(Wednesday, March 13, 2013)

The Senate met at 11:15 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, Carona, Davis, Deuell, Duncan, Ellis, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Garcia, Hancock, Hegar, Hinojosa, Huffman, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Patrick, Paxton, Rodríguez, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor, Uresti, Van de Putte, Watson, West, Whitmire, Williams, Zaffirini.

The President announced that a quorum of the Senate was present.

Minister Rene ´ Trúan, The Foundry United Methodist Church, Houston, offered the invocation as follows:

Almighty God, maker of heaven and Earth, we are thankful because You have given this body of dedicated servants the responsibility to enact laws that will make our great State of Texas a safe and fruitful place to live in. Our prayer is that You will anoint this civil process with Your guidance and spirit. Give wisdom and discernment to our Lieutenant Governor and State Senators, whom You entrust authority to represent Your people, so that liberty, justice, opportunity, and peace will prevail through obedience to Your law and will. Lord, bless this day and unite our lawmakers as well as all Texans with understanding and thankful hearts as we seek moral objectives together. In the name of our Lord, who sustains us and gives us life eternal. 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.

Senator Estes was recognized and presented Dr. Mark Eidson of Weatherford as the Physician of the Day.

The Senate welcomed Dr. Eidson and thanked him for his participation in the Physician of the Day program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.

Senator Van de Putte offered the following resolution:

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join Texans across the state in celebrating Big Brothers Big Sisters of Texas Day at the Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the largest volunteer-supported mentoring network, began its service to the children of Texas in Dallas in 1927 and has subsequently expanded those services to nine regional offices and 35 field offices throughout Texas; and

WHEREAS, The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever; and

WHEREAS, Over 16,000 students throughout Texas have Big Brother and Big Sister mentors and national research has shown that students mentored by a Big Brother or a Big Sister are less likely to start using drugs or alcohol, less likely to skip school, and even less likely to skip a class during the school day; and

WHEREAS, Additional national research shows that children mentored by a Big Brother or Big Sister have increased performance in science, mathematics, and oral language skills, and further research done in Central Texas revealed that 87 percent of children mentored by a Big Brother or Big Sister graduated from high school or received a general equivalency diploma; and

WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters is successful because of the efforts of thousands of volunteers, whose friendship, care, and encouragement can make a world of difference to a child; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend all those associated with Big Brothers Big Sisters on their efforts to help children in Texas achieve success in their lives and extend best wishes for a memorable Big Brothers Big Sisters of Texas Day at the Capitol; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the organization as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

VAN DE PUTTE

WATSON

ZAFFIRINI

SR 413 was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Van de Putte was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas delegation, accompanied by Brent Fields, CEO and President; CJ Legare, Big Sister of the Year; and her Little Sister, Samantha Dickeson.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Birdwell was recognized and introduced to the Senate a City of West and McLennan County delegation.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator West offered the following resolution:

SR 437, Commending Boy Scouts of America Troop 8 on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator West was recognized and introduced to the Senate a delegation of Boy Scouts from Troop 8, accompanied by Clarence "Tom" Bohannon, Scoutmaster; Jose Barrientos, Eddie Castillo, and Isela Romero.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Ellis offered the following resolution:

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize criminal justice activist Michael Morton, who was honored by the Dallas Morning News as one of its 2012 Texans of the Year, along with fellow exoneree Christopher Scott; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Morton was wrongfully convicted in 1987 of the murder of his wife; he spent the next 25 years in prison, serving part of a life sentence; he was formally exonerated in December of 2011; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Morton always maintained his innocence, and DNA evidence uncovered by the Innocence Project proved his claim; now, drawing on the memory of his life-altering ordeal, he uses his freedom to help others who have been wrongly accused of crimes; and

WHEREAS, Since his release from prison, Mr. Morton has spoken out on behalf of others like him; he has used his experience for positive means--to foster judicial reform and assist wrongfully accused individuals as they rejoin society; and

WHEREAS, Although Mr. Morton spent a quarter of a century in prison, and no amount of expiation can restore those years or erase the mental anguish of his detention, he has chosen to channel his energy into life-affirming works; this tenacious individual is indeed deserving of recognition for his indomitable spirit and his constructive outlook; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend Michael Morton for his fortitude in the face of extreme adversity and his determination to take positive action in the wake of his exoneration and extend to him sincere best wishes in all his future endeavors; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for Michael Morton as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

SR 447 was read.

On motion of Senator Uresti and by unanimous consent, the names of the Lieutenant Governor and Senators were added to the resolution as signers thereof.

On motion of Senator Ellis, the resolution was adopted without objection.

Senator Ellis was recognized and introduced to the Senate Michael Morton; Cynthia, his wife; Rodger Jones; and Tod Robberson.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

On motion of Senator Uresti and by unanimous consent, the remarks by Senators Ellis and Whitmire regarding SR 447 were ordered reduced to writing and printed in the Senate Journal as follows:

Senator Ellis:  Thank you, Mr. President and Members. I have the honor of introducing an incredible human being, a man of courage, perseverance, and most of all, someone whose story none of us can fully comprehend. We have with us today one of the Dallas Morning News' 2012 Texans of the Year. Two exonerees were going to be here today, one didn't make it, but this one is here, and I'm so glad that he did come. I want to just quote the words from you that they used in the Dallas Morning News to describe this incredible human being. "Any man would need an ocean of inner strength to survive arrest, conviction, and hard prison time for a crime he did not commit. It takes even more strength to cling to the hope that someday, the system will make things right so he can clear his name and walk free. Rare is the man who emerges from the ordeal without bitterness and a hunger for revenge against those who wronged him." Michael Morton is such a man. Twenty-five years in prison for a crime he did not commit, he was accused and convicted of murdering the woman that he loved, incarcerated by the State of Texas, shunned by his family and friends, sustained for years by only hope. Members, Mr. Morton would have harbored incredible bitterness and simply tried to rebuild his own life outside the spotlight. He could've done that, but instead he concentrates on trying to make life better for other people who are wrongfully convicted in Texas. I want you to just think about what he went through. When he went to prison, he did not have a college degree. He got a college degree while he was in prison and then got a master's degree. Going against incredible odds, with all the full force of the State of Texas against him, he was fortunate enough that some folks decided to take on his case because there was DNA. He was testifying in a Senate committee on yesterday about an important piece of legislation. He's decided to devote a good bit of his time and energy to helping us understand and comprehend a number of criminal justice reforms. And I, I just, I'm amazed at how articulate, how kind, and how gentle he is. With him on the floor he happens to have his bride, because he was married. Most of us would be on a honeymoon, but he is here with his wife. Some of you know, I chair the board of the Innocence Project. Mr. Morton was married recently, and he was trying to decide where to register because so many people were calling saying, we want to give you gifts. He and his wife decided, instead of registering, they would ask that in lieu of gifts, that donations be made to the Innocence Project of New York. There was a great film about his life which premiered on Monday night. I think they're going to have another showing tonight at the Drafthouse and again on Saturday. Members, he is a remarkable human being. And before I close on the resolution, I'd like to yield to my friend and mentor on criminal justice issues, the Dean of the Texas Senate.

