TWENTY-EIGHTH DAY
(Continued)
(Wednesday, April 16, 2025)
AFTER RECESS
The Senate met at 11:14 a.m. and was called to order by President Pro Tempore Creighton.
Pastor Logan Reynolds, First Baptist Church, Belton, offered the invocation as follows:
Father, we come before You today with grateful hearts, acknowledging that all authority and wisdom ultimately come from You. Thank You for the opportunity to gather in this Chamber, entrusted with the responsibility of serving the people of the great State of Texas. We ask today for Your presence and guidance. Your word says in James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given. So, we humbly ask for Your wisdom, for clarity in decisions, compassion and charity in debates, and integrity in every action taken. Lord, bless the men and women of this Senate. Strengthen their hearts and steady their hands as they work for justice, peace, and the common good. Help them to listen well, to speak truth in love, and to lead with humility, courage, and integrity. We pray for the people of our great state, every city, every family, every life. May our leaders be faithful stewards of the trust given to them, and may they reflect Your righteousness, mercy, and grace in all they do. We commit this session into Your hands, and we ask that everything said and done here today would be done with honor, dignity, and respect, seeking not personal gain, but the good of others and Your glory. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
PHYSICIAN OF THE DAY
Senator Birdwell was recognized and presented Dr. Jeffrey Urieto of Mansfield as the Physician of the Day.
The Senate welcomed Dr. Urieto and thanked him for his participation in the Physician of the Day program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.
(Senator Blanco in Chair)
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Kolkhorst was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Refugio County delegation including County Judge Jhiela "Gigi" Poynter and Commissioners Roy Payne, Stanley Tuttle, Gary Lee Wright, and Blaine Wolfshohl.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 393
Senator Perry offered the following resolution:
SR 393, Recognizing April 16, 2025, as Texas Juvenile Justice Professional Day at the State Capitol.
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Perry, joined by Senators Kolkhorst, Birdwell, and Blanco, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas Juvenile Justice Professional Day delegation including Texas Juvenile Justice Board Chairman Manny Ramirez, Texas Juvenile Justice Department Executive Director Shandra Carter, Luis Leija, Tina Lincoln, Rosie Medina, William Carter, and a delegation from Senate Districts 18 and 22.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 414
Senator Miles offered the following resolution:
SR 414, Recognizing St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Day at the State Capitol on April 16, 2025.
MILES
ALVARADO
BETTENCOURT
WEST
The resolution was read.
On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the names of the Lieutenant Governor and Senators were added to the resolution as signers thereof.
On motion of Senator Miles, the resolution was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Miles, joined by Senator Bettencourt, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church Day delegation including 55 Plus Club President Herbert Red Archer, Harris County Constable James "Smokie" Phillips, Monica Shaw, Kimberly Satterwhite, and Diane Miles.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR
The following Messages from the Governor were read and were referred to the Committee on Nominations:
April 16, 2025
Austin, Texas
TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:
I ask the advice, consent and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointment:
To be the presiding officer of the Brazos County Regional Mobility Authority for a term to expire February 1, 2027:
Karl P. Mooney, Sr., Ed.D.
College Station, Texas
(replacing Daniel B. "Barry" Moore of College Station whose term expired)
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Greg Abbott
Governor
April 16, 2025
Austin, Texas
TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:
I ask the advice, consent and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointments:
To be members of the Parks and Wildlife Commission for terms to expire February 1, 2031:
Robert L. "Bobby" Patton, Jr.
Fort Worth, Texas
(Mr. Patton is being reappointed)
Timothy T. "Tim" Timmerman
Austin, Texas
(replacing James E. Abell of Tyler whose term expired)
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Greg Abbott
Governor
April 16, 2025
Austin, Texas
TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:
I ask the advice, consent and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointment:
On January 22, 2025, I submitted the name of Jason E. Boatright for appointment to the Texas Racing Commission for a term to expire February 1, 2025.
Because he resigned, I hereby withdraw his nomination.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Greg Abbott
Governor
INTRODUCTION OF
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS POSTPONED
The Presiding Officer announced that the introduction of bills and resolutions on first reading would be postponed until the end of today's calendar.
There was no objection.
SESSION TO CONSIDER EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
The Presiding Officer announced the time had arrived to consider executive appointments to agencies, boards, and commissions. Notice of submission of these names for consideration was given yesterday by Senator Campbell.
Senator Campbell moved confirmation of the nominees reported yesterday by the Committee on Nominations.
The Presiding Officer asked if there were requests to sever nominees.
There were no requests offered.
NOMINEES CONFIRMED
The following nominees, as reported by the Committee on Nominations, were confirmed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
Judge, 120th Judicial District Court, El Paso County: Ben Lee Ivey, El Paso County.
Judge, 226th Judicial District Court, Bexar County: Benjamin Garrett Robertson, Bexar County.
Judge, 228th Judicial District Court, Harris County: Caroline Stephanie Dozier, Harris County.
Judge, 250th Judicial District Court, Travis County: Cory Ren Liu, Travis County.
Judge, 278th Judicial District Court, Grimes, Leon, Madison, and Walker Counties: Tracy Michelle Sorensen, Walker County.
Judge, 306th Judicial District Court, Galveston County: Emily Ann Estrada Fisher, Galveston County.
Judge, 458th Judicial District Court, Fort Bend County: Maggie Perez Jaramillo, Fort Bend County.
Judge, 471st Judicial District Court, Collin County: Robert Bryan Gantt, Collin County.
Judge, 477th Judicial District Court, Denton County: Michael Garrett Dickens, Denton County.
Judge, 480th Judicial District Court, Williamson County: Terence Michael Davis, Williamson County.
Judge, 494th Judicial District Court, Collin County: Kathryn Lanigan Pruitt, Collin County.
Judge, 495th Judicial District Court, Harris County: Lori Ann DeAngelo, Harris County.
Judge, 496th Judicial District Court, Harris County: Daniel Wayne Simons, Harris County.
Judge, 497th Judicial District Court, Harris County: Peyton Zimmerman Peebles, Harris County.
Judge, 62nd Judicial District Court, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, and Lamar Counties: William Howard Harris, Lamar County.
Presiding Judge, Fifth Administrative Judicial Region: Mary Koehler McDonald Medary, Nueces County.
Presiding Judge, Ninth Administrative Judicial Region: Anahid Elizabeth Estevez, Randall County.
Presiding Judge, Seventh Administrative Judicial Region: Garland Benton Woodward, Tom Green County.
Member, Board for Lease of Texas Department of Criminal Justice Lands: Erin Elizabeth Lunceford, Harris County.
Members, Board, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles: Brett Hillman Graham, Grayson County; Mark Gregory Jones, Tarrant County; John Marshall Prewitt, Harris County; Darren Andrew Schlosser, Brazoria County.
Member, Oversight Committee, Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas: Cynthia Barberio Payne, Comal County.
Justices, Court of Appeals, Fifteenth Court of Appeals District: April Lynn Farris, Fort Bend County; Scott King Field, Williamson County.
Justice, Court of Appeals, First Court of Appeals District: David Michael Gunn, Harris County.
Justice, Court of Appeals, Tenth Court of Appeals District: Artie Lee Harris, Hill County.
