FOURTEENTH DAY
(Wednesday, February 13, 2013)
The Senate met at 11:12 a.m. pursuant to adjournment and was called to order by the President.
The roll was called and the following Senators were present: Birdwell, Campbell, Davis, Deuell, Duncan, Ellis, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Hancock, Hegar, Hinojosa, Huffman, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Patrick, Paxton, Rodríguez, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor, Uresti, Van de Putte, Watson, West, Whitmire, Williams, Zaffirini.
Absent-excused: Carona.
The President announced that a quorum of the Senate was present.
The Reverend Karen Boehk, First United Methodist Church, Smithville, offered the invocation as follows:
Almighty God, creator and sustainer of all, we pause this morning to give You thanks for the gift of life, for the gift of purpose, and the many blessings we so often take for granted. Today I pray for these men and women who strive to fulfill the responsibilities of the office to which they have been elected. I pray, O God, that You would grant them wisdom, strength, and courage to do the right thing, especially in the midst of difficult situations. In the name of the One who commanded us to love our neighbor as ourself. Amen.
Senator Whitmire moved that the reading of the Journal of the proceedings of the previous day be dispensed with and the Journal be approved as printed.
The motion prevailed without objection.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
On motion of Senator Whitmire, Senator Carona was granted leave of absence for today on account of important business.
PHYSICIAN OF THE DAY
Senator Campbell was recognized and presented Dr. Francisco Barrera of San Antonio as the Physician of the Day.
The Senate welcomed Dr. Barrera and thanked him for his participation in the Physician of the Day program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS EXTENDED
The President, on behalf of the Senate, extended birthday greetings to Senator Zaffirini.
SENATE RESOLUTION 177
Senator Rodríguez offered the following resolution:
SR 177, Recognizing February 12 and 13, 2013, as El Paso Days at the State Capitol.
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Rodríguez was recognized and introduced to the Senate an El Paso delegation, accompanied by Kathleen Walker, Brant Daley, Eddie Holguin, Cortney Niland, and Veronica Escobar.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Nelson was recognized and introduced to the Senate Lake Country Christian School seventh-grade students.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 128
Senator Williams offered the following resolution:
SR 128, Recognizing Dr. James M. Simmons on the occasion of his retirement as president of Lamar University.
WILLIAMS
BIRDWELL
NICHOLS
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUEST PRESENTED
Senator Williams was recognized and introduced to the Senate James M. Simmons, former President, Lamar University.
The Senate welcomed its guest.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator West was recognized and introduced to the Senate Faye Williams and her class from the Texas Engineering Extension Service.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Eltife was recognized and introduced to the Senate a LeTourneau University delegation.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 147
Senator Deuell offered the following resolution:
SR 147, Celebrating February 13, 2013, as YMCA Appreciation Day at the State Capitol.
The resolution was again read.
The resolution was previously adopted on Monday, February 11, 2013.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Deuell was recognized and introduced to the Senate a YMCA delegation, accompanied by Kelly Gaudreau, CEO, YMCA of Greenville and Hunt County; Terry Seth, CEO, YMCA of Corsicana; Tiffany Patterson, Executive Director, TownLake Branch YMCA of Austin; David Lopez, Vice-president of External Affairs, YMCA of Greater Houston; and Brenda Thompson, CEO, YMCA of Kerr County.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Ellis was recognized and introduced to the Senate a University of Houston System delegation, accompanied by Chancellor Renu Khator.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Estes was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Leadership Montague County delegation.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 192
Senator Zaffirini offered the following resolution:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the March of Dimes Foundation on the occasion of its 75th anniversary; and
WHEREAS, This pioneering organization has worked ceaselessly over the decades to improve the health of infants and women of childbearing age; its focus is on the prevention of birth defects, infant mortality, and premature birth; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat polio, the March of Dimes was instrumental in funding the development of polio vaccines and virtually eliminating the disease; those same immunizations are still in use today; and
WHEREAS, Having achieved its original mission, the foundation shifted its attention to the prevention of birth defects and the promotion of healthy pregnancies; it established a national network of programs to monitor expecting mothers; and
WHEREAS, The organization's efforts have helped lead to critical breakthroughs in research, testing, and treatment; as a result of its efforts, scientists have discovered new lifesaving products and new ways to treat premature infants; the March of Dimes has also played a vital role in pressing for federal legislation to promote the screening of newborns; and
WHEREAS, Now, the organization has set the ambitious goal of reducing preterm birth to 9.6 percent in every state by the year 2020; for its innovation and determination to champion women's health, infant care, and preventative measures against birth defects, this esteemed organization deserves unstinting praise; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend the March of Dimes Foundation as it celebrates its 75th anniversary and extend to its members best wishes in all its future endeavors; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for them as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
SR 192 was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Zaffirini was recognized and introduced to the Senate a March of Dimes Foundation delegation: Kim King, Associate State Director; Jon Levy, Chair, State Executive Committee; and Charlotte Guillory, Past Chair, State Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 201
Senator Hinojosa offered the following resolution:
SR 201, Recognizing February 13, 2013, as Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi Day at the State Capitol.
