TWENTY-SEVENTH DAY
(Continued)
(Wednesday March 25, 2015)
AFTER RECESS
The Senate met at 11:03 a.m. and was called to order by the President.
Pastor Mark Wilke, Carpenter's Way Baptist Church, Lufkin, offered the invocation as follows:
Dear Father, it was the first lawyer for the young City of Dallas in the late 1800s, John Milton McCoy, who wrote a letter asking that the country send their teachers, preachers, your churches, and schools. He said, The great Lone Star State will be the bright and evening star in the United States. It is with this heart, O God, that this wonderful state was first formed and then developed. Today, O God, there are many who would like to see us fail at this ideal. There are many who would like us to simply be stuck in a mire of political pragmatism and discord. There are many who would like to see us simply exist without being the bright and evening star that our founding fathers had dreamed us to be. And so, with this in mind, my prayer for today's Senate is not that we merely enact better laws or that we merely settle into our corners making laws that make us feel like we have accomplished much. My prayer for these esteemed men and women today is that whatever is accomplished in these halls in this session will be done with the same heart and dream as our founders, that we would be a state and people who light the way for the rest of the nation when it comes to justice, to fairness, to integrity, to unity, all built on a foundation of service to one another before ourselves. It is with this in mind that I commend these men and women to You this morning, asking You to give them clear minds, pure hearts, and a passion to lead us under Your authority, by Your power, with Your guidance. And may we as a state experience Your blessing. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Eltife was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Red River County delegation.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Birdwell was recognized and introduced to the Senate a delegation of the Ennis High School football team.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
(Senator Eltife in Chair)
SENATE RESOLUTION 426
Senator Zaffirini offered the following resolution:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Mexican and Spanish students who are enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin and welcome them on March 25, 2015, to the 14th annual reception honoring them at the Texas Senate; and
WHEREAS, Students from Mexico have studied at The University of Texas at Austin since 1940; the university and Mexico have historic ties due to shared academic endeavors, and the university's Graduate School of Business has developed joint degree programs with Mexican institutions; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, the Texas Legislature established a tuition assistance program to encourage students from Mexico with limited financial resources to study in our state, thus making Texas a responsive educational partner to Mexico; there are now 583 students from Mexico enrolled at the university; and
WHEREAS, Universities in Spain and The University of Texas have had ongoing relationships since before the 1980s; there are 33 students from Spain enrolled at The University of Texas; with 89 students from Texas studying in Mexico and 447 students from Texas studying in Spain, Spain is now the country of choice for University of Texas students studying abroad; and
WHEREAS, The generosity of BBVA Compass and their active participation in the university's community attest to their commitment to the university, and the school's distinguished record of educating Mexican and Spanish students is indicative of the successful collaboration between Texas and Mexico and Texas and Spain; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby commend BBVA Compass and the Mexican and Spanish students at The University of Texas at Austin for their special and unique contributions to the university and to our state; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
SR 426 was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Zaffirini was recognized and introduced to the Senate a delegation of Mexican and Spanish students attending The University of Texas at Austin: Aniela Zarzar Toraño and Alicia Bodas Fernández, accompanied by Chancellor Bill McRaven, President Bill Powers, and BBVA Compass Vice-chair Bill Helms.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
PHYSICIAN OF THE DAY
Senator Huffman was recognized and presented Dr. Elise Sadoun of Sugar Land as the Physician of the Day.
The Senate welcomed Dr. Sadoun and thanked her for her participation in the Physician of the Day program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.
SENATE RESOLUTION 424
Senator Perry offered the following resolution:
SR 424, Recognizing March 25, 2015, as Ward and Winkler Counties Day.
PERRY
SELIGER
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Perry, joined by Senator Seliger, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Ward and Winkler Counties Day delegation.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Kolkhorst was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Washington County delegation, accompanied by Honorary Senate Pages Emma Kate McIntyre, Kennedy Tilley, Benjamin Rogas, and Grant Rogas.
Senator Kolkhorst also recognized a Texas licensed athletic trainers delegation.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 323
Senator Perry offered the following resolution:
SR 323, Recognizing 2015 as Colorectal Cancer Prevention Year in Texas.
The resolution was again read.
The resolution was previously adopted on Wednesday, March 4, 2015.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Perry was recognized and introduced to the Senate Colorectal Cancer Prevention Year in Texas participants.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Estes, joined by Senator Kolkhorst, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas 4-H delegation.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Creighton was recognized and introduced to the Senate a delegation of the Conroe High School girls' softball team.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE BILL 652 ON THIRD READING
Senator Schwertner moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 652 at this time on its third reading and final passage:
SB 652, Relating to excluding a franchisor as an employer of a franchisee or a franchisee's employees.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffines, Huffman, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, L. Taylor, V. Taylor, Uresti.
