Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'public institutions'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 5th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This program was created in House Bill 8 and provides funding for public institutions of higher education
  • The FAST program, which was created in House Bill 8, aims to support public institutions in providing
  • House Bill 8 is an excellent example of public policy that incentivizes institutions and students to
  • The Permanent Fund for Military and Veterans Exemptions, or MBE, was established to assist public institutions
  • Health Institute, or TEHPY.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting focused on the funding recommendations for public health-related institutions and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. During the session, significant discussions were held around the $4.2 billion in total funding recommended for the 2026-27 biennium, which reflects a notable decrease compared to the previous biennium. Key highlights included an increase in funding for various educational support programs like the Graduate Medical Education expansion, and the need for modern data systems in colleges to ensure educational programs meet workforce demands. Testimonies from representatives highlighted both concerns about budget cuts and optimism for enhanced funding initiatives.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Terry Wilson from Georgetown is relating to a public institution of higher education's orientation on
  • The bill requires the president of a public institution of higher education to investigate any allegation
  • I agree with what I believe is the central tenet of this bill: that no student at a public institution
  • institutions, but ignores the right to protest for the general public at large in a public forum, as
  • of public-facing institutions in Texas.
Summary: During this meeting of the Senate Education Committee, multiple bills were discussed, focusing on educational policies and procedures. Notably, Senate Bill 1241 was introduced by Senator Middleton, which proposed a committee substitute for establishing standardized college entrance exams accepted by Texas public universities. The committee engaged in significant dialogue about the necessity of addressing concerns surrounding exam equivalency standards, and the need for a data-driven approach to admissions decisions. Various committee members voiced their support for the enhancements proposed in the substitute, leading to its unanimous adoption and favorable recommendation to the full Senate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • with the Texas Medical Center, with public institutions such
  • Institution of Higher Education as an R1 institution or a top-tier research institution.
  • Texas's public universities and colleges are institutions of academic freedom and security, but there
  • It seeks to address this issue by requiring public institutions

  • ...if public institutions are going to have to do it themselves
Summary: During the committee meeting, key issues surrounding higher education legislation were discussed, focusing on several significant bills. Notably, discussions revolved around SB2233, which mandates public institutions in Texas to prohibit non-immigrant visa holders from supporting terrorist activities. This bill raised concerns regarding free speech and potential overreach in monitoring students and faculty, with various testimonies highlighting its implications for academic freedom. The bill faced opposition from various civil rights organizations and law students who emphasized that such measures could create a chilling effect on political expression and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. In contrast, SB735 on Holocaust education received strong support, aiming to improve educational resources and awareness amid rising anti-Semitism, with calls for comprehensive training for educators. Other bills discussed included SB2683, which restricts institutional benefits from foreign entities considered to pose a national security risk, further emphasizing the tension between security concerns and academic freedom.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 1st, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • institutions of higher education by prohibiting these institutions from soliciting or accepting gifts
  • Under current law, public institutions of higher education
  • The safeguards in House Bill 173 ensure that Texas public institutions of higher education remain focused
  • It brings students to the institution.
  • institutions of higher education.
Summary: The committee meeting largely centered around three significant bills: HB3204, HB173, and HB1507. HB3204 aims to address the workforce skills gap in Texas by modernizing vocational training and establishing what is now referred to as the Polytechnic College. Representative Metcalfe emphasized the need for relevant workforce training programs aligned with today's job market, which led to discussions about the new certificate programs that will be introduced. Additionally, public institutions will benefit from enhanced support for those who may not meet traditional entrance requirements.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Mar 20th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You get to hear the public in a better way.

  • That money will be used by the institution to provide

  • So we'll open up public testimony on Senate Bill 724.
