal Adviser of the Department of State; to be immediately followed by a hearing to examine the nominations of David Perdue, of Georgia, to be Ambassador to the Peopl Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:30 am
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- was one of the very first people to have me on her radio show some 20 years ago when I was the SG of Texas
- was one of the very first people to have me on her radio show some 20 years ago when I was the SG of Texas
- was one of the very first people to have me on her radio show some 20 years ago when I was the SG of Texas
- was one of the very first people to have me on her radio show some 20 years ago when I was the SG of Texas
- was one of the very first people to have me on her radio show some 20 years ago when I was the SG of Texas
Keywords:
committee meeting, bill discussions, nomination, David Perdue, Monica Crawley, U.S.-China relations, foreign policy
Summary:
The meeting of the committee was marked by significant discussions regarding various bills, including HB22 and SB5. A notable moment was the introduction of nominees Senator David Perdue and Ms. Monica Crawley, which led to discussions on the implications of their roles, particularly in relation to U.S.-China relations and foreign policy. Members exchanged views on the nominees' qualifications, emphasizing the importance of leadership in foreign diplomacy. Additionally, the committee heard testimonies from several witnesses both supporting and opposing certain bills, showcasing the diverse perspectives present.
US
Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine District Judges, focusing on exploring legislative solutions to the bipartisan problem of universal injunctions. Apr 2nd, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- data-time="1848">Professor Bray, in your testimony before the committee, recalled a decision by a Texas
- I recall when that issue came before the court in Texas, and the judge issued a universal injunction
- on a broader scale, for the scope of birthright citizenship to differ in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas
- when most of the nationwide injunctions against Biden policies were coming from district courts in Texas
- This happened in the Texas Medford-Preston case.
Keywords:
universal injunctions, legislative reforms, judicial authority, executive power, balance of power, judicial overreach
Summary:
During this meeting, the committee focused on the implications of universal injunctions, which have become a significant concern in recent years. The discussion centered around various legislative proposals aimed at addressing the perceived overreach of district judges who issue nationwide injunctions that affect policies across the entire country. Several members expressed the belief that such injunctions undermine judicial authority and disrupt the balance of power between the judiciary and executive branches. Expert witnesses testified about the historical context of universal injunctions and the necessity for reforms that would limit the power of courts to grant remedies benefitting non-parties.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.
Local GovernmentAudio only. Aug 26th, 2025
Senate Local Government Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I work in government relations for the Texas Association of School Boards.
- Kelly and someone want you to look at it; it's Texas property.
- But to actually start running people to these Texas Property Tax.gov sites by county, that's the way
- And I do want to make a point to everyone that when we started Texas Property Tax, we did do postcards
Keywords:
property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, property tax, transparency, tax exemptions, public testimony, local government, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, unfunded mandate
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.