Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Senate Committee on Finance'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on Local Government will come to order.

  • Senator Cook sends up the committee substitute to Senate Bill 1052.
  • We'll begin public testimony on the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1052.
  • We'll begin public testimony on the committee substitute for Senate Bill 467 and also on...
  • Hearing none, the public testimony is now closed on both the committee substitute for Senate Bill 467
Summary: During this committee meeting, several critical bills were deliberated, reflecting the legislators' commitment to addressing property tax regulations and groundwater issues in Texas. Notably, Senate Bill 325 was introduced to close loopholes created by House Bill 3697, ensuring that subdivisions reliant on private roads must demonstrate groundwater availability, a move praised by representatives from environmental and public welfare organizations. The bill emphasizes the necessity for sustainable development practices to prevent future water shortages. Another significant focus was Senate Bill 2172, which aims to rectify the erroneous interpretation of the tax code regarding homestead exemptions, protecting compliant homeowners from unfair tax burdens. This cleanup bill clarifies reapplication processes for homestead exemptions to prevent confusion among appraisal districts and homeowners alike. Public testimony from various stakeholders echoed widespread support for the bills, highlighting the importance of transparency and fair administration in property-related legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on Local Government will come to order

  • Good afternoon, Chairman Bettencourt and esteemed members of the Senate Committee on Local Government
  • for Senate Bill 467 and also on.
  • Senator Nichols sends up the committee to Senate Bill 2172.
  • is voting yes on Senate Bill 2073.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government covered various pressing bills focused primarily on property tax issues. Notable discussions included the examination of Senate Bill 1052, which addresses appraisal challenges faced by Gulf Coast counties and aims to ensure tax calculations reflect realistic revenue expectations. Witnesses from local governments expressed the necessity of this bill, highlighting the severe financial implications of tax disputes on public services and education. Additionally, the committee reviewed Senate Bill 325, which reinforces the requirement for water availability to be confirmed prior to land development, as previous loopholes allowed developers to bypass this essential regulation. Public testimonies echoed concerns around the implications of unchecked property development and emphasized the need for proper resource allocation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Senate Session (Part I) Aug 6th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • But I do have some questions to ask on Senate Bill 9.
  • On second reading, committee substitute for Senate Bill 7.
  • The original bill voted on in this Senate.
  • President and members, on behalf of Senator West and Senator Miles.
  • President: I move to suspend Senate Rule 11.13 so that the Committee on Education K through 16
Bills: SB15, SB9, SB7
Summary: During this committee meeting, significant attention was directed towards property tax relief and reform, notably through discussions led by Senator Bettencourt regarding the upcoming options for homestead exemptions that would be voted on in November. The committee also reviewed a series of bills, including Senate Bill 9, which was presented as a committee substitute. There was a strong emphasis on how the legislation aims to streamline tax guidelines for local government expenditures while balancing taxpayer relief against budgetary constraints. The meeting was characterized by a collaborative atmosphere where committee members shared insights and feedback on the various bills under consideration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part I) Mar 25th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice convened to discuss a series of critical bills aimed at enhancing public safety and protecting victims of sexual assault and human trafficking. Chairman Flores emphasized the intent to streamline legislation to provide better support for victims while holding offenders accountable. Notably, the committee reviewed Senate Bill 836, which aims to bolster privacy protections for sexual assault survivors during legal proceedings, and Senate Bill 781, which seeks to standardize the confidentiality of peace officers' personal information. Throughout the discussions, several witnesses provided testimony both in favor of and opposing the bills, highlighting the delicate balance between public transparency and individual privacy rights.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Economic Development Mar 24th, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So thank you, Senator Schwertner, for working on this.
  • Senator Schwertner sends up a committee substitute for Senate Bill 1592.
