Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'food deserts'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 17th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • Food deserts are distributed, and more importantly, how they
  • We know that food deserts exist.

  • for longer opening hours in food deserts?
  • Food deserts are a public health issue.
  • Addressing food deserts is a key public health issue, and thank you so much.
Summary: The meeting revolved around critical discussions regarding health-related bills, particularly focusing on women's health and food access issues highlighted in HB1786 and HB231. Representative Howard proposed HB1786 to reinstate the Women's Health Advisory Committee, emphasizing its necessity to address women's healthcare challenges in Texas due to the dissolution of the committee, which had previously facilitated valuable collaboration among healthcare providers. The discussions included testimonials from various stakeholders including health professionals and representatives from advocacy groups, all supporting the need for an advisory body that could effectively address women's health concerns. Additionally, there was strong support for HB231, which aims to study the impact of food deserts on vulnerable populations, as articulated by Representative Morales, making a case for equitable access to nutritious food across the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 17th, 2025 at 09:04 am

House S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • , or to specifically seek out the really savory foods, the high-fat foods, or high-sugar foods.
  • And then the convenient food is the food that's quick and tasty and high in calories.
  • deserts.
  • This means that 20% or one in five Texans live in a food desert, which, as defined by the USDA, are regions
  • , which in food deserts is pretty much what's available.
Summary: The committee meeting engaged in comprehensive discussions surrounding various health-focused bills aimed at improving community services and mental health care access. Notably, House Bill 475 was refiled by Representative Johnson, highlighting the deficiencies in Texas Medicaid regarding community-based care for youth at risk for criminal behavior. The committee examined the merits of the bill, emphasizing the need for evidence-based intervention programs. Meanwhile, House Bill 2060 received attention for its focus on ensuring automatic Medicaid coverage for infants, addressing gaps in access highlighted by a report indicating a significant number of newborns missed enrollment at birth. Members expressed strong support for this initiative, delineating the critical nature of health coverage for Texas’ youngest citizens.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Agriculture & Livestock Mar 11th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House Agriculture & Livestock Committee

Bills: HB294, HB405, HB519
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several bills, including HB519, HB405, and HB294. Notably, HB519 aimed to support local honey producers by addressing market barriers, while HB405 proposed regulations to facilitate home gardening by limiting local government restrictions on growing food. Discussed potential challenges from local zoning laws and the importance of supporting individual rights regarding food cultivation. The atmosphere during discussions was generally collaborative, with members actively engaging in inquiries regarding the implications and support for these bills.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Mar 18th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • food service supplies, or ice to food service establishments.
  • First, the bill clarifies that there's a single fee for local food and local alcohol permits.
  • Restaurants are a critical part of our economy, our food supply, and our care.
  • We generate $17 billion in state taxes annually, and we account for 54% of the food dollar.
  • And I'm just speaking purely on the food safety aspect.
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by a series of discussions regarding several bills aimed at improving local regulations, particularly around food service operations. Members discussed the challenges of regulatory inconsistencies affecting restaurants and the food industry, emphasizing how Senate Bill 1008 could alleviate some financial burdens. Various stakeholders, including representatives from the Texas Restaurant Association, testified in support of this bill, highlighting the need for clearer and more predictable regulations. The discussions included provisions that would cap local permit fees, preventing duplicate charges that hinder small businesses' operations. Notably, there was strong bipartisan support demonstrated as numerous bills were reported favorably with unanimous votes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Agriculture & Livestock Apr 22nd, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House Agriculture & Livestock Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span> on the impact of seed banks and seed preservation on access to food
  • /p>