Senator Whitmire:  Thank you, Senator Ellis, and Mr. President, Members. We have very impressive people come before us to be recognized, all-star athletes, presidents of universities, war heroes, and the list goes on and on. I cannot think of anyone more deserving to come before us and stand on this Senate floor than Michael Morton. Mr. Morton, to be recognized on this floor as a good man usually says it all. But you're more than a good man; you deserve more than to be called a good man. You're a remarkable man, a remarkable human being, and we can learn so much from you. You can be a role model, you are as you stand before us. We have already, in my office, started saying, What would Michael Morton do? And I do that as a practice of being down here a number of years. Similarly, when we're tied up in a legislative mess, we say, What would Bill Hobby do? Bill Hobby was a longtime Lieutenant Governor that could get us to where we needed to be legislatively. Now, when we're in a storm, we're upset about someone messing with a bill of ours, keeping it from going to local, we're going to say, What would Michael Morton do? Because you have demonstrated what a human being can do when you're in the eye of a storm. Members, I cannot imagine, and, Senator Ellis, and it's been so well-documented, not just losing 25 years of your life but being separated from your son, knowing that you're an innocent man. Mr. Morton, thank you for who you are, thank you for willing to work with us to go forward. Your lack of bitterness and being so upset with your adversaries, to want to get back at them, doesn't exist. And we want to thank you for that. You're here with your lovely wife, Cynthia, which we want to recognize as well. But let me just say something, Members, all he's asking for at this stage, he's probably the best witness I've ever had before Criminal Justice, is accountability–accountability that the facts will be what dictates criminal justice. He's agreed to work with me to examine the prison system, to help those that are still incarcerated and our correction officers to have a better working environment. This gentleman is a Texas asset. And I don't think, Mr. Morton, you actually fully recognize how an impact you can have on state government. Let me close by saying, when Mr. Morton left his cellblock for the last time, Members, the other inmates applauded him, not only because they knew he was innocent but because of the type of person he was when he served his 25 years. He counseled other inmates in their moments of depression and frustration, but let me tell you another thing he did. He was lucky and had some money in his commissary. And I have been told that he would take his goods that he bought from the commissary and share with the other inmates. I think it is a real treat to have Michael Morton and his wife and his friends with us today. I want to take this opportunity to give you a collective apology of the Members sitting before you today. The system failed you. We apologize, and we thank you for being here and look forward to watching you through the remainder of your life make such a difference in others' lives. Members, I am so proud that Senator Ellis brought Michael Morton and Cynthia before us today, and let's show him a real Senate welcome and let him join the Senate family that we so cherish among ourselves. Thank you for being here.

Senator Ellis:  I should mention that along with Mr. Morton, we have Rodger Jones and Tod Robberson of the Dallas Morning News. They're going to present him, along with some of us, a copy of the framed article naming him one of the Texans of the Year. And I just want to reiterate, Dean, as you know, Mr. Morton is not alone. There are over 100 people who have been exonerated in Texas, and every time one of these cases comes up, I think it's an opportunity for us to look at our criminal justice system and realize that we can do better. In closing, I want to say that Mr. Morton's faith, grace, courage, and strength remind us all that humanity can shine through even the darkest and most inhumane of treatment and that hope and belief in truth can move mountains and save lives.

HOUSE CHAMBER

Austin, Texas

Wednesday, March 13, 2013 - 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:

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Austin.

Respectfully,

/s/Robert Haney, Chief Clerk

House of Representatives

Senator Rodríguez offered the following resolution:

SR 452, In memory of Raymond L. Telles of El Paso.

On motion of Senator Rodríguez, the resolution was read and was adopted by a rising vote of the Senate.

In honor of the memory of Raymond L. Telles, the text of the resolution is printed at the end of today's Senate Journal.

The President 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.

The President at 12:00 p.m. announced the conclusion of morning call.

On motion of Senator Williams and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 7.12(a) was suspended and the committee report for CSSB 1 was ordered not printed.

On motion of Senator Williams and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 274 at this time on its second reading:

SB 274, Relating to permits for oversize and overweight vehicles in a certain county.

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.

Senator Williams moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 274 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.

Senator Hinojosa moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 24 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 24, Relating to the creation of a new university in South Texas within The University of Texas System.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Schwertner 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:  Schwertner.

Senator Hinojosa moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 24 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 1.

Nays:  Schwertner.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 1.  (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Rodríguez and by unanimous consent, the remarks regarding CSSB 24 were ordered reduced to writing and printed in the Senate Journal as follows:

Senator Hinojosa:  Thank you, Mr. President and Members. Myself and Senator Zaffirini and Senator Lucio and Senator Seliger move to suspend the Senate regular order of business, take up and consider Senate Bill 24, and I will provide a brief explanation to the Members. Senate Bill 24 creates a new university in South Texas and what it does, it merges two existing universities: One is The University of Texas–Pan American located in Edinburg, the other one is The University of Texas located in Brownsville. And in addition the university will bring the RAHC, the Regional Academic Health Center, which is located in Harlingen, and the research center, which is located in Edinburg at UT–Pan American campus, under the new umbrella. This university would also allow for it to qualify for PUF funds, under the Permanent University Fund. And the Board of Regents, who recommended this piece of legislation, in addition, all the presidents from the different University of Texas System colleges have voted support to Senate Bill 24, in access to the Permanent University Fund. Where I was born in the valley in South Texas is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, and we need more room to grow. Most of you know that our economy now has commerce over a billion dollars a day through Mexico. We don't have any room in our present buildings, universities, to educate all the growth that's taking place in South Texas. Many of you have heard me many times say that education is the best equalizer we have in our society. Education gives the knowledge, knowledge gives the power to succeed. I will also add that this would not cost any additional funds. The funds that are already appropriated will continue supporting the new university. On the contrary, this merger and creation of a new university will save anywhere of six to seven million dollars because of efficiency in the administration of a new university. There're two issues that might come up in terms of cost that were brought to my attention, one is the Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development. That is presently funded out of our university funds and would not cost any additional money out of state funds. The same for the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, which is presently being supported by funds that are appropriated by the state and the local universities. There will be no additional cost to the state. And it is time, Mr. President, Members, if there are no questions, I would like to yield to my colleague, Senator Eddie Lucio. Senator Lucio.