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Hinojosa, joined by Senator Zaffirini, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi delegation, accompanied by Flavius Killebrew, President; Don Albrecht, Vice-president of Student Engagement and Success; and Kimberly Garza, Student Government Association President.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 150
Senator Paxton offered the following resolution:
SR 150, Recognizing choral ensemble students from Robinson and Rice Middle Schools in Plano.
(Senator Eltife in Chair)
The resolution was again read.
The resolution was previously adopted on Monday, February 11, 2013.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Paxton was recognized and introduced to the Senate members of the choral ensembles from Robinson and Rice Middle Schools of the Plano Independent School District.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 173
Senator Deuell offered the following resolution:
SR 173, Recognizing February 13, 2013, as Dyslexia Awareness Day at the Capitol.
The resolution was again read.
The resolution was previously adopted on Monday, February 11, 2013.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Deuell was recognized and introduced to the Senate an Academic Language Therapy Association delegation, accompanied by Karen Avrit, President, and Linda Gladden, Board of Directors.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
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 session.
There was no objection.
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 14
The Presiding Officer laid before the Senate the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Section 17, Article III, Texas Constitution, provides that neither house of the legislature may adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other house; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas, That each house grant the other permission to adjourn for more than three days during the period beginning on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, and ending on Monday, February 18, 2013.
WHITMIRE
SCR 14 was read.
On motion of Senator Whitmire, the resolution was considered immediately and was adopted by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Carona.
MOTION TO ADJOURN
On motion of Senator Whitmire and by unanimous consent, the Senate at 12:22 p.m. agreed to adjourn, upon completion of the introduction of bills and resolutions on first reading, until 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 18, 2013.
SENATE BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FIRST READING
The following bills and resolutions were introduced, read first time, and referred to the committees indicated:
SB 13 by Duncan
Relating to the State Pension Review Board and public retirement systems; authorizing a fee.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 14 by Williams
Relating to the fiscal transparency and accountability of certain entities responsible for public money.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 379 by Deuell
Relating to information for prevention of sudden cardiac arrest affecting public school students participating in interscholastic athletics.
To Committee on Education.