    Secondly, seed banks and seed conservation efforts bolster food

  • research in growing resilient crops in case of natural or non-natural disruptions that may lead to food
  • Texas and across the world grows by the second, it is crucial to have knowledge and tools to maintain food
  • if the food industry in Texas.
Bills: HB5085
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several agricultural bills, including HB5085, SB1035, and SB2155. Representative Hawkins opened the discussion regarding HB5085, emphasizing the importance of seed banks and preservation efforts for maintaining food security and biodiversity in light of environmental challenges. The bill was passed favorably with a vote of six to three after discussion on its potential impact on local agricultural practices. The meeting proceeded with SB1035, which aims to provide a legal pathway for agricultural operators to contest unlawful local regulations, where a committee substitute was successfully adopted. This bill received unanimous support in voting before moving on to SB2155, which seeks to modernize the structure of the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, also passed with unanimous support.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Agriculture & Livestock Mar 18th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House Agriculture & Livestock Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas currently has the highest rate of food insecurity in
  • access to affordable and nutritious foods.
  • Office of Food Systems Security and Resiliency within the
  • The Office of Food Systems Security and Resiliency would collaborate with industry professionals and
  • It's important to ensure that those types of food...

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture and Livestock convened to address several pressing bills concerning agriculture, food systems, and hemp regulation in Texas. Notable discussions revolved around HB1113, which focuses on the production and regulation of hemp, ensuring alignment with federal regulations. Testimonies from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Texas Hemp Coalition, indicated broad support for the bill, citing its potential to enhance agricultural practices and promote research. Additionally, members expressed concerns regarding the implications of food insecurity, advocating for HB1203, aimed at establishing an Office of Food Systems Security and Resiliency to address access to nutritious foods across Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 19th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • data-time="2538">Enjoy nearly 300 days of sunshine, scenic hiking trails, and of course, the best Mexican food
  • Relating to prohibiting certain food and additives from being
Summary: The meeting of the Senate addressed significant legislative changes regarding bail procedures and the use of public funds in bail payments. Notably, the committee reviewed SB9 and SB40, both aimed at tightening regulations surrounding bail bonds and enhancing public safety. Senator Huffman presented an amendment to SB9 that allows judges to reassess bail after indictments, especially in cases of violent offenders, reiterating the need for strict bail practices to protect victims and communities. Additionally, SB40 introduces restrictions on the use of public funds by local governments to cover bail for defendants, addressing public concerns over the transparency and safety implications of such practices.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Mar 24th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span>

    It's a really simple bill to make domesticated animal food

  • , which is dog and cat food, tax-exempt.
  • Our food is tax-exempt, pet prescriptions are tax-exempt

  • , so now we're just making their food tax-exempt.
  • choices between being able to afford to stay in their homes and paying for basic necessities like food
Summary: The meeting of the Ways and Means Committee was marked by significant deliberation on several bills aimed at improving tax policies and supporting community welfare. A noteworthy discussion surrounded HB1256, which proposes tax exemptions for rainwater harvesting systems, reflecting the pressing issue of water conservation amid drought conditions affecting Texas. Representative Zwiener emphasized the necessity of incentivizing families to conserve water, championing the bill as a common-sense solution. The committee also considered HB1632, which aims to make pet food tax-exempt, further engaging legislators in a light-hearted yet crucial dialogue about affordability for pet owners amidst rising living costs. Following these discussions, a series of resolutions and bills were reported favorably out of the committee, including HJR138, which seeks to prohibit a carbon tax in Texas as a precautionary measure against potential economic repercussions. The meeting concluded with clear communication regarding upcoming votes and recommendations for moving these bills forward to the full house. The atmosphere fostered a collaborative spirit as committee members shared their insights on pressing issues, highlighting their commitment to supporting Texas families and communities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health Apr 7th, 2025 at 03:30 pm

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's not a situation we need to have in our food system.
  • What is federal oversight regarding foods versus the state?
  • Consumers want and need food choices.
  • So, we are approved as Upside Foods.
  • Yeah, Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods do not have any...
Summary: The meeting of the public health committee focused on the pressing issue of opioid addiction in Texas, with a particular emphasis on House Bill 3717. Chairman Harris detailed the bill's intent to fund a grant program for Ibogaine clinical trials, framing it as a critical response to the ongoing opioid crisis. He shared poignant testimonies highlighting the struggles of families and veterans battling addiction and mental health issues. The conversation underscored the necessity of innovative treatments, like Ibogaine, which showed promising results in studies for reducing symptoms of withdrawal and PTSD.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Health Apr 7th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Public Health Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • He had to try to find food and take care of me.