  • Okay, with no public testimony, public testimony on Senate
  • Espionage and intellectual property theft at Texas public institutions
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by significant discussions surrounding various legislative proposals, particularly Senate Bill 1741, which aims to tackle espionage and intellectual property theft within Texas public institutions of higher education. Senator Parker took the floor to present the bill, highlighting its importance in safeguarding the state’s educational institutions from foreign threats. The conversation around this bill was substantive, with public testimonies being invited to gather a range of opinions on the proposed regulations. Another critical aspect discussed was Senate Bill 724, which addresses the attendance of governing board members in person during meetings, a vital issue raised post-COVID due to a lack of quorum in past gatherings. The committee's chair, Senator Kolkhorst, emphasized the necessity for physical presence to maintain the integrity of board meetings and deliberations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Mar 20th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Secure academic research at all Texas public institutions.
  • board for our public institutions and you would agree that
  • We recognize Senator Bettencourt's strong interest in the role of faculty senates and public institutions
  • "public policy" even mean.
  • institutions.
Summary: The meeting convened with significant discussions centered around higher education legislation in Texas, particularly focusing on research security and curriculum governance. Senator Brian Hughes introduced SB1273, which aims to establish a Higher Education Research Security Council to bolster security practices against potential espionage while promoting collaboration among Texas Tier 1 research institutions. Witness testimony included insights from Dr. Kevin Gamache of Texas A&M University, who underscored the importance of safeguarding academic resources to maintain Texas’s leadership in research. The committee unanimously adopted a substitute for the bill which elevated its scope to include private institutions as well, reflecting a broader approach to research security.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 1st, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Through PAT, I have realized that students in these Texas public institutions have been convinced that
  • This bill allows public institutions of higher education
  • There is no fiscal impact; there's no mandate in any and all public institutions that are affected.
  • colleges, public universities, and public health institutions
  • You know, SACS is the only one for public institutions

Summary: The meeting focused primarily on the evaluation of several bills related to higher education funding and performance. Notably, the committee discussed HB1868, which was transformed into a study to analyze funding disparities between community colleges and school districts. Representative Wilson highlighted concerns raised by community colleges regarding funding thresholds and the potential fiscal impact, which is estimated at over $1 billion over the next biennium. The committee also passed HB271 after adopting a committee substitute that addresses success rates for students with disabilities, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity in higher education. Overall, the discussions emphasized the need for equitable funding and data-driven decisions for future legislative sessions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • institutions of higher education.
  • institution of higher education is...
  • I think this institution has a lot of potential.
  • Public and private institutions of higher education.
  • Are higher education institutions asking for this?
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on several bills related to education and public safety. Notable discussions included HB1105, which seeks to provide EMS employees with tuition exemptions similar to those received by firefighters and police officers, thus addressing educational parity among first responders. Representative Ward-Johnson presented the bill and highlighted the growing responsibilities of paramedics in the changing landscape of emergency services. Witnesses from the Austin EMS Association spoke in support, emphasizing the importance of quality education for EMS workers in enhancing public safety and service delivery. The committee also discussed HB1705 and HB2290, which aim to improve educational accreditation and health benefits for students, respectively, indicating a broad focus on enhancing the educational framework within the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • One of those is the name of the institution.
  • is a health-related institution or a general academic institution.
  • needs these research institutions.
  • point, if they're a PUF institution.
  • They are not a PUF-eligible institution.
Summary: During this committee meeting, a range of bills focused on enhancing Texas's healthcare and educational workforce were discussed. Notable discussions included HB1787, which aims to improve cancer prevention through education and vaccination, with concerns raised about its implications on personal choice regarding vaccines. HB5180 addressed diploma designation issues amid institutional mergers, and students provided testimony on the emotional significance of diplomas bearing their attending institution's name. Meanwhile, the committee aggressively pursued initiatives under HB5333 to boost local STEM education and production of doctoral graduates within the state, promoting collaboration between institutions and industries to foster talent development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Hearing none, we're going to open up public testimony.
  • Members, we're going to open up public testimony.
  • With that, we're going to close public testimony.
  • We'll open up for public testimony on Senate Bill 388.