Senator Lucio:  Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, Senator Hinojosa. Members, I am deeply honored to rise today to encourage passage of Senate Bill 24. Today is a historic day for the Rio Grande Valley. Today, by your vote, we place South Texas on the path to establishing a Tier One university for the 21st century with the state of the art facilities, top-notch faculty, and the future medical school. I want to take this moment to recognize some visitors from my district in the northwest corner of the gallery, Mayor Tony Martinez of Brownsville, a delegation from Brownsville Economic Development Corporation, Mary Rose Cardenas and David Oliveira, former trustees of Texas Southmost College, University of Texas at Brownsville President Juliet Garcia–and I want to thank her for giving me this tie this morning that I'm wearing; I'm breaking tradition of wearing my bowtie on Wednesday–and also, Pan American President Robert Nelsen. I, along with Senator Hinojosa, are alumnis at Pan American University. They all came here, and others, to witness history in the making. I commend my fellow joint authors on the bill, Senator Hinojosa, Senator Seliger, and, of course, Senator Zaffirini, as well as all of my colleagues who subsequently signed on as co-authors–the up-to-date list that we have is Senators Campbell, Carona, Davis, Deuell, Ellis, Eltife, Hegar, Paxton, Rodríguez, Taylor, Uresti, Van de Putte, Watson, West, Whitmire, and Williams–for recognizing and supporting the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity this new university presents to transform the valley into a future center for multinational culture, science, and commerce. Indeed, marshalling our higher education resources for the creation of a new university of this scale just makes sense. For one, it capitalizes on the region's bicultural heritage. The Rio Grande Valley is one of the largest and fastest-growing geographical areas in Texas. Our demographics already offer a preview of what the nation's demographics will look like within a generation. This new university will immediately become one of the largest Hispanic-serving institutions in the country. The passage of Senate Bill 24, of course, also offers more immediate, positive impacts to the valley in terms of jobs, access to health care, and greater educational opportunities. Through our actions today, we begin to correct generations of inequity in this economically distressed area of the state. Right now, the median household income in the valley is less than $30,000 a year. Passage of Senate Bill 24 is a first step toward building a vibrant health care industry that will attract professionals from all over the world as well as build multinational industry around our water and international ports. Right now, the valley doesn't have nearly enough doctors to serve the citizens. Passage of Senate Bill 24 and the creation of the valley's first four-year medical school will ensure that as many as 75 to 80 percent of future medical students will be able to stay, train, and practice medicine in the valley after they complete their residencies. Right now, we're desperate to find ways to educate our young people, young people that President Garcia at UTB and President Nelson at UTPA will tell you are eager and hardworking, they just need a chance to prove it. After passage of Senate Bill 24, we will attract more students by using technology, online learning, and the additional state of the art campus facilities that will be made possible with access to the Permanent University Fund. To me, Members, this is quite special. Today marks the culmination of work that spans three decades of increasing education and special care in the valley that I have been involved with, with many of you, from the creation of The University of Texas at Brownsville, creation of South Texas College, to the creation of The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, Regional Academic Health Center in the valley, to passage of Senate Bill 98 in 2009 to create the region's first medical school, and finally today. In particular, building the medical school has always been intended to be a regional project. I couldn't be more proud to stand here with my colleagues and take one more certain step toward realizing that goal. We knew when we started the session that creating this new valley-spanning university would be monumental; we couldn't afford to limit ourselves. So, congratulations, Members, on taking this bold step creating a more prosperous Texas, and thank you, Mr. President, for your position and your support. And, Members, I yield as well to Senator Zaffirini and other Senators that might want to say a word or two, thank you. Thank you, Mr. President.

Senator Zaffirini:  Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President and Members, today I rise as a proud author of Senate Bill 24 along, especially, with my colleagues Senator Hinojosa and Senator Lucio, for the three of us together represent the Valley Region of South Texas. Great progress has been made in recent years, but the Border Region still has many, and Starr County in particular, faces many, many higher educational needs. I'm proud to represent Starr County in the valley and understand how this important legislation would contribute to the growth of the entire Valley Region of South Texas. It would provide numerous educational and health care benefits for the families of our region. Senate Bill 24 would have a significant impact on Starr County specifically through the incorporation of The University of Texas–Pan American Starr County campus. Rio Grande City in Starr County is host to UT–Pan American's upper level center, and this bill would further expand academic offerings in Starr County through an academic center. This academic merger was granted access to the Permanent University Fund, enabling the new institution to pool resources that would enable the Valley Region to serve more residents, therefore more families. What's more, as a larger institution, it would be able to serve more students from outside the immediate region, thereby expanding educational opportunities and improving access to health care for all of South Texas, including those from Laredo. The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio's regional campus in Laredo also would benefit especially by working with the new medical school. I'm delighted to co-author this transformative legislation which would meet critical investment needs in a region that historically was underserved but is now demonstrating great progress and rapid growth. Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, Senators, for your confidence in this legislation, for your support of our region, and especially for passing this important legislation, Senate Bill 24. Together we thank you for your support.

Senator Hinojosa:  Thank you, Mr. President, and I want to thank all of the co-authors and the valley delegation for working together to support this bill. I'd just like to point out one more issue and that is the medical school, that is just to clarify the medical school is not a new item on this piece of legislation. It was authorized in 2009, so it's in the process of getting there one way or the other.

On motion of Senator Lucio and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 112 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 112, Relating to a requirement for and the contents of a declarations page required for certain standard insurance policy forms for residential property insurance.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Lucio offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 112, in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 2301.056, Insurance Code (senate committee printing, page 1, between lines 39 and 40), by inserting the following:

The amendment to CSSB 112 was read.

On motion of Senator Lucio, further consideration of Floor Amendment No. 1 was temporarily postponed.

Question — Shall Floor Amendment No. 1 to CSSB 112 be adopted?

On motion of Senator Ellis and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 529 at this time on its second reading:

SB 529, Relating to the creation of the offense of installation, transfer, use, or possession of an automated sales suppression device or phantom-ware.

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.

Senator Ellis moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 529 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.

Senator Rodríguez moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 120 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 120, Relating to the creation of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso as a component institution of the Texas Tech University System.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Schwertner 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:  Schwertner.

Senator Rodríguez moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 120 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 1.

Nays:  Schwertner.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 1.  (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Rodríguez and by unanimous consent, the remarks regarding CSSB 120 were ordered reduced to writing and printed in the Senate Journal as follows:

Senator Rodríguez:  Thank you, Mr. President and Members. The Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 120 is a culmination of nearly two decades of hard work and close collaboration by the El Paso community and the Texas Tech University System. Last March, the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents voted to initiate the process of establishing a freestanding health science center university with the re-granting authority in El Paso. The new university will be the fourth component of the Texas Tech University System and will join Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, and Angelo State University. As an independent health sciences university, the health science center in El Paso will be able to focus its efforts to reduce the shortage of health care professionals in the region, continue its research on diseases that affect Latino and Border populations, and provide high quality health care in a medically underserved region. In addition, the creation of a stand-alone health sciences university will grow our Medical Center of the Americas and spur economic development in the region. Mr. President, the Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 120 establishes a Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in El Paso as an independent component institution of the Texas Tech University System.

Senator Duncan:  Senator, I want to congratulate you on your hard work to get this done. I also want to talk a little bit about the vision for the Texas Tech Health Science Center in El Paso. As everyone knows, it was initially a two-year school, an upper division medical school, and about 1998, with the vision of Eliot Shapleigh, who, as our former colleague here and your friend and mine, the Texas Tech four-year medical school came into being. And, but for the tenacity of Eliot Shapleigh on this floor and in this body and with the Tech System, this four-year medical school would never have been done. And this is the last leg of that, where it's now a freestanding institution. I know that he would be proud of the work you've done on that to get it to this point. But I just wanted to recognize the work he did and his vision to bring this forward. And so, with that also, I want to say, and I think El Paso is a good example of how a community can rally around a vision and an issue and make it happen. And that's what happened. And this medical school wouldn't be here either without the support, political and financial support, given to it by the community leaders in El Paso. So, I want to congratulate you, Senator Shapleigh, and El Paso, and the community leaders in El Paso for reaching this point in the maturity of the Texas Tech University Health System in El Paso. I think it's a great, great opportunity for both the system and for the city and the region.

Senator Rodríguez:  Thank you, Senator, for those kind remarks. I share your view about the tremendous contribution that Senator Shapleigh made to this effort and certainly want to thank you for your support and, of course, the community in El Paso, as you pointed out. And also, last but not least, Chancellor Hance, whose vision has been very key to the point where we are today on this legislation. Thank you for those remarks.

On motion of Senator Hinojosa and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 466 at this time on its second reading:

SB 466, Relating to the authority of the Texas Department of Transportation to participate in certain federal transportation programs.

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.

Senator Hinojosa moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 466 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.

The President laid before the Senate CSSB 112 by Senator Lucio on its second reading. The bill had been read second time, an amendment offered, and further consideration temporarily postponed:

CSSB 112, Relating to a requirement for and the contents of a declarations page required for certain standard insurance policy forms for residential property insurance.