  • span marker="2608" data-time="15642">It is as simple as going out and trying to find a place to grab food
  • If we look at communities that don't have access to healthcare resources, we have healthcare deserts
Summary: The meeting convened to discuss multiple bills, with a significant focus on HB44, which addresses medical exceptions in abortion law following the recent Dobbs decision. Lawmaker discussions highlighted concerns around the clarity of existing statutes, with several members expressing the need for a unified legal standard to protect both patients and medical professionals. The committee heard compelling testimonies from various industry experts advocating for the bill, emphasizing its importance in preventing confusion that could lead to detrimental health outcomes for women. Another noteworthy action was the committee's favorable recommendation for HB220, aimed at providing emergency contraception to survivors of sexual violence, reflecting the committee's commitment to addressing vulnerable communities' health needs. Additionally, discussions included the passage of HB499, which mandates social media warnings regarding mental health consequences, showcasing the diverse array of issues tackled in this session.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 17th, 2025 at 09:04 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Buenos Aires Cafe has won over... in the words of one local food writer, a legion of loyal customers
  • I remember we didn't have food at the house.
  • SB53-4 by Cole relating to the Cottage Food Production

  • 3154" data-time="18918">SB1008 by Middleton relates to the state and local authority of the regulated food
  • service establishments, food service suppliers, wholesalers, distributors, and wholesale distributors
Summary: The meeting of the legislative committee featured discussions on various proposed bills, focusing on issues pertinent to education, taxation, and public health. Notably, the committee addressed HB 4847 regarding the discrimination of school district tax-related information, which sparked significant debate among members. There were multiple public testimonies in favor of and against provisions within the new legislation concerning the delivery of tax notices to property owners, showcasing the diverse opinions held by stakeholders. The committee chair emphasized the importance of transparency and equity in tax communications, and members were urged to consider the implications of the proposed changes carefully.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Feb 25th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • following resolution, the clerk will read the resolution: H.R. 309 by Darby, recognizing the Texas Food
  • It honors the Texas Food and Fuel Association (TFFA), with
  • The Texas Food and Fuel Association plays a critical

  • Today marks the Texas Food and Fuel Association Advocacy
  • span>

    Would you please stand if you're a part of the Texas Food

Summary: The meeting focused on various resolutions and bills, demonstrating active participation from all members present. Notably, HR309 was adopted, recognizing the contributions of the Texas Food and Fuel Association in supporting the oil and gas industry for over 70 years. Representatives emphasized the organization's role in ensuring the supply and distribution of fuel across Texas and highlighted their commitment to education and professional development within the industry. Other resolutions discussed included HR306, which recognized March 2025 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, illustrating the committee's engagement with healthcare issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Agriculture & Livestock May 14th, 2025 at 09:05 am

