Video & Transcript Research : 'safety improvements'
Page 6 of 500
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to put in context, though, we have put significant resources into ERS to improve the actuarial
- Retirees have devoted their careers to ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities.
- Oh, that would be an improvement, Mr. President. Mr. Chairman, do we have your permission?
Bills:
HB886, HB1514, HB2434, HB2688, HB2802, HB3161, HB3221, HB4029, HB4339, HB4591, HB4774, HB4802, HB4853, HB5627, SB1737
Keywords:
retirement, supplemental payment, benefits, Employees Retirement System, eligible annuitants, legislation, annuity, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age, DROP program, actuarial studies, pension benefits, municipal retirement
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And after the improvements have already been agreed upon and constructed, and it doesn't really make
- And I want to make sure that these roads are made to the sizes that they need to be, the safety that
- And I heard something about the health and safety. Yes, sir.
- Is that a health and safety issue to the community having it there?
- So if you read Code Section 711, which is the Health and Safety Code, I'm...
Bills:
HB447, HB897, HB993, HB2673, HB3671, HB3680, HB3897, HB4506, HB4753, HB4812, HB4894, HB5148, HB5437, HB5650, HB5652, HB5654, HB5656, HB5661, HB5665
Keywords:
traffic impact studies, municipal utility district, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, HB 897, Texas land sale, state property, Austin real estate, Travis County, General Land Office, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state records facility, archives building, library funding, capital improvements, lease of state land, public land disposition
Summary:
The committee heard testimony and took action on several land use, housing, municipal utility district, and cemetery-related bills. House Bill 447, dealing with transportation impact analysis requirements tied to MUD bond issuance, drew opposition from a witness who argued it would duplicate work, strain agency resources, and delay development; after the sponsor’s closing remarks, the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1202, on third-party review of home backup power installations, was substituted and reported favorably to the full House by a unanimous roll call. House Bill 2494, on disannexation for failure to provide municipal services, and House Bill 1835, removing barriers to HUD-code manufactured homes, were also substituted and reported favorably; HB 1835 passed on a 5-1 vote. Senate Bill 15, limiting lot size and density requirements in certain large municipalities, was substituted and reported favorably unanimously.
The committee also heard House Bill 897, which would authorize the sale or long-term lease of two state-owned Austin properties used by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and HHSC. The sponsor said the properties are in poor condition and that proceeds would benefit the state; after questions, the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. Several template MUD bills were then laid out, including HB 5652, HB 5654, HB 5661, and HB 5656, each creating or authorizing municipal utility districts in Montgomery or Fort Bend counties for water, wastewater, drainage, road, and recreational improvements. These bills drew limited testimony in support and were left pending without objection.
A major portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 2673, which would repeal last session’s change allowing new cemeteries within certain distances of municipalities and restore the prior rule limiting cemetery placement near growing urban areas. The sponsor and supporters argued the 2023 change created unintended consequences, removed valuable taxable land from future use, and complicated city planning; opponents, including a funeral service industry representative, argued the current law gives communities local control and helps address cemetery land shortages. After extensive testimony, the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4753, a bill allowing a property owner to use a municipal record showing a certificate of occupancy was issued when the original document is lost; it was left pending. Finally, HB 3680, a Cameron County-specific bill modifying subdivision/model rule procedures to reduce replatting burdens while preserving colonia protections, and HB 4812, clarifying that condominiums follow Chapter 82 of the Property Code rather than full subdivision platting, both received supportive testimony and were left pending.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And after the improvements have already been agreed upon and constructed, it doesn't really make a lot
- And I heard something about the health and safety. Yes, sir.
- Is that a health and safety to the community having it there?
- I know several of you have said that safety is not an issue. Thank you.
- Several of you have said that safety is not an issue.
Bills:
HB447, HB897, HB993, HB2673, HB3671, HB3680, HB3897, HB4506, HB4753, HB4812, HB4894, HB5148, HB5437, HB5650, HB5652, HB5654, HB5656, HB5661, HB5665
Keywords:
traffic impact studies, municipal utility district, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, HB 897, Texas land sale, state property, Austin real estate, Travis County, General Land Office, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state records facility, archives building, library funding, capital improvements, lease of state land, public land disposition
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a series of land use, housing, and local government bills. House Bill 447, relating to TIA requirements for certain MUD bond issuances, drew opposition from a witness who argued it would duplicate work already done, strain agency resources, and delay development; after the author’s closing, the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. The committee then voted out Senate Bill 1202 (third-party review of home backup power installations), House Bill 2494 (disannexation for failure to provide services), House Bill 1835 (removing barriers to HUD co-manufactured homes), and Senate Bill 15 (lot size and density limits in certain municipalities), with House Bill 1835 receiving one no vote and the others passing unanimously. House Bill 897, authorizing sale or lease of two state-owned Austin properties, was laid out and left pending after brief questions and no public testimony. The committee also heard and left pending several MUD creation bills for Montgomery and Fort Bend counties, including House Bills 5652, 5654, 5661, and 5656, each presented as template district bills with local support and no opposition recorded at the table.
