Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'water funding'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • directly into the Texas Water Fund.
  • report that we handed out back in January, highlighting the need for water funding and flood funding
  • Funding stream for water and flood funding.
  • The beauty of the Texas Water Fund is that because it.
  • through the creation of the Visionary Texas Water Fund.
Summary: The committee meeting addressed critical water infrastructure issues, focusing primarily on H.J.R. 7 and HB 1400. Members emphasized the urgent need for dedicated funding to tackle Texas's impending water crisis, as population growth and drought significantly strain current water resources. Notable discussions included testimonies from representatives of the Environmental Defense Fund and the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, who expressed strong support for these bills, underlining their importance in improving groundwater management and funding scientific approaches to water conservation. The committee highlighted the necessity of equipping groundwater conservation districts with resources to ensure robust groundwater science and research.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Implementation Fund for Texas, or the SWIFT, financial assistance to be posted on the Texas Water Development
  • flood water and other water sources into clean water.
  • The buyer of water rights is not going to be getting water service or wastewater service for their water
  • Members, roughly half of all water in Texas gets used for watering lawns.
  • Water conservation is a low-cost, high-reward, and simple way to reduce water use.
Summary: The meeting of the committee was primarily focused on water management and infrastructure issues, highlighted by discussions surrounding several bills intended to address water supply and flood control. Representative Kitzman presented HB1535, which aims to extend the sunset review date for the Trinity River Authority, ensuring continued governance and operational improvements. Furthermore, HB3915 was introduced as a multi-purpose flood mitigation measure, offering solutions to the severe water scarcity in the region, particularly following recent catastrophic flooding events that emphasized the urgent need for improved water management. Public commentary reflected a strong interest in flood mitigation strategies, especially given the impacts of climate change and rapid population growth in the area.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • supply projects that are in the state water plan without adding to the state's debt or funding.
  • But we can't get funding for the water and sewer

  • funds for water and sewer infrastructure projects to plat
  • To fund water infrastructure and bring it to that area
  • How would we get our funding through, I mean, through the water development board, right, for your projects
Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources convened to discuss two key pieces of legislation, HB2867 and HB2876, focusing on late fees associated with water and sewer services in Texas. Representative Gates laid out HB2867, highlighting the financial implications of payment deadlines and fees that disproportionately affect low-income households. He emphasized the need for limits on late payment fees to protect these vulnerable consumers from potentially abusive practices. A committee substitute was proposed to clarify some ambiguous language within the bill, aiming to promote fairness and transparency for customers. This led to a robust discussion among members and stakeholders present at the meeting, including testimony from representatives of municipal utilities who raised concerns about local control over fee structures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance May 7th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is the funding component of SB7, the water bill.
  • Currently, there's dedicated support for new water supplies in the State Water Plan and the other funds
  • Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, abbreviated commonly as the SRFs, which fund asset management
  • within the Texas Water Fund.
  • so that all eight programs of the Texas Water Fund, including the new Water Supply Fund, can be funded
Bills: HB3077, HJR2, HJR7
Summary: The meeting focused on HJR7, with substantial discussions surrounding Texas' dire water infrastructure needs and proposed funding allocations. The committee, led by Chairman Perry, emphasized the necessity for a dedicated funding source to address an estimated $154 billion required for both water supply projects and repairing aging infrastructure. Witnesses, including executives from various engineering and environmental organizations, testified about the critical state of Texas' water systems and the anticipated shortfall of 6.8 million acre-feet of water annually by 2070. Testimony highlighted the urgency of implementing strategies such as desalination and flood mitigation to secure Texas' future water resources.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part II) Feb 11th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Assistance Fund, and the Water Infrastructure Fund, or WIF.