House Agriculture & Livestock Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our customers care deeply about food quality. We care deeply about our reputation.
  • security, and builds resilient food systems without lowering any of the standards.
  • I think eggs are probably the best food that God ever made
  • It's a truly incredible time in world history that we live in, but food-borne...
  • Consumers are now challenging the quality of their food, and so they're looking for alternatives.
Bills: SB1864
Summary: This meeting of the committee centered around the discussion of SB1864, which aims to increase access to the graded egg market for small-scale producers. Chairman Wilson introduced the bill, highlighting its potential to lower barriers for entry, allowing smaller producers to sell ungraded eggs to retailers and wholesalers with proper labeling and documentation. The committee heard differing viewpoints, with supporters emphasizing the importance of farming diversity and access to local markets, while opponents raised concerns about food safety and maintaining quality standards. Testimonies from various stakeholders, including farmer representatives, industry experts, and regulatory bodies, were presented, showcasing the tension between market access for small producers and the need for consumer protection through existing food safety regulations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • It's not to change the food.
  • into our food supply?
  • Given the choice of nothing or food, they will eat the food.
  • It's not just the foods.
  • to food. They didn't have enough food.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services centered around two significant bills, SB25 and SB314, aimed at addressing the growing health crisis in Texas, particularly concerning children. The legislators acknowledged the prevalence of diet-related chronic health issues, including obesity and diabetes, and emphasized the need for a legislative response to improve dietary standards in schools. Senator Kocher championed SB25, which promotes measures like nutrition training for physicians, enhanced food labeling, and physical activity in schools as ways to combat the health crisis. Senator Hughes presented SB314, focusing specifically on prohibiting certain harmful chemicals in school meal programs and ensuring that children have access to healthier food options during school hours.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • local food purchase agreements and local food for school funds.
  • If local charities and food pantries cannot meet the needs of the growing number of food insecure kids
  • from all of those different food groups, and that most of the foods consumed should have little to no
  • to buy fresh, locally grown food from nearby farmers by eliminating the Local Food and Schools Program
  • On March 7th, 2025, the USDA terminated the Local Food and Schools Program and the Local Food Purchase
Bills: SB222
Summary: This meeting of the committee focused primarily on the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, S222, which aims to permit schools to offer a fuller range of milk options, including whole, reduced, and low-fat varieties, that have garnered bipartisan support. Chairman Bozeman opened the session by highlighting concerns over children's nutrition and the obesity epidemic, emphasizing the significance of nutritious school meals in addressing these issues. Experts from various organizations were invited to discuss the implications of this bill as well as the current challenges facing school meal programs, including budget constraints and food supply issues. The meeting included passionate testimonies about the direct impacts of current dietary guidelines and federal funding reductions affecting schools' abilities to provide healthy meal options.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Food and Drug Administration has reported that shrimp is the most frequently rejected seafood product
  • ...in food products due to links to cancer and other risks
  • States like Louisiana have adopted similar legislation requiring seafood origin disclosure in food service
  • Currently, some food service establishments impose mandatory fees or surcharges.
  • /span>

    House Bill 5212 addresses this issue by requiring food

Summary: The Committee on Trade, Workforce, and Employment held a meeting focused on various bills related to workforce development, consumer protection, and business regulations. Notably, HB5317, aimed at establishing a self-insured retention fund to lower insurance costs for state agencies, received significant attention, with discussions on its potential fiscal benefits. The committee also reviewed bills concerning unemployment benefits, regulation of food service surcharges, and property rights for homeowners, particularly in the context of water conservation amid ongoing drought conditions. Public testimony highlighted concerns over transparency in mandatory fees charged by food service establishments, with stakeholders advocating for clearer disclosures to protect consumer trust.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part II) Feb 4th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I've seen them wipe food from his mouth.
  • Food insecurity among low-income families and children.
  • Association of Food Banks.
  • I do laundry, iron clothes, and I like to stay up and cook food.
  • We will never heal mental illnesses until we address physical root causes such as food dyes, food drugs
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting focused on several critical issues, primarily surrounding funding for mental health services in Texas. Various stakeholders, including representatives from mental health organizations and community service providers, provided testimonies advocating for increased investments in mental health resources, particularly for children's mental health initiatives and support systems. One prominent discussion was around the need for family preservation funding to maintain support for families in crisis. The evidence presented highlighted an alarming rise in food insecurity, which underscored the necessity of legislative action to protect vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Under current law, if a food A food truck wanting to serve
  • Some cities are outright hostile towards food truck operators.
  • My name is Sarah Lewis, and I am a food truck event coordinator for the food...
  • A food truck or trailer should be about serving great food
  • handler or food manager certificate remain consistent across food trucks and restaurants, as they are
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by discussions on several key legislative measures, particularly focusing on amendments to emergency powers and local food vendor regulations. A highlight was the presentation of SJR 40 by Representative Slauson, aimed at redefining how the state handles emergency declarations and asserting legislative authority beyond the traditional session times. This proposal elicited significant interest and debate among committee members, emphasizing the need for a more responsive governance framework to better handle future crises like COVID-19. In regards to food regulations, House Bill 2844 was discussed, seeking to streamline licensing requirements for food trucks operating across multiple jurisdictions. Testimony included perspectives from both supporters advocating for fewer regulatory hurdles and critics warning about potential public health risks.

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