  • We're going to open up public testimony.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee featured extensive discussions centered around numerous bills, with a particular focus on Senate Bill 1705 concerning virtual currency kiosks. During this discussion, members expressed concerns regarding the potential for fraud and the need for regulation surrounding cryptocurrency exchanges. Testimonies from law enforcement emphasized the increase in fraud cases associated with these kiosks, leading to a consensus on the need for consumer protection measures. The committee favorably reported several other bills with unanimous votes, showcasing a collaborative effort amongst senators to address various legislative concerns effectively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 May 1st, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Sorry, we will open public testimony.
  • All right, seeing none, we will open public testimony.
  • If not, then the chair opens public testimony and calls— is this public or individual?
  • Well, we have an invited witness and a public witness.
  • So the chair opens public testimony and calls...
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Education K-16 was characterized by a series of discussions on multiple Senate Bills aimed at enhancing educational opportunities across the state. Notably, SB750 was presented by Senator Eckhardt, which seeks to close a loophole that currently excludes standalone EMS employees from receiving tuition exemptions available to firefighters and law enforcement. The testimony from James Monks of the Austin EMS Association highlighted the critical shortage of EMS personnel and the need for incentives to attract workers to this career path. The committee allowed public testimony, which generally supported the bill, leading to positive discussions among members regarding the importance of equal benefits for all first responders. Additionally, SB2430, introduced by Senator Higginbotham, aims to regulate higher education institutions' interactions with foreign adversaries. The bill received support from witnesses such as Michael Lucci, who emphasized the necessity of securing Texas's higher education from potential threats while facilitating collaborations with trusted entities. These discussions emphasized the need for strategies that not only bolster educational funding and accessibility but also protect academic integrity. Overall, the meeting was well-attended, with robust engagement from both committee members and the public.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...are other priorities, but the public wants public safety
  • The Chair now opens up for public testimony. There's no one signed up for public testimony.
  • I'm a public policy...
  • The Chair now opens for public testimony. There is no public testimony registered.
  • for public testimony.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice covered a range of legislative measures focusing primarily on the improvement of mental health services and clarifying procedural aspects of emergency detention for individuals experiencing mental illness. Key bills, such as SB1164, which aims to enhance emergency detention procedures, were discussed. Testimonies from both supporters and critics highlighted the need for clear standards in mental health emergencies to ensure that due process is maintained while providing necessary care. The committee also addressed concerns around legislation impacting community supervision and administration, exemplified by SB663, and how it could streamline budget processes for local agencies. Overall, the discussions emphasized balancing public safety with mental health needs and ensuring fair representation in the judicial process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Under current law, public institutions of higher education are required to set aside 15% of tuition paid
  • The money still goes to the institution, and the institution can choose what they want to do with it.
  • And what would be the impact on our institutions? Not the student, just our institution.
  • If an institution decided to shift and... in some way, then the impact to that institution would be different
  • Tuition or other institutional sources.
Summary: In this meeting of the Committee on Higher Education, various bills were laid out and discussed, with particular emphasis on education and research funding, alongside measures to support Texas's agricultural sector. Notable discussions included House Bill 5339, which aims to establish a program for regenerative agriculture, facilitating long-term research on agricultural practices and aiming to improve soil health and food quality. The committee members engaged in discussions about the implications of such research on local farming communities, stressing the importance of evidence-based practices in addressing modern agricultural challenges. The meeting also included concerns related to the nursing shortage, with House Bill 3032 presented as a measure to identify more clinical training sites for nursing students. Additionally, members touched on issues such as retaining Texas students in state universities, given the rising trends of students leaving for opportunities in other states.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part III) Apr 24th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • schedules online and soliciting public comment.
  • They target these public pensions. Why?
  • This contradicts BlackRock's public statements.
  • I know we're talking about public pensions here.
  • Hearing none, the Chair opens up public testimony.
Summary: The meeting conducted by the committee featured an extensive discussion on multiple bills, particularly focusing on the ethics reform via SB2403, aimed at enhancing the structure and enforcement processes of the Texas Ethics Commission. The conversation revolved around establishing a three-tier system categorizing violations and enhancing procedural fairness and accountability in ethics investigations. Senator Mayes introduced a committee substitute, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that enforcement processes are transparent and just, particularly relating to minor infractions. Public testimonies in favor of the bill highlighted the need for reform, while concerns were raised about maintaining integrity in oversight mechanisms.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Apr 24th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm with the Public Policy Foundation.