Question --- Shall Floor Amendment No. 1 to CSSB 112 be adopted?

Senator Lucio withdrew Floor Amendment No. 1.

Senator Lucio offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 112, in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 2301.056, Insurance Code (senate committee printing, page 1, between lines 39 and 40), by inserting the following:

The amendment to CSSB 112 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.

On motion of Senator Lucio and by unanimous consent, the caption was amended to conform to the body of the bill as amended.

CSSB 112 as amended was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.

Senator Lucio moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 112 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.

The President 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 Hegar.

Senator Hegar moved confirmation of the nominees reported yesterday by the Committee on Nominations.

The President asked if there were requests to sever nominees.

There were no requests offered.

The following nominees, as reported by the Committee on Nominations, were confirmed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

Members, Board of Pardons and Paroles:  Romulo Chavez, Harris County; James Wayne LaFavers, Randall County; Michelle Marie Skyrme, Anderson County; Cynthia Tauss, Galveston County.

Presiding Officer, Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority:  Scott Anthony McLaughlin, El Paso County.

Presiding Officer, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority:  Ray Allen Wilkerson, Travis County.

Members, Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education:  Patricia Scheckel Hollingsworth, Tarrant County; Ronald Eugene Hood, Hays County; Robert Paxton Kyker, Dallas County; James Neil Oakley, Burnet County.

Members, Governing Board, Department of Information Resources:  Charles Edward Bacarisse, Harris County; Arthur C. Troilo, Travis County; Cynthia Villa, El Paso County.

Commissioner, Division of Workers' Compensation, Texas Department of Insurance:  Roderick A. Bordelon, Travis County.

Members, State Pension Review Board:  Andrew Winston Cable, Hays County; Robert M. May, Travis County; Richard Earl McElreath, Randall County.

Member, State Preservation Board:  Mary Cris Crouch Graham, Gillespie County.

Members, State Securities Board:  Beth Ann Blackwood, Dallas County; Eugene Wallace Kinney, Hays County.

Presiding Officer, Sulphur River Regional Mobility Authority:  Earl Delbert Horton, Delta County.

Members, Texas Commission on Fire Protection:  Laurence Patton Ekiss, Williamson County; Joseph Anthony Gonzalez, Denton County; Joseph Richard Gutheinz, Brazoria County; John Tilden McMakin, Henderson County; Robert Lamar Moore, Brazos County; Leonardo L. Perez, Cameron County; Ronald Joseph Poynter, Collin County.

Members, Texas Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders:  Daniel Sadri Durany, Tarrant County; Tammy Raye Lemoine, Shelby County; Frank Christian McCamant, Travis County; Nyria Melchor, Collin County; Pamela Rollins, Dallas County; Stephanie Ann Sokolosky, Cameron County; Callie M. Vivion-Matthews, Tarrant County.

Members, Board of Directors, Texas School Safety Center:  Barbara Ann Beto, Williamson County; Dewey Michael Cox, Hays County; Garry Edward Eoff, Brown County; Daniel Fraine Gilliam, Victoria County; Daniel Riley Griffith, Travis County; Jason Robert Marlin, Dallas County; Carl Alonzo Montoya, Cameron County; Adelaida Olivarez, Travis County; James Richard Pendell, El Paso County; Dawn DuBose Randle, Harris County.

Members, Board of Directors, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation:  William Henry Dietz, McLennan County; Gerry Evenwel, Titus County; Alejandro G. Meade, Hidalgo County.

The President 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, March 13, 2013, and ending on Monday, March 18, 2013.

WHITMIRE

SCR 29 was read.

On motion of Senator Whitmire, the resolution was considered immediately and was adopted by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

On motion of Senator Deuell and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 11.10(a) was suspended in order that the Committee on Economic Development might meet today.

Senator Eltife offered the following Motion In Writing:

Mr. President:

I move to suspend Senate Rule 11.13 so that committees may meet during the reading and referral of bills and during the Local and Uncontested Calendar.

ELTIFE

The Motion In Writing was read and was adopted without objection.

On motion of Senator Whitmire and by unanimous consent, the Senate at 12:58 p.m. agreed to recess until 1:10 p.m. today for the Local and Uncontested Calendar Session and completion of the introduction of bills and resolutions on first reading.

The Senate further agreed to adjourn, in memory of Raymond L. Telles, upon conclusion of the Local and Uncontested Calendar Session and completion of the introduction of bills and resolutions on first reading, until 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 18, 2013.

The Senate met at 1:10 p.m. and was called to order by Senator Eltife.

The Presiding Officer announced that the time had arrived to consider bills and resolutions placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar. Notice of consideration of the local calendar was given by Senator Hancock yesterday.

Pursuant to Senate Rule 9.03(d), the following bills and resolutions were laid before the Senate in the order listed, read second time, amended where applicable, passed to engrossment or third reading, read third time, and passed. The votes on passage to engrossment or third reading, suspension of the Constitutional Three-day Rule, and final passage are indicated after each caption. All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on viva voce votes unless otherwise indicated.

CSSB 50 (Zaffirini)

Relating to the Children's Policy Council, including the composition of the council.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 53 (Zaffirini)

Relating to the definition of "advanced life support" for the purposes of providing emergency medical services.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 60 (Nelson)

Relating to authorizing the placement of a security freeze on the consumer file or other record created or maintained by a consumer reporting agency regarding a person under 16 years of age.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 61 (Nelson)

Relating to the licensing and regulation of military physicians who provide voluntary charity health care.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 63 (Nelson)

Relating to consent to the immunization of certain children.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 64 (Nelson)

Relating to a policy on vaccine-preventable diseases for licensed child-care facilities.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 66 (Nelson)

Relating to the child fatality review team committee.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 67 (Nelson)

Relating to reporting requirements for institutions of higher education conducting human stem cell research.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 68 (Nelson)

Relating to a request for a waiver of the waiting period before human remains may be cremated.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 109 (West)

Relating to a housing plan developed and certain housing information collected and reported by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 111 (Lucio)

Relating to the designation of Texas Historical Use Buildings.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 126 (Nelson)

Relating to the creation of a mental health and substance abuse public reporting system.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 127 (Nelson)

Relating to the creation of certain funding formulas and policies and to certain public health evaluations by the Department of State Health Services.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 128 (Nelson)

Relating to criminal history record information concerning certain applicants and clients of the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 138 (Zaffirini)

Relating to procedures for filing complaints with, and providing notice of certain violations to, the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 141 (Huffman)

Relating to the requirements for issuance of a license to practice orthotics and prosthetics.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 147 (Deuell)

Relating to the amount of outstanding total liability of a mortgage guaranty insurer.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 148 (Williams)

Relating to certain legal advice or legal services rendered to certain public servants.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 153 (Nelson)

Relating to the amounts of administrative penalties assessed or imposed against certain health facilities.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 157 (Hegar)

Relating to the Parrie Haynes Trust.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 159 (Carona)

Relating to the definition of an authorized emergency vehicle.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 166 (Deuell)

Relating to the use by certain health care providers of electronically readable information from a driver's license or personal identification certificate.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 168 (Fraser)

Relating to the election of members of the board of directors of the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 169 (Hegar)

Relating to ballot language for an election to approve and finance a municipal or county venue project.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 176 (Carona)

Relating to the distribution of certain consultants' reports.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 183 (Carona)

Relating to certain inquiries made by the Texas Department of Insurance to insurers.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 185 (Deuell)

Relating to information regarding the number of public school students with dyslexia.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 192 (Carona)