  • Our Ag Water Conservation Fund, our Ag Fund, was previously funded through one-time appropriations about
  • the Water Board's capitalization matching grant funds for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving
  • We hope that any funding that's directed to the new Texas Water Fund or the Texas Water Supply Fund will
  • are currently encompassed by the Texas Water Fund.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting included a comprehensive discussion on various upcoming budget recommendations impacting the Railroad Commission and water funding allocations. Significant dialogue focused on Senate Bill 30, which addresses water funding appropriations crucial for developing and maintaining the state's water infrastructure amidst growing demand. Testimonies from various stakeholders emphasized the urgency of addressing water resource issues in Texas, given the state's increasing population and the forthcoming infrastructure needs. Additionally, climate change impacts and funding challenges were heavily underscored by the participants, showcasing a collective concern over future water supply and management. The committee also reviewed the implications of Senate Bill 8 and Senate Joint Resolution 75 regarding the creation of new funds and programs for water management and development. Importantly, the potential for a dedicated revenue stream was raised, echoing the sentiment that a historic investment in water infrastructure is critical. The meeting adjourned with plans for a follow-up to further evaluate and confirm budget appropriations, reflecting a strong commitment to tackle Texas's pressing water challenges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 10th, 2025 at 09:00 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • at the Water Development Board for agricultural water conservation.
  • And rural water assistance funds under the Texas Water
  • This amendment funds the Texas Tariff Impact Relief Fund and Grants Program.
  • So, you are aware that it is not just simply funded by state funding.
  • Those federal funds are gone. We have to use state funds to pay it. That is ongoing.
Summary: The committee meeting opened with a recognition of 'Donna Day', celebrating the contributions of the City of Donna to the state, led by various representatives. Significant discussions then shifted towards the budget matters, including the consideration of HB3794 about licensing and regulations concerning Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. Members expressed their support and acknowledged the importance of addressing healthcare provisions within the community. The discussion brought forth various motions aimed at suspending the rules to facilitate the timely deliberation of proposed bills and recommendations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Also, this does not deplete the funding at all, and it does not...
  • We also fund the program through mortgage-backed securities.
  • is an evergreen fund.
  • We provide water, wastewater, and reclaimed water service to about 2 million people, and as you can imagine
  • Those funds are federal funds, and they are very limited.
Summary: The meeting of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee featured significant discussions surrounding three key bills: HB158, HB1630, and HB3509. Representative Raymond presented HB158, a proposal to reutilize surplus government properties for veteran and low-income family housing, emphasizing the need for permanent housing solutions in Texas. The discussion also touched on the fiscal implications of the bill and potential housing resources. In another session, HB1630 was put forward to make social workers eligible for the Homes for Texas Heroes Home Loan Program, addressing the ongoing housing affordability crisis faced by many Americans, particularly younger generations. This bill garnered bipartisan support, showcasing the committee's collective awareness of the housing challenges impacting essential workers in the community. Lastly, Representative Enchia introduced HB3509, focused on Tourism Public Improvement Districts (TPIDs), which help collect revenue through hotel self-assessments to promote local tourism. This bill aims to enhance competitiveness for conventions in Texas and made clarifications for ease of creating and managing these districts. The committee received various public testimonies expressing support and concerns about the proposed bills. The meeting highlighted the committee's dedication to addressing housing and economic development challenges within Texas, closing with an invitation for further committee discussions and public input.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 8th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I represent the water utility.
  • So, I will tell you that we are a water, wastewater, and reclaimed water utility.
  • And I say water.
  • indoor water usage.
  • funding of water and wastewater.
Summary: The meeting of the committee addressed multiple bills focusing primarily on local government regulations concerning environmental policy and spending practices. Notably, HB4313 and HB4314 were discussed, with advocates expressing concerns about the overreach of local governments in implementing stringent environmental regulations that might impact efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Testimony included perspectives from organizations like the Texas Public Policy Foundation, emphasizing that local governments should focus on practical criteria rather than subjective social governance measures, particularly in contracting processes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Feb 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • them: the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
  • This provides a snapshot of the Texas Water Fund.
  • We also cannot use Water Fund money for our Agricultural Conservation Fund.
  • for prior to the Water Fund.
  • But the Water Fund in its...
