Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'judges'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The county judges can carry now.
  • Yeah, I'm pretty sure that the county judges, district judges
  • Many counties in Texas hold joint primaries where we have one judge for one party and one judge for the
  • House Bill 3789 provides parity for statutory probate judges along with active and retired judges who
  • She was also a statutory county judge and a state district judge as well.
Summary: The meeting of the committee addressed several significant bills related to firearm regulations, notably HB2470, which proposes allowing individuals ages 18 to 20 to carry handguns in public. This bill sparked intense debate, with numerous witnesses providing public testimony against it, expressing concerns about youth gun violence and the implications of allowing younger individuals to carry firearms. Advocates of the bill argued that it aligns with constitutional rights and addresses current legal ambiguities. Discussions also included HB3669, aimed at clarifying the classification of less-lethal projectile devices, with supporters presenting evidence of the safety benefits these technologies could provide to law enforcement. The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the diverse opinions presented, indicating a need for further consideration of the drafted legislation before finalizing decisions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 14th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , district judge, or federal judge has an expedited license to carry.
  • And we allowed retired federal judges and district attorneys to come in.
  • and retired district judges.
  • That's our Supreme Court standard by which we judge Second Amendment infringements.
  • Under this, could the judge still exclude it?
Summary: The committee meeting featured a rigorous discussion on several bills, most notably House Bill 4201, which aims to expand firearm carry rights for licensed individuals on government-owned properties, including schools. The proponent of the bill, Representative Schatzlein, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Texans. However, multiple witnesses testified against the bill, arguing that it could lead to increased risks, particularly in sensitive locations like educational institutions, where the presence of firearms could exacerbate safety concerns. Testimonies from representatives of various organizations, including Texas Gun Sense and Moms Demand Action, highlighted the potential dangers such legislation could introduce, and many witnesses shared personal stories that reinforced their opposition to the bill.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 2nd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • judge.
  • the judge rules on it.
  • All these judges that I have had on my case have been retired judges.
  • a judge had to serve before they could be eligible to be a visiting judge.
  • Thank you, Judge.
Summary: The committee meeting encompassed a wide range of discussions focusing heavily on various bills aimed at enhancing community safety and legal procedures. Notably, House Bill 2176 was introduced by Chairman Harless as a cleanup bill that seeks to improve courtroom safety. This drew significant attention as witnesses, including Holly Williamson from the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association, testified regarding the alarming increase in security incidents reported in Texas courts, emphasizing the need for reinforced court security measures. The concerns raised about the safety of judges, court personnel, and the public during court proceedings highlighted the gravity of the situation and the necessity for legislative action.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 2nd, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Bias training for judges is not radical.
  • judges, I mean, they work around the clock, most of them.
  • I think two hours for judges is important, because we had judges that wanted to be here today.
  • , but it's called a "rule and run" where these retired judges come in.
  • They bring in these retired judges.
Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Civil Justice held a meeting focusing on several legislative bills that address implicit bias in the judicial system. A major highlight was House Bill 1363, which seeks to implement mandatory bias training for judges to ensure fairer judicial outcomes and enhance public trust in the system. This discussion included testimony from various stakeholders who articulated the significance of addressing unconscious biases that could affect judicial decisions. There was considerable debate about the effectiveness and required duration of the training, with suggestions for extending the training frequency from two years to annually to ensure continual awareness and education amongst judges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 25th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Judge Crump, who's recently ascended to the Third Court of Appeals. To Judge Ortega.
  • To Judge Avila Ramirez. To Judge Lopez Theofanis.
  • judges who were Hispanic women.
  • And, of course, we also have Judge Dori Contreras, who became the first judge in the U.S. to...
  • Judge.
Summary: The meeting was marked by significant resolutions recognizing various contributions to Texas and celebrating community initiatives. Key discussions included the adoption of resolutions commemorating Texas Hispanic Judges Day and highlighting the 100th anniversary of Memorial Park. Senators expressed appreciation for the judges' dedication and legacy, with notable mentions of individual judges and their impact on the community and legal landscape in Texas. The Senate also honored students and organizations contributing positively to their communities, showcasing the interconnectedness of public service and the legislative process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:00 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • and to stay as judges.
  • But don't do this for the judges.
  • and to stay as judges.
  • Even though the judges' jobs are so much more important and the judges wield so much more power.
  • But don't do this for the judges.
Summary: The meeting featured a address by Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, who emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the legal system and ensuring fair access to justice for all Texans. He addressed the challenges facing the judiciary, notably the need for increased funding for district judges, which has not seen a raise since 2013. The Chief Justice highlighted how inadequate compensation has affected the ability to attract and retain qualified judges. He urged the legislature to consider a substantial increase in judicial salaries as a matter of public interest and necessary for the state's judicial system.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I think that judges should have that same responsibility.
  • I envision it as the judge themselves would be liable.
  • And do you know if judges could buy insurance against this?
  • First, your bill says that the judge would be liable.
