Video & Transcript : 'Texas State Library' :
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TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Feb 10th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We do not want TCEQ to be a bottleneck for prosperity for the state of Texas.
- Our mission is to ensure that the public health of the state of Texas.
- The largest port now in the United States is Laredo, Texas.
- We have 551 game wardens serving all of Texas across 254 counties and state waters, and 150 state park
- at Texas State Park system sites and wildlife management areas.
Committee:
Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the state veterinarian and the executive director of the Texas Animal Hospital.
- We stand as one of the oldest trade associations. in the state of Texas.
- I've got 400 plus dealers just in the state of Texas.
- Number two, I would encourage you as the Texas State Legislature to continue working with the Texas Congressional
- provides a voice to our members here in Texas. and works with other state organizations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- However, the state of Texas is proving to have higher rates.
- Texas ranks in the bottom 10 states for per-student funding.
- Texas ranks in the bottom 10 states for per-student funding.
- Texas state schools.
- We all recognize the state of Texas is the state of Texas is a state.
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Members from both parties emphasized education as a major issue, while several Republicans framed the committee’s work around school choice and parent empowerment. Senator West and other Democrats stressed protecting public schools, listening to Texans, and considering the effects of vouchers or education savings accounts on school districts and communities.
Chairman Creighton laid out Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, describing it as a universal education savings account program modeled on similar programs in other states. He said the bill would provide about $200 million for a universal eligibility pool and additional funding for students with disabilities and lower-income families, with priority weighting for former public school students. He also highlighted anti-fraud measures, vendor pre-approval, criminal background checks, cybersecurity protections, annual testing requirements for participating students, and the use of the Comptroller rather than TEA to administer the program. Creighton repeatedly said the bill is not a voucher and argued it would not take money from public schools, which he said would receive separate historic funding increases.
Members questioned Creighton about the 500% of federal poverty line definition, the adequacy of the $10,000 ESA amount, whether the program would favor students already in private school, how microschools and homeschool pods would fit, and whether the bill protects religious liberty and private-school autonomy. Democrats raised concerns about disability protections, 504 students, foster children, public-school funding, open records, and the historical context of vouchers. Republicans generally supported the bill as a way to expand options for parents and students, while also asking about administration, fraud prevention, and data security. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, with EdChoice President Robert Inlow presenting in support of SB 2 and citing the growth and reported success of school choice programs nationwide.
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- My mother was a state agent, worked for the Texas Department of Human Services as part of the state agency
- Texas is ranked in the bottom 10 states for quality of life.
- Even as someone from another state, I care because this isn't just about Texas.
- Texas has over 1.5 million veterans, more than any other state.
- This isn't about fair maps, and in fact it never has been in the state of Texas.
Summary:
The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting met virtually for its West Texas regional hearing, established a quorum, and explained that the hearing was part of a series of statewide information-gathering sessions before any map was filed. The chair outlined the Zoom procedures, the two-minute testimony limit, and the availability of written comments through the committee’s public portal. Senators also discussed the logistics and transparency of the process, including the expectation that any proposed map or amendment would be made public once filed and that additional hearings would follow.
Senator Blanco, whose district includes West Texas and the border region, said the area’s communities of interest should be kept together and warned against repeating the loss of representation that followed the last redistricting cycle. Senators Alvarado, Hinojosa, Miles, and others debated the value of virtual hearings versus in-person hearings, the number of people who had testified, and whether the committee could subpoena witnesses after the regional hearings ended. The chair said he was awaiting legal guidance and would consider a subpoena motion at a formal meeting the next day. A lengthy exchange also occurred over the tone of public testimony and the chair’s view that some comments directed at Republicans and the president had been offensive or historically inaccurate.
Invited witnesses and public commenters largely opposed mid-decade redistricting and argued that any new map should reflect population growth, especially among Latino and other minority communities, and comply with the Voting Rights Act. Nina Perales of MALDEF said the hearings were not meaningful without a draft map and testified that Texas has a long history of discriminatory redistricting; senators questioned her about litigation, DOJ’s July 7 letter, and the 2021 congressional map. Tania Chavez Camacho, Luis Figueroa, and several El Paso residents emphasized that maps should preserve communities of interest, avoid cracking and packing, and be transparent and participatory. A smaller number of witnesses supported redistricting, including one El Paso resident who said the current districting leaves the area underrepresented and another who argued that some communities want to return to a map closer to the earlier District 16 configuration. Several witnesses also criticized the DOJ letter as inconsistent with the state’s position that the 2021 maps were drawn race-blind, while others said the current process was too rushed and lacked sufficient public input.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- At Texas State, it's 3 to 1. Mr. Chairman, it's 55 to 1 at UT and 50 to 1 at A&M.
- I'm a faculty member at Texas State University, but I do not speak on behalf of my employer.
- We had our 10th annual conference this past fall at Texas State.
- Texas is not the first state to propose these types of changes, correct?
- Texas isn't, we're not the first state to propose these types of changes, correct?
Bills:
SB 37
Committee:
House Higher Education
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, in your opinion, how could Texas best collaborate with the State Department to ensure that Mexico
- We think it is very appropriate for the state of Texas to be engaged.
- Mexico is depriving the state of Texas its property under this treaty.
- Um, so those are the, those are the big states. I mean, Texas has got a built-in advantage.
- Of that population, approximately 5000 reside in and contribute to the state of Texas.
Committee:
House S/C on State-Federal Relations
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And then if you expand out the Texas military forces, which includes the Texas State Guard, which is
- We serve the state of Texas. Very clear.