Summary: During this committee meeting, the focus was on discussing critical infrastructure funding, especially related to water supply and flood mitigation projects. Chairwoman Stepney and the Water Development Board presented extensive details regarding the Texas Water Fund, which included $1 billion appropriated to assist various financial programs and tackle pressing water and wastewater issues. Additionally, funding allocations aimed at compromising the state's flood risk and improving water conservation were hotly debated, emphasizing collaboration among committee members and the necessity of addressing community needs in such projects.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 19th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Jeff Heckler, here representing Sherryland Water Supply Corporation, which is a water corporation near
  • So, you've invested in the water plant, you build the water
  • fund.
  • Or that the state has the funds.
  • And, you know, when water...
Summary: The recent committee meeting addressed various critical bills, focusing primarily on water management and flood control across Texas. Notable discussions included House Bill 1177, which proposes introducing stricter penalties for floodplain violations, aiming to deliver swift accountability for ongoing offenses. Representative Cunningham highlighted the urgency of this issue, emphasizing that current enforcement mechanisms lead to prolonged legal challenges, which can heighten flood risks for vulnerable communities. This bill sparked numerous inquiries from members, showcasing the committee's commitment to improving flood management legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources May 7th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Summary: The committee meeting engaged in a robust discussion regarding several key bills aimed at improving community services and infrastructure. Notably, the discussion surrounding SB4 highlighted concerns about funding allocations which were addressed by various members during the session. Public testimony was also a significant element of the meeting, particularly in relation to HB2214, where residents expressed their views on the proposed changes to community resources. The meeting concluded with a general consensus to forward the discussed bills to the next stage in the legislative process, reflecting a productive day of debate and collaboration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 5th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Enhancing the Texas Water Fund is going to allow for a lot of water and wastewater...
  • The primary funding bucket for wastewater infrastructure under the Texas Water Fund...
  • Clean Water SRF or Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
  • The D-Fund under the Texas Water Fund can also provide funding for wastewater infrastructure.
  • So under the Texas Water Fund, the primary source of wastewater funding comes from clean water SRFs,
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on water management issues related to the ongoing drought in Texas, particularly concerning the need for new water sources such as seawater desalination. Testimonies highlighted the critical status of local water supplies and the urgency of projects designed to secure future water availability. A noteworthy discussion revolved around the upcoming Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus and desalination plant in Corpus Christi, which is aiming to become Texas's first municipally owned facility of its kind. Various stakeholders emphasized the importance of timely state support and funding in expediting these projects to mitigate water shortages and their potential economic impacts on the region.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Nominations Feb 24th, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I wanted to ask, could you speak to where you are on the Texas Water Fund?
  • And then talking about the Texas Water Fund.

  • Yes, the Texas Water Fund, as you know, was approved last session.
  • It also created the new Water Supply for Texas Fund, of which $250 million is required to go there.
  • Miller, we are excited about the Texas Water Fund and, of course, we're all excited...
Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial issues, including the Texas Water Fund and its implications for development in the state. Various members highlighted the critical need for effective management of water resources, discussing the role of the Water Development Board and their strategies for outreach to local governments. The committee engaged in a thorough examination of funding projects and the sustainable financing necessary for communities facing challenges in meeting their infrastructure needs. Additionally, there was notable discussion regarding promoting workforce development and the alignment of educational programs with the demands of the job market as indicated by recent trends in community colleges.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • 8604"> substitute to SJR 3 to be administered by DPRIT, called the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund
  • It establishes this fund in the Constitution and directs the transfer of three billion dollars from the
  • state general revenue fund.
  • the DPRT fund.