Criminal District Attorney, Austin County: Brandy Nicole Robinson, Austin County.
Criminal District Attorney, Panola County: Larry Wayne Fields, Panola County.
Judge, Criminal District Court No. 1, Dallas County: Jennifer Jackson Balido, Dallas County.
Members, Board, Department of Information Resources: Walter Franklin Coppersmith, Williamson County; Keith Russell Halman, Lubbock County; Catherine Bellah Keller, Dallas County.
Member, Board of Trustees, Employees Retirement System of Texas: Patrick Bridge Frost, Bexar County.
Member, Governing Board, Texas Civil Commitment Office: Bruce Wayne Toney, Haskell County.
Members, Governing Board, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Ruben Dan Brown, Travis County; Beth Ann Ashby Jones, Collin County; Julie Renae Prause, Colorado County; Hillary Rodriguez, Harris County; Belinda Jane Rudinger, Denton County; Bruce Sonnenberg, Lubbock County.
Inspector General, Office of Inspector General, Health and Human Services Commission: Raymond Charles Winter, Travis County.
Members, Real Estate Research Advisory Committee: Troy C. Alley, Dallas County; Kristi Lea Davis, Denton County; Vicki Lynn Lucas Fullerton, Montgomery County; Patrick Geddes, Collin County; Harry Felton Gibbs, Williamson County; Rebecca W. Vajdak, Bell County.
Member, State Board for Educator Certification: Bobbie Lynn Weir, Dallas County.
Members, State Pension Review Board: Daniel Harper, Hays County; Roel Rodriguez, Hildago County.
Members, Board of Directors, Sulphur River Basin Authority: Kelly Douglas Mitchell, Bowie County; Aaron James Rolen, Red River County; Jason Eric Spencer, Cass County.
Members, Board of Regents, The Texas A&M University System: Jay Carlton Graham, Brazos County; Michael Albert Hernandez, Tarrant County.
Members, Texas Board of Nursing: Elizabeth Cantu Adamson, Hildago County; Katherine Ann Boswell, Palo Pinto County; Manuel Cavazos, Travis County; Carol Kay Hawkins-Garcia, Bexar County; Mazie Mathews Jamison, Dallas County; Mary Grace Landrum, Harris County; Nancy A. Lewis, Llano County; Jonathan Dru Riddle, Parker County; Melissa D. Schat, Hood County; Verna Kathleen Shipp, Randall County; Rickey Kendell Williams, Bell County.
Member, Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation: Gary Franklin Wesson, Fort Bend County.
Members, Board, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs: Cynthia Torres Conroy, El Paso County; Leopoldo R. Vasquez, Harris County.
Members, Board of Directors, Texas Health Services Authority: Victoria Ai Linh Bryant, Harris County; Shannon Sowder Calhoun, Goliad County; Salil Vijay Deshpande, Harris County; Lacey Perry Fails, Bexar County; Jonathan Sandstrom Hill, Travis County; Kenneth Scott James, Travis County; Kourtney Renna Kouns, Baylor County; Jerome P. Lisk, Denton County; Leticia C. Rodriguez, Ward County; Cynthia Ann Stinson, Hardin County; Wesley Jordo Tidwell, Williamson County; Carlos James Vital, Harris County.
Members, Texas Juvenile Justice Board: Edeska Barnes, Jasper County; Cloyce Joe Barton, Randall County; William Werner Durham, Walker County; Stephanie MarilynDean House, Williamson County; Luis Leija, Calhoun County; Matthew Clayton Marick, Denton County; Manuel Robert Ramirez, Tarrant County; Shawn Thierry, Brazoria County; Cynthia McCrann Wheless, Collin County.
Members, Texas Optometry Board: Judith Ann Chambers, Hays County; Tory W. Moore, Moore County; Steven Ngocthang Nguyen, Dallas County; James A. Oevermann, Montgomery County; Mala Sharma, Harris County; Billy Craig Thompson, Collin County.
Members, Board of Directors, Texas Public Finance Authority: Billy Morris Atkinson, Kerr County; Jay Alan Riskind, Travis County.
Members, Board of Directors, Texas School Safety Center: Isaac William Avera, Cherokee County; Craig Robert Bessent, Taylor County; Kerri Washam Brady, Harris County; Nidia De La Cerda, Nueces County; Edwin Stuart Flores, Dallas County; Rania Makar Mankarious, Harris County; Robert Paul McClelland, Hays County; James Michael Mosley, Hutchinson County; Noe Eduardo Perez, Cameron County; Michael Lee Slaughter, Collin County; Adebola Serah-Jobe Sulaiman, Dallas County; Jill Michelle Tate, Tarrant County.
Members, Board of Directors, Texas Space Commission: Gwendolyn Diane Griffin, Galveston County; Kathryn Lynn Lueders, Cameron County; John Patrick Shannon, Harris County.
Members, Board of Directors, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation: David Alan Rassin, Harris County; Ernest Richards, Dallas County.
Members, Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners: Elisabeth Lee Carlson, Dallas County; Sheri Jene Davidson, Harris County; Donna Sue Guthery, Harris County; Ahmed Ghani Sheikh, Collin County; Deborah Jackson Weems, Burnet County; Grant Evans Weidler, Montgomery County.
Members, Texas State Board of Pharmacy: Ricardo Fernandez, Denton County; Heisha Kathryn Freeman, Rockwall County; Randall Denham Martin, Tarrant County; Juliann Ruppel Spier, Harris County.
Members, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy: Christopher Grant Coates, Tarrant County; Jamie De'Sean Grant, Tarrant County; Jill Ann Holup, Travis County; Kenneth Ehiosu Omoruyi, Harris County; Jeannette Pierro Smith, Hidalgo County; James Mark Trippon, Harris County.
Members, Board of Regents, Texas State Technical College System: Eric John Beckman, Denton County; Robert Joseph Misso, Williamson County; Ronald Dean Rohrbacher, Galveston County; Tiffany Mary Tremont, Comal County.
Member, TexNet Technical Advisory Committee: Lawrence Nelson French, Travis County.
Members, Board of Regents, University of Houston System: Gregory Charles King, Bexar County; Jack B. Moore, Harris County; Tammy Denton Murphy, Victoria County.
Members, Board of Regents, University of North Texas System: Cathy Elaine Bryce, Denton County; Carlos Munguia, Dallas County.
Members, Board of Directors, Upper Colorado River Authority: Nathaniel Guy Callicoatte, Irion County; Wade T. Mahan, Menard County; Kathryn Ann Wright Mews, Menard County.
Members, Board of Directors, Upper Guadalupe River Authority: Richard G. Eastland, Kerr County; Thomas Weir Labatt, Kerr County; Jonathan Peter Letz, Kerr County; Jeanne Coers Stacy, Kerr County.
SENATE RESOLUTION 412
Senator Menéndez, on behalf of Senator Gutierrez, offered the following resolution:
SR 412, Recognizing April 16, 2025, as Whataburger Wednesday.