- Texas State Guard is your Texas Patriots. It's 1,700, over 1,700.
- So we are across the state of Texas, we have with the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
- Texas is the best state in the world.
Committee:
House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- They were well-made, and they probably apply to other regions of the state of Texas.
- My mother was a state agent and worked for the Texas Department of Human Services as part of the state
- Texas is ranked in the bottom 10 states. for quality of life.
- are just Democratic voting blocks in the state of Texas? Yeah, absolutely.
- Texas has over 1.5 million veterans, more than any other state.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- God save the state of Texas in this honorable court. Good afternoon.
- What a great day for the Supreme Court of Texas and for the entire state of Texas.
- Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, indivisible.
- And may God forever bless the great state of Texas. Texas. Thank you so much, Governor.
- Supreme Court of the State of Texas of Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Texas and will to
Summary:
The Supreme Court of Texas held a ceremonial investiture for two new justices, James Sullivan and Kyle Hawkins. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock opened the session with welcoming remarks and led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem sung by Trooper Alena Gallardo. The event included an invocation by Father Dean Wilhelm, emphasizing the importance of justice and the rule of law. Governor Greg Abbott praised the new justices, highlighting their qualifications and the significance of their appointments to the court.
Justice Samuel Alito administered the oath of office to Justice Hawkins, while Judge Thomas Griffith administered the oath to Justice Sullivan. Both justices expressed gratitude for their appointments and acknowledged the support of their families, mentors, and colleagues. The ceremony also honored former justices Jeff Boyd and Nathan Hecht, with heartfelt tributes reflecting on their contributions to the court and the legal community in Texas. The event concluded with a benediction by Reverend Greg Davidson, encouraging the justices to work diligently and honorably in their new roles.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- to the, to the state of Texas and beyond.
- Texas State Guard is your Texas Patriots.
- So we are across the state of Texas.
- Texas has more veterans than any other state, with 1.5 million veterans calling Lone Star State their
- Population in the state of Texas.
Committee:
House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 5th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Martin is the Homeland Security Advisor for the State of Texas, as designated by the United States Department
- Nationwide, every state is going to have one. Regionally, in Texas.
- For a 120% return on investment to the state of Texas.
- We have so many people in the state of Texas.
- I don't know of a sheriff's office one in the state. state of Texas that is completely at maximum staffing
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Licensing & Administrative Procedures Apr 8th, 2025
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Transcript Highlights:
- stores in the great state of Texas.
- The state of Texas doesn't have a problem with the sale of alcohol on Sundays.
- One of the most dangerous jobs there is, the state of Texas initially requires 0.
- We represent the firms over 450 engineering firms in the state of Texas.
- Texas is an outlier in this. Other states are doing it already.
Committee:
House Licensing & Administrative Procedures
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 11th, 2026
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- state, including eight different counties in Texas.
- Obviously, the fly is in states bordering Texas.
- In 1972, we had 90,000 cases in the state of Texas.
- State of Texas...
- State of Texas...
Committee:
Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- , Governor of the state of Texas, pursuant to Article 4, Section 9 of the Texas Constitution, do hereby
- I, Greg Abbott, Governor of the state of Texas, pursuant to Article 3, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution
- the state of Texas.
- On January 30th, grandparents from across the state of Texas came here to their Texas State Capitol to
- all across the state of Texas.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 11th, 2026
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- of both the Texas and United States economies.
- Jaskiewicz, it's great to hear at least we're doing something for the state of Texas with regard to Texas
- devastation could occur in our state, I think we really should be looking at a Texas state response—whether
- In 1972, we had 90,000 cases in the state of Texas.
- So that the state of Texas has all the water that it needs.
Committee:
Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Summary:
During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects.
Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars.
The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- At Texas State, it's 3:1. Mr. Sherry Sylvester: Chairman, it's fifty-fifty at A&M.
- My name is Maggie DeSanza, and Maggie DeSanza: I'm here representing both myself and the Texas State
- Texas cannot afford to become a state where politics trumps pedagogy.
- My teaching helps to advance the economic interests of Texas and the United States abroad.
- I mean, Texas is not the first state to propose these types of changes, correct?
Bills:
SB 37
Committee:
House Higher Education
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- At the same time, we will end the abuse of out of state produced, producer water that turns Texas into
- And our office is a designated state energy office for. The state of Texas.
- We're not on the basis per se, but, um, so Texas, we're military state USA, right?
- Texas is obviously the number one producing state in the nation for oil and natural gas.
- report for the US oil and gas industry with an obvious emphasis on the great state of Texas.
Committee:
House Energy Resources
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 5th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Every, every state is gonna have one, regionally in Texas.
- It's crucial for the state of Texas to support our military installations.
- Law enforcement agencies across the state of Texas.
- What you're doing here is important for us in the state of Texas.
- We have so many people in the state of Texas.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Licensing & Administrative Procedures Apr 15th, 2025
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Transcript Highlights:
- Given that Texas is the only state in the nation that has these.
- I've been practicing liquor law for about 30 years in the state of Texas.
- that the Texas miracle can happen for anyone when the state of Texas cuts red tape for small businesses
- How can we restrict interstate commerce in the state of Texas?
- And, and what, what it boils down to, if Texas retailers can't cross county lines, then out of state
Committee:
House Licensing & Administrative Procedures
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We have offerings from Southwest Texas College, Sol Ross State University International, and We have
- University and the Texas State University system.
- H.R. 134 honors the valuable work of community agencies across the great state of Texas.
- Texas is home of the most African-Americans than any state. state in the country.
- United States of America, we have a crown jewel, living legend right here in the Texas house.