Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'witnesses'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) May 8th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And one of those is bearing false witness.
  • I remember a 12-year-old girl on the witness stand at the end of her testimony.
  • Senator, are there any other questions for any of our witnesses?
  • Thank you, witnesses, for your courage. And I look forward to a Texas where, as they...
  • Thanks to everyone and every witness who testified.

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss critical legislation aimed at preventing child sexual abuse, focusing on HB748 and SB835. Both bills received significant support from various witnesses, including representatives from the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, who emphasized the importance of eliminating non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that allow perpetrators to escape accountability. Witnesses shared impactful personal testimonies, illustrating the harmful effects of NDAs on survivors and stressing the need for a transparent legal environment to protect vulnerable populations. The atmosphere underscored a collective commitment to reform and to stop allowing predators to hide behind confidentiality clauses.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education May 15th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Any questions for this witness?

    All right.

  • Witness of the day, right there.

  • Any sources or witnesses from the UIL? Would members like to hear from the UIL?
  • But again, we do have one witness here that I think can answer some real specific questions.
  • Any questions for the witness? Representative Leo Wilson.
Summary: The meeting of the committee revolved around several significant bills aimed at enhancing educational policies within the state. Among these, SB413 sought to improve transparency in school board decisions, allowing voters easier access to meeting minutes and votes. There was considerable discussion about the challenges parents face in acquiring information, emphasizing the need for timely publication of school board actions online. Meanwhile, SB571 aimed to address educator misconduct and enhance protections for students by expanding the do-not-hire registry. Committee members voiced strong support, highlighting the bill's importance in safeguarding children against potential abuses within educational settings. Public testimony reflected both excitement and concern regarding the proposed measures, leading to an engaged dialogue among the representatives present.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, any questions for the witness?
  • And the witness said...
  • I have witnessed the impossible become possible.
  • I thank each witness for being here.
  • Members, any questions for any of these witnesses? Any questions for any of the witnesses?
Summary: The meeting of the Senate State Affairs Committee provided a platform for discussing a comprehensive agenda featuring multiple bills, particularly focusing on concerns surrounding THC regulations and its implications for public safety. Notably, Senate Bill 3, which seeks to ban consumable hemp products containing THC, drew strong public testimony from various stakeholders who expressed both support and opposition. Supporters argued the necessity to curb the proliferation of high-potency THC products in schools and among youths, while opponents warned of the potential negative economic impacts and push towards unregulated markets if such a ban were implemented.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 5th, 2025 at 03:08 pm

House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Wilson and Representative Armando Martinez for being here to witness the proceedings.
  • Wilson, is there going to be any testimony on this bill or witnesses?
  • We have two witnesses coming.

  • All right, our next witness.

  • Members, are there questions of the witness? I'm sorry. Go ahead, Mr. Flippen.
Bills: HB2, HB1, HB18, HB19, HB20
Summary: The meeting focused heavily on disaster preparedness and management strategies in response to recent catastrophic events in Texas, particularly concerning House Bills related to flood response and communication infrastructure. Notably, House Bill 19 was introduced to mandate that campgrounds in flood-prone areas develop actionable flood plans to ensure safety during emergencies. Stakeholders voiced strong support for the bill, emphasizing its importance for child safety in recreational areas. Additionally, House Bill 18 aimed at improving emergency communication systems received considerable attention, as members raised concerns about the need for efficient and interoperable communication during disasters. Similar themes of ensuring preparedness and safeguarding communities were echoed throughout the discussions, with experts and witnesses providing impactful testimony on the challenges confronted during recent flooding incidents in Kerr County.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Environmental Regulation Apr 17th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Environmental Regulation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will get to the witnesses and bring you back up to close.
  • I will say, as somebody who has witnessed this process...
  • Thank you for being available as a resource witness. Thank you.
  • witness.
  • That's it for the registered witnesses.
Summary: The meeting focused on several critical environmental bills primarily related to regulatory processes and emissions management. Key discussions included a thorough examination of HB3997, which aims to streamline LNG terminal permitting processes to boost development efficiency and compliance in Texas. Matt Barr of Chenier Energy emphasized the need for clarity in regulatory timelines to better support export operations and maintain Texas's leading position in LNG exports. Additionally, multiple bills were proposed concerning vehicle emissions testing and transparency requirements in waste management contracts, highlighting the varied approaches lawmakers are taking to environmental regulation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs May 13th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I believe there are a number of witnesses.
  • Plenty of witnesses.