A major portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 2673, which would restore prior restrictions on new cemeteries near growing urban areas by repealing changes made last session. Representative Lujan and supporters argued the current law created unintended consequences, including loss of developable land, tax-exempt property in urban cores, and conflicts with infrastructure planning; they said cities already have authority to establish their own cemeteries if needed. Opponents, including a funeral services industry representative, argued the 2023 change was intended to let communities decide and that the bill would take local decision-making backward. After extensive testimony from both sides, the bill was left pending.
The committee also heard House Bill 3680, which would create a Cameron County-specific process allowing local discretion under the model subdivision rules. Supporters said the bill would preserve colonia protections while reducing costly platting and replatting burdens on families trying to sell or pass down land; county officials and realtors testified in favor. The bill was left pending after closing. House Bill 4812, a clarification to the Texas Uniform Condominium Act to prevent counties from imposing subdivision platting requirements on condominiums, received support from builders and a condominium attorney who said current county practices create duplicative hurdles and higher costs; it too was left pending.
Finally, House Bill 5148, which would allow certain single-stair apartment buildings up to six stories, generated the most detailed policy debate. Supporters, including housing advocates and architects, said the bill would lower costs, improve unit design, and expand affordable, family-friendly housing while maintaining safety through sprinklers and other safeguards. Fire officials from Corpus Christi opposed the bill, warning that a single stairwell could hinder firefighting and occupant evacuation, especially if sprinklers fail or smoke spreads. The author said the bill was aimed at new construction only and was part of a broader effort to reduce outdated housing regulations; the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending at adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And after the improvements have already been agreed upon and constructed, it doesn't really make a lot
- And I heard something about the health and safety. Yes, sir.
- Is that a health and safety issue to the community having it there?
- The other four are about fire safety, so we are taking that very seriously.
- I know several of you have said that safety is not an issue. Thank you.
Bills:
HB447, HB897, HB993, HB2673, HB3671, HB3680, HB3897, HB4506, HB4753, HB4812, HB4894, HB5148, HB5437, HB5650, HB5652, HB5654, HB5656, HB5661, HB5665
Keywords:
traffic impact studies, municipal utility district, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, HB 897, Texas land sale, state property, Austin real estate, Travis County, General Land Office, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state records facility, archives building, library funding, capital improvements, lease of state land, public land disposition
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- statute and encourages interlocal cooperation between cities and ESDs, ensuring that crucial public safety
- fire chiefs and leaders of organizations, including the Texas Fire Chiefs Association, along with safety
- and their ability to be sustainable. financially long into the future because it relates to public safety
- to ensure that they're receiving adequate services. ...going to get the highest quality of public safety
- So if we issue bonds every 18 months, because we're doing road improvements, we have to go have five
Bills:
HB447, HB897, HB993, HB2673, HB3671, HB3680, HB3897, HB4506, HB4753, HB4812, HB4894, HB5148, HB5437, HB5650, HB5652, HB5654, HB5656, HB5661, HB5665
Keywords:
traffic impact studies, municipal utility district, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, HB 897, Texas land sale, state property, Austin real estate, Travis County, General Land Office, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state records facility, archives building, library funding, capital improvements, lease of state land, public land disposition
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- need for this bill came to light after a serious incident in which a faculty member feared for their safety
- need for this bill came to light after a serious incident in which a faculty member feared for their safety
- The legislation strengthened campus safety, so no one is left guessing.
- establishes the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute for purposes of advancing research, improving
- establishes the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute for purposes of advancing research, improving
Keywords:
campus safety, higher education, university safety, college safety, student safety, threat assessment, violence prevention, credible threat, campus security, law enforcement notification, emergency response, public universities, Florida College System, student conduct, workplace violence, security escorts, incident reporting, title IX-like safety procedures, institutional safety policy, school violence
Summary:
The Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum present and considered several bills and one confirmation. Senate Bill 720, relating to resident status for tuition purposes for previously incarcerated Floridians, was presented by Senator Osgood and supported by testimony from Eddie Fordham, who described his own reentry and college experience and the difficulty of proving residency after long incarceration. Senators Jones and Rodriguez spoke in favor, emphasizing rehabilitation and access to education. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then approved Senate Bill 372, which would extend the state employee tuition waiver program to sheriff’s office employees on a space-available basis, with support noted from the Florida Sheriffs Association. Senate Bill 176, dealing with campus emergency management, conduct, and workplace violence policies, was also reported favorably after discussion focused on clearer reporting protocols, protective measures, and timely updates for students, faculty, and staff; several groups waved in support.