GUTIERREZ
MENÉNDEZ
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Menéndez, on behalf of Senator Gutierrez, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Whataburger Day delegation including Roland F. Gonzales, Ron Campos, and Jeff Hagelman.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE BILL 626 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Flores and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 626 at this time on its second reading:
SB 626, Relating to inservice training on identifying abuse, neglect, and illegal, unprofessional, and unethical conduct in certain health care facilities.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
SENATE BILL 626 ON THIRD READING
Senator Flores moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 626 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
(President in Chair)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1927 ON SECOND READING
Senator A. Hinojosa moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1927 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 1927, Relating to municipal regulation of the removal of an Ashe juniper tree.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, West, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2361 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Kolkhorst and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 2361 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 2361, Relating to the transfer of the University of Houston--Victoria to The Texas A&M University System.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Kolkhorst offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 2361 (senate committee printing) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 7 (b) (1) of the bill (page 2, line 59), between "System" and "the", insert "and the University of Houston System, as applicable,".
(2) In SECTION 7 (b) (1) of the bill (page 2, line 63), immediately following the semicolon, insert "and".
(3) In SECTION 7 (b) (2) of the bill (page 2, line 69), strike "; and" and substitute a period.
(4) In SECTION 7 (b) (3) of the bill (page 3, lines 1-8), strike the text.
(5) In SECTION 22 of the bill (page 7, lines 57 and 58), strike the text and substitute the following:
SECTION 22. EFFECTIVE DATE. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
(b) Section 7 (b) (1) of this Act takes effect immediately if this Act receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, the entirety of this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The amendment to CSSB 2361 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
Senator Kolkhorst offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend CSSB 2361 (senate committee printing) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ___. AMENDMENT. Section 11.179(a), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) The board of trustees of a school district may adopt a policy allowing the consumption, possession, and sale of an alcoholic beverage at an event held at a performing arts facility owned by the district if:
(1) the facility is leased to a nonprofit organization for an event not sponsored or sanctioned by the district; and
(2) either the board of trustees of the district had authority to adopt a policy under this section on or before January 1, 2025, or the district is located in:
(A) a county:
(i) that has a population of not more than 300,000; and
(ii) in which a component university of the University of Houston System is located; or
(B) a county in which is located a facility described by Subdivision (1) within two miles of two or more stadiums with a capacity of at least 40,000 people.
The amendment to CSSB 2361 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2.
CSSB 2361 as amended was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2361 ON THIRD READING
Senator Kolkhorst moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 2361 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 22 ON SECOND READING
Senator Huffman moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 22 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 22, Relating to the Texas moving image industry incentive program and the establishment and funding of the Texas moving image industry incentive fund.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 24, Nays 7.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Gutierrez, Hall, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Perry.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Huffman offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 22 (senate committee report) in SECTION 2.06 of the bill, in amended Section 485.025, Government Code, as follows:
(1) At the end of Subsection (a)(3) (page 4, line 60), strike "or".
(2) At the end of Subsection (a)(4) (page 4, line 63), strike the underlined period and substitute "; or".
(3) Immediately following Subsection (a)(4) (page 4, between lines 63 and 64), insert the following:
(5) a faith-based moving image project grant in an amount equal to 2.5 percent of total in-state spending for a moving image project that qualifies under Subsection (f).
(4) Immediately following Subsection (e) (page 5, between lines 27 and 28), insert the following:
(f) A moving image project qualifies for a faith-based moving image project grant under Subsection (a)(5) if the project is designated by the office as a faith-based moving image project according to rules adopted by the office. The office is not required to designate any moving image project as a faith-based moving image project and has sole discretion to make that designation.
(5) Redesignate Subsection (f) (page 5, lines 28 through 36) as Subsection (g).
The amendment to CSSB 22 was read and was adopted by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles.
CSSB 22 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hall, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Perry.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 22 ON THIRD READING
Senator Huffman moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 22 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hall, Hughes, Middleton.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hall, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Perry.
(Senator Flores in Chair)
MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
HOUSE CHAMBER
Austin, Texas
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 1
The Honorable President of the Senate
Senate Chamber
Austin, Texas
Mr. President:
I am directed by the house to inform the senate that the house has taken the following action:
THE HOUSE HAS PASSED THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:
Relating to establishing the Applied Sciences Pathway program.
Relating to the purchase, adoption, and use of instructional materials by public schools.
Relating to career and technology education programs in public schools, the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program, the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program, and a high school advising program, including funding for those programs under the Foundation School Program, and to the new instructional facility allotment and the permissible uses of funding under the Foundation School Program.
Relating to the administration, authority, and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission's office of inspector general.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Cyber Command as a component institution of The University of Texas System and the transfer to it of certain powers and duties of the Department of Information Resources.
Relating to contracting with a school district or open-enrollment charter school by a vendor with whom a member of the board of trustees or governing body of the district or school or a related individual has certain business interests; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the payment of support rights and other benefits for a child in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to a screening for the risk of commercial sexual exploitation of certain children.
Relating to neglect of a child and the grounds for termination of the parent-child relationship and possession of a child by the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the creation of the Texas technology and innovation program.
Relating to daylight saving time.
SB 503
Perry
Sponsor: Guillen
|
Relating to the establishment of an electronic registry of livestock marks and brands.
Respectfully,
/s/Stephen Brown,
Chief Clerk
House of Representatives
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1806 ON SECOND READING
Senator Sparks moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1806 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 1806, Relating to the inspection, purchase, sale, possession, storage, transportation, and disposal of petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, and oil and gas waste; creating criminal offenses and increasing the punishment for an existing criminal offense.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Eckhardt asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment except as follows:
Nays: Eckhardt.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1806 ON THIRD READING
Senator Sparks moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 1806 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Eckhardt.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1080 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator West and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 1080 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 1080, Relating to the revocation of an occupational license from certain license holders and the issuance of a provisional occupational license to certain applicants with criminal convictions.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Schwertner offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 1080 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in the recital for amended Section 53.021, Occupations Code (page 1, line 23), strike "53.021(b), Occupations Code, is amended" and substitute "53.021, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subsection (a-2) and amending Subsection (b)".
(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, immediately following the recital for amended Section 53.021, Occupations Code (page 1, between lines 24 and 25), insert the following:
(a-2) A licensing authority may revoke a license holder's license on the grounds of the license holder's imprisonment following a felony conviction.
(3) In SECTION 2 of the bill, in proposed Section 53.0211(b-1), Occupations Code (page 1, line 48), between "who" and the underlined colon, insert "has been convicted of an offense, including an applicant who".
The amendment to CSSB 1080 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSSB 1080 as amended was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1080 ON THIRD READING
Senator West moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 1080 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2420 ON SECOND READING
Senator Paxton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 2420 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 2420, Relating to the regulation of platforms for the sale and distribution of software applications for mobile devices.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Eckhardt asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Paxton offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 2420 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 121.022(d), Business & Commerce Code (page 2, line 29), strike "The" and substitute "Except as provided by this section, the".