  • Seeing and hearing none, public testimony is closed.
Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several significant legislative measures, notably focusing on the SJR54, which is an application for a Convention of States under Article V of the Constitution. The resolution seeks to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit federal jurisdiction, and restrict terms of Congress members. The discussion included historical perspectives and current motivations behind the push for such a convention, highlighting its urgency in light of perceived federal overreach. Members engaged in a thorough debate regarding the implications of a permanent application for a convention, and several witnesses from various interest groups provided testimony both for and against the resolution.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Apr 24th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to address significant issues surrounding the state's public pension investments and the involvement of major financial services firms. Notably, Senator Bettencourt proposed a motion to issue subpoenas to compel testimony from BlackRock and State Street Corporation regarding their investment practices that impact Texas's public pension funds. This motion sparked discussions about accountability and transparency in investment practices, leading to a unanimous vote in favor of the motion. The committee emphasized the importance of testimony from these companies, recognizing that the subpoena power is a rare but necessary tool in legislative oversight.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Mar 11th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Summary: The meeting held by the committee was marked by significant discussions surrounding various bills, particularly HB268, HB305, and HB380, all of which focus on enhancing accountability and public safety. Representative Landgraf presented HB268, aimed at increasing penalties for false threats made against schools, following incidents in his district that caused major disruptions. The legislation sought to escalate the crime from a state jail felony to a third-degree felony, with members expressing the need for a deterrent against such hoaxes to ensure student safety and maintain law enforcement resources. Public testimonies were heard, which highlighted the widespread impact of these threats across Texas schools.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 3rd, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • higher education institutions.
  • Under Senate Bill 757, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will review public institutions
  • Members, this bill relates to the governance of public institutions of higher education, including review
  • institutions.
  • Senate Bill 21 aims to amplify those advancements by expanding the prohibition to Texas public institutions
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Education covered various significant bills focused primarily on improving educational accessibility and accountability in Texas. Notably, Senate Bill 2252, aimed at supporting kindergarten readiness and early literacy, received a commendable endorsement from the committee, showcasing a unifying approach towards enhancing foundational education. Additionally, Senate Bill 1962, concerning public school accountability, stirred proactive discussions about the challenges faced by school systems, further bringing forth various stakeholder insights during public testimony. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members debated the efficacy and implications of each proposal, reflecting a strong commitment to enhancing educational standards across the state. As the meeting progressed, various senators championed their respective bills, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in standardized college entrance exams as highlighted in Senate Bill 1241. The bill proposes to expand acceptable exams beyond the traditional SAT and ACT, reflecting a modernized approach to student assessments. Senators and representatives from key educational organizations contributed testimony, solidifying support for such measures while advocating for the continuous dialogue on educational reforms. With multiple bills reported favorably to the full Senate, the session exemplified a dedicated effort towards fostering educational advancements in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 14th, 2025 at 09:04 am

House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic prompted issuers of public securities and the Texas Public Finance Division in
  • When people know where their money is, it fosters confidence in public spending.
  • I am in full support of investing public funds in banks located in this state.
  • I fully support that goal of supporting in-state institutions.
  • So it's between the network and the financial institution.
Summary: The meeting involved extensive discussions around several house bills, with notable emphasis on HB700, which aims to increase transparency in the merchant cash advance (MCA) sector. Representative McQueen provided a detailed explanation of the issues small business owners face due to aggressive tactics and lack of regulation in this area. The committee also examined HB4609, which focuses on updating the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) benefits to provide clearer options for cities regarding cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), allowing cities to offer retirement benefits in a more flexible and informed manner. Additionally, the meeting featured a strong public testimony segment, where witnesses voiced their support and concerns, especially regarding the implications of digital currencies framed in HB703.

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