  • Any other questions for this witness?

  • Any other questions of this witness? Thank you.
  • We have one more distant witness, Evan Reed from the City of El Paso.
Summary: The committee convened to discuss Senate Bill 2858, which aims to provide stronger enforcement mechanisms for compliance with state laws by local governments. The bill was met with significant opposition from various stakeholders including city council members and representatives from urban counties. They raised concerns that the provisions threaten local autonomy and could lead to severe financial penalties without due process. Specific testimonies highlighted the potential disruption to local budgets and public safety services due to immediate withholding of funds pending litigation outcomes. As such, the supporting and opposing views were thoroughly debated, reflecting the tension between state authority and local governance.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services May 5th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, are there questions for this witness? Thank you for your time.
  • Members, are there questions for this witness? If not, thank you very much.
  • I have witnesses today who can explain this unique situation further.
  • Any questions for this witness?
  • We also have some witnesses.
Summary: During this committee meeting, several important bills were discussed, including HB5632, HB3900, and SJR57. The committee focused on HB1342, which aims to reorganize the priority structure of private activity bonds for residential rental projects, responding to concerns raised by various stakeholders about the efficiency and accessibility of these bonds in supporting affordable housing. Additionally, HB3002 was presented as a consumer protection bill requiring debt collectors to disclose rights in all written and electronic communications, ensuring average Texans are informed of their rights regarding debt obligations. The meeting concluded with a discussion about upcoming bills and the schedule for the next sessions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm here as a resource witness to answer any of your questions.
  • Here is a resource witness. Thank you.
  • That's all the witnesses we have.
  • I think we do have a resource witness coming up.
  • Have you personally witnessed any of this kind of stuff happening?
Summary: The meeting of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety involved a range of discussions surrounding significant bills aimed at enhancing public safety measures, particularly in response to issues highlighted by past events. Notable was the discussion on HB33, proposed by Representative McLaughlin, which sought to overhaul school safety and establish a statewide emergency response protocol for active shooter situations. This bill emphasizes the importance of coordinated training among law enforcement and school officials to ensure a swift and effective response in emergencies, aiming to prevent delays seen in past incidents. The discussions also included input from law enforcement officials who acknowledged the necessity of improving communication and coordination between agencies, which was a highlighted failure in previous responses to crises.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism May 14th, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • who have registered to testify, we will limit testimony to two minutes per witness.
  • I believe there is one witness.

  • Members, any other questions for this witness?

  • We have a few witnesses.
  • I have witnesses that are experts.

    Perfect.

Bills: SB2801, SB2232, SCR18
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on reviewing several bills, including SB217, which establishes the historic Friedman Cemetery program, and SB2232, which seeks to designate October 21st as Unplugged Texas Day. The latter bill sparked notable discussions regarding the importance of reducing screen time and encouraging outdoor activities among Texans. Chairperson Metcalfe initiated the agenda, and the public testimony featured passionate arguments for the need for outdoor engagement, emphasizing mental well-being and community bonding. Overall, the bills were met with unanimous support within the committee, advancing toward favorable recommendations for full house votes. Additionally, members voiced concerns about regulations surrounding field trials, as presented in SB2801, which proposes changes to the requirement for hunting licenses during dog field trials. Testimony from various stakeholders showcased a strong desire to facilitate participation in these events while raising awareness of the associated challenges. The meeting concluded with several bills advancing for further considerations, demonstrating a collaborative effort toward legislation that supports both cultural and outdoor initiatives in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Mar 20th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • legislative committee to compel testimony or evidence production, even if it may incriminate the witness
  • If there are any questions for our resource witness, very well
  • No other witnesses registered. We want to make sure anyone wishing to testify on.
  • We have, as a resource witness, someone from DPS.