SB 380 by Schwertner
Relating to the recording of an informal settlement conference to resolve a complaint to the Texas Medical Board against a physician.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 381 by Van de Putte
Relating to the misuse of the name or symbols of the division of workers' compensation of the Texas Department of Insurance in a deceptive manner.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 382 by Carona
Relating to the disbursement of county funds to a person owing delinquent property taxes.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 383 by Carona
Relating to the repeal of certain provisions governing the sale and use of certain refrigerants.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 384 by Carona
Relating to the offense of failure to report abuse or neglect of a child.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 385 by Carona
Relating to authorizing assessments for water and energy improvements in districts designated by municipalities and counties.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 386 by Davis
Relating to the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 387 by Nichols
Relating to county participation in a program for improvement of collection of court costs, fees, and fines imposed in criminal cases.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
SB 388 by Nichols
Relating to county participation in a program for improvement of collection of court costs, fees, and fines imposed in criminal cases.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
SB 389 by West
Relating to the imposition of court costs in certain criminal proceedings.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
SB 390 by West
Relating to the effective date of a new court cost or fee or of an amendment to the amount of a court cost or fee.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
SB 391 by West
Relating to a defendant's obligation to pay a fine or court cost after the expiration of a period of community supervision.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
SB 392 by West
Relating to notice to the attorney general of challenges to the constitutionality of Texas statutes.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 393 by West
Relating to the deferral of prosecution of children accused of certain Class C misdemeanors.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
SB 394 by West
Relating to restricting access to records of children convicted of or receiving deferred disposition for certain fine-only misdemeanors.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
SB 395 by West
Relating to fines and court costs imposed on a child in a criminal case.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
SB 396 by Hegar
Relating to the provision of state death benefits to certain employees of the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 397 by Duncan
Relating to the statute of limitations for an action on a credit card account.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 398 by Hancock
Relating to conforming the eligibility under a major events trust fund of a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision postseason event with the changes to the Bowl Championship Series system.
To Committee on Economic Development.
SB 399 by Hancock
Relating to the confidentiality of certain communications involving an ombudsman program established by an employer as an alternative dispute resolution service.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 400 by Hancock
Relating to consumption of alcoholic beverages in certain public entertainment facilities.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 401 by Lucio
Relating to a notification requirement if a counselor is not assigned to a public school campus.
To Committee on Education.
SB 402 by Rodríguez
Relating to the regulation of the practice of physical therapy.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 403 by Zaffirini
Relating to the establishment of a community development grocery store and healthy corner store revolving loan fund program.
To Committee on Agriculture, Rural Affairs and Homeland Security.
SB 404 by Schwertner
Relating to complaints filed with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy; authorizing fees.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 405 by Hegar
Relating to the applicability of state law regulating the decommissioning costs of certain newly constructed commercial nuclear-powered electric generating facilities.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 407 by Carona
Relating to an exemption for persons who sell certain burglar and fire alarm components from the requirement to be licensed as an air conditioning and refrigeration contractor.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 408 by Carona
Relating to the confidentiality of certain complaints to and investigations by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 409 by Watson
Relating to the issuance of an alcoholic beverage permit or license covering certain premises where a previous permit or license holder has been evicted.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 410 by Watson
Relating to the management and operation of certain municipally owned electric utilities.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 411 by Carona
Relating to insurers' duty to provide information in a fraud investigation.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 412 by Seliger
Relating to the authority of certain counties to impose a hotel occupancy tax for the maintenance, operation, and promotion of and improved access to a coliseum in the county; authorizing a tax.
To Committee on Economic Development.
SB 413 by Deuell
Relating to medical care and public health services provided by a health care professional in a licensed freestanding emergency medical care facility.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 414 by Ellis
Relating to authorization by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for certain public junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 415 by Ellis
Relating to the establishment of a community development grocery store revolving loan fund program.
To Committee on Agriculture, Rural Affairs and Homeland Security.
SB 416 by Ellis
Relating to restrictions on access to certain personal online accounts through electronic communication devices by employers or public or private institutions of higher education; establishing an unlawful employment practice.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 417 by Ellis
Relating to public access to personal financial statements filed by candidates for and holders of state office and state chairs of political parties.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 418 by Ellis
Relating to a notification requirement if a public school campus or open-enrollment charter school does not have a nurse assigned to the campus during all instructional hours.
To Committee on Education.
SB 419 by Zaffirini
Relating to the creation of a central database for and health and human services agency investigations of alleged abuse, neglect, and exploitation violations and rights violations at certain facilities operated in this state.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 420 by West
Relating to disproportionate discretionary disciplinary action by school districts against students of a particular race or students enrolled in a special education program.
To Committee on Education.
