Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'public welfare'

Page 1 of 60
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 14th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 3174 is a critical public health and public safety
  • This is a public health strategy for those who inject drugs.
  • Thank you for your commitment to public health.
  • Welfare Board and testifying for...
  • That's where the public safety aspect comes in.
Summary: The meeting was productive, primarily focusing on the discussions surrounding several key bills, notably HB2012, HB3174, and HB5580. The bills addressed significant issues like public health, immigration enforcement, and developmental initiatives. Notably, HB3174 aims to combat the spread of blood-borne diseases through syringe exchange programs in specific counties, with robust support from public health officials. Throughout the meeting, there was an active exchange of perspectives on the efficacy and implications of these bills, particularly regarding how they would impact public safety and health in Texas. Concerns were raised about the potential burden on law enforcement and the appropriateness of mandating immigration mechanisms in local jails under HB5580, generating passionate discussions among committee members and public testimonies alike.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County and Regional Government Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Impact public safety and public health.
  • This bill, to me, is not about public safety.
  • This affects public trust and public safety to address a non-existent problem.
  • this is public property, it may not apply.
  • so that they can protect the public.
Summary: The meeting revolved around the discussions of several key bills, particularly focusing on HB5580, which mandates local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Many witnesses, including community organizers and legal advocates, voiced strong opposition to this bill, claiming it would perpetuate racial profiling, undermine community trust in law enforcement, and create a climate of fear among immigrant families. Testimonies highlighted that such legislation often leads to decreased reporting of crimes and increased tensions between law enforcement and the community. Controversy brewed over claims that the bill would divert resources from pressing local safety needs to federal immigration priorities, which many argue should not be the responsibility of local agencies. The chair expressed appreciation for the input but left HB5580 pending, indicating further deliberation is needed.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Under the current law, there is a requirement that public notice be given and a public hearing be held
  • notice and have the opportunity for public input.
  • The public hearing...
  • I just wanted a little clarification because when we talked about the public hearing, this is not a public
  • So, anything under 500,000, they're not going to have to have a public hearing?
Summary: The meeting brought forward significant discussions centered on various bills related to child welfare and mental health support, particularly focusing on the well-being of children in the custody of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Notable bills such as HB2789 and HB2809 were thoroughly reviewed, where stakeholders highlighted the critical need for improved data collection on suicide attempts among youth in foster care. The interventions proposed aim to enhance early identification and support for these vulnerable populations. The committee members engaged with professionals and advocates who emphasized the urgency of addressing these mental health challenges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services May 6th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am a huge believer that community-based care is the right approach for improving child welfare.
  • and instead building a model for family welfare.
  • In the old days, that was considered abandonment, so the child welfare system would get involved.
  • the child welfare system, but because it's on our campus,
  • I'm the Senior Director of Public Affairs at the Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services.
Summary: The meeting highlighted significant discussions surrounding child welfare and community-based care, focusing primarily on SB1398 and HB5396. Notably, representatives expressed concerns about the effectiveness and transparency of the current system, emphasizing the need for stronger documentation and accountability measures in handling cases of children and families. Senator Davis discussed the implications of SB596, which seeks to enhance data collection regarding outcomes of cases handled by the Department of Family and Protective Services, aiming to improve service delivery and outcomes for vulnerable children. Public testimony was heard from various stakeholders, highlighting the need for collaboration and understanding throughout the legislative process, which ultimately aims to better support families and prevent the need for child removal from their homes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part II) May 7th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We We will reopen public testimony.
  • I'm the Senior Director of Public Affairs at the Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services, and I'm
  • Hearing none, public testimony is closed. I believe Ms.
  • Has the FDA, CDC ever published any public guidance on DNA contamination in these shots?
  • All right, hearing none, the Chair opens up public testimony on House Bill 116.
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on various significant bills impacting health, family welfare, and vaccinations. Discussion around SB1887 generated notable interest, as it proposed a ten-year prohibition on administering mRNA vaccines, allowing exceptions for cancer treatment and genetic disorders. Senator Sparks, the bill's author, highlighted safety concerns regarding the mRNA technology, stating that further evaluations were necessary. Public testimonies included both support and opposition, with advocates arguing for informed consent and safety, while others expressed concern about restricting scientific advancements in healthcare. Additionally, the conversation addressed HB2216, which aimed at reforming parental rights in child welfare cases, ensuring that parental drug use alone would not warrant automatic termination of rights unless there was a direct, substantial risk to the child. Public testimony for this bill emphasized the need for additional resources to effectively implement its provisions. The committee also discussed HB2809 regarding tracking suicide attempts by children and SB1590 which proposed adopting an electronic process for paternity verification in adoption cases. Overall, the meeting was marked by lively discussions and significant public involvement, indicating the community's vested interest in the legislative outcomes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The attorney must be board-certified in child welfare.
  • disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act.
  • I serve as Vice President of Policy with the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
  • If not, the chair will close public testimony at this time.
  • Again, I've already mentioned that the chair has closed public testimony, so we will...
Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss various pieces of legislation, addressing critical issues affecting healthcare and social services in Texas. Notable discussions included Senate Bill 481, which mandates backup power provisions for nursing homes and assisted living facilities to ensure the safety of vulnerable residents during outages, and Senate Bill 596, aimed at improving reporting requirements related to child welfare, enhancing the oversight of removals and placements. The committee also reviewed several other bills aimed at supporting healthcare access and enhancing protections for children under various circumstances.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the Senior Fellow for Health Care at the Texas Public Health Association, a policy foundation which
  • My name is Sabrina Gonzalez-Ocedo, and I'm the Director of Public Policy.
  • support services, assisting another adult with autism in learning to live independently, navigate public
  • >

