Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'legal fees'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence (Part I) May 21st, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The 15% or 20% goes for the attorney fees that the delinquent taxpayer pays to be sued.
  • And I think you said lowering the fees didn't work. Just something about that. What was that?
  • are in the case where the attorney's fees were both reasonable and necessary.
  • House Bill 4170 is about venue for lawsuits involving private transfer fees on real property.
  • The bill simply places legal guardrails around...
Summary: The Committee on State Affairs meeting was predominantly focused on several pivotal bills, including HB3783, HB4213, and HB1916. Notably, the chair initiated discussions on HB3783, which aims to regulate court-ordered counseling practices, particularly targeting what is known as 'reunification therapy.' The bill generated significant attention due to allegations surrounding its misuse, with multiple witnesses providing testimonies both for and against the measure. Concerns were raised about the practices involved, particularly regarding forced separations from custodial parents which many argue could lead to further trauma for children involved in high-conflict situations. The meeting also saw robust discussions regarding HB4213, aimed at revising child support interest rates and improving compliance levels for non-custodial parents, highlighting the financial burdens these families face. Each bill was left pending for further consideration at future meetings, reflecting the complex nature of the topics discussed and the need for deeper examination of possible implications.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But is there some crowdfunding that's legal under this bill?
  • a TCPA motion to dismiss is granted, but only when those fees are incurred.
  • In order for fees to be incurred, the client must owe the fees to their attorney, meaning that the attorneys
  • Why would you need to award them fees if they're taking this on pro bono?
  • , they still have to prove up their fees.
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

Jurisprudence (Part I) May 14th, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I've also been a legal aid attorney.
  • And how is it not a legally appropriate change to the code?
  • There's a very laid out legal process. In that case, current wages, once they're deposited...
  • to pay the bank's attorney's fees for...
  • fees.
Summary: The committee meeting included a thorough examination of several bills, notably HB2733, HB3104, HB4325, and HB2495, each addressing significant legal and procedural issues in Texas law. HB2733, presented by Representative Canuccio, sought to modernize existing definitions related to barratry to include digital solicitation methods, and it received no public testimony for or against, suggesting a general consensus on the need for this update. Conversely, HB3104 by Representative McLaughlin focused on the appointment and salary provisions for bailiffs in Webb County, addressing concerns over discrepancies across district courts, while HB2495 clarified the rights of sole managing conservators regarding their children's school enrollment, which generated testimony from family law professionals in support of the bill.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Jurisprudence (Part II)Audio only. May 14th, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Summary: The Senate Committee on Jurisprudence convened to discuss a series of bills concerning various legal topics, notably the rights of custodial parents, barratry, and civil liabilities. Throughout the meeting, each bill was presented by committee members, who moved for favorable recommendations to the full Senate. Among the bills discussed, HB2495 addressed the rights of the sole managing conservator in relation to school enrollment, and HB2733 focused on barratry and solicitation of employment. All bills discussed received unanimous support, reflecting a cooperative atmosphere among committee members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It does not create liability but does allow parties to seek attorney's fees and costs in some instances
  • Judge Unger actually set the bond because there was no legal authorization for her to do a no bond.
  • And yet, they're having access to the legal system. I mean, as Mr.
  • That was one of the arrangements we discussed; it was in exchange for the filing fee.
  • I had no problem with adding a fee to allow J.P.s more resources to deal with receiverships.
Summary: During this meeting of the legislative committee, significant discussions took place regarding various bills, including those focused on judge and courthouse security, construction defect lawsuits, and carbon capture legislation. A notable highlight was the presentation of HB4502, where representatives expressed urgency to address concerns surrounding harassment of judges and court staff, citing incidents that had raised alarms about their safety. The proposed changes aim to enhance the judicial security framework and rectify loopholes that currently hinder effective legal recourse for court personnel. Several witnesses provided testimony both in support and in opposition to the discussed bills, emphasizing the diverse perspectives and concerns surrounding each piece of legislation. Another key discussion involved HB2790, which aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for carbon capture and storage, addressing the balance between promoting technological advancement and protecting property rights. Stakeholders, including landowners and industry representatives, presented contrasting views on the implications of the bill, highlighting the ongoing debate about environmental responsibilities versus economic development needs. The meeting concluded with several bills left pending, showcasing the committee's commitment to thorough deliberation and stakeholder engagement in legislative processes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Mar 31st, 2025 at 04:03 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm clear in my mind about what attorney's fees are, and I'm very clear on what court costs are.