  • Senator Blanco, Senator Alvarado, and Senator Hinojosa for their leadership on this issue.
  • Senator Sparks moves that the committee substitute for Senate Bill 462 be recommended for service.
  • Senator Sparks sends up a committee substitute for Senate Bill 1535.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Economic Development Committee featured substantial discussions around several key bills aimed at advancing various sectors in Texas. Notably, Senate Bill 529 was supported by multiple stakeholders, including the Mayor of Midland, emphasizing its importance in allowing the city to access sales tax incentives that could bolster economic growth. The committee unanimously recommended several bills for certification, indicating a strong consensus among members on the proposed legislation's benefits. The focus on job creation and supporting local economies was prevalent throughout the meeting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • There is a committee substitute, Senator Culberson.
  • The Chair lays out Senate Bill 1705 by Senator Parker, and you're recognized on your bill.
  • We're testifying on Senate Bill 1705.
  • We are here testifying neutrally on Senate Bill 2586.
  • We'll open up for public testimony on Senate Bill 388.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee featured extensive discussions centered around numerous bills, with a particular focus on Senate Bill 1705 concerning virtual currency kiosks. During this discussion, members expressed concerns regarding the potential for fraud and the need for regulation surrounding cryptocurrency exchanges. Testimonies from law enforcement emphasized the increase in fraud cases associated with these kiosks, leading to a consensus on the need for consumer protection measures. The committee favorably reported several other bills with unanimous votes, showcasing a collaborative effort amongst senators to address various legislative concerns effectively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Committee on Education on a subpoena.
  • Senator Bettencourt sends up once again the committee substitute on SJR 59.
  • If Senator Kolkhorst has indicated the differences on the sub, if you could help the committee with those
  • On Senate Bill 769, on a motion by Senator Bettencourt.
  • on behalf of Senator.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a range of important issues, particularly focusing on school safety and the impact of certain proposed bills on vulnerable populations. Notably, Senator Creighton presented Senate Bill 2623, which seeks to establish school safety zones by preventing navigation services near schools, aimed at ensuring the safety of children in educational settings. Concerns were raised regarding the potential adverse effects of this bill on homeless navigation centers, with various stakeholders expressing their positions during the public testimony session. The importance of balancing community services with student safety was a recurring theme throughout the discussions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation May 14th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • On for, okay, Senator West.
  • Laying out House Bill 1729 on behalf of Senator Huffman.
  • I believe this is on behalf of Senator Huffman as well.
  • Okay, so, Senator West. Senator Nichols on House Bill 3751 by Ashby.
  • Sparks, laid out by someone else on this committee.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Transportation Committee included crucial discussions surrounding various bills pertaining to transportation and public safety. Notably, House Bill 647 was presented to streamline the process for individuals who have undergone corrective eye surgery, allowing them to update their driver's licenses without needing to visit the Department of Public Safety in person. This bill was celebrated for potentially decreasing traffic at DMV offices and optimizing resources, with members expressing general support and a positive sentiment surrounding its passage. Additionally, public testimony was gathered for House Bill 2003, concerning high-speed rail projects, where witnesses voiced differing opinions, emphasizing the bill's relevance to current transit challenges and community impacts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Mar 17th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on State Affairs will come to order

  • So we're back on Senate Bill 667.

  • We'll open testimony on Senate Bill 1355.
  • Members, any questions for our colleague on Senate Bill 1378?
  • The Senate Committee on State Affairs stands in recess

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs conducted a thorough review of multiple bills including SB1349, SB1585, and SB667, with extensive public testimony and discussion. Witness Samantha Fillmore-Vick provided insights on SB667, while the committee emphasized the need for clarity in the legislative process amid a lengthy session. Other bills were also presented, but they remain pending with no final decisions made during this meeting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources (Part I) May 7th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Committee on Natural Resources will now come to order.