(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, at the end of added Section 121.022, Business & Commerce Code (page 3, between lines 2 and 3), add the following:
(h) The owner of an app store is not required to obtain consent from a minor's parent or guardian for:
(1) the download of a software application that:
(A) provides a user with direct access to emergency services, including:
(i) 9-1-1 emergency services;
(ii) a crisis hotline; or
(iii) an emergency assistance service that is legally available to a minor;
(B) limits data collection to information:
(i) collected in compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (15 U.S.C. Section 6501 et seq.); and
(ii) necessary for the provision of emergency services;
(C) allows a user to access and use the software application without requiring the user to create an account with the software application; and
(D) is operated by or in partnership with:
(i) a governmental entity;
(ii) a nonprofit organization; or
(iii) an authorized emergency service provider; or
(2) the purchase or download of a software application that is operated by or in partnership with a nonprofit organization that:
(A) develops, sponsors, or administers a standardized test used for purposes of admission to or class placement in a postsecondary educational institution or a program within a postsecondary educational institution; and
(B) is subject to Subchapter D, Chapter 32, Education Code.
The amendment to CSSB 2420 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
Senator Paxton offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend CSSB 2420 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 121.023, Business & Commerce Code (page 3, lines 3 through 13), and substitute the following:
Sec. 121.023. DISPLAY OF AGE RATING FOR SOFTWARE APPLICATION. (a) If the owner of an app store that operates in this state has a mechanism for displaying an age rating or other content notice, the owner shall:
(1) make available to users an explanation of the mechanism; and
(2) display for each software application available for download and purchase on the app store the age rating and other content notice.
(b) If the owner of an app store that operates in this state does not have a mechanism for displaying an age rating or other content notice, the owner shall display for each software application available for download and purchase on the app store:
(1) the rating under Section 121.052 assigned to the software application; and
(2) the specific content or other elements that led to the rating assigned under Section 121.052.
(c) The information displayed under this section must be clear, accurate, and conspicuous.
(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 121.026, Business & Commerce Code (page 3, line 33), between "VIOLATION." and "The", insert "(a)".
(3) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 121.026, Business & Commerce Code (page 3, between lines 44 and 45), insert the following:
(b) The owner of an app store is not liable for a violation of Section 121.021 or 121.022 if the owner of the app store:
(1) uses widely adopted industry standards to:
(A) verify the age of each user as required by Section 121.021; and
(B) obtain parental consent as required by Section 121.022; and
(2) applies those standards consistently and in good faith.
(4) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 121.102, Business & Commerce Code (page 5, lines 23-27), and substitute the following:
Sec. 121.102. DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE. A violation of this chapter constitutes a deceptive trade practice in addition to the practices described by Subchapter E, Chapter 17, and is actionable under that subchapter.
(5) At the end of SECTION 1 of the bill, add the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumber subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. It is the intent of the legislature that every provision, section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word in this Act, and every application of the provisions in this Act to every person, group of persons, or circumstances, is severable from each other. If any application of any provision in this Act to any person, group of persons, or circumstances is found by a court to be invalid for any reason, the remaining applications of that provision to all other persons and circumstances shall be severed and may not be affected.
The amendment to CSSB 2420 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2.
CSSB 2420 as amended was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment except as follows:
Nays: Eckhardt.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2420 ON THIRD READING
Senator Paxton moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 2420 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Eckhardt.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2425 ON SECOND READING
Senator Nichols moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 2425 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 2425, Relating to the regulation of automated motor vehicles; creating a criminal offense.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Middleton asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Nichols offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 2425 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in amended Section 545.451(2), Transportation Code (page 1, line 40), between "installed" and the period, insert "that is capable of being operated with Level 4 automation or Level 5 automation".
(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in amended Section 545.451, Transportation Code, strike "Society of Automotive Engineers" and substitute "SAE" in each of the following places it appears:
(A) in added Subdivision (8) (page 2, line 5);
(B) in added Subdivision (9) (page 2, line 9); and
(C) in added Subdivision (10) (page 2, line 13).
(3) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike amended Section 545.452, Transportation Code (page 2, lines 27-31).
(4) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 545.453, Transportation Code (page 2, line 32), strike "Sec. 545.453." and substitute "Sec. 545.452.".
(5) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 545.453(b), Transportation Code (page 2, lines 47-50), strike "Notwithstanding any other law, a traffic or motor vehicle law adopted by a political subdivision of this state may not be enforced against an automated motor vehicle to which this subchapter applies.".
(6) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 545.453(c), Transportation Code (page 2, line 53), strike "to which this subchapter applies".
(7) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 545.454, Transportation Code (page 2, line 56), strike "545.454 [545.453]" and substitute "545.453".
(8) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 545.455, Transportation Code (page 2, line 58, though page 3, line 12), and substitute the following:
Sec. 545.454. [OPERATOR OF AUTOMATED MOTOR] VEHICLE OPERATORS. (a) When an automated driving system installed on a motor vehicle is engaged, the automated driving system is the operator of the vehicle, including for purposes of assessing compliance with applicable traffic or motor vehicle laws.
(b) When an automated driving system installed on an automated motor vehicle is engaged,[:
[(1)] the owner of, or if the vehicle is operating under an authorization issued by the department under Section 545.456, the authorization holder for, the automated motor vehicle shall be issued any citation for a violation of traffic or motor vehicle laws related to the vehicle [driving system is considered the operator of the automated motor vehicle solely for the purpose of assessing compliance with applicable traffic or motor vehicle laws, regardless of whether the person is physically present in the vehicle while the vehicle is operating; and
[(2)
the automated driving system is considered to be licensed to operate the vehicle].
(c) [(b)] Notwithstanding any other law, neither a licensed human driver nor a license issued under Chapter 521 or 522 [operator] is [not] required to operate an automated [a] motor vehicle if the [an] automated driving system installed on the vehicle is engaged.
(9) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 545.456(a), Transportation Code (page 3, line 14), between "Any" and "vehicle", insert "motor".
(10) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 545.456(a), Transportation Code (page 3, line 15), strike ", and an [An]" and substitute ". An".
(11) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 545.456(c), Transportation Code (page 3, lines 43-44), strike "for hire or compensation or for research purposes" and substitute "in furtherance of a commercial enterprise".
(12) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 545.457(a), Transportation Code (page 4, line 10), strike "for hire or compensation or for research purposes" and substitute "in furtherance of a commercial enterprise".
(13) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 545.457(g), Transportation Code (page 4, line 65), strike "on" and substitute "upon".
(14) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 545.460(g), Transportation Code (page 5, lines 64-66), strike "or the department determines that the certification provided to the department under that subsection is materially inaccurate".
(15) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 545.460(j), Transportation Code (page 6, lines 21-28), and substitute the following:
(j) The department shall promptly rescind a suspension, revocation, or cancellation under this section or remove a restriction under this section at any time if the authorization holder subsequently takes the actions required by Subsections (d)(1) and (2).
(16) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 545.460(l), Transportation Code (page 6, lines 43-46), and substitute the following:
(l) The contested case provisions of Chapter 2001, Government Code, including the right to judicial review, apply to a proceeding under Subsection (k).