  • The other situation you have is when one party requests interim fees, they're accessing the community
  • ...attorney's fees, but the standards for those fees and
  • Some provisions throughout the code only reference reasonable fees without stating that they must also
  • ...Mews case that our practice follows in awarding fees,
Summary: The meeting of the Family and Judiciary Committee was productive, with in-depth discussions focused on multiple bills that address important aspects of family law. Notable conversations revolved around HB2495, which aims to clarify the rights of parents regarding their children's education amidst existing ambiguities in lower court rulings. Testimony supporting this bill highlighted the necessity for legal clarity to ensure children can be enrolled in school without delays. The committee also discussed HB3181, which seeks to enhance the enforcement of child possession orders by linking repeated contempt findings to custody modifications, reinforcing accountability for parents who violate court orders.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 Apr 29th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • fees.
  • School districts have spent thousands of dollars in legal fees
  • I've spent nearly $600,000 on legal fees. Taxpayers have no idea.
  • I was shocked to uncover that over 1 million dollars has been spent on legal fees and settlements.
  • So it's either the school district got a better deal on these legal fees, or something is not right with
Summary: The meeting focused on several bills related to education, showcasing robust discussions on various legislative measures aimed at enhancing educational frameworks in Texas. Notably, Senate Bill 205 was presented as a refile intended to make fetal development instruction a permanent component of junior high health curricula. The bill garnered support from multiple members as they highlighted its significance in educating students about human development. Public testimony was invited, although no significant opposition was noted during this segment.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • you that we do see, especially in some rural areas, situations where… some people are calling them legal
Summary: The meeting focused on discussions surrounding judicial reform, specifically addressing issues such as judicial accountability, compensation, and the backlog of cases. Members expressed concerns over the lack of sufficient compensation for judges, which has hindered their ability to attract qualified candidates to the bench. Witness testimonies highlighted the significant workload judges face and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on court operations. There was a concerted effort among committee members to ensure judges are held accountable while also providing them with fair compensation and resources to effectively manage their caseloads. The gathering concluded with commitments to further discuss proposed legislation and its potential effects on the judicial system in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You know, I know our legal.
  • fees.
  • We had good legal representation and we petitioned the court.
  • That partition took another seven years. $1.2 million in legal fees only.
  • The problematic attorney fee provision requires non-heir co-tenants to pay legal costs.
Summary: In the recent meeting, the Judiciary and Cellular Disturbance Committee convened to discuss several critical issues, highlighted by the testimony surrounding HB1761. The committee chair emphasized the importance of the bill, gathering a panel consisting of key witnesses who offered various perspectives. Notably, Kathy Ward from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct voiced concerns regarding potential pitfalls of imposing sanctions on false complaints, advocating for a more inclusive process that considers mental health perspectives. Jacob Putnam, a District Attorney, echoed the sentiments, highlighting the bill's implications for public service recruitment and the necessity for competitive pay in public positions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • It cost $20,000 in legal fees to fight to get her child back.
  • The legal fees to obtain that authority are often high.
  • authority can range from $7,000 to $10,000 in legal fees alone.
  • offset these legal fees.