  • Senator Zaffirini, Senator Alvarado, Senator Blanco, Senator

  • Flores, Senator Hancock, Senator Hughes, Senator Parker, Senator Sparks.
  • : jurisprudence, finance, a number of committees are going on right now.
  • Is there any other business to come before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources?
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources focused on several key bills, including HB206, HB1238, and HB2890. Senator Birdwell introduced HB206, which prohibits counties from mandating cash bonds for pipeline construction, a move aimed at facilitating energy infrastructure development. The bill was supported by witnesses from the industry who voiced their experiences regarding the financial burdens of cash bond requirements. Following this discussion, public testimony was heard but ultimately concluded without any opponents present, leading to the bill being left pending further consideration. Senator Parker then laid out HB2890, which seeks to establish an interstate compact to protect and enhance liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports along the Gulf Coast. The bill aims to improve interstate communication and collaboration while addressing economic impacts due to recent regulatory challenges faced by the LNG industry. Public testimony for this bill was also minimal, with no witnesses registered to testify, but it was noted as an important step for Texas's energy future. The meeting concluded with discussions about pending votes on the bills, indicating a need to reconvene at a later time to finalize actions on these proposals.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources (Part II)Audio only. May 7th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right, the Senate Committee on Natural Resources has now come

  • Alvarado laid out on April 16th.
  • Sponsored by Senator Middleton, Senator Zaffirini moves adoption
  • of the committee substitute.
  • Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute be adopted in lieu
Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources convened to discuss several bills, primarily focusing on environmental and land resource management. Notable discussions included the passage of HB1089, related to the Gulf Coast Protection Account, which was presented by Senator Alvarado and reported favorably to the full Senate without objections. Additionally, the committee discussed HB2970 and HB1238, both of which were recommended for local and uncontested calendars. The meeting was efficient, with each bill swiftly moving through the agenda after being presented and debated by committee members, primarily led by Dean Zaffirini.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Administration Apr 28th, 2025

Senate Administration Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Good morning, Senate Committee on Administration will come

  • Senator Huffman is meeting with the House on the budget, and I'm honored to lay this out on her behalf
  • I'd like to thank the committee for its brief time and thank Senator Cook as well as Senator Johnson
  • This is a companion to SCR12, which was passed unanimously out of the Senate committee.
  • I'd like to thank the committee for its brief time and thank Senator Cook as well as Senator Johnson
Bills: SCR3, SCR30, SB2375, HCR35
Summary: The Senate Committee on Administration convened to discuss several important bills, notably SCR30, SB2375, HCR35, and HCR64. Senator Cook presented SB2375, which is related to non-substantive codification of laws and ensures that existing codes are accurately maintained without substantive changes. The committee reported favorably on this bill, recognizing the significant cleanup it provides within the statute. Furthermore, SCR30 was discussed, aiming to designate Matagorda County as the Birding Capital of Texas, emphasizing the area's rich ecological diversity and the promotion of ecotourism. Public testimony supported the designation, highlighting local pride and environmental conservation efforts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Insurance May 20th, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Insurance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But I think when you laid out at the start of this session and for this committee, one of our goals is
  • on the bill.
  • We provided the committee the return on net worth numbers for the lines.
  • I got 43 on my brain. OK, the Chair lays out Senate Bill 1642.
  • It's a one...
Bills: SB1642, SB1643, SB2530
Summary: The committee meeting held extensive discussions on multiple pieces of legislation focused primarily on insurance and healthcare. A significant portion of the meeting revolved around SB1643, which proposes changes to how property and casualty insurance rates are regulated in Texas by requiring prior approval from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) for any rate changes exceeding 10%. Members expressed mixed feelings about this proposal, with concerns that it might lead to increased costs for consumers while discussing the balance between consumer protection and maintaining a competitive insurance market. Witnesses offered testimony both in favor and against the bill, highlighting the importance of thoughtful regulatory frameworks amidst rising insurance costs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Mar 18th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The House Committee on Public Education will come to order, and the

  • If you require assistance in registering or testifying, please contact the committee staff.
  • Chairman, thank you, committee members.
  • One point I just want to make here at the top is that

  • day one of the school year.
Summary: This meeting of the committee featured extensive discussions surrounding the bill HB222, aimed at altering certain regulations. The conversations were robust, with notable input from various committee members who raised concerns and suggestions regarding the bill's implications on local governance. Public testimonies were provided, showcasing both support and opposition to the proposed changes, thus highlighting the community's engagement with the legislative process. Overall, the meeting was characterized by a thorough examination of the implications of the bill, with committee members expressing a balanced perspective on its potential impact.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part II) Apr 24th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Middleton sets up the committee substitute in Senate Bill 1237.
  • Hearing none, Senator Middleton moves to adopt the committee substitute to Senate Bill 1237.
  • The proposed committee substitute for Senate Bill 2520.
  • Senator Paxton lays out the committee substitute on Senate