(17) In SECTION 1 of the bill, renumber the sections of amended Subchapter J, Chapter 545, Transportation Code, and cross-references to those sections as follows:
(A) on page 1, line 42, strike "545.457" and substitute "545.456";
(B) on page 3, line 13, strike "545.456" and substitute "545.455";
(C) on page 3, line 48, strike "545.457" and substitute "545.456";
(D) on page 4, line 6, strike "545.457" and substitute "545.456";
(E) on page 4, line 42, strike "545.456(c)(2)" and substitute "545.455(c)(2)";
(F) on page 5, line 1, strike "545.458" and substitute "545.457";
(G) on page 5, line 7, strike "545.459" and substitute "545.458";
(H) on page 5, line 18, strike "545.460" and substitute "545.459";
(I) on page 5, line 20, strike "545.457" and substitute "545.456";
(J) on page 6, line 47, strike "545.457" and substitute "545.456"; and
(K) on page 6, line 53, strike "545.457" and substitute "545.456".
(18) Strike SECTION 2 of the bill, adding Section 1954.0515, Insurance Code (page 6, lines 57-64), and substitute the following:
SECTION 2. Subchapter A, Chapter 1954, Insurance Code, is amended by adding Section 1954.003 to read as follows:
Sec. 1954.003. APPLICABILITY TO AUTOMATED MOTOR VEHICLES. An automated motor vehicle, as defined by Section 545.451, Transportation Code, is considered a transportation network company driver for purposes of Subchapter B, and the coverage requirements of that subchapter apply to the automated motor vehicle.
(19) In the recital to SECTION 3 of the bill (page 6, line 66), strike "Subdivisions (1) and (5)" and substitute "Subdivision (1)".
(20) In SECTION 3 of the bill, strike amended Section 2402.001(5), Occupations Code (page 7, lines 4-22).
(21) In SECTION 4 of the bill, in added Section 2402.005, Occupations Code (page 7, lines 26-29), strike added Subsection (a), substitute the following appropriately lettered subsections, and reletter the subsections of that section as appropriate:
(__) A corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other entity that, for compensation, enables a passenger to prearrange a ride in an automated motor vehicle through the entity's digital network is a transportation network company and is subject to the requirements of this chapter, except as otherwise provided by this section.
(__) A transportation network company holding a permit under this chapter may use automated motor vehicles owned by the company or operated under a contract with the company to provide digitally prearranged rides through the company's digital network.
(22) In SECTION 7(a)(2) of the bill, providing transition language (page 7, line 52), strike "545.456(c)(2)" and substitute "545.455(c)(2)".
(23) Add the following appropriately numbered SECTIONS to the bill and renumber the SECTIONS of the bill as appropriate:
SECTION ____. Section 643.054(a-2), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a-2) The department may deny a registration if the applicant is owned, operated, managed, or otherwise controlled by or affiliated with a person, including a family member, corporate officer, entity, or shareholder, that the Department of Public Safety has determined has:
(1) an unsatisfactory safety rating under 49 C.F.R. Part 385; or
(2) multiple violations of Chapter 644, a rule adopted under that chapter, or Subtitle C, other than Section 545.455(c).
SECTION ____. Section 643.058(e), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
(e) The department may deny a motor carrier's application to renew a registration if the motor carrier is owned, operated, managed, or otherwise controlled by or affiliated with a person, including a family member, corporate officer, entity, or shareholder, that:
(1) the Department of Public Safety has determined has:
(A) an unsatisfactory safety rating under 49 C.F.R. Part 385; or
(B) multiple violations of Chapter 644, a rule adopted under that chapter, or Subtitle C, other than Section 545.455(c);
(2) owned, operated, managed, or otherwise controlled a motor carrier that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has placed out of service for unacceptable safety compliance; or
(3) has unpaid administrative penalties assessed under this chapter or Subtitle E.
SECTION ____. Section 643.0585(c), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
(c) The department may deny a motor carrier's application for reregistration if the motor carrier is owned, operated, managed, or otherwise controlled by or affiliated with a person, including a family member, corporate officer, entity, or shareholder, that:
(1) the Department of Public Safety has determined has:
(A) an unsatisfactory safety rating under 49 C.F.R. Part 385; or
(B) multiple violations of Chapter 644, a rule adopted under that chapter, or Subtitle C, other than Section 545.455(c);
(2) owned, operated, managed, or otherwise controlled a motor carrier that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has placed out of service for unacceptable safety compliance; or
(3) has unpaid administrative penalties assessed under this chapter or Subtitle E.
SECTION ____. Section 643.252(b), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
(b) The Department of Public Safety may request that the department suspend or revoke a registration issued under this chapter or place on probation a motor carrier whose registration is suspended if a motor carrier has:
(1) an unsatisfactory safety rating under 49 C.F.R. Part 385; or
(2) multiple violations of Chapter 644, a rule adopted under that chapter, or Subtitle C, other than Section 545.455(c).
The amendment to CSSB 2425 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSSB 2425 as amended was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment except as follows:
Nays: Middleton.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2425 ON THIRD READING
Senator Nichols moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 2425 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Middleton.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1962 ON SECOND READING
Senator Bettencourt moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1962 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 1962, Relating to the assessment of public school students, public school accountability and actions, and proceedings challenging the operations of the public school system.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Bettencourt offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 1962 (senate committee report) in SECTION 27 of the bill, by striking added Sections 39A.909(a) and (b), Education Code (page 14, lines 14 through 39), and relettering subsequent subsections of that section and cross-references to those subsections accordingly.
The amendment to CSSB 1962 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
Senator Bettencourt offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend CSSB 1962 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In Section 26 of the bill, in added Section 39A.008(c), Education Code (page 13), strike lines 6 through 12 and substitute the following:
district or school is in compliance with Section 45.105(c-1). If the conservator determines that the district or school is not in compliance with that section, the conservator shall order the district or school to withdraw from the action or proceeding.
(2) Strike SECTION 29 of the bill, adding Section 45.1051, Education Code (page 15, lines 1 through 24), and renumber subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly.
The amendment to CSSB 1962 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2.
Senator Bettencourt offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 3
Amend CSSB 1962 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 26 of the bill, in added Section 39A.008(b), Education Code (page 12, line 69), strike "shall" and substitute "may".
(2) In SECTION 26 of the bill, in added Section 39A.008(c), Education Code (page 13, line 3), strike "The conservator" and substitute "A conservator".
(3) In SECTION 26 of the bill, in added Section 39A.008(d), Education Code (page 13, line 14), strike "the conservator" and substitute "a conservator appointed under Subsection (b)".
The amendment to CSSB 1962 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3.
Senator Bettencourt offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 4
Amend CSSB 1962 (senate committee report) in SECTION 27 of the bill as follows:
(1) In added Section 39A.908(g), Education Code (page 14, line 5), strike "The" and substitute "Except as provided by Subsection (h), the".
(2) Immediately following added Section 39A.908(g), Education Code (page 14, between lines 12 and 13), insert the following:
(h) Subsection (g) does not apply to a charter holder for which the agency has renewed the charter based on the charter holder entering into and meeting the requirements of a performance agreement with the agency.
The amendment to CSSB 1962 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 4.
CSSB 1962 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 75 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Hall and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 75 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 75, Relating to the resilience of the electric grid and certain municipalities.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 75 ON THIRD READING
Senator Hall moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 75 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1646 ON SECOND READING
Senator King moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1646 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 1646, Relating to criminal conduct involving the theft or unauthorized possession of copper or brass and to the sale of copper or brass material to metal recycling entities; creating criminal offenses; providing an administrative penalty.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Birdwell and Eckhardt asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The bill was read second time.