  • I took this job at the Legal Services Center last year.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a range of legislative bills centered around child welfare and family rights. Notably, House Bill 4870, presented by Representative Aisha Davis, aimed at supporting kinship caregivers by creating a grant program to alleviate the high legal fees for obtaining custody authority. The bill received strong support from testimony highlighting the importance of kinship care in keeping families together and reducing the costs associated with foster care. The witnesses included representatives from various legal aid organizations, all emphasizing the significant financial savings and emotional benefits of formalizing kinship arrangements. Additionally, discussions surrounding HB3758 focused on ensuring due process for parents in child protective services cases, stressing the need for legal protections during therapy and treatment. Observers noted the passionate debates around parental rights and child welfare, underscoring the delicate balance legislators seek to maintain.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Mar 31st, 2025 at 02:03 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is not just a legal obligation, in my opinion, but a moral duty to protect and nurture future generations
Summary: The meeting of the committee involved discussions on several bills aimed at improving the legal framework surrounding child support and guardianship. Notably, Representative Swanson presented HB3311, which seeks to prioritize unpaid child support claims over secured debt obligations during probate proceedings. This bill aims to ensure that children receive the financial support they need promptly, especially after losing a parent. Testimonies from various stakeholders emphasized the importance of addressing child support obligations to prevent financial hardships for grieving families. Additionally, HB3376 was discussed, which mandates ongoing education for guardians regarding Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, reflecting the need for better support for vulnerable individuals.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • require the trial court to explain the specific legal or factual
  • If a court fails to provide those findings, the order is presumed to lack a legal or factual <
  • /span> Section 7 allows the MAC director or designee to approve fee
  • This undermines public trust in fair legal proceedings.
  • These cases are legally and factually incredible.
Summary: The meeting focused on several key pieces of legislation aiming to address legal representation issues, specifically regarding indigent defendants and the implications of artificial intelligence in legal matters. Notably, House Bill 3694, introduced by Representative Raymond, sought to regulate the use of AI in creating non-consensual explicit media, establishing stricter penalties. Additionally, House Bill 507, presented by Representative Gervin Hawkins, aimed to enhance the quality of legal representation for indigent defendants in capital cases by establishing stricter standards for appointed attorneys and promoting transparency in legal processes. Testimonies were heard for and against various bills, highlighting strong community engagement and varying opinions on these critical issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections Apr 30th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I can turn any conversation into a debate about legalizing.
  • The Libertarian filing fees are not promoting our candidates and parties.
  • We are asking to submit our filing fees in the...
  • You can do the signature or pay the fee.
  • filing fees in the Republican and Democratic Party go to our parties.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused primarily on discussions surrounding HB4309, aimed at allowing third parties to handle filing fees similarly to major political parties. Witnesses from the Libertarian Party, including Wes Benedict, expressed the need for equitable treatment in political financing, highlighting how fees imposed on them currently do not assist their party in any meaningful way like they do for Republicans and Democrats. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of accountability for fees collected from third parties, with committee members discussing potential oversight mechanisms.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 29th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Systems that counties use to provide legal services to indigent
  • Currently, an expunction is filed by the petitioner and it's a $350 filing fee.
  • ...attorney's fees, and then they pay $15 per agency plus
  • Our bill would repeal all those fees as long as the agencies are providing us or the petitioners with
  • The first is that the fee; there is a fee under this bill that is mandatory and it's not...
Summary: The committee meeting featured comprehensive discussions surrounding several significant bills aimed at reforming laws related to criminal justice and individual rights. Notable among the bills was HB2309, which intends to update the civil asset forfeiture laws in Texas, empowering the Attorney General's office to pursue forfeiture in serious cases like human trafficking and organized crime. Representative Villalba presented this bill, emphasizing the need for state-level resources to address broader criminal enterprises effectively. The bill's testimony included insights from witnesses associated with the Texas Attorney General's office who affirmed the necessity for such changes to enhance law enforcement's capabilities across jurisdictions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships May 5th, 2025 at 02:05 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • Clerks charge a fee in excess of $150 in the county where
  • What Zaffirini has done is to say the fee ought to be the
  • In the State of Texas, a family law case has a $45 transfer fee.
  • That's for a fee. Thank you, Judge Herman.
  • Fathers of a child do not have a legal obligation to provide financial support for the child.