  • Senator Paxton sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 2541.
Summary: The meeting of the local government committee covered several important bills, notably Senate Bill 1454, Senate Bill 1237, and Senate Bill 2520. Senator Betancourt presided over the proceedings, guiding the discussion on the multiple committee substitutes proposed for each of these bills. SB1454 focused on tax exemptions for housing authorities, with amendments that included stricter compliance measures for municipalities. The committee unanimously recommended that the bill proceed to the full Senate without objection.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 Mar 18th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Menéndez sends up a committee substitute for Senate Bill 1174.
  • Public testimony on the committee substitute for Senate

  • The chair calls Senator Sparks on Senate Bill 922.
  • Senator Parker sends up a committee substitute for Senate Bill 920.
  • By Senator Bettencourt, the Senate Committee on Education
Summary: The Senate Education Committee convened to discuss multiple bills, primarily focusing on SB1619 and SB6019. Senator Dean Zaffirini presented SB1619, and the discussion revolved around modernizing the state's approach to epinephrine delivery devices. The highlighted importance of addressing anaphylaxis treatments in schools, particularly focusing on ensuring that both current and future delivery methods are adequately represented in the legislation was prominent. Participation from public testimony was also anticipated, allowing for community engagement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part II) May 8th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on Local Government will come to order. The clerk will call the roll.
  • Senator Cook sends up the committee substitute for Senate

  • We worked on this in committee.
  • The committee substitute for Senate Bill 1944 will be reported to the full Senate.
  • This is the next one will be the bond review board database sponsored by Senator West.
Summary: The meeting of the local government committee was focused on the review and voting of several bills, including House Bills 1593, 2607, 3526, 3810, 5092, and Senate Bills 1944 and 2215. Chairman Betancourt and members engaged in discussions about the implications of each bill, with notable mentions such as HB3810 regarding the dissolution of governmental structures in Rose City and SB1944 aimed at adjusting housing tax credit allocations in high-opportunity areas. The committee exhibited a collaborative atmosphere, with various senators supporting the motion to pass bills without objection, showcasing effective legislative process.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate of the first called session of the 89th Legislative Assembly

  • Please rise for the invocation in the gallery and on the floor, delivered by Pastor Travis.
  • I guess you're on your summer vacation visiting, so welcome.
  • and legislation imposing spending limits on entities authorized to impose property taxes.
  • President and members, the Senate will meet as the.
Summary: The meeting of the 89th Legislature featured discussions primarily centered around several key bills, including SB648 concerning protections against title theft and deed fraud, SB1253 which addresses impact fees for builders incorporating water conservation measures, and SB2878 related to the administration of the judicial department. The session began with a prayer acknowledging the devastating floods that affected Central Texas, followed by a message from Governor Greg Abbott calling for the special session. Members engaged in robust debates on the importance of the proposed legislations, particularly focusing on community recovery efforts following recent natural disasters. Public testimonies were elicited, highlighting the varied perspectives on the bills under discussion and underscoring the significance of legislative action in response to constituents' needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 3rd, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And with that, the Senate Committee on State Affairs stands in recess, subject to the call of the chair
  • We're going to vote on the committee substitute for Senate
  • 42 and on Senate Bill 240.
  • That concludes our testimony on Senate Bill 240 and on Senate Concurrent Resolution 42.
  • And with that, the Senate Committee on State Affairs

Summary: The committee meeting featured significant discussions regarding various bills, particularly focusing on Senate Bill 240, which aims to address safety and privacy concerns for women and children in public restrooms. Numerous testimonies were heard both in support of and against the bill, highlighting the emotional and polarized nature of the discussions. Proponents argued for its necessity in safeguarding women's rights, while opponents raised concerns about the potential harms and discrimination it may perpetuate against transgender individuals. The atmosphere was tense but respectful, evidence of the deeply personal stakes involved in such legislation.

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