Video & Transcript Research : 'Texas Penal Code'
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TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 21st, 2025
S/C on County & Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And do you know of any other states with which any Texas, one or more Texas counties contract, i.e.,
- House Bill 4105 would fix this by amending the Texas Local Government Code to allow a county with a population
- House Bill 4105 would fix this by amending the Texas local government code to allow a county with a population
- State of Texas and Edmondson v. State of Texas.
- Currently, Texas...
Bills:
HB240
Summary:
The subcommittee heard a series of county and regional government bills, with most measures left pending after testimony. HB 2097 would let counties that opt in give sheriff’s deputies an alternative appeal route for certain discipline cases through an independent hearing examiner instead of the Civil Service Commission. The author and a CLEET witness said it would be faster, cheaper, and fairer; questions focused on why the bill was needed and whether sheriffs could already use such a process. No opposition testified, and the bill was left pending.
HB 4642 drew extensive testimony after the author said it was prompted by a death involving an out-of-state jail contract. The bill would require counties contracting with out-of-state jail facilities to include Texas-like jail standards and oversight provisions. The author, a former detainee held in Louisiana, his wife, and a Texas Jail Project advocate described poor conditions, lack of accountability, and multiple deaths of Texans housed out of state. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards director said five counties are currently housing 1,251 Texas inmates out of state, mostly because of staffing shortages, and said the bill would give the commission more authority and oversight. The bill was left pending.
The committee also heard HB 4350, which would allow peace officers to request redaction of personal information from online real property records. Supporters said officers face retaliation risks and should have protections similar to judges and other officials; a title industry witness cautioned that redaction should not compromise the integrity of land records. The bill was left pending. HB 3687 would require county fire marshals in counties over 100,000 to meet specified training and certification standards, and HB 4105 and HB 4205 would give Harris County preferences in construction contracting and require pay parity for comparable law enforcement ranks within the county, respectively; all drew support from county officials and were left pending. HB 5403 would repeal a special rule requiring Dallas and Tarrant county sheriffs to get commissioners court approval for commissary disbursements, and it was also left pending.
Later, HB 4462 would let elected county officials in large counties choose outside counsel in civil cases involving them, rather than relying solely on the county attorney. Supporters argued this would reduce conflicts of interest and protect officials’ reputations; questions centered on who qualifies and whether it could conflict with county interests. Finally, HB 240 would restore a five-member quorum requirement for Harris County tax levies, effectively requiring all commissioners to be present before a new tax rate can be adopted; supporters framed it as a taxpayer protection, while the Conference of Urban Counties opposed it as giving one member a de facto veto and potentially disrupting the budget process. Both bills were left pending.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Government Code.
- for the Homeland Security Director for Texas, here to testify neutral.
- Shortly after that, we identified the guy was from Houston, Texas.
- So then, how would you set it up for Texas?
- And just to clarify, so this amends the Texas Government Code under subsection A1 of Chapter 614, focusing
Bills:
HB 1065, HB2929, HB2956, HB3009, HB3420, HB3626, HB3649, HB4956, HB4993, HB5293, HB5308, HB5528, HCR118, SB36, HB4023, SB 36
Keywords:
employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense, registration, public safety, violent offenses, criminal database, Department of Public Safety
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- They are therefore considered employees under the Texas DPS rules, Texas Workforce Commission rules,
- two entities: TAPE, the Texas Association of Polygraph Examiners, and secondly, the Texas Association
- to protect Texas in times of crisis.
- And the Texas Army National Guard.
- , far east Texas, or up in the panhandle.
Bills:
SB 36, HB 1065, HB2929, HB2956, HB3009, HB3420, HB3626, HB3649, HB4956, HB4993, HB5293, HB5308, HB5528, HCR118, SB36, HB4023
Keywords:
transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax, employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- , Section 4904, 4905, 4906, and 4906.5 of the Penal Code, and Chapter 71 of the Penal Code.
- Cook responded that he did not have the Penal Code memorized and would look up the specific provisions
- The Texas Government Code 501 inmate welfare subchapter B addresses mental health conditions.
- I am in opposition to a bill because of the fact that you already have a penal code in place.
- What is wrong with the penal code that you already have in place?