Summary: The meeting of the Subcommittee on Family and Fiduciary Relationships focused on a range of bills concerning child support, child welfare, and probate law. Notable discussions included HB1980, which aims to require fathers to provide financial support from the moment of conception. This bill was presented by Representative Hicklin, who highlighted the economic challenges faced by single mothers and the importance of ensuring paternal responsibility. Public testimonies were received both in favor and against this bill, including criticisms about the fairness of imposing retroactive child support. The committee members expressed varied opinions, leading to a nuanced debate about the implications of the bill on family dynamics and economic responsibilities . Other bills discussed included SB1923, which allows child support payments to follow the child to non-parent caregivers, thus aiming to better serve children in kinship care situations. This bill was supported by advocates highlighting the financial strain on kinship caregivers without custody. Additionally, HB5642 addressed clouded titles in real estate and the importance of providing clear information to homebuyers regarding estate planning. Overall, the meeting was productive and well-attended, with substantial participation from committee members and the public.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • "4608">Members, currently under the transportation code, the comptroller receives a portion of the fees
  • Of those fees collected by the comptroller, 70% is deposited to the credit of the undedicated portion
Summary: During this meeting, the committee engaged in detailed discussions surrounding various legislative proposals, notably focusing on HB2054 and HB4601. HB2054 was discussed in the context of addressing financial support for victims' families during declared emergencies, removing existing procedural barriers. Representative Manuel presented HB4601, which aims to assist Texas veterans in purchasing affordable housing by creating a down payment assistance program financed through a dedicated tax fund. This program is essential to simplify homeownership for veterans facing financial challenges in the current housing market.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • He got the legal system involved.
  • ...legal hardships.
  • Again, it's just a legal presumption.
  • Of course, with the last panel, they went through a lot of the legalities of this situation.
  • In legal fees on the civil side alone, it cost me $46,000
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on various legislative proposals, with significant discussions surrounding bills aimed at enhancing legal protections for citizens and jury privacy. Notably, House Bill 1110, presented by Chairman Shaheen, addresses safeguards for citizens reporting suspicious activities, ensuring they are protected from legal repercussions when acting in good faith. There was unanimous support for HB 349, which relates to civil liabilities associated with removing individuals from vehicles, illustrating the committee's commitment to providing social protections amid rising concerns around public safety.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development May 7th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's an annual fee, and it's about $475. Okay, gotcha.
  • , processing fees, rush fees, document assembly fees, document preparation fees, or other creative labels
  • Resale certificate fees are generally paid by the buyer, not the seller, right?
  • In some cases, they charged contingency fees for work never performed.
  • Attorney's fees should they lose.
Summary: The Committee on Trade, Workforce and Economic Development convened to discuss a range of bills addressing workforce policies, business practices, and data privacy issues. A highlight was the presentation of HB5146, aimed at expanding subsidized childcare eligibility to include parents pursuing non-credit workforce training, which drew significant support from both committee members and witnesses. Additionally, SB2121 was introduced to rectify clerical errors within the data broker law, ensuring better consumer protections around the collection and use of personal data. Various other bills saw quick passages with unanimous support, reflecting broad agreement among members regarding workforce development and operational efficiency.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • federal firearms licensee to store those weapons for a fee
  • marker="697" data-time="4176"> Addiction issues, he tried everything to heal, but ultimately was legally
  • data-time="4626"> me and my family in hopes that they would take him out of the pulpit because we knew legally
Summary: The committee meeting centered around the discussions of three key bills: HB865, HB1928, and HB748. Notably, HB865, presented by Speaker Moody, received significant attention as it aims to clarify liability protections for federal firearms licensees, emphasizing its importance for supporting veterans' mental health and safety. Testimonies were provided by various stakeholders, including city council members and law enforcement representatives, who underscored the pressing need for legislative support in the wake of alarming suicide rates among veterans. The committee engaged in comprehensive discussions, highlighting the bill’s potential impact on improving public safety and mental health support within the veteran community. Throughout the session, the committee showed commitment to addressing issues within the statutory probate court system as well, referring HB1928 directly to a relevant subcommittee for further evaluation. The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on collaboration among committee members and public input, setting the stage for further review and action on these significant legislative proposals. Overall, the meeting was efficient and well-attended, with active participation from both committee members and the public.

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