SB 421 by Zaffirini
Relating to the Texas System of Care and the development of local mental health systems of care for certain children.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 422 by Duncan
Relating to service of citation on a financial institution.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 423 by Nelson
Relating to the flexible response system for investigations of child abuse or neglect reports by the Department of Family and Protective Services.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 424 by Nelson
Relating to the administration and monitoring of certain medications provided to foster children.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 425 by Nelson
Relating to foster care placement decisions made by the Department of Family and Protective Services.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 426 by Nelson
Relating to a home visiting program for at-risk families.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 427 by Nelson
Relating to the regulation of certain child-care facilities and administrators of those facilities.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 428 by Nelson
Relating to background and criminal history checks for parents or other relatives of children in residential child-care facilities.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 429 by Nelson
Relating to the dismissal or nonsuit of a suit to terminate the parent-child relationship filed by a governmental entity.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 430 by Nelson
Relating to verification of the unavailability of community day care before the Department of Family and Protective Services provides day-care assistance or services.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 431 by Patrick
Relating to eliminating the set-aside of a portion of designated tuition for student financial assistance at public institutions of higher education.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 432 by Patrick
Relating to the eligibility for unemployment compensation benefits of individuals who serve on the appraisal review board of an appraisal district.
To Committee on Economic Development.
SB 433 by Patrick
Relating to the regulation of game rooms in certain counties; providing penalties; authorizing a fee.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 434 by Hancock
Relating to the procedural requirements for action by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on applications for production area authorizations.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 435 by Duncan
Relating to the payment of tuition for public high school students who participate in college credit programs.
To Committee on Education.
SB 436 by Birdwell
Relating to administration of collegiate learning assessments to students at general academic teaching institutions.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 437 by Birdwell
Relating to the determination of resident status of students by public institutions of higher education.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 438 by Birdwell
Relating to an interlocal contract between a governmental entity and a purchasing cooperative to purchase roofing materials or services.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 439 by Birdwell
Relating to the Weatherford College District service area.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 440 by Birdwell
Relating to unenforceable restrictive covenants regarding standby electric generators affecting residential homes.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 441 by Birdwell
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Fast Start Program to promote rapid delivery of workforce education and development.
To Committee on Economic Development.
SB 442 by Birdwell
Relating to leave for certain veterans returning to state employment.
To Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations.
SB 443 by Birdwell
Relating to leave for reserve law enforcement officers for required training.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 444 by Birdwell
Relating to the system by which an application for a low income housing tax credit is scored.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 445 by Birdwell
Relating to an informed student document for prospective students of certain public institutions of higher education.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 446 by Eltife
Relating to allowable transfers to the Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission of proceeds from the taxes on the sale, storage, or use of sporting goods.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 447 by Fraser
Relating to annual and special meetings of and election procedures for members of boards of directors for water supply or sewer service corporations.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 448 by Fraser
Relating to the audit of certain river authorities.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 449 by Hinojosa
Relating to a prohibition on the issuance of capital appreciation bonds by local governments.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 450 by Hinojosa
Relating to prohibiting the delivery of prescription drug benefits under the Medicaid program through a managed care delivery model.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 451 by Carona
Relating to production requirements for holders of winery permits.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 452 by Patrick
Relating to the date of the primary election and related procedures.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 453 by Deuell
Relating to payment of tuition to attend public schools for students holding certain United States student visas.
To Committee on Education.
SB 454 by Hegar
Relating to the authority of certain conservation and reclamation districts to file an annual financial report with the executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in lieu of filing an annual audit report.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 455 by Rodríguez
Relating to the expansion of eligibility for medical assistance to certain persons under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the application and eligibility determination processes for medical assistance and other programs.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 456 by Rodríguez
Relating to building code standards for new residential construction in the unincorporated area of a county.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 457 by Rodríguez
Relating to the confidentiality of certain autopsy records.
To Committee on Open Government.
SB 458 by Rodríguez
Relating to certain motor vehicle records excepted from disclosure under the Public Information Act.
To Committee on Open Government.
SB 459 by Rodríguez
Relating to the sale, storage, transportation, and disposal of scrap or used tires; providing a civil penalty; creating an offense.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 460 by Deuell
Relating to inclusion of instruction in the detection and education of students with mental or emotional disorders in the requirements for educator training programs.
To Committee on Education.