Members also voted to recommend confirmation of Douglas Broxton to the Board of Governors of the State University System. Finally, Senate Bill 816, establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to advance research, prevention, care, education, collaboration, and outreach on diabetes, received supportive testimony from medical and university representatives and favorable comments from senators, including remarks about research, federal funding, and improved outcomes. The bill was reported favorably, and the committee adjourned without objection.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> hospital, it is Minnesota's safety net. hospital, it is Minnesota's safety net.
- </c> how we improve it. how we improve it.
- HCMC is Minnesota's safety net.
- and</c><01:08:48.759><c> modern</c> this accreditation, safety, and modern this accreditation, safety
- And so, all of the improvements for those buildings go through our capital improvement program, and we
Keywords:
Hennepin County, sales tax, health care facilities, ballpark improvements, tax revenue, HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, tax refund
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Finally, regarding technology, our requests aim to create or modernize systems to improve transparency
- This would improve data collection, provide greater transparency, and increase internal efficiency.
- This will greatly improve the level of detail that we can provide to the legislature, the leadership,
- all of Texas are doctors of chiropractic, so we play a huge role in work-related injuries and the safety
- Our board is given the mission of promoting, preserving, and protecting the health and safety of the
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Enhancements include upgrading systems to improve efficiency and service quality.
- Section 1403 has been substantially rearranged for improved readability.
- No patient safety issues are under consideration.
- TMB has become an agenda-driven, not safety-driven, agency.
- As a result, we saw significant improvement from the board on many fronts.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We have welcomed the chance to review and improve our agency.
- The new employees to improve core services will address high workload volumes and continue improvements
- The first item on page five is the ship channel improvement revolving loan program.
- revolving fund account to implement the ship channel improvement program.
- Number three on page 10, you're asking for flight services, few facility improvements.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Simply put, my staff and I at the General Land Office and Veterans Land Board are dedicated to improving
- The third would direct the GLO and Department of Public Safety to enter into an interagency agreement
- These vehicles are critical to the GLO's safety carrying out our mission of stewarding millions of acres
- This is followed by a request. to enhance employee safety, reduce maintenance costs, and meet U.S.
- The exception item prior to number five is improving cyber security capabilities and then your justification
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The program awards funds for coastal improvement and recovery projects.
- water safety. I'd have to follow up with that exact number. OK.
- Number four is critical capital repair and improvement needs.
- Moving to page 6 in priority number 2, fleet safety and improvements, a request of $1,400,000.
- For these stamps, how many could be resolved, could be improved?
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- of psychological safety.
- safety.
- TCTA appreciates the funds for school safety improvements.
- . safety, to name a few.
- We would also like to say thank you for the money that you have put into student safety and teacher safety
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The safety, functionality, and resilience of the institution are paramount.
- Improvements at Texas Southern. How were those implemented?
- So, our mission is safety first. Department or whatever y'all call it, sir.
- We're working on safety plans to keep from hurting people on campus.
- border safety and security.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It also enables us to do additional work on food security and safety.
- The Lieutenant Governor put together a special committee on school safety.
- I think there's room for improvement. us to grow there.
- We're partnering with the Texas School Safety Center to provide school safety opportunities. training
- information and resources for safety for our schools.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The state has got a $400 million budget item in base on both sides of the chambers for school safety.
- Is that something that the school safety dollars should have paid for?
- as a legislature believe alerts are important, but I also think it was tied specifically to school safety
- The state has got a $400 million budget item in base on both sides of the chambers for school safety.
- Is that something that the school safety dollars should have paid for?
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Lastly, we are here to protect public safety.
- This means improving safety measures and ensuring timely access to investigations of abuse, neglect,
- Lastly, we are here to protect public safety.
- Four, improve maternal and child health data.
- This means improving safety measures and ensuring timely access to investigations of abuse, neglect,
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Jessica has improved some, but she is nonverbal.
- We have to improve it.
- employee safety.
- The program must exist to ensure public safety.
- Places where I had no safety, no stability, and no dignity.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Asking if the agency has seen improved recruitment and retention.
- Asking if the agency has seen improved employee productivity.
- Those are noble goals How are you going about developing, improving?
- It gives better work-life balance and the quality of work improves and we We've seen those improvements
- Thank you on page 26 you talk about improving client safety what impact with additional funding and the
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- of the roads, the state roads, the safety of those roads.
- **Dave Nelson**: To maintain the safety of those roads.
- We can do facilities, capital improvement projects, and facility improvement projects on all of those
- **Charlie Smith**: For security improvements to Texas.gov.
- to try to improve things for their community.