Keywords:
mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, inmate release, identification certificate, Texas Department of Corrections, personal identification, driver's license, state law, reentry services, nondisclosure, criminal history, criminal defendants, community supervision, misdemeanors, felonies, rehabilitation, hearsay
Summary:
The Corrections Committee first took up pending business and reported several previously heard bills favorably to the full House, including HB 1515 and SB 2405, the TDCJ Sunset bill and its Senate companion, HB 5639 on the veteran housing program, HB 2854 on hospital visits as a parole or mandatory supervision condition and related hospital liability, and SB 1080 on occupational licenses for people with criminal convictions. The committee also heard and advanced SB 1080 without amendment, then moved into new business.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 3618, which would limit invasive group strip searches of female inmates in TDCJ facilities. Formerly incarcerated women and advocates testified in support, describing humiliation, trauma, barriers to programming, and arguing that searches were often ineffective and that contraband more often comes from staff. TDCJ’s resource witness said the agency has looked at technology such as millimeter scanners and is in the process of placing them in facilities, while the bill sponsor said the measure would preserve searches in emergencies and require female officers when women are unclothed. HB 3618 was left pending.
The committee also heard HB 4515 on expanding orders of nondisclosure, with the author saying the committee substitute would narrow the bill to marijuana possession only; supporters from Alliance for Safety and Justice and Right on Crime argued it would improve reentry and public safety, while members asked about eligibility and related offenses. HB 1826, requiring depression screenings for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, drew support from women’s health advocates and formerly incarcerated witnesses; the bill was left pending. HB 1969, to help people leaving prison renew or obtain driver’s licenses, and HB 2708, expanding nondisclosure eligibility for certain misdemeanor convictions, were also laid out and left pending.
Later, the committee heard HB 2729, which would bar hearsay evidence in hearings on violations of release conditions, and SB 1021, which would make stalking convictions ineligible for community supervision and add related victim-protection provisions; both were left pending. SB 1610, addressing civil commitment facility safety, sex offender registration, and penalties for assaults on staff, drew strong opposition from civil commitment residents, family members, and civil rights advocates who argued it was punitive and raised due process concerns; the resource witness said assaults had increased and explained the civil commitment process and existing legal safeguards. Finally, HB 4764 would require TDCJ to report detailed annual data on restrictive housing; supporters said the bill would improve transparency around solitary confinement, and the committee left it pending before adjourning.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I keep hearing this Hollywood, my Texas. No, no, no, no, no, no. This is Texas, my Texas.
- You're from South Texas, I'm from South Texas.
- Texas residents raising their families in Texas.
- In Texas.
- This is Texas money. We hire Texas people.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You're testifying on behalf of Texas A&M University yourself. On behalf of Texas A&M University.
- to Texas.
- My grandpa was born in Texas, my dad was born in Texas, and I was raised here in Texas.
- I'm not asking for Texas to...
- Texas Tech.
TX
Keywords:
veterinary, regulation, licensing, practices, board, administration, facilities, pest control, wildlife management, agriculture, disease prevention, alert system, Texas A&M, nonprofit, food banks, agricultural products, grant eligibility, poverty alleviation, transportation, disaster relief
TX
Keywords:
veterinary, regulation, licensing, practices, board, administration, facilities, pest control, wildlife management, agriculture, disease prevention, alert system, Texas A&M, nonprofit, food banks, agricultural products, grant eligibility, poverty alleviation, transportation, disaster relief
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Press Conference: Testing & Accountability Aug 25th, 2025 at 09:08 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Good morning, I'm Senator Gina Inocencio and I represent Central Austin in the Texas House, House District
- Today is a very special day because today Today we have with us students from all across Central Texas
- to speak about the way the STAR test in Texas impacts them negatively, the way it hurts teaching and
- That never works out well for our Texas students.
- We've been able to work collaboratively on minimizing testing in Texas.
Keywords:
House Bill 8, standardized testing, student testimony, education policy, mental health, parent concerns, Texas Education Agency
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on the impacts of House Bill 8, which proposes increasing the frequency of state testing for students in Texas. During the meeting, various testimonies were provided by students, highlighting their concerns about the negative effects of standardized testing on their educational experience. Students expressed that the pressure of multiple assessments causes significant stress and detracts from the joy of learning. Some lawmakers voiced their opposition to the bill, emphasizing the need for a thorough review and consideration of alternative evaluation methods that prioritize student well-being over testing metrics.
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
Press Conference: Special Session Jul 31st, 2025 at 10:07 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Who believes that the Texas legislature and the Texas Senate—” “He believes that the Texas legislature
- This is bigger than Texas. This is bigger than Texas.
- We always try to see—” “It's bigger than Texas. This is bigger than Texas.
- And I am so proud of the Texas Democrats here and the Texas House and the Texas Senate who are leading
- Texas.
Keywords:
redistricting, gerrymandering, Texas Democrats, voter suppression, Hakeem Jeffries, equitable representation, minority communities, legislative session, political motivations
Summary:
Texas Democratic leaders and members of Congress held a press event in Austin with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to denounce the Republican-led special session and proposed congressional redistricting map. Speakers, including Lizzie Fletcher, Lloyd Doggett, Al Green, Joaquin Castro, Sylvia Garcia, and Greg Casar, argued that the session should instead focus on flood recovery after the Hill Country Independence Day floods, affordability, health care, the energy grid, and other state priorities. They said the new map was a partisan and racially discriminatory gerrymander designed to help Donald Trump and Texas Republicans gain seats, weaken minority voting power, and undermine free and fair elections.