Relating to access to criminal history record information by the banking commissioner.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 193 (West)

Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of certain property used to provide low-income and moderate-income housing.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 194 (West)

Relating to ingress and egress for access by emergency vehicles and for use during evacuations in certain new residential subdivisions.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 228 (Williams)

Relating to the regulation of the practice of public accountancy.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 230 (Carona)

Relating to the applicability of state law governing funds transfers to certain remittance transfers.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 232 (Carona)

Relating to use of the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry in connection with the regulatory authority of the consumer credit commissioner.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 244 (Carona)

Relating to the administration, operation, supervision, and regulation of credit unions.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 245 (West)

Relating to eligibility of children's advocacy centers for contracts to provide services for children and family members in child abuse and neglect cases.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 246 (West)

Relating to the electronic submission of a request for an attorney general opinion.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 251 (West)

Relating to an unsworn declaration made by an employee of a state agency or political subdivision in the performance of the employee's job duties.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 259 (Carona)

Relating to telecommunications services and markets.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 265 (Huffman)

Relating to bond requirements for county officers and employees.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 268 (Seliger)

Relating to the application of the professional prosecutors law to the district attorney for the 287th Judicial District.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 273 (Hegar)

Relating to the creation of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 206; providing authority to impose taxes and issue bonds; granting a limited power of eminent domain.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 279 (Watson)

Relating to certain information about high-value data sets provided by state agencies to the Department of Information Resources.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 283 (Estes)

Relating to the number of members of the Texas Historical Commission.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 288 (Carona)

Relating to the regulation of crafted precious metal dealers.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 289 (Carona)

Relating to the approval requirement for a rental-purchase agreement that includes a loss damage waiver provision.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 293 (Williams)

Relating to the authority of certain water districts to hold meetings by teleconference or videoconference.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 297 (Carona)

Relating to prepaid funeral benefits contracts.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 306 (Huffman)

Relating to consideration of a student receiving treatment in a residential facility for public school accountability purposes.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 327 (Carona)

Relating to termination of franchises to provide cable or video service in municipalities.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 328 (Carona)

Relating to entrepreneurs-in-residence at state agencies.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 349 (Nichols)

Relating to standards for power lines.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 350 (Williams)

Relating to the storage of certain imported alcoholic beverages.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 351 (Hegar)

Relating to the powers and duties of the Willow Point Municipal Utility District of Fort Bend and Waller Counties; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 353 (West)

Relating to the ability of an emergency shelter facility to provide shelter or care for an unaccompanied minor without a license.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 355 (West)

Relating to the powers and duties of the Title IV-D agency regarding the establishment, collection, and enforcement of child support and in connection with an application for a marriage license or protective order; providing an administrative fine.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 359 (Hinojosa)

Relating to the selection of certain members of the board of directors of an appraisal district.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 362 (Watson)

Relating to the practice of cosmetology.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 364 (Eltife)

Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to provide sewer service to areas within the municipal boundaries without obtaining a certificate of public convenience and necessity.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 365 (Carona)

Relating to expedited credentialing for certain podiatrists providing services under a managed care plan.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 381 (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.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 382 (Carona)

Relating to the disbursement of county funds to a person owing delinquent property taxes.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 383 (Carona)

Relating to the repeal of certain provisions governing the sale and use of certain refrigerants.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 389 (West)

Relating to the imposition of court costs in certain criminal proceedings.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 390 (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.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 391 (West)

Relating to a defendant's obligation to pay a fine or court cost after the expiration of a period of community supervision.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 397 (Duncan)

Relating to the statute of limitations for an action on a credit card account.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 398 (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.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 406 (Nelson)

Relating to the delegation of prescriptive authority by physicians to and the supervision by physicians of certain advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 408 (Carona)

Relating to the confidentiality of certain complaints to and investigations by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 409 (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.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 411 (Carona)

Relating to insurers' duty to provide information in a fraud investigation.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 412 (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.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 422 (Duncan)

Relating to service of citation on a financial institution.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 425 (Nelson)

Relating to foster care placement decisions made by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 426 (Nelson)

Relating to a home visiting program for at-risk families.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 428 (Nelson)

Relating to background and criminal history checks for parents or other relatives of children in residential child-care facilities.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 429 (Nelson)

Relating to the dismissal or nonsuit of a suit to terminate the parent-child relationship filed by a governmental entity.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 447 (Fraser)

Relating to annual and special meetings of and election procedures for members of boards of directors for water supply or sewer service corporations.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 474 (Carona)

Relating to financing statements and other records under the secured transactions law.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 499 (Lucio)

Relating to the determination of actual damages to enable compensation from the manufactured homeowners' recovery trust fund.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 506 (Watson)

Relating to an exemption from registration and regulation requirements for steam cookers.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 512 (Carona)

Relating to the specialized telecommunications assistance program.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 540 (Carona)

Relating to the regulation, registration, and certification of inspectors for elevators, escalators, and related equipment.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 562 (Carona)

Relating to the license qualifications and continuing education requirements for polygraph examiners.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 589 (Hegar)

Relating to the designation of certain river or stream segments as being of unique ecological value.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 618 (Carona)

Relating to the elimination of the licensing and registration requirements for ringside physicians and timekeepers for combative sports events.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 631 (Carona)

Relating to certain statutory insurance deposit requirements.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 642 (Van de Putte)

Relating to the sale of distilled spirits to the holder of an industrial permit.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 652 (Van de Putte)

Relating to the transfer of alcoholic beverages for manufacturing purposes between certain permit and license holders.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

CSSB 661 (Carona)

Relating to cemeteries and perpetual care cemetery corporations; creating an offense.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 699 (Carona)

Relating to the contents of an assumed name certificate filed by certain businesses or professionals.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SB 702 (Hegar)

Relating to certified and insured prescribed burn managers.

(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)

SCR 1 (Nelson)

Designating April as Water Safety Month for a 10-year period beginning in 2013.

(31-0)

SCR 6 (Estes)

Urging Congress to reimburse the State of Texas for bearing the financial burden of the federal government's responsibility to secure the Texas-Mexico international border during the 2012-2013 budget cycle.

(28-3) "Nays" Ellis, Garcia, Rodríguez

SCR 12 (Schwertner)

Designating pecan pie as the official State Pie of Texas.

(31-0)

SCR 13 (Deuell)

Declaring the City of Canton to be the Walking Capital of Texas.

(31-0)

Senator Carona, author of the bill, requested in writing that SB 473 be removed from the Local and Uncontested Calendar.

The Presiding Officer announced that the session to consider bills and resolutions placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar was concluded.

The following bills and resolution, filed on or before Friday, March 8, 2013, were introduced, read first time, and referred to the committees indicated:

SB 812 by Eltife

Relating to the recovery of certain payments by motor vehicle manufacturers and distributors from motor vehicle dealers.

To Committee on Transportation.

SB 1216 by Eltife

Relating to the creation of a standard request form for prior authorization of health care services.

To Committee on State Affairs.

SB 1217 by Patrick

Relating to the authority of a county to deposit fees collected by a county bail bond board in a separate county fund.

To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.

SB 1218 by Campbell

Relating to the proof of an applicant's identity and age required for the issuance of a marriage license.

To Committee on Jurisprudence.

SB 1219 by Davis

Relating to a customer's right to privacy of smart meter collected data.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1220 by Paxton

Relating to the use of certain funds from the Texas Health Insurance Pool.

To Committee on Finance.