  • It is when a judge has discretion, we need to let the judge
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered on several bills related to liability, fraud, and public safety. Representative Slauson's HB1088 concerning healthcare liability claims related to gender modifications was revisited, with discussions highlighting the implications of amendments and a contentious vote that resulted in a 7-4 decision to report it to the full House. Notably, HB4101, led by Vice Chair Hayes, introduced a committee substitute that raised the limited liability from $50,000 to $250,000 for funeral service providers in cases of mental anguish, which passed after brief deliberations. Additionally, the committee discussed HB4281 targeting fraudulent crowdfunding campaigns, aiming to provide victims legal recourse, which sparked an emotional response due to real-life implications presented by witnesses.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Mar 5th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • district judges, presiding judges, and chiefs.
  • I want to know how much the judges are working in their courtroom. Exactly. Each judge.
  • And I know you have good judges.
  • , we have to elect better judges.
  • We have to elect better judges. judges.
Bills: SB260, SB263, SB293, SJR18
Summary: The committee meeting centered around discussions on Senate Bill 260, which aims to enhance school safety through increased funding. Senator Huffman highlighted the initiative to double both the per-student and per-campus safety allotments. Testimonies from various stakeholders, including educators and mental health advocates, underscored the importance of addressing both physical safety and mental health needs in schools. The discussions revealed a strong consensus on the necessity of adequate resources for effective school safety measures while acknowledging the financial challenges faced by districts in meeting legislative mandates. The meeting concluded with a positive recommendation for the bill's passage to the full Senate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part I)Receipt of House messages. Aug 21st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Bills: SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, HB4
Summary: The meeting commenced with the Senate being called to order, following a message from the House regarding a vote that had been taken. The session demonstrated a structured agenda, focusing on various legislative matters, though detailed discussions were not present within the transcript. It was noted that the Senate plans to adjourn until the evening of Thursday, August 21st, which indicates ongoing legislative work ahead. While specific bills and concerns were not highlighted in this portion of the transcript, the protocol of the meeting adhered to the formalities of legislative processes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Mar 31st, 2025 at 10:03 am

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Summary: During the meeting of the Permanent Standing Subcommittee on County, a range of bills was presented and discussed, primarily concerning local governance and healthcare efficiency. The chair initiated the session by laying out HB2438, which aims to modernize the Concho County Hospital District's governing legislation to better align with current operational realities. Chairman Darby spoke on the importance of updating the statute to address outdated provisions, ensuring the district can continue to provide essential health services. The committee also heard testimony regarding several other bills, including HB2658, which focuses on clarifying the governing laws for the Kimball County Hospital District, and HB1845, which was described as offering flexibility in judicial pay for county judges hearing state cases.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence (Part I) Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • visiting judges from practicing in their assigned judicial resources.
  • Currently, most uncontested probate cases are heard by the county judge.
  • county judge is required to assign the case to a traveling judge.
  • Under current law, counties are required to pay for the cost of the traveling judge.
  • There are only 12 counties with a permanent probate judge out of 254.
Summary: In this meeting of the committee, significant discussions were held regarding various bills, particularly focusing on the issue of deed fraud, as highlighted by Senate Bill 1734. Senator Hughes advocated for this legislation as a self-help solution for property owners affected by fraudulent deeds, underscoring its timely relevance given the recent uptick in such incidents. Public testimony included supportive statements from a Texas title industry representative, explaining how the bill would streamline the process for victims to clear their titles in a cost-effective manner. The meeting also addressed Senate Bill 1975, which seeks to protect Texas contractors from unfavorable litigation practices imposed by out-of-state general contractors; however, no public testimony was provided on this bill.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence (Part II)Audio only. Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • business, the chair lays out Senate Bill 2127, which is about the assignment of retired and former judges
Summary: The Committee on Jurisprudence convened to discuss multiple pending bills aimed at improving various aspects of legal and property matters. Notably, several bills were reported favorably to the full Senate with unanimous support, including SB1335, which addresses issues involving decedents' affairs, and SB1734, focusing on property title documentation. Senator Zaffirini and Senator Johnson were instrumental in moving these bills forward, ensuring the committee maintained a swift pace in considering legislation. Furthermore, the chair highlighted the importance of guardianship for incapacitated persons in upcoming discussions around SB1760, indicating a commitment to addressing vulnerable populations in legislative changes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part II) Aug 21st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Bills: SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, HB4
Summary: The meeting focused on the discussion and passage of SB1, known as the Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act, which aims to implement critical safety measures for youth camps following a tragic flood incident that resulted in numerous fatalities. Senator Perry led a profound dialogue stressing the importance of ensuring that all campers and camping facilities are adequately prepared for emergencies, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evacuation plans and safety standards. Members expressed heartfelt sentiments toward the families affected by the tragedy, and many voiced their commitment to preventing such an event from occurring again in the future. The overall tone was somber yet dedicated, with a strong emphasis on moving forward in honor of those lost.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • retired and former justices and judges.
  • eligible for appointment as visiting judges from eight years to six years.