    Well, here's the thing: you don't have to do it in a public

  • 87th legislative session, we passed Senate Bill 73, which established a separate provider type for public
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on several key bills related to health care and adoption services, with a significant emphasis on fostering care systems. Vice Chair Emanuel presented bills that aimed to streamline reporting requirements for the HHSC, while Representative Slauson's bill on voluntary adoption registries prompted a discussion on improving access and procedures within the child welfare system. Each bill was generally met with favorable votes, indicating strong bipartisan support for these initiatives. The committee heard testimonies from various stakeholders who voiced the importance of these legislative efforts in enhancing the quality of life for children and families involved in the welfare system. Notably, the committee also tackled the issue of Medicaid services and accessibility for children needing medical equipment like baby helmets, which have been a burden for many low-income families.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part II) May 21st, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
  • The chair opens public testimony on House Bill 2846.
  • Public health is maintained.
  • It will protect public health and public safety, it doesn't affect zoning, and I encourage you to support
  • Hearing none, the Chair opens up public testimony.
Summary: The committee meeting featured extensive discussions surrounding various bills, notably focusing on HB3284, which aims to establish a commission to promote marriage and family stability while addressing the needs of vulnerable children in the Texas foster care system. Witnesses provided diverse perspectives, with some expressing support for the bill's goal of strengthening family units, while others raised concerns about the potential discrimination against single-parent households and LGBTQ+ families. Additional highlights included debates on HB1106 regarding the treatment of transgender youth and HB4638, which sought to streamline the state's engagement with developers and capacity builders, addressing concerns over administrative efficiencies and child welfare.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We'll be limiting public testimony to three minutes.

  • ="10" data-time="54">For those watching at home, the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee can take public
  • If you're interested in submitting a public comment, please