Senator King offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 1646 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1.07 of the bill, in added Section 71.02(a)(21), Penal Code (page 4), strike lines 51 through 53 and substitute the following:
(21) [20] an offense under:
(A) Section 31.21 that is punishable under Subsection (d) of that section; or
(B) Section 31.22 that is punishable under Subsection (e) of that section;
(2) In SECTION 2.01 of the bill, immediately following added Section 1956.018(b), Occupations Code (page 5, between lines 9 and 10), insert the following:
(c) For purposes of developing the educational and training materials under Subsection (a), the representatives described by Subsection (b)(3) shall provide examples to the department of copper or brass material as defined by Section 1956.131.
(3) In SECTION 2.02 of the bill, in added Section 1956.131, Occupations Code (page 5), strike line 16 and substitute the following:
does not include:
(1) the material described by Section 1956.001(4)(B) or (C); or
(2) common household insulated or noninsulated copper wire or cable.
(4) In SECTION 2.02 of the bill:
(A) in added Section 1956.133(1)(I), Occupations Code (page 5, line 56), strike "; or" and substitute "; and"; and
(B) in added Section 1956.133(2), Occupations Code (page 5, line 58), strike "who".
(5) In SECTION 2.02 of the bill, in added Section 1956.134(b)(1), Occupations Code (page 5, line 68), strike "volume" and substitute "weight".
(6) Add the following appropriately numbered SECTIONS to Article 2 of the bill and renumber the SECTIONS of the article accordingly:
SECTION 2.____. Section 1956.001(4), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
(4) "Copper or brass material" means:
(A) a power inverter, bus bar, or insulated or noninsulated copper wire or cable that contains copper or an alloy of copper or zinc and is of the type used by:
(i) a public utility or common carrier;
(ii) a telecommunications provider as defined by Section 51.002, Utilities Code;
(iii) a cable service provider as defined by Section 66.002, Utilities Code; or
(iv) a video service provider as defined by Section 66.002, Utilities Code;
(B) a copper or brass item of a type commonly used in construction or by:
(i) a public utility;
(ii) a telecommunications provider as defined by Section 51.002, Utilities Code;
(iii) a cable service provider as defined by Section 66.002, Utilities Code; or
(iv) a video service provider as defined by Section 66.002, Utilities Code; or
(C) copper pipe or copper tubing.
SECTION 2.____. Subchapter A-1, Chapter 1956, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 1956.019 to read as follows:
Sec. 1956.019. STUDY ON EFFECT OF REGULATIONS ON INCIDENTS OF THEFT OF REGULATED MATERIAL. (a) At least once every three years, the department shall conduct a study on:
(1) the effect that the implementation of Subchapter C-2 and similar laws has had on the incidents of theft of regulated material, particularly copper or brass material; and
(2) the manner and extent to which metal recycling entities are coordinating and cooperating with law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to assist in preventing and prosecuting that theft.
(b) The department shall make available on the department's publicly accessible Internet website a written report on the study conducted under Subsection (a).
(7) Add the following appropriately numbered SECTION to Article 3 of the bill and renumber the SECTIONS of the article accordingly:
SECTION 3.____. Not later than September 1, 2028, the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas shall complete the initial study required by Section 1956.019, Occupations Code, as added by this Act.
The amendment to CSSB 1646 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSSB 1646 as amended was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment except as follows:
Nays: Birdwell, Eckhardt.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1646 ON THIRD READING
Senator King moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 1646 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Birdwell, Eckhardt.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)
(Senator King in Chair)
SENATE BILL 2122 ON SECOND READING
Senator Zaffirini moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 2122 at this time on its second reading:
SB 2122, Relating to imposition of application fees for certain permits and permit amendments for the disposal of oil and gas waste.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Alvarado, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, King, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Creighton, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Perry.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Zaffirini offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 2122 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike amended Section 91.1013(a), Natural Resources Code (page 1, lines 25 through 47), and substitute the following:
(a) [With each application for a fluid injection well permit, the applicant shall submit to the commission a nonrefundable fee of $200.] In this section:
(1) "Commercial oil and gas waste separation facility" means a facility that manages but does not dispose of oil and gas waste on site and that is managed by an owner or operator whose primary business is to provide oil field fluid or oil and gas waste management services for compensation.
(2) "Commercial surface oil and gas waste disposal facility" means a facility that disposes of oil and gas waste on site and that is managed by an owner or operator whose primary business is to provide oil field fluid or oil and gas waste disposal services for compensation.
(3) "Fluid[, "fluid] injection well" means any well used to inject fluid or gas into the ground in connection with the exploration or production of oil or gas other than an oil and gas waste disposal well regulated by the commission pursuant to Chapter 27, Water Code.
(4) "Land application permit" means a permit authorizing the covering of a controlled area with gas plant effluent or low-chloride produced water through the use of a sprinkler or other irrigation system.
(5) "Landfarm permit" means a permit authorizing the disposal of low-chloride, water-based oil and gas waste, including drilling fluid, by mixing or tilling the fluid or waste into the natural soil so that the waste will not migrate from the area covered by the landfarm permit.
(6) "Landtreatment permit" means a permit authorizing the disposal of oil-based oil and gas waste, including oil-based drilling fluid, oil-impacted soil, or other oil and gas waste, by mixing or tilling the fluid, soil, or waste into the natural soil to degrade the fluid, impacted soil, or waste so that the fluid, impacted soil, or waste will not migrate from the area covered by the landtreatment permit.
(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in amended Section 91.1013(b), Natural Resources Code (page 2):
(A) On line 2, between "commercial" and "waste", insert "oil and gas".
(B) On line 4, between "waste" and "facility", insert "disposal".
(C) On line 6, strike "commercial surface waste facility" and substitute "commercial surface oil and gas waste disposal facility".
The amendment to SB 2122 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
SB 2122 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Alvarado, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, King, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Creighton, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Perry.
SENATE BILL 2122 ON THIRD READING
Senator Zaffirini moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 2122 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Huffman, Hughes, Middleton.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Alvarado, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, King, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Creighton, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Perry.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1099 ON SECOND READING
Senator Flores moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1099 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 1099, Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for certain offenses committed by an illegal alien.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1099 ON THIRD READING
Senator Flores moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 1099 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, Zaffirini.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 964 ON SECOND READING
Senator Hughes moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 964 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 964, Relating to the appearance of a personal identification certificate or driver's license issued to a person who is not a citizen of the United States.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 552 ON SECOND READING
Senator Huffman moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 552 at this time on its second reading:
SB 552, Relating to changing the eligibility of certain persons to receive community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Huffman offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 552 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill by striking added Article 42A.001(3-a), Code of Criminal Procedure (page 1, lines 23-32), and substituting the following:
(3-a) "Illegal alien" means an alien who:
(A) before the date of the commission of the offense:
(i) entered the United States without inspection or at any time or any place other than as designated by the United States attorney general; or
(ii) was admitted as a nonimmigrant and failed to maintain the nonimmigrant status under which the alien was admitted or to which it was changed under Section 248, Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Section 1258), or to comply with the conditions of the alien's status; and
(B) did not attain and maintain legal status before the date of the commission of the offense.