  • I will probably defer to the witness.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on State Affairs was marked by significant discussions surrounding several bills, primarily focusing on jurisdictional changes within the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals. One of the key bills discussed was SB1210, which aims to clarify the roles and jurisdictions of these two courts, ensuring that when constitutional interpretations are at issue, the Supreme Court serves as the final authority. Testimony was provided by various stakeholders including judges and legal experts, who articulated both support for and concerns about the potential implications of these changes. The conversation highlighted the historical context of the dual court system in Texas, outlining its benefits and drawbacks, particularly in ensuring consistency in the application of constitutional law.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources (Part I) May 14th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Witnesses, please be sure to register using the electronic

  • The witness registration system is accessible on the tablets
  • We do have a resource witness from the TCEQ.

  • Resource witness, if anyone wishes to have a resource witness
  • Source witness.
Summary: The meeting included a robust discussion on several bills aimed at addressing regulatory issues in the state. Key among these was House Bill 4384, presented by Representative Darby, which focuses on alleviating financial burdens caused by regulatory lag for natural gas utilities. The bill seeks to allow temporary deferral of costs related to new infrastructure, and public testimonies highlighted a significant division in opinion, with some stakeholders arguing it would increase costs for consumers without adequate oversight. The committee members engaged actively with the testimonies, indicating a comprehensive review of the implications of the bill. House Bill 2663 was also introduced, aimed at preventing wildfires through better oversight of outdated electrical infrastructure at inactive oil and gas well sites, emphasizing the need for removed or de-energized equipment to avoid future incidents. Additionally, several other bills like HB1237 and HB3071 were discussed, with the latter addressing the cancellation of inactive landfill permits to reflect current land use and community development. The overall tone of the meeting was collaborative, with members expressing gratitude for professionalism despite some disagreements on policy details. The meeting concluded with several bills left pending for further discussion before moving to votes in subsequent sessions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 28th, 2025 at 11:04 am

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • He's here as our resource witness.
  • Those are all the witnesses that we have.
  • We have some witnesses for the bill.
  • Committee, any other questions for this witness?
  • Hearing no other witnesses. Thank you.
Summary: The meeting focused on significant legislative proposals primarily centered around public health and criminal justice reforms. Notably, discussions centered on HB3841 and HB5108, which aim to enhance transparency and accountability in death investigations within county jails. Representatives shared compelling testimonies involving the necessity for improved oversight following recent incidents of in-custody deaths, highlighting the emotional impact on affected families. Witnesses from advocacy groups passionately urged the committee to approve the bills to foster trust in the system and uphold public safety standards. Additionally, various members addressed HB5611, which would empower emergency services districts to provide preventative healthcare services, contributing to the prevention of unnecessary 911 calls.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman, you said we had 205 individual witnesses testify.
  • Chairman, and I thank each member and each witness.
  • Members, any questions for this panel of witnesses?
  • And we're going to call additional witnesses, so please be prepared.
  • Members, any questions for these three witnesses? Senator Miles.
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Congressional Redistricting focused primarily on the discussion of HB4 and SB4, concerning the redistricting process based on the 2020 Census data. Chairman King opened the session, expressing gratitude to the committee members for their attendance and emphasizing the importance of completing redistricting within the special session's 30-day timeframe. Public testimony was a major component, with numerous individuals voicing their opinions both in favor and against the proposed redistricting maps, emphasizing issues of representation and concerns of racial injustices inherent in the process. The majority of witnesses highlighted the need for immediate attention to pressing issues such as flood relief instead of focusing solely on redistricting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

State Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025 at 08:08 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Other questions before we call witnesses?
  • Members, are there questions for the witness? Seeing none.
  • All right, members, are there questions for this witness?
  • Members, are there other questions for this witness?
  • Members, are there questions for this witness?
Bills: HB7, SB8
Summary: Simultaneously, SB8 initiated thorough debates over privacy and safety concerns in public restrooms. Supporters argued for the necessity of maintaining biologically separated spaces to protect women and children, while opponents highlighted the discrimination and potential harm caused to transgender individuals. Various stakeholders, including business representatives and community activists, voiced their opposition to SB8, emphasizing its negative implications for Texas's reputation as a welcoming state. The session concluded without any definitive resolutions, with both bills remaining pending for further consideration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Mar 27th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator, are there any questions for any of our witnesses on this panel?
  • and also make it more efficient for all the witnesses.
  • Senators, any questions for any of our witnesses on this panel?
  • Senators, any questions for any of our witnesses on this panel?
  • Members, any other questions for our witness, Dr. Presley?
Summary: The meeting focused on discussions surrounding several proposed bills, notably SB31, SB33, and SB2880, which address abortion and related healthcare regulations. Prominent advocates for these bills included medical professionals and attorneys who argued for the necessity of stricter regulations to protect unborn children and prevent the indirect funding of abortion-related services. Testimonies featured intense debate, with supporters claiming the bills would enhance accountability and protect both mothers and children, while opponents raised concerns about potential negative impacts on women's health and constitutional rights.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part II) Mar 26th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • After the invited witnesses, we'll have public testimony.
  • Are there any questions for these witnesses?
  • So we have three of our witnesses.
  • Chair's intent is to call witnesses at the same time.
  • So we'll start with our witness against the bill.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services addressed several significant pieces of legislation focused primarily on health and welfare issues in Texas. One of the central topics was SB1233, which aims to provide perinatal palliative care information to families receiving diagnoses of life-threatening conditions. Testimonies highlighted the importance of immediate access to support resources, as speakers shared personal experiences illustrating the emotional and medical implications of these diagnoses. Additionally, SB1368 was discussed, focusing on emergency preparedness within assisted living and nursing facilities, emphasizing the need for actionable contingency plans to protect vulnerable residents during power outages and emergencies. The committee explored how to ensure compliance with new standards while considering the realities faced by these facilities, especially in determining the appropriate levels of emergency power backup requirements.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 30th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, are there any questions for the witness?
  • Members, are there any questions for the witness?
  • Members, are there any other questions for the witness?
  • I think one of the witnesses talked about...
  • Just to maybe answer a question that was asked by a witness.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussing several bills pertinent to public safety and regulatory standards for emerging technologies, specifically autonomous vehicles and charter school oversight. Notable discussions surrounded HB3837, which aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles in Texas. Vice Chair Bajani highlighted the rapid advancements in the autonomous vehicle industry and the necessity for updated regulations that ensure safety while promoting innovation. Additionally, SB2425 was examined for its proposals to enhance public safety while balancing industry interests, garnering support from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association. There was considerable concern regarding previous incidents involving autonomous vehicles and their implications for public trust and safety standards.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Economic Development Mar 24th, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will ask four witnesses to be seated at the witness table at a time.
  • Are there any questions for the witnesses?
  • Any rough idea from you or any of the other witnesses?
  • Any questions for the witnesses? Thank you, Mr.
  • I'm also here as a resource witness.
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.
US

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine reforming SBIR-STTR for the 21st century. Mar 5th, 2025 at 01:30 pm

Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I want to thank all of our witnesses for your help in us understanding this issue today.
  • Madam Chair, my witness, the minority witness today, is Dr
  • Briefly, I'd like to take a moment to explain our lighting system to the witnesses.
  • So I ask unanimous consent that the witnesses' full statements be included in the record.
  • I believe this is a request that all of the witnesses will make.
Summary: The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Veteran Affairs Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Veteran Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • At this time, we do have resource witnesses with us.
  • Are we... do we have witnesses signed up?
  • Any other questions for the witness? Not seeing anything. Thank you very much.
  • Annette Quintero from Texas DMV is here as a resource witness for the committee.
  • I have witnessed a form of this in my...
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs focused on multiple bills aimed at improving services and protections for veterans in Texas. Discussion centered on Senate Bill 2926, which transfers the administration of veterans' mental health initiatives to the Texas Veterans Commission to enhance efficiency and service delivery. Public testimony was heard both for and against the bill, but ultimately it will be left pending. Other notable discussions included Senate Bill 2938, addressing the mental health challenges faced by justice-impacted veterans, aiming to better connect them with necessary resources. Additionally, Senate Bill 2543 and Senate Bill 2545 aimed to expand veteran cemetery locations and housing assistance for veterans, respectively, highlighting the increasing demand for support services in these areas.

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