  • and require the visiting judges to comply with specific regulations.
  • to hear a contested case, the county judge is required to assign the case to a traveling judge.
  • There are only 12 counties with a permanent probate judge out of 254.
Summary: The Committee meeting involved significant discussions around several bills concerning property law and contractor protections. Notably, Senate Bill 1975 and Senate Bill 1734 were at the forefront, where SB1975 focused on protecting Texas contractors from being forced to litigate in foreign jurisdictions, ensuring local disputes are resolved within Texas. The testimony highlighted the need for such protections due to the previous challenges encountered by local contractors when large out-of-state entities imposed unfavorable contractual terms. The bill passed without any opposition during the committee session, highlighting its urgent importance for the local construction community. In addition, the committee addressed Senate Bill 1734, which aims to provide property owners with a systematic approach to remedy deed fraud. This discussion included public testimonies shedding light on the recent rise in fraudulent deeds, emphasizing the need for legislative measures to streamline the rectification process. The public's input, especially from those in the title insurance industry, offered critical insights into the practical implications of the bill. The committee's deliberations were comprehensive and featured no substantial challenges to any of the bills, leading to a productive session overall.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part I) Aug 22nd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'll do my best, but please remember we're not in a courtroom and I'm not a judge, not under a deposition
  • In the El Paso trial court, a three-judge panel has already made a ruling on that.
  • The Attorney General's litigation team in the three-judge
Bills: SB2, SB5, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion of HB4, which pertains to redistricting. Chairman King emphasized the legal compliance of the proposed map and elaborated on its political advantages, stating that the map improves compactness while benefiting Republican candidates. The meeting saw extensive public testimony, with numerous participants voicing concerns about the map's legality and its implications on minority representation. Representative Smith highlighted that the overwhelming majority of public submissions expressed opposition to the redistricting bill, arguing that it disregards the constituents' voices. Debate ensued regarding the necessity and legality of the changes made, particularly concerning minority districts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part IV) Aug 22nd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Bills: SB2, SB5, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4
Summary: The Senate meeting convened with notable tension surrounding HB4, which was ultimately passed after a contentious discussion. Senator Charles Perry raised concerns about Senator Carol Alvarado's fundraising filibuster, claiming it violated Senate ethics and decorum by using state resources for campaign purposes. This prompted a heated debate among members, reflecting deep divisions regarding the use of legislative sessions for political gain. Ultimately, the roll call revealed 18 ayes and 11 nays as HB4 passed, leading to discussions about future sessions and pending bills. The atmosphere in the Senate was marked by strong emotions, especially surrounding the issue of ethical conduct in legislative practices. Several members expressed their displeasure about the potential implications for state resources utilized during such political maneuvers. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, reflecting the urgency felt by members to address these issues adequately in future gatherings. Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing struggles and the dynamics at play within the Senate regarding governance and ethics in political conduct.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part III) Aug 22nd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Stop judging people by the color of their skin and

Bills: SB2, SB5, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4
Summary: In the recent committee meeting, the primary focus was on HB4, the congressional redistricting bill. Intense debates ensued regarding the implications of this proposed map on minority voting representation. Senator Zaffirini and other members expressed strong opposition, citing that the redistricting efforts were not only untimely but also undermined the gains made by minority communities in past elections. Significant testimony was provided from the public, showing overwhelming disapproval of the proposed changes, with 98% of the testimonies against the bill. Members highlighted the historical context of disenfranchisement and warned that this redistricting would further dilute the voices of crucial voting blocs in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session (Part II) Aug 22nd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So if a three-judge panel looks at these, there's going to be a lawsuit; we know that.
  • What if that three-judge panel says that race was a consideration? Then you erred, I guess.
Bills: SB2, SB5, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, HB4
Summary: The meeting was centered around the discussions of several legislative bills, focusing on significant amendments proposed for House Bill 4, which pertains to the election of members of the United States House of Representatives from Texas. Senator Zaffirini presented an amendment to create a bipartisan Texas Redistricting Commission to address concerns over gerrymandering and to improve the fairness of the redistricting process. The amendment sparked a lively debate among the senators, highlighting different perspectives on the implications of such a commission. Some members voiced their support while others raised concerns regarding the potential need for constitutional amendments to adopt such changes. The discussions also included testimony from Senator Gutierrez, who addressed the importance of transparency and public trust in the redistricting process, emphasizing that voters should have confidence in the electoral maps drawn by the state officials.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

Senate Session Aug 28th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Bills: SB2, SB5, SB10, HB17, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4
Summary: The meeting predominantly focused on the discussion of several bills, including SB3, SB16, and a number of House Bills such as HB16, HB23, HB25, HB26, and HB192. Members engaged in lively debates concerning the implications of these bills, with notable discussions centered around community impacts and administrative implications. The committee heard testimony from various stakeholders, reflecting a distribution of opinions on the bills being considered. The atmosphere was one of collaboration as members worked through differing perspectives on the proposed legislation.

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