The amendment to SB 552 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
SB 552 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
SENATE RULE 5.14 SUSPENDED
(Intent Calendar)
(Motion In Writing)
Senator Zaffirini submitted the following Motion In Writing:
Mr. President:
I move suspension of Senate Rule 5.14, the Intent Calendar Rule, in order to move the Intent Calendar deadline to 6:00 p.m. today. I further move that the rule be suspended to allow the Secretary of the Senate to make the calendar available as soon as practicable.
ZAFFIRINI
The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1177 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Alvarado and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 1177 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 1177, Relating to fire safety inspections at public and private schools.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1177 ON THIRD READING
Senator Alvarado moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 1177 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 2226 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Nichols and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 2226 at this time on its second reading:
SB 2226, Relating to requirements for loans or grants provided by the Texas Transportation Commission to aviation facilities located in economically disadvantaged counties.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
SENATE BILL 2226 ON THIRD READING
Senator Nichols moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 2226 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 926 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Hancock and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 926 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 926, Relating to certain practices of health benefit plan issuers to encourage the use of certain physicians and health care providers and rank physicians.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Hancock offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 926 (senate committee printing) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, immediately following added Section 843.322(d), Insurance Code (page 2, between lines 3 and 4), insert the following:
(e) An encouragement or incentive authorized by this section may not:
(1) be based solely on cost; or
(2) impose a cost-sharing requirement for out-of-network emergency services that is greater than the cost-sharing requirement that would apply had the services been furnished by a participating provider.
(f) This section does not apply to a vision care plan, as defined by Section 1451.157.
(2) In SECTION 3 of the bill, immediately following added Section 1301.0047(d), Insurance Code (page 2, between lines 50 and 51), insert the following:
(e) An encouragement or incentive authorized by this section may not:
(1) be based solely on cost; or
(2) impose a cost-sharing requirement for out-of-network emergency services that is greater than the cost-sharing requirement that would apply had the services been furnished by a preferred provider.
(f) This section does not apply to a vision care plan, as defined by Section 1451.157.
The amendment to CSSB 926 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSSB 926 as amended was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 926 ON THIRD READING
Senator Hancock moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 926 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
(President in Chair)
SENATE RESOLUTIONS
The following resolutions were offered:
SR 413 by Miles, In memory of Earl M. Swindle Sr. of Houston.
SR 415 by Blanco, Congratulating Walter Miller on his retirement as the Place 1 alderman of the Town of Horizon City.
The resolutions were read and were adopted by a viva voce vote.
(Senator Flores in Chair)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 30 ON SECOND READING
Senator Schwertner moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 30 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 30, Relating to recovery of damages in civil actions.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time.
(President in Chair)
(Senator Flores in Chair)
Senator Schwertner offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 30 (senate committee printing) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 4 of the bill, in added Section 41.001(11-a), Civil Practice and Remedies Code (page 3, line 28), strike "daily routine" and substitute "life".
(2) In SECTION 4 of the bill, in added Section 41.001(14), Civil Practice and Remedies Code (page 3, lines 35-39), strike Paragraphs (A), (B), and (C) and substitute the following:
(A) is consciously felt; and
(B) either:
(i) arises from an observable injury, disfigurement, or impairment or is shown to exist through objectively verifiable medical evaluation or testing; or
(ii) in cases of sexual assault or abuse, is corroborated by medical evidence or a prior consistent statement.
(3) In SECTION 8 of the bill, in added Section 41.101(6)(N), Civil Practice and Remedies Code (page 6, line 43), between the underlined semicolon and "and", insert the following appropriately lettered paragraphs and reletter subsequent paragraphs accordingly:
(__) a licensed professional counselor;
(__) a psychologist;
(4) In SECTION 8 of the bill, in added Subchapter C, Chapter 41, Civil Practice and Remedies Code (page 8, between lines 40 and 41), immediately after added Section 41.107, insert the following:
Sec. 41.108. APPLICATION OF TEXAS RULES OF EVIDENCE. Except as otherwise provided by Section 41.107, the Texas Rules of Evidence apply to an action to which this subchapter applies.
The amendment to CSSB 30 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
Senator Schwertner offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend CSSB 30 (senate committee printing) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 2 of the bill, strike added Section 18.0011(a)(1)(B), Civil Practice and Remedies Code (page 2, lines 40-42), and substitute the following:
(B) if Paragraph (A) does not apply, an amount that does not exceed the amount determined under Subsection (d); and
(2) In SECTION 2 of the bill, immediately following added Section 18.0011(c), Civil Practice and Remedies Code (page 3, between lines 5 and 6), insert the following:
(d) For purposes of Subsection (a)(1)(B), the amount stated in the affidavit as the reasonable charge for the service may not exceed an amount equal to 300 percent of the Medicare fee schedule for the service, as the schedule existed on May 1, 2025, increased or decreased, as applicable, by multiplying by the percentage increase or decrease in the consumer price index, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor, that measures the average changes in prices of goods and services purchased by urban wage earners and clerical workers' families and single workers living alone (CPI-W: Seasonally Adjusted U.S. City Average-All Items), between May 1, 2025, and the date on which the service was provided.
(3) In SECTION 8 of the bill, strike added Section 41.104(a)(3), Civil Practice and Remedies Code (page 7, lines 19-22), and substitute the following:
(3) if Subdivisions (1) and (2) do not apply, amounts that do not exceed amounts determined under Subsection (d).
(4) In SECTION 8 of the bill, in added Section 41.104(b), Civil Practice and Remedies Code (page 7, lines 30-31), strike "300 percent of the Medicare fee schedule applicable to each service as of the date the trial commenced" and substitute "amounts determined under Subsection (e)".
(5) In SECTION 8 of the bill, immediately following added Section 41.104(c), Civil Practice and Remedies Code (page 7, between lines 37 and 38), insert the following:
(d) For purposes of Subsection (a)(3), the evidence that may be offered is limited to evidence of amounts that do not exceed amounts equal to 300 percent of the Medicare fee schedule for each service provided to the injured individual, as the schedule existed on May 1, 2025, increased or decreased, as applicable, by multiplying by the percentage increase or decrease in the consumer price index, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor, that measures the average changes in prices of goods and services purchased by urban wage earners and clerical workers' families and single workers living alone (CPI-W: Seasonally Adjusted U.S. City Average-All Items), between May 1, 2025, and the date the service was provided to the injured individual.
(e) For purposes of Subsection (b), the evidence that may be offered is limited to evidence of amounts that do not exceed amounts equal to 300 percent of the Medicare fee schedule for each service, as the schedule existed on May 1, 2025, increased or decreased, as applicable, by multiplying by the percentage increase or decrease in the consumer price index, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor, that measures the average changes in prices of goods and services purchased by urban wage earners and clerical workers' families and single workers living alone (CPI-W: Seasonally Adjusted U.S. City Average-All Items), between May 1, 2025, and the date the trial commences.
The amendment to CSSB 30 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2.
(President in Chair)
Senator Johnson offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 3
Amend CSSB 30 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 4 of the bill, amending Section 41.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, as follows:
(1) Strike the recital (page 3, lines 11-13) and substitute the following:
SECTION 4. Sections 41.001(9) and (10), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, are amended to read as follows:
(2) Strike added Subdivisions (11-a) and (14) (page 3, lines 25-39).