SB 461 by Rodríguez
Relating to development regulations for certain unincorporated areas located near the Tornillo-Guadalupe Port of Entry; providing a penalty.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 462 by Huffman
Relating to specialty court programs in this state.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 463 by Huffman
Relating to the exclusion of certain witnesses during a criminal proceeding.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 464 by Deuell
Relating to the dismissal of complaints against property tax professionals.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 465 by Van de Putte
Relating to the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation to which certain disabled veterans and the surviving spouses and children of certain veterans are entitled.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 466 by Hinojosa, Nichols
Relating to the authority of the Texas Department of Transportation to participate in certain federal transportation programs.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 467 by Hegar
Relating to the regulatory analysis of rules proposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 468 by Seliger
Relating to endangered species habitat conservation.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 469 by Ellis
Relating to HIV and AIDS tests and to health benefit plan coverage of HIV and AIDS tests.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 470 by Ellis
Relating to reimbursement under preferred provider benefit plans for services provided by licensed podiatrists.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 471 by Ellis
Relating to technological efficiencies in the recording of certain open meetings.
To Committee on Open Government.
SB 472 by Ellis
Relating to procedures for asserting taking claims arising from the enforcement of health and safety laws.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 473 by Carona
Relating to the regulation of temporary common worker employers; providing a criminal penalty; authorizing fees.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 474 by Carona
Relating to financing statements and other records under the secured transactions law.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 475 by Van de Putte
Relating to the expiration of the municipal sales and use tax for street maintenance in certain municipalities.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 476 by Hinojosa
Relating to installment agreements for the payment of delinquent ad valorem taxes.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 477 by Hinojosa
Relating to an optional procedure for the issuance of a permit by a certain regional mobility authority for the movement of oversize or overweight vehicles.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 478 by Hinojosa
Relating to certain rebates and incentives for the purchase of certain drugs; providing civil penalties.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 479 by Hinojosa
Relating to the application of the professional prosecutors law to the district attorney for the 79th Judicial District.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
SB 480 by Hinojosa
Relating to the formation of a civil union between persons of the same sex; providing penalties.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 481 by Hinojosa
Relating to the recognition and validity of a license to carry a concealed handgun issued by another state.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 482 by Williams
Relating to the creation of the Montgomery County Municipal Utility District No. 136; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds and impose a tax.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 483 by Williams
Relating to the creation of the Montgomery County Municipal Utility District No. 132; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 484 by Whitmire
Relating to the creation of a prostitution prevention program; authorizing a fee.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 485 by Ellis
Relating to the sales tax exemption period for clothing and footwear.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 486 by Taylor
Relating to the calculation of ad valorem taxes on the residence homestead of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of the veteran for the tax year in which the veteran or spouse qualifies or ceases to qualify for an exemption from taxation of the homestead.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 487 by Davis
Relating to all-terrain vehicles and recreational off-highway vehicles.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 488 by Davis
Relating to discounted utility rates for public educational institutions; providing an administrative penalty.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 489 by Paxton
Relating to the authority of a taxing unit other than a school district to establish a limitation on the amount of ad valorem taxes that the taxing unit may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 490 by Seliger
Relating to the expiration of tuition equalization grant requirements for grants awarded before the 2005-2006 academic year.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 491 by Lucio
Relating to establishing a personal automobile insurance program for certain low-income individuals; authorizing a fee.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 492 by Lucio
Relating to the licensing and regulation of prescribed pediatric extended care centers; providing penalties; imposing fees.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 493 by Lucio
Relating to imposing a tax on certain sweetened beverages and ingredients used to make certain sweetened beverages; providing a penalty.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 494 by Carona
Relating to the sources of funding for the universal service fund; authorizing a change in fees.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 495 by Huffman
Relating to the creation of a task force to study maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 496 by Seliger, Eltife
Relating to the authority of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to review and approve capital projects and purchases of real property at public institutions of higher education in this state.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 497 by Seliger, Zaffirini
Relating to the number of semester credit hours required to earn an associate degree at public institutions of higher education.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 498 by Seliger, Patrick
Relating to applying credit earned by a student at a general academic teaching institution to an associate's degree at a lower-division institution of higher education previously attended by the student.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 499 by Lucio
Relating to the determination of actual damages to enable compensation from the manufactured homeowners' recovery trust fund.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 500 by Van de Putte
Relating to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SCR 10 by Seliger
Designating September 12 as Mary Ann "Molly" Goodnight Day for a 10-year period beginning in 2013.