  • Review the public hearing notice that can be found under the
  • 72">When you've selected the notice, scroll to the very bottom of the website information to find public
Summary: The meeting focused on the presentation and discussions around several House Bills, notably HB769, which aims to enhance pedestrian safety by providing funding for the construction of sidewalks and other pedestrian infrastructure in disadvantaged areas. Representative Gervin Hawkins presented the bill passionately, highlighting the necessity of sidewalks as basic infrastructure that supports community health and mobility. Testimony from various stakeholders, including local officials and community advocates, supported the bill, emphasizing the urgent need for improved pedestrian pathways due to rising pedestrian fatalities in Texas. Several bills were left pending as discussions were extensive, indicating ongoing negotiations and considerations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the VP of Public Policy for the Texas Assisted Living Association, known as TLA.
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on several key bills pertaining to the accountability and operational continuity of single-source continuum contractors within the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Representative Davis presented three related bills: HB4129, HB4130, and HB4131, which were designed to strengthen DFPS's enforcement mechanisms, clarify contract termination timelines, and enable swift action in cases of non-compliance by services providers. Each bill was discussed in detail, highlighting their importance for ensuring services for children and families remain uninterrupted and meet quality standards. Witnesses from various stakeholders provided testimony both in support and in critique of the proposed legislation, indicating the significant impact these bills could have on service delivery across the state. A notable moment during the meeting was when the discussion surrounding HB4130 revealed concerns regarding current 60-day notice requirements for contract terminations, which were deemed insufficient. The proposed extension to 180 days is aimed at ensuring a seamless transition without service disruption. The meeting concluded with the decision to leave the bills pending further consideration, demonstrating a commitment to address the pressing issues raised by the lawmakers and community members involved.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 1st, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I've practiced child welfare law since 1998.
  • Andrew Brown with Texas Public Policy.
  • I'm the Director of Public Policy, and we are on the bill today.
  • And you're for the bill, and you're with Texas Public.
  • I've been practicing in child welfare law since 1998.
Summary: The committee meeting encompassed a comprehensive discussion regarding various legislative matters, including the critical examination of HB741, HB341, HB582, and HB471. Representative Gervin Hawkins presented HB741, aimed at enhancing financial support for relative caregivers, ensuring an alignment in assistance with licensed foster parents to foster kinship placements. This initiative was met with supportive testimonies from several stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of keeping children connected with their families for stability. Furthermore, representatives voiced differing views on the proposed regulations in HB341 and HB582, leading to a vibrant debate where several public members provided insight into practical implications and potential consequences of the bills.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part I) May 21st, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Public testimony will be limited to two minutes to speak on the bill.
  • This bill would allow child welfare boards to redirect those funds toward other...
  • I've closed public testimony.
  • With that, we'll close public testimony and we'll leave this bill pending at this time.
  • After that, we will have to do public testimony after the floor session.
Summary: The committee meeting convened to discuss a variety of bills primarily related to healthcare and early childhood education. Notably, the committee reported favorably on several bills including HB721, HB2035, and HB2038, with all receiving unanimous support of 7-0. Senator Perry played a crucial role in moving the bills forward, advocating for their inclusion on the local and uncontested calendars. Furthermore, there was significant discussion surrounding HB3940, which addresses Medicaid eligibility for newborns, emphasizing the necessity for automatic enrollment to avoid gaps in coverage for infants during critical early stages of development. The meeting was characterized by the committee's cohesive efforts to streamline processes and enhance the efficiency of healthcare services for vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Mar 24th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • data-time="12672">Well, the next witness is Andrew Brown, Vice President of Policy for the Texas Public
  • I have the privilege of serving as Vice President of Policy for the Texas Public...
  • Our next registered witness is Molly Voiles, Public Policy
  • I'm the Director of Public Policy at the Texas Council on Family Violence.
  • There was a big sign on the wall that said something to the effect of, "Justice occurs in public."
Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by rigorous discussions focused primarily on child protection legislation, particularly HB116. The bill seeks to amend existing laws that allow for the termination of parental rights under vague circumstances, often without sufficient due process. Kate Murphy, Director of Child Protection Policy at Texans Care for Children, delivered a heartfelt testimony supporting the bill's intent to prioritize family preservation and ensure that parents facing challenges receive adequate support rather than facing punitive measures. This stirred considerable discussion among committee members about the implications of the current legal framework and how it disproportionately affects families without proven endangerment.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part I) May 7th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Hearing none, public testimony is closed, and we will leave this bill pending at this time.
  • Hearing no one else wishing to testify, public testimony is closed.
  • Hearing none, public testimony is closed. We will leave this bill pending at this time.
  • ICWA has since been recognized by advocates as the gold standard of child welfare policy.
  • Under the Indian Child Welfare Act, this standard is known as active efforts.
Summary: The meeting of the committee included extensive discussions around several key bills focused on child welfare and health care initiatives. Notably, Senate Bill 577 addressed the management of Social Security benefits for foster children, with multiple testimonies highlighting the importance of ensuring these benefits directly support the children's needs rather than offsetting departmental costs. Senator West passionately argued for better stewardship of these funds, citing the high number of foster youth in financial hardship and emphasizing the bill's potential to improve outcomes for these vulnerable populations. Public testimonies both supported and raised concerns, particularly regarding the potential implications of the bill on children's welfare and parental rights.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Mar 17th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Refer to the Committee on Public Health.

  • Refer to the Committee on Public Education.