The amendment to CSSB 30 was read and failed of adoption by the following vote: Yeas 11, Nays 20.
Yeas: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Senator West offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 4
Amend CSSB 30 (senate committee printing) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 2 of the bill, strike added Section 18.0011(a), Civil Practice and Remedies Code (page 2, lines 31-45), and substitute the following:
(a) A party may not controvert the reasonableness of the charges for health care services stated in an affidavit served under Section 18.001 if, as to each health care service provided by the health care facility or provider to the person whose injury or death is the subject of the action, the affidavit states one of the following amounts as the reasonable charge for the service:
(1) the amounts received from all sources by the facility or provider to pay for the service; or
(2) if Subdivision (1) does not apply, an amount that, on the date the service was provided, does not exceed the usual and customary rate for the service.
(2) In SECTION 8 of the bill, in added Section 41.104(a)(3), Civil Practice and Remedies Code (page 7, line 21), strike "300 percent of the Medicare fee schedule" and substitute "the usual and customary rate".
(3) In SECTION 8 of the bill, in added Section 41.104(b), Civil Practice and Remedies Code (page 7, line 30), strike "300 percent of the Medicare fee schedule" and substitute "the usual and customary rate".
(4) In SECTION 8 of the bill, strike added Section 41.104(c), Civil Practice and Remedies Code (page 7, lines 32-37).
The amendment to CSSB 30 was read and failed of adoption by the following vote: Yeas 11, Nays 20.
Yeas: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Senator Gutierrez offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 5
Amend CSSB 30 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) On page 7, line 38 strike newly added Section 41.105, Civil Practice Remedy Code.
(2) Renumber subsequent SECTIONS of the bill and update any cross-references accordingly.
The amendment to CSSB 30 was read and failed of adoption by the following vote: Yeas 11, Nays 20.
Yeas: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Senator Eckhardt offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 6
Amend CSSB 30 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 8 of the bill, in added Section 41.107, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, as follows:
(1) In Subdivision (1) (page 8, line 31), immediately after the underlined semicolon, insert "and".
(2) In Subdivision (2) (page 8, line 36), strike "; and" and substitute an underlined period.
(3) Strike Subdivision (3) (page 8, lines 37-40).
The amendment to CSSB 30 was read and failed of adoption by the following vote: Yeas 11, Nays 20.
Yeas: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
CSSB 30 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1506 ON SECOND READING
Senator Parker moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1506 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 1506, Relating to the frequency with which the Board of Pardons and Paroles reconsiders inmates for release on parole.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt, Johnson, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1506 ON THIRD READING
Senator Parker moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 1506 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt, Johnson, Zaffirini.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4. (Same as previous roll call)
STATEMENT REGARDING SENATE BILL 1506
Senator Cook submitted the following statement regarding CSSB 1506:
I would like to thank Senator Parker for his commitment to public safety and victims' rights. In equal regard, I recognize our responsibility as stewards of public resources and our moral obligation to create pathways to redemption. SB 1506 poses a significant fiscal threat to an already ballooning TDCJ medical budget. Extending reconsideration intervals up to five years may result in detainees who might otherwise qualify for release remaining incarcerated at growing taxpayer expense. I'm concerned that SB 1506 applies retroactively to all current detainees, raising serious concerns about procedural fairness for those sentenced under different expectations. Many accepted plea agreements with the understanding that they would receive annual parole reviews as required by current law. And, SB 1506 may undermine rehabilitation efforts. Annual parole reviews provide crucial incentives for program participation. By extending wait times to five years, we remove immediate incentives for positive change and growth, potentially making our facilities less safe and decreasing the likelihood of successful reentry.
COOK
MOTION TO PLACE
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2056 ON SECOND READING
Senator Hancock moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 2056 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 2056, Relating to anticompetitive and other unlawful practices and to certain required disclosures relating to credit card transactions; providing a civil penalty.
Senator Hancock withdrew the motion to suspend the regular order of business.
AT EASE
The President at 5:45 p.m. announced the Senate would stand At Ease subject to the call of the Chair.
IN LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The President at 6:20 p.m. called the Senate to order as In Legislative Session.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 39 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Birdwell and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSJR 39 at this time on its second reading:
CSSJR 39, Proposing a constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to override a veto of the governor following a regular session of the legislature.
The resolution was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 39 ON THIRD READING
Senator Birdwell moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSJR 39 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The resolution was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
HOUSE CHAMBER
Austin, Texas
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 2
The Honorable President of the Senate
Senate Chamber
Austin, Texas
Mr. President:
I am directed by the house to inform the senate that the house has taken the following action:
THE HOUSE HAS PASSED THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:
Relating to discipline in public schools.
Respectfully,
/s/Stephen Brown,
Chief Clerk
House of Representatives
SENATE BILL 2023 ON SECOND READING
Senator Blanco moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 2023 at this time on its second reading:
SB 2023, Relating to the establishment of a grant program to support the disposition of deceased paupers' bodies.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hall, Huffman, Hughes, Middleton, Nichols, Sparks.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 8, Present-not voting 1.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hall, Huffman, Hughes, Middleton, Nichols, Sparks.
Present-not voting: Gutierrez.
SENATE BILL 1577 ON SECOND READING
Senator Parker moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 1577 at this time on its second reading:
SB 1577, Relating to the temporary sale of alcoholic beverages at certain racing facilities.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Perry asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment except as follows:
Nays: Perry.
SENATE BILL 1577 ON THIRD READING
Senator Parker moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 1577 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Perry.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE RULE 7.07(b) SUSPENDED
(Permission to Introduce)
(Motion In Writing)
Senator Bettencourt submitted the following Motion In Writing:
Mr. President:
The following members hereby request to suspend Senate Rule 7.07(b) to permit the introduction of bills and resolutions as follows:
SJR 85 by Bettencourt, Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled.
SB 23 by Bettencourt, Relating to an increase in the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the appraised value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled and the protection of school districts against certain losses in local revenue.
BETTENCOURT
The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.
SENATE BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FIRST READING
The following bills and resolutions were introduced, read first time, and referred to the committees indicated:
SB 23 by Bettencourt
Relating to an increase in the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the appraised value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled and the protection of school districts against certain losses in local revenue.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 3047 by Zaffirini
Relating to the creation of the Pura Vida Municipal Management District No. 1; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes; granting a limited power of eminent domain.
To Committee on Local Government.
SCR 48 by Middleton
Urging the Gulf Coast Protection District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to not compromise navigation safety or two-way traffic vessel movement when implementing a project.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SJR 85 by Bettencourt
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled.
To Committee on Local Government.
HOUSE BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FIRST READING
The following bills and resolutions received from the House were read first time and referred to the committees indicated:
HB 39 to Committee on Veteran Affairs.
HB 102 to Committee on Veteran Affairs.
HB 300 to Committee on Veteran Affairs.
HB 500 to Committee on Finance.
HB 1400 to Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
HB 2143 to Committee on Transportation.
HCR 64 to Committee on Administration.
HCR 101 to Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, the Senate at 6:37 p.m. adjourned until 6:40 p.m. today.