SB 1221 by Paxton

Relating to use of a Medicaid-based fee schedule for reimbursement of services under a contract between a health care provider and certain health benefit plans.

To Committee on State Affairs.

SB 1222 by Paxton

Relating to the control of conditional federal funds for state programs.

To Committee on Finance.

SB 1223 by Taylor

Relating to an allotment under the public school finance system for the cost of windstorm and hail insurance.

To Committee on Education.

SB 1224 by Taylor

Relating to the use by a property owner of a common or contract carrier to send a payment, report, application, statement, or other document or paper to a taxing unit or taxing official.

To Committee on Finance.

SB 1225 by Taylor

Relating to the facilities to which Chapter 68, Water Code, applies.

To Committee on Natural Resources.

SB 1226 by Zaffirini

Relating to the establishment of an employment-first policy and task force that promote opportunities for individuals with disabilities to earn a living wage with competitive employment.

To Committee on Health and Human Services.

SB 1227 by Rodríguez

Relating to the creation of an on-bill repayment program to encourage improvements to real property related to water efficiency; authorizing a fee.

To Committee on Natural Resources.

SB 1228 by Estes

Relating to an exemption from the sales tax for firearms and hunting supplies for a limited period.

To Committee on Finance.

SB 1229 by West

Relating to increases in the records archive fees and the records management and preservation fees charged by district and county clerks.

To Committee on Jurisprudence.

SB 1230 by West

Relating to the urban land bank demonstration program in certain municipalities.

To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.

SB 1231 by West

Relating to the operation of certain condominium unit owners' associations.

To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.

SB 1232 by West

Relating to expanding eligibility for medical assistance to certain persons under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and ensuring the provision of quality care under and the effectiveness of the medical assistance program.

To Committee on Health and Human Services.

SB 1233 by Schwertner

Relating to a state animal identification program and the identification of animals vaccinated for or infected with brucellosis.

To Committee on Agriculture, Rural Affairs and Homeland Security.

SB 1234 by Whitmire

Relating to the establishment of progressive sanctions for students who fail to attend school and to the repeal of the offenses of failure to attend school and parent contributing to nonattendance.

To Committee on Criminal Justice.

SB 1235 by West

Relating to guardianships, including assessments for and provision of guardianship services by the Department of Aging and Disability Services.

To Committee on Jurisprudence.

SB 1236 by West

Relating to the extension of an emergency order for protective services for certain persons who are elderly or have disabilities.

To Committee on Jurisprudence.

SB 1237 by Schwertner

Relating to referral of disputes for alternative dispute resolution, including victim-directed referrals; authorizing a fee.

To Committee on Jurisprudence.

SB 1238 by Hinojosa, Huffman

Relating to the composition and duties of and investigations conducted by the Texas Forensic Science Commission, the administrative attachment of the Texas Forensic Science Commission to Sam Houston State University, and the accreditation of criminal laboratories by the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas.

To Committee on Criminal Justice.

SB 1239 by Rodríguez

Relating to compensation for excess electricity generated by a retail electric customer's on-site generation.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1240 by Duncan

Relating to the partition of mineral interests of a charitable trust.

To Committee on Jurisprudence.

SB 1241 by Hegar

Relating to the Edwards Aquifer Authority's regulation of wells with limited production capabilities.

To Committee on Natural Resources.

SB 1242 by Hegar

Relating to certain provisions applicable to an optometrist, therapeutic optometrist, or ophthalmologist providing services under a managed care plan.

To Committee on State Affairs.

SB 1243 by Hegar

Relating to the issuance of interest-bearing time warrants and certain notes by school districts.

To Committee on Education.

SB 1244 by Hegar

Relating to relating to the extraterritorial jurisdiction of certain municipalities.

To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.

SB 1245 by West

Relating to child custody evaluations and adoption evaluations conducted and testimony provided in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship; providing penalties; authorizing fees.

To Committee on Jurisprudence.

SB 1246 by West

Relating to possession of or access to a child.

To Committee on Jurisprudence.

SB 1247 by Carona

Relating to certain extensions of consumer credit facilitated by credit access businesses; providing a civil penalty.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1248 by Carona

Relating to an amount charged by a dealer in connection with the sale of certain recreational vehicles and boats.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1249 by Carona

Relating to plugging, capping, repairing, or completing certain wells.

To Committee on Natural Resources.

SB 1250 by Carona

Relating to the creation of an office of regulatory best practices in the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and the evaluation by the office of proposals by members of the legislature to regulate occupations.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1251 by Carona

Relating to authorized charges for certain consumer loans.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1252 by Patrick

Relating to a sales and use tax exemption for certain tangible personal property and services related to mineral exploration and production.

To Committee on Finance.

SB 1253 by Zaffirini

Relating to the relationship between Texas Department of Transportation toll projects and adjoining free roads.

To Committee on Transportation.

SB 1254 by Davis

Relating to lobbying by former state agency officers and executive heads; creating an offense.

To Committee on State Affairs.

SB 1255 by Patrick

Relating to binding arbitration of an appraisal review board order determining a protest of an unequal appraisal of the owner's property.

To Committee on Finance.

SB 1256 by Patrick

Relating to the requirements for a sale to be considered a comparable sale for ad valorem tax purposes.

To Committee on Finance.

SB 1257 by Rodríguez

Relating to a settlement in a contested case involving an integrated utility operating outside of ERCOT in areas of the Western Electricity Coordinating Council.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1258 by Hinojosa

Relating to improving access to nursing education programs.

To Committee on Higher Education.

SB 1259 by Rodríguez

Relating to the enforcement of an order to pay child support by contempt and the awarding of costs and fees in certain proceedings.

To Committee on Jurisprudence.

SB 1260 by Rodríguez

Relating to the enforcement of spousal maintenance agreements and property distribution agreements incident to divorce or annulment.

To Committee on Jurisprudence.

SB 1261 by Rodríguez

Relating to certain procedures in certain civil actions.

To Committee on State Affairs.

SB 1262 by Rodríguez

Relating to the merger of housing authorities in certain municipalities and counties.

To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.

SB 1263 by Taylor, Patrick

Relating to allowing parents to petition for repurposing, alternative management, or closure of certain public school campuses.

To Committee on Education.

SB 1264 by Hancock

Relating to the provision of 9-1-1 services; providing criminal penalties.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1265 by Nichols

Relating to the election of board members for emergency services districts in certain counties.

To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.

SB 1266 by Nichols

Relating to the creation of the Montgomery County Municipal Utility District No. 135; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds; granting a limited power of eminent domain.

To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.

SB 1267 by Nichols

Relating to the liability of individuals providing labor or assistance to the Texas Forest Service in the performance of certain fire suppression duties.

To Committee on State Affairs.

SB 1268 by Lucio

Relating to recreational vehicles and recreational vehicle parks.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1269 by Lucio

Relating to authorizing home-taught driver education course providers to administer certain examinations required to obtain a driver's license.

To Committee on Transportation.

SB 1270 by West

Relating to prohibiting seeking or imposing the death penalty on the basis of a person's race.

To Committee on Criminal Justice.

SB 1271 by Eltife

Relating to the regulation and enforcement of dam safety by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

To Committee on Natural Resources.

SB 1273 by Watson

Relating to creating a commuter trip reduction pilot program for the Texas Department of Transportation.

To Committee on Transportation.

SB 1274 by Watson

Relating to the certification of sheriffs and deputy sheriffs to enforce commercial motor vehicle safety standards in certain counties.

To Committee on Transportation.

SB 1275 by Watson

Relating to the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan motor vehicle purchase or lease incentive program.