  • marker="1627" data-time="9756">As previously mentioned during my layout, the appropriations of the fund
Summary: The meeting featured significant discussions focusing on resolutions recognizing various communities in Texas. Notable among these were Senate Resolutions recognizing March 5th, 2025, as City of Alamo Day, Harlingen Day, Texas State Aquarium Day, and Wichita Falls Day. Senator Hinojosa took the lead in discussing the contributions and cultural significance of the cities being honored, showcasing the diverse heritage and community spirit within Texas. Each resolution highlighted the unique traits, strengths, and challenges faced by these cities, with representatives from each city present to receive acknowledgments from the Senate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Mar 4th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • marker="100" data-time="594"> ...dynamic area, and it has its different aspects, whether it's rich in water
  • Coastal Bend area, and their location is right by the coast, looking at the beautiful Gulf and the water
Summary: The committee meeting covered a range of topics, including memorial resolutions in honor of influential figures such as L. Clifford Davis and Reverend Dr. William Lawson. Senator West spoke warmly about Judge Davis, highlighting his contributions to civil rights, while others praised Reverend Lawson for his community service and leadership. These discussions underscored the committee's focus on recognizing individuals who have shaped Texas's history and values, fostering a deeper appreciation for the state's heritage.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 25th, 2025 at 12:08 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The staff responds with a summary that HB17 aims to improve funding

  • Raymond discusses the bill’s provisions for increasing funding for infrastructure projects, noting the
  • Cities need to prepare for, if there is a loss of funding, that they would be able to fund that on their
  • You're correct, there's no funding in this bill, sir.
  • MUDs aren't included in the tax code; they are found in the water...
Bills: HB17, HB16, SB10, HB27, HB23, SB15, SB18
Summary: The meeting focused on multiple important pieces of legislation, with key attention on HB16, an omnibus courts bill aiming to improve judicial processes, and SB18, which seeks to ease permit requirements for dam maintenance related to erosion and flood control. Chairman Leach and Senator Zaffirini provided significant insights during their bill presentations, stressing the importance of efficiency in governmental operations. The committee engaged in lively debates about the implications of these bills, particularly regarding budgetary concerns for local governments and the potential effects on public safety funding. Testimonies from stakeholders further highlighted the necessity for legislative clarity and improved infrastructure support for state safety measures. The final votes showed strong support for the proposed bills, indicating a proactive approach towards legislative efficiency.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 25th, 2025 at 09:08 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Bills: HB17, HB16, SB10, HB27, HB23, SB15, SB18
Summary: The meeting focused on several resolutions that were referred to various committees, particularly concerning local and consent calendars. Multiple resolutions were read aloud, including HCR2, HCR3 through HCR8, and numerous HR resolutions spanning HR1 through HR72. The discussions highlighted the importance of addressing quorum and attendance rules, suggesting significant amendments to the House's permanent rules. Notably, resolutions by members such as Leo Wilson and Hopper drew attention for their implications on Democratic members breaking quorum during prior sessions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • "73" data-time="432"> a full accounting of how bond proceeds are spent and what projects they will fund
  • ...as a body are contemplating massive investments in water
  • We would consider this as an incentive or a carrot to encourage water conservation.
  • We know that Texans are good at conserving water; we have a long history.
  • Members, this is a common-sense piece of legislation that will help make water conservation a priority
Summary: The meeting of the Ways and Means Committee was marked by significant deliberation on several bills aimed at improving tax policies and supporting community welfare. A noteworthy discussion surrounded HB1256, which proposes tax exemptions for rainwater harvesting systems, reflecting the pressing issue of water conservation amid drought conditions affecting Texas. Representative Zwiener emphasized the necessity of incentivizing families to conserve water, championing the bill as a common-sense solution. The committee also considered HB1632, which aims to make pet food tax-exempt, further engaging legislators in a light-hearted yet crucial dialogue about affordability for pet owners amidst rising living costs. Following these discussions, a series of resolutions and bills were reported favorably out of the committee, including HJR138, which seeks to prohibit a carbon tax in Texas as a precautionary measure against potential economic repercussions. The meeting concluded with clear communication regarding upcoming votes and recommendations for moving these bills forward to the full house. The atmosphere fostered a collaborative spirit as committee members shared their insights on pressing issues, highlighting their commitment to supporting Texas families and communities.

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