To Committee on Administration.
SJR 27 by Birdwell
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring certain tax bills to be approved by two-thirds of all the members elected to each house of the legislature.
To Committee on Finance.
SJR 28 by Patrick
Proposing a constitutional amendment to change the length of the unexpired term that causes the automatic resignation of certain elected county or district officeholders if they become candidates for another office.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SJR 29 by Rodríguez
Proposing a constitutional amendment to repeal the constitutional provision providing that marriage in this state consists only of the union of one man and one woman and prohibiting this state or a political subdivision of this state from creating or recognizing any legal status identical or similar to marriage.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SJR 30 by Van de Putte
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature under certain limitations to specify the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation to which certain disabled veterans and the surviving spouses and children of certain veterans are entitled.
To Committee on Finance.
SJR 31 by Davis
Proposing a constitutional amendment limiting the uses of revenue from motor vehicle registration fees, taxes on motor fuels and lubricants, and certain revenue received from the federal government.
To Committee on Finance.
SJR 32 by Paxton
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize a political subdivision other than a school district to establish a limitation on the amount of ad valorem taxes that the political subdivision may impose on the residence homesteads of persons who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.
To Committee on Finance.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 299
On motion of Senator Estes, Senator Schwertner will be shown as Co-author of SB 299.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 515
On motion of Senator Eltife, Senator Williams will be shown as Co-author of SB 515.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 516
On motion of Senator Eltife, Senator Williams will be shown as Co-author of SB 516.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 517
On motion of Senator Eltife, Senator Williams will be shown as Co-author of SB 517.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 518
On motion of Senator Eltife, Senator Williams will be shown as Co-author of SB 518.
RESOLUTIONS OF RECOGNITION
The following resolutions were adopted by the Senate:
Memorial Resolution
SR 203 by Davis, In memory of J. W. Mack.
Congratulatory Resolutions
SR 202 by Van de Putte, Campbell, Uresti, and Zaffirini, Recognizing The Children's Shelter and Voices for Children of San Antonio as they host the Remember 19 Vigil.
SR 204 by Davis, Recognizing the Alcon Foundation, the Essilor Vision Foundation, and the Kids Vision for Life-Tarrant County Coalition on the occasion of Kids Vision Fest 2013.
SR 205 by Davis, Recognizing the B Sharp Youth Music Program at Como Elementary School in Fort Worth for being named a Gold Seal Program of Choice.
SR 206 by Watson, Recognizing the Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
SR 207 by Watson, Recognizing Deborah Shaw-Boatner on the occasion of her retirement from the Office of the Comptroller of Public Accounts.
SR 208 by Watson, Recognizing Jesús H. Chávez on the occasion of his retirement as superintendent of the Round Rock Independent School District.
SR 209 by Watson, Recognizing Jesse L. "Jack" and Kathleen McCrady of Austin on the occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary.
(Senator Deuell in Chair)
ADJOURNMENT
Pursuant to a previously adopted motion, the Senate at 12:46 p.m. adjourned until 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 18, 2013.
APPENDIX
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following committee reports were received by the Secretary of the Senate in the order listed:
February 13, 2013
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE — SB 349, CSSB 183, CSSB 289, CSSB 288, CSSB 297, CSSJR 18, CSSB 60, CSSB 244
NATURAL RESOURCES — SB 168, SB 281
RESOLUTIONS ENROLLED
February 12, 2013
SR 168, SR 176, SR 179, SR 180, SR 188, SR 189, SR 190, SR 191, SR 193, SR 194, SR 195, SR 196, SR 197, SR 198, SR 199, SR 200
SENT TO SECRETARY OF STATE
February 13, 2013
SCR 11