To Committee on Natural Resources.

SB 1276 by Watson

Relating to the use of municipal hotel occupancy taxes in certain municipalities.

To Committee on Economic Development.

SB 1277 by Watson

Relating to the right of certain municipalities to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.

SB 1278 by Watson

Relating to the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of solar energy property.

To Committee on Finance.

SB 1279 by Watson

Relating to cost recovery for certain demand-side electric energy resources in the competitive electric market.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1280 by Watson

Relating to attaining reserve capacity margins in power regions to meet expected peak demand.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1281 by Rodríguez

Relating to mechanic's, contractor's, or materialman's liens.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1282 by Duncan, Seliger

Relating to deadlines for proposals for adoption by certain districts or authorities of desired future conditions of relevant aquifers.

To Committee on Natural Resources.

SB 1283 by Eltife

Relating to transactions involving the assignment of rights in an individual's legal claim; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

To Committee on State Affairs.

SB 1284 by Schwertner

Relating to the development and operation of advanced brackish desalination projects.

To Committee on Natural Resources.

SB 1285 by Williams

Relating to the operation of the special prosecution unit.

To Committee on Criminal Justice.

SB 1286 by Williams

Relating to the regulation of professional employer services.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1287 by Williams, Taylor

Relating to the operation of all-terrain vehicles and recreational off-highway vehicles; creating an offense.

To Committee on Transportation.

SB 1288 by Williams

Relating to the disposition of fees collected by or on behalf of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles; authorizing fees.

To Committee on Finance.

SB 1289 by Williams

Relating to certain business entities engaged in the publication or other dissemination of mug shots and other information regarding the involvement of an individual in the criminal justice system; providing a civil penalty.

To Committee on Criminal Justice.

SB 1290 by Ellis

Relating to group health benefits coverage for dependents and family members of persons wrongfully imprisoned.

To Committee on State Affairs.

SB 1291 by Ellis

Relating to the penalty for possession of certain small amounts of Penalty Group 1 controlled substances.

To Committee on Criminal Justice.

SB 1292 by Ellis

Relating to DNA testing of biological evidence in certain capital cases.

To Committee on Criminal Justice.

SB 1293 by West

Relating to creating a disadvantaged business assistance program to be operated by the Texas Department of Transportation.

To Committee on Transportation.

SB 1294 by Davis

Relating to the awarding of contracts by the Texas Department of Transportation to private sector providers.

To Committee on Transportation.

SB 1295 by Davis

Relating to state agency purchasing.

To Committee on Government Organization.

SB 1296 by Taylor

Relating to the regulation of real estate inspectors.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1297 by Watson

Relating to written electronic communications between members of a governmental body.

To Committee on Open Government.

SB 1298 by Hegar, Patrick

Relating to the provision of electronic courses in public schools, electronic assessment of public school students, the state virtual school network, and school district digital capabilities.

To Committee on Education.

SB 1299 by Patrick

Relating to powers of the West Harris County Regional Water Authority relating to certain wells.

To Committee on Natural Resources.

SB 1300 by Eltife

Relating to environmental or health and safety audits under the Texas Environmental, Health, and Safety Audit Privilege Act.

To Committee on Natural Resources.

SB 1301 by Davis

Relating to granting and revoking licenses for open-enrollment charter schools and to exempting certain open-enrollment charter schools from assignment of a performance rating.

To Committee on Education.

SB 1302 by Davis

Relating to applicability of certain public school requirements to private schools that accept students with vouchers, tax credit scholarships, or certain other funding.

To Committee on Education.

SB 1303 by Davis

Relating to a comprehensive review by the Texas Education Agency of weights, allotments, and adjustments under the public school finance system.

To Committee on Education.

SB 1304 by Davis

Relating to a requirement for school districts to report disciplinary actions to the commissioner of education.

To Committee on Education.

SB 1305 by Davis

Relating to transportation within a school district of a student entitled to a public education grant.

To Committee on Education.

SB 1306 by Davis

Relating to the basic allotment for the Foundation School Program for the state fiscal year ending August 31, 2013; making an appropriation.

To Committee on Finance.

SB 1307 by Davis

Relating to continuing education requirements for certain public school educators.

To Committee on Education.

SB 1308 by Davis

Relating to auditing and monitoring of performance under contracts for state-adopted assessment instruments administered to public school students.

To Committee on Education.

SB 1309 by Davis

Relating to assessment alternatives or accommodations for public school students in special education programs.

To Committee on Education.

SB 1310 by Davis

Relating to standards for school district, public school campus, and open-enrollment charter school performance ratings.

To Committee on Education.

SB 1311 by Davis

Relating to a review by the Texas Education Agency of certain assessment instruments administered to public school students.

To Committee on Education.

SB 1312 by Schwertner

Relating to the regulation and practice of veterinary medicine; authorizing a fee.

To Committee on Agriculture, Rural Affairs and Homeland Security.

SB 1313 by Schwertner

Relating to the Correctional Management Institute of Texas at Sam Houston State University.

To Committee on Higher Education.

SB 1314 by Davis

Relating to the designation of a portion of Interstate Highway 35W as the Cesar Chavez Memorial Freeway.

To Committee on Transportation.

SB 1315 by Whitmire

Relating to the exclusion of certain flow-through funds in determining total revenue for purposes of the franchise tax.

To Committee on Finance.

SB 1316 by Whitmire

Relating to the prosecution of the offense of indecency with a child.

To Committee on Criminal Justice.

SB 1317 by Whitmire

Relating to persons authorized to perform a marriage ceremony.

To Committee on Jurisprudence.

SB 1318 by Lucio

Relating to optional fees imposed on vehicles registered in certain counties to fund transportation projects.

To Committee on Transportation.

SB 1319 by Lucio

Relating to certain comprehensive development agreements of the Texas Department of Transportation or a regional mobility authority.

To Committee on Transportation.

SB 1320 by Carona

Relating to the operation of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1321 by Duncan

Relating to the consideration of a life insurance policy in determining eligibility for medical assistance.

To Committee on Health and Human Services.

SB 1322 by Van de Putte

Relating to the provision of ancillary services through limited services networks; providing penalties.

To Committee on State Affairs.

SB 1323 by Seliger

Relating to the authority of a county to establish a centralized sex offender registration authority.

To Committee on Criminal Justice.

SB 1324 by Seliger

Relating to the authority to organize volunteer safety groups at churches, synagogues, and other places of religious worship.

To Committee on Criminal Justice.

SB 1325 by Seliger

Relating to Seminole Hospital District of Gaines County, Texas.

To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.

SB 1326 by Williams

Relating to disclaimers of estate property by certain beneficiaries.

To Committee on Jurisprudence.

SB 1327 by Paxton

Relating to the reimbursement of utilities for relocation of utility facilities following improvement or construction of certain tolled highways.

To Committee on Transportation.

SB 1328 by Paxton

Relating to the authority of a statutory probate court in Collin County to hear and determine certain matters pending in a district or statutory county court.

To Committee on Jurisprudence.

SB 1329 by Paxton

Relating to remedies for nonpayment of regional tollway authority tolls.

To Committee on Transportation.

SB 1330 by Estes

Relating to a sales and use tax exemption for tangible personal property used to provide cable television service, Internet access service, or telecommunications services and to the exclusion of that property in certain economic development agreements.

To Committee on Finance.

SB 1331 by Campbell

Relating to voting eligibility requirements for members of a metropolitan planning organization policy board.

To Committee on Transportation.