Several speakers said the current Texas map is already under legal challenge and claimed the proposed changes would further reduce the ability of Black and Latino communities to elect candidates of choice. They also tied the redistricting fight to broader national issues such as Medicaid, Social Security, tariffs, housing costs, and corruption. Jeffries said Texas Democrats would not “bend the knee” and pledged support for their efforts, while emphasizing that the fight would continue politically, in court, and through public organizing.
In the question-and-answer portion, Jeffries said all options should be on the table to protect Texans, but that Texas Democrats would decide their own strategy. Fletcher said the immediate priority was informing the public about the rushed process, noting that many Texans testified before seeing a map and that the hearings were moving quickly. No formal vote or legislative action occurred at the event itself.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Texas election code has gradually evolved, incorporating adjustments for convenience like varying
- There's a section in the code 85.032.
- Yes, yes, when I, uh, um, where is that in the code? Paper code?
- It has already processed over 6 million registrations in Texas, online registering in Texas, 6 million
- This bill is a Texas solution to a Texas problem.
Bills:
HB311
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas, of course, is a border state, as face many... challenges with this crisis that we've seen at our
- I'm here on behalf of the ACLU of Texas. And so, first of all, you know, we are not opposed.
- somewhere else, and then now they're in Texas, and the things that come.
- Texas, Plyler v. Doe, yes, sir.
- It's a process in place, as far as I know, in every county jail. out of Texas.
Bills:
SB825
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It also issues permits, easements for submerged lands in the state of Texas. Texas.
- Texas every year.
- Since 1927, Texas has The Texas Veterans Commission has been our state-appointed advocate for Texas veterans
- here in the state of Texas.
- Texas Water Development Board.
Keywords:
Texas Water Fund, water management, infrastructure funding, local governments, workforce development, community colleges, educational programs, sustainability
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
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
Joint Hearing: Senate and House Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding Jul 23rd, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Our role is outlined in Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code.
- of Texas.
- In all communities around Texas, from the Panhandle to the Valley, Central Texas, East and West Texas
- Texas.
- I think there's three: the University of Texas, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M, all of which are training
Keywords:
flooding, emergency response, communication systems, first responders, disaster management, Texas Water Development Board, regional planning, public safety
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Sunset Advisory Commission Jan 15th, 2025 at 08:01 am
Transcript Highlights:
- , and the Texas Ethics Commission.
- , and the Texas Ethics Commission, we will also revisit recommendations 6.5 and 6.6 from the Texas Department
- The next agency we're voting on is the Texas Ethics Commission.
- Chairman Bell: This recommendation amends section 254.042 of the Texas Election Code to limit the late
- This recommendation amends section 254.042 of the Texas Election Code to limit the late filing penalty
Keywords:
Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Ethics Commission, recommendations, Angelina River Authority, Natchez Valley Authority, public testimony, legislative session
Summary:
The meeting of the Sunset Advisory Commission served as a concluding assembly for the current biennium, where various agencies were reviewed. Notably, the Commission focused on staff recommendations and modifications regarding the Angelina and Natchez River Authority, Lower Natchez Valley Authority, and Texas Ethics Commission. After discussing various modifications, the members voted unanimously on multiple recommendations aimed at improving operational efficiency and accountability within these agencies. The Chair emphasized the collaborative effort of the Commission members and staff, acknowledging their hard work throughout the biennium.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It is defined as an offense under the Penal Code, Chapters 31 through 35A, and only if they don't involve
- Under the existing legal framework, under Texas Occupations Code 164.151, you can try to get your license
- I'd also like to add that currently, in Texas Family Code, the onus is on the parent to ensure informed
- So I'd love to talk about informed consent and all the Texas codes surrounding that.
- So I'm asking you today, under the Texas Health and Safety Code Section 161, to vote against this bill
Bills:
HB3772, HB1656, HB4504, HB1896, HB4420, HB4421, HB4076, HB3708, HB2806, HB3540, HB1586, HB5459, HB4553, HB4535, HB3811, HB3749, HB4255, HB4051, HB5098, HB3554, HB4539, HB5274
Keywords:
e-cigarettes, health and safety, regulations, directory, penalties, regulation, certification, compliance, manufacturers, FDA, nicotine, mental health, emergency detention, paramedic authority, mental illness, healthcare facility, public health, covenants not to compete, health care practitioners, physicians
TX
Bills:
HB3772, HB1656, HB4504, HB1896, HB4420, HB4421, HB4076, HB3708, HB2806, HB3540, HB1586, HB5459, HB4553, HB4535, HB3811, HB3749, HB4255, HB4051, HB5098, HB3554, HB4539, HB5274
Keywords:
e-cigarettes, health and safety, regulations, directory, penalties, regulation, certification, compliance, manufacturers, FDA, nicotine, mental health, emergency detention, paramedic authority, mental illness, healthcare facility, public health, covenants not to compete, health care practitioners, physicians
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Apr 3rd, 2025 at 02:30 pm
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- look at it again, just providing that clarity, just because of where we place this within the Century Code
- And just as a reminder, we did modify language out of North Dakota Century Code 59-17-03, I believe.