Nays: Ellis, Garcia, Menéndez, Rodríguez, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 1024 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Seliger and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 1024 at this time on its second reading:
SB 1024, Relating to eligibility for course credit and high school diplomas of students enrolled in educational programs provided by the Windham School District in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
SENATE BILL 1024 ON THIRD READING
Senator Seliger moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 1024 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 308 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Whitmire and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 308 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 308, Relating to the powers and duties of campus police departments at private institutions of higher education.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 308 ON THIRD READING
Senator Whitmire moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 308 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 147 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Rodríguez and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 147 at this time on its second reading:
SB 147, Relating to the violation of certain court orders or conditions of bond in a family violence, sexual assault or abuse, stalking, or trafficking case; providing penalties.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
SENATE BILL 147 ON THIRD READING
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 SB 147 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 695 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator L. Taylor and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 695 at this time on its second reading:
SB 695, Relating to a study of the feasibility and desirability of creating and maintaining a coastal barrier system.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
SENATE BILL 695 ON THIRD READING
Senator L. Taylor moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 695 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 536 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Whitmire and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 536 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 536, Relating to the designation of certain prostitution prevention programs as commercially sexually exploited persons court programs.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 536 ON THIRD READING
Senator Whitmire moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 536 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
(President in Chair)
SENATE BILL 114 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator V. Taylor and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 114 at this time on its second reading:
SB 114, Relating to the applicability of adverse licensing, listing, or registration decisions by certain health and human services agencies.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Rodríguez offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 114 (senate committee printing) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in amended Section 531.951(a), Government Code (between lines 36-37), insert the following:
(4-a) an ambulatory surgical center licensed under Chapter 243, Health and Safety Code;
(4-b) a birthing center licensed under Chapter 244, Health and Safety Code;
(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in amended Section 531.951(a), Government Code (line 37), strike "(4-a)" and substitute "(4-c)".
(3) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in amended Section 531.951(a), Government Code (between lines 42-43), insert the following:
(6-a) an end stage renal disease facility licensed under Chapter 251, Health and Safety Code;
(4) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in amended Section 531.951(a), Government Code (between lines 44-45), insert the following:
(7-a) a freestanding emergency medical care facility licensed under Chapter 254, Health and Safety Code;
(5) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in amended Section 531.951(a), Government Code (between lines 46-47), insert the following:
(8-a) a narcotic drug treatment program authorized under Chapter 466, Health and Safety Code;
The amendment to SB 114 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
On motion of Senator V. Taylor and by unanimous consent, the caption was amended to conform to the body of the bill as amended.
SB 114 as amended was passed to engrossment without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
SENATE BILL 114 ON THIRD READING
Senator V. Taylor moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 114 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 630 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Rodríguez and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 630 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 630, Relating to protective orders for certain victims of sexual assault or abuse, stalking, or trafficking.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 630 ON THIRD READING
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 630 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 Schwertner in Chair)
SENATE BILL 833 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Campbell and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 833 at this time on its second reading:
SB 833, Relating to the continuation of a residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation while the owner is temporarily absent because of military service.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
SENATE BILL 833 ON THIRD READING
Senator Campbell moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 833 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
(President in Chair)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1 ON SECOND READING
Senator Nelson moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 1, Relating to certain restrictions on the imposition of ad valorem taxes and to the duty of the state to reimburse certain political subdivisions for certain revenue loss.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Estes, Fraser, Garcia, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffines, Huffman, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, L. Taylor, V. Taylor, Uresti, Watson, West.
Nays: Ellis, Eltife, Rodríguez, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
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: Ellis, Eltife, Rodríguez, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1 ON THIRD READING
Senator Nelson moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 1 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Estes, Fraser, Garcia, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffines, Huffman, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, L. Taylor, V. Taylor, Uresti, Watson, West.
Nays: Ellis, Eltife, Rodríguez, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 1 ON SECOND READING
Senator Nelson moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSJR 1 at this time on its second reading:
CSSJR 1, Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for an exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes of a portion of the market value of a residence homestead based on the median market value of all residence homesteads in the state, providing for a reduction of the limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for those purposes on the homestead of an elderly or disabled person to reflect the increased exemption amount, providing that an appropriation of state tax revenues to protect school districts against the resulting revenue loss is an appropriation of state tax revenues dedicated by the constitution for purposes of the restriction on the rate of growth of appropriations from undedicated state tax revenues, authorizing the legislature to prohibit a political subdivision that has adopted an optional residence homestead exemption from reducing the amount of or repealing the exemption, and prohibiting the imposition or collection of a tax on the conveyance of an interest in real property.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Estes, Fraser, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffines, Huffman, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, L. Taylor, V. Taylor, Uresti.
Nays: Ellis, Eltife, Garcia, Rodríguez, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
The resolution was read second time.
Senator Hancock offered the following amendment to the resolution:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSJR 1 (senate committee printing) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the joint resolution, in amended Section 1-b(c), Article VIII, Texas Constitution (page 2, lines 27 and 28), strike "An appropriation of state tax revenues" and substitute "An appropriation".
(2) In SECTION 1 of the joint resolution, in amended Section 1-b(c), Article VIII, Texas Constitution