SB 1332 by Duncan

Relating to who is an employee for large and small employers for health benefit plans.

To Committee on State Affairs.

SB 1333 by Carona

Relating to the creation of the Cotton Belt Rail Improvement District; providing authority to impose an assessment and issue bonds.

To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.

SB 1334 by Lucio

Relating to accounting and payoff statements for certain seller-financed residential loans; providing a penalty.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1335 by Lucio

Relating to an executory contract for the conveyance of real property; providing a penalty.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1336 by Lucio

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Commission on Immigration and Migration and a migrant worker visa pilot project.

To Committee on Agriculture, Rural Affairs and Homeland Security.

SB 1337 by Lucio

Relating to the powers of the governing body of a public utility in certain municipalities.

To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.

SB 1338 by Lucio

Relating to the delivery system reform incentive payment pool under the Medicaid reform waiver.

To Committee on Health and Human Services.

SB 1339 by Duncan

Relating to contractual subrogation rights of certain insurers and benefit plan issuers.

To Committee on State Affairs.

SB 1340 by Seliger

Relating to the temporary operation of a race track extension location.

To Committee on State Affairs.

SB 1341 by Taylor

Relating to the authority of a county to advertise on leased vehicles.

To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.

SB 1342 by Davis

Relating to evidence of inequality of appraisal in judicial appeals of appraisal review board orders.

To Committee on Finance.

SB 1343 by Hinojosa

Relating to the establishment of a regional center for public safety excellence in the Rio Grande Valley.

To Committee on Higher Education.

SB 1344 by Hinojosa

Relating to public high school graduation, including curriculum requirements for graduation.

To Committee on Education.

SB 1345 by Hinojosa

Relating to the sale and distribution of certain alcoholic beverages.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

SB 1346 by Lucio

Relating to establishing a task force to design cultural competence education requirements for certain health education programs.

To Committee on Higher Education.

SB 1347 by Lucio

Relating to the operation of certain managed care plans with respect to health care providers.

To Committee on State Affairs.

SB 1348 by West

Relating to certain criminal offenses concerning the unlawful transfer or purchase of certain weapons.

To Committee on Criminal Justice.

SB 1349 by West

Relating to the use of deadly force in defense of a person or property.

To Committee on Criminal Justice.

SB 1350 by West

Relating to the motor vehicle inspection program; creating an offense; amending the amount of certain fees.

To Committee on Transportation.

SB 1803 by Huffman

Relating to the Office of the Inspector General.

To Committee on Health and Human Services.

SJR 48 by Carona

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require a member of the legislature to obtain and file a report on the costs and benefits of a bill or amendment to impose or increase an occupational regulation.

To Committee on Business and Commerce.

On motion of Senator Hinojosa, Senator Garcia will be shown as Co-author of SB 24.

On motion of Senator Rodríguez, Senator Garcia will be shown as Co-author of SB 120.

On motion of Senator Patrick, Senator Campbell will be shown as Co-author of SB 573.

On motion of Senator Lucio, Senators Patrick and West will be shown as Co-authors of SB 715.

On motion of Senator Birdwell, Senator Lucio will be shown as Co-author of SB 922.

On motion of Senator Carona, Senator Birdwell will be shown as Co-author of SB 1639.

On motion of Senator Nelson, Senator Hancock will be shown as Co-author of SCR 1.

The following resolutions were adopted by the Senate:

SR 455 by Hegar, In memory of B. Jack Wendt.

SR 448 by Ellis, Recognizing Christopher Scott for being named a 2012 Texan of the Year.

SR 453 by Campbell, Recognizing Madison Albrecht and Kaitlyn Dehaven for being honored by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

SR 454 by Hegar, Commending the members of the Matagorda County Cavalry.

SR 456 by Davis, Recognizing the Texas launch of the Justice for Girls initiative.

SR 457 by Ellis, Recognizing Roy Owens for his achievements.

SR 458 by West, Recognizing Concord Missionary Baptist Church on the occasion of the dedication of its new sanctuary.

HCR 10 (Birdwell), Congratulating Robert Griffin III on winning the 2011 Heisman Trophy.

HCR 83 (Seliger), Designating the Shamrock St. Patrick's Day Celebration as the official St. Patrick's Day Celebration for the State of Texas.

Pursuant to a previously adopted motion, the Senate at 2:21 p.m. adjourned, in memory of Raymond L. Telles, until 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 18, 2013.

The following committee reports were received by the Secretary of the Senate in the order listed:

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES — CSSB 36, CSSB 49, CSSB 152, CSSB 404, CSSB 430, CSSB 746, SB 294, SB 380, SB 500, SB 747, SB 944, SB 945

AGRICULTURE, RURAL AFFAIRS AND HOMELAND SECURITY — CSSB 174, SB 284, SB 917, SCR 20, CSSB 918

STATE AFFAIRS — SJR 13, SB 160, CSSB 366, SB 531, SB 655, SB 692, CSSB 764, SB 777

FINANCE — SB 603, SB 464, SB 158, CSSB 1 (Ordered not printed)

BUSINESS AND COMMERCE — SB 410, SB 649, SB 673, SB 698, SB 723, SB 801, SB 804, SB 805, SB 840, SB 845

EDUCATION — CSSB 401, CSSB 521

NATURAL RESOURCES — SB 454, SB 662, SB 819, SB 856, SB 890, SB 901, SB 902

CRIMINAL JUSTICE — SB 107, SB 188, SB 222, SB 252, SB 270, SB 369, SB 484, SB 825

SB 186, SB 227, SB 247, SJR 18

SR 314, SR 339, SR 419, SR 420, SR 444, SR 445, SR 446, SR 449, SR 450, SR 451

SCR 22

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and pays tribute to the life of former El Paso mayor Raymond L. Telles, who died March 8, 2013, at the age of 97; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable pioneer was the first Mexican American mayor of a major Southwestern city and was a former ambassador to Costa Rica; he spent his life in public service and in the political limelight; he was an advisor to President John F. Kennedy, but he also remained committed to local politics; he was particularly dedicated to elevating Hispanics to public office; and,

WHEREAS, Born September 5, 1915, Raymond Telles grew up in a very different El Paso than the one he left behind; Mr. Telles is credited with challenging certain beliefs held by the political establishment in the 1940s and 1950s and disproving the notion that Mexican Americans were not electable and were not capable of effectively running a city; he was elected to four terms as El Paso County clerk and two terms as mayor of El Paso, holding the latter office from 1957 to 1961; he ran his campaigns with dignity and served as a model for a whole generation; and,

WHEREAS, In the 1960s, Mr. Telles was one of the highest-ranking Mexican Americans in the federal government; he was a trusted advisor to many national politicians and agencies; and,

WHEREAS, This highly regarded public servant has been called a founding father of contemporary Latino politics in the United States; his accomplishments while serving El Paso included securing the world-renowned Kress art collection for the El Paso Art Museum and pushing the city to hire more Hispanics for police and fire department jobs; he was recognized in 2006 as Mayor Emeritus of El Paso, and in 2008, he received a lifetime achievement award from the Hispanos Triunfadores Awards program; and,

WHEREAS, A loving husband and father, he shared more than 65 years with his late wife, Delfina, and he taught his children to value service, honesty, loyalty, and community; and

WHEREAS, In his death, this honorable patriot and decorated military veteran leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as a dedicated public servant who gave Mexican Americans a voice in politics and who truly served his city, state, and country; his memory will long be cherished by those who shared in his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Raymond L. Telles; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Raymond Telles.

RODRÍGUEZ