- And so that is another section of the Century Code that addresses endowments and trusts.
- That portion of the Century Code also has language in it regarding the Prudent Investor Rule.
- to kind of step around that diversification is modified from language that's already in the Century Code
Bills:
SB2339
Keywords:
wildfire mitigation, utility liability, strict liability, electric utility, public service commission, PSC, rural electric cooperative, municipal utility, transmission provider, vegetation management, power lines, reclosers, electrical safety, wildfire prevention, grid reliability, public safety, first responders, ANSI A300, National Electrical Safety Code, community outreach
Summary:
The Energy and Natural Resources Committee continued work on House Bill 1459, which concerns rare earth and critical mineral recovery from North Dakota lignite coal. Testimony from UND researcher Dan Ludo and industry representative David Straely focused on the urgency of developing the process quickly, the technical differences between extracting minerals from coal versus ash, and the potential value of elements such as terbium, dysprosium, gallium, germanium, and synthetic graphite. Straely argued the bill is constitutional, limited to minerals within the coal seam, and needed to avoid years of quiet title litigation and provide certainty for development and compensation to royalty owners. Committee members raised questions about landowner rights, compensation levels, possible amendments from the Department of Trust Lands, and whether the bill should be modified to address constitutional concerns or sunset provisions. No final action was taken on HB 1459; the chair said parties could work on language until Monday before the committee revisits it.
The committee then returned to House Bill 1579, a high-load study bill with a possible energy infrastructure investment amendment. Jody Smith of the Retirement and Investment Office presented updated language adding guardrails for in-state infrastructure investing, including requiring approved projects to be underwritten and managed by a qualified investment manager or financial institution and to follow the Legacy Fund investment policy. Members discussed whether the amendment had been shared with the House sponsor and noted that the related bill 1330 was still pending, so HB 1579 was being held for the time being.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 1566, which had an amendment from the Agriculture Commissioner’s office. The committee adopted the amendment 7-0, then passed a due-pass motion on the amended bill and referred it to Appropriations, also by a 7-0 vote. Members discussed the bill’s fiscal impact, including an estimated $580,000 for two FTEs over two years, and clarified that the study component remains in the bill. Senator Gerhardt was assigned to carry the measure.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Urban and Rural Development Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Urban and Rural Development
Bills:
SB137
Keywords:
sewer, wastewater, public service commission, PSC, utility regulation, private utility, regulated utility, affiliated system, consolidation, rate jurisdiction, rate setting, wastewater management entity, common ownership, control, Jefferson County Board of Health, local constitutional amendment, public utilities, Alabama Code Title 37, Alabama Code Title 22, certification
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Government and Veterans Affairs Apr 16th, 2025 at 02:30 pm
Government and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So essentially any political committee not required to file under the provision of code... ...committee
- not required to file under the provision of code where candidates file under are required to file under
Bills:
SB2156
Keywords:
campaign finance, disclosure, political contributions, election transparency, North Dakota Century Code, 908, all
Summary:
The committee met to reconsider and further amend Senate Bill 2156, a campaign finance/reporting bill tied to Secretary of State filing requirements and new software implementation. Members and legislative counsel explained that the bill would keep current law in place for 2025, then take effect January 1, 2026, when the new system is expected to be ready. Discussion focused on hard reporting dates, how year-end and quarterly reports would be handled, which entities must disclose balances, and clarifying that some provisions apply to statewide political parties and certain political committees but not to candidates or candidate committees in the same way.
Representative Steiner walked through the amendment, describing it as mostly technical and intended to align reporting deadlines with fixed calendar dates, simplify compliance, and preserve existing treatment for some balance disclosures. Members asked about public availability of certain filed information, the meaning of references to beginning and ending balances, and whether the new fines and other provisions would also be delayed until 2026. Legislative counsel said the bill’s effective date would cover the entire act and noted some disclosure questions were not clearly answered in current law.
The committee adopted the amendment and then approved Senate Bill 2156 as amended on a do-pass motion. The roll call was unanimous, and the chair adjourned the meeting, noting the changes were intended to help the Secretary of State’s office and candidates transition to the new reporting system.