  • school employees and is referred to the Committee on Public Education.
  • safety employees who successfully complete a public safety employee treatment program.
  • school students and to enhance the safety of public schools in this state.
Summary: The committee meeting extended over a range of proposed legislation, heavily focusing on various constitutional amendments and significant bills affecting education, public safety, and local governance. A notable discussion included H.J.R. 123, which proposed establishing an independent redistricting commission—a move that stirred considerable debate among members. Additionally, H.A.R. 124 aimed at creating a state school health and safety fund, receiving full support from the committee members present. Multiple public testimonies were provided, emphasizing the anticipated impact these resolutions would have on community welfare.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But that's all we show for public testimony.
  • The floor is now open for public testimony.
  • The floor is now open for public testimony.
  • The floor is now open for public testimony.
  • The floor is now open for public testimony.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services addressed several significant pieces of legislation focused primarily on health and welfare issues in Texas. One of the central topics was SB1233, which aims to provide perinatal palliative care information to families receiving diagnoses of life-threatening conditions. Testimonies highlighted the importance of immediate access to support resources, as speakers shared personal experiences illustrating the emotional and medical implications of these diagnoses. Additionally, SB1368 was discussed, focusing on emergency preparedness within assisted living and nursing facilities, emphasizing the need for actionable contingency plans to protect vulnerable residents during power outages and emergencies. The committee explored how to ensure compliance with new standards while considering the realities faced by these facilities, especially in determining the appropriate levels of emergency power backup requirements.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 22nd, 2025 at 11:04 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We keep on hearing about public safety and saving God's children, and ending cartels and traffickers.
Summary: The meeting of the committee brought forth significant discussions focused on the legislation surrounding newborn health coverage. Representative Johnson presented HB3940, highlighting the issues with newborns not receiving timely healthcare coverage due to inefficiencies in the enrollment process. The committee engaged in a thorough review, emphasizing the critical impact on health outcomes for infants who were uninsured during vital early checkups. Other members raised questions and concerns, adding to the dialogue on how to improve the automatic enrollment processes currently in place. The intent of the proposed bill is to empower parents with necessary information to prevent the enrollment issues from persisting.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Mar 4th, 2025 at 08:03 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • span marker="43" data-time="252"> As a school psychologist, they function almost exclusively in the public
  • Public

  • Talking more about the timelines, so public comment for our
  • The services are delivered through a public-private partnership, and they depend upon our private sector
  • And you know, but they can't do anything because it's a public street.
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around the presentation of Senate Bill 593, which focuses on reforming licensing requirements for kinship and foster care homes. Significant discussions revolved around the proposed changes to reduce duplicative regulations aimed at helping kinship families qualify for foster care payments. Members emphasized that the reforms would ensure that health and safety standards remain paramount while streamlining processes for providers. Various stakeholders expressed optimism that these changes would eliminate barriers and improve the system for both kinship caregivers and the children they support. Public comment on the new rules is anticipated in May 2025, with the new regulations set to take effect in October 2025. The chair and committee members expressed gratitude towards the agencies involved for their contributions during the review process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 28th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • Not hearing any, we'll proceed to public testimony and give you the right to close. Thank you.
  • And if there are no questions, we'll proceed down to public testimony.
  • We'll proceed down to the public testimony.

  • Yet awareness, resources, and public understanding remain alarmingly low.
  • We'll proceed down the public testimony.
Summary: The meeting of the Family and Fiduciary Relationships Committee involved extensive discussions focused on improvements in family law, particularly regarding child welfare and representation in court. Several bills were presented, including HB3382, which aims to enhance the standard of representation for children and parents in legal proceedings. Testimony highlighted concerns over attorney performance and the necessity of timely communication between attorneys and their young clients. Members voiced both support and opposition, especially regarding the timelines set forth for attorney consultations prior to hearings, reflecting a strong concern for the welfare of children involved in custody and welfare cases.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 22nd, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...benefit the public to require that.
  • I'm a Public Policy Manager at the Texas Council on...
  • My name is Krista Varney, and I'm the public policy...
  • I'm here with the Texas Public Policy Foundation testifying for House Bill 4656.
  • I'm the Director of Public Policy for Texas CASA.
Summary: During the meeting of the committee, several key bills were debated, most notably HB3281, which addresses the grounds for terminating parental rights. The discussion revolved around significant concerns presented by various members regarding the language change in the bill that requires serious bodily injury for termination, a shift that many find troubling. Witnesses also testified, with some advocating for amendments to ensure child safety, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach without unintended consequences. Additionally, HB4696 was introduced, focused on improving access to protective orders through remote testimony, further engaging committee members and experts on the necessity of such reforms for survivors of domestic violence.

Research Filters

States
Terms / Sessions
Date Range
Chamber Records
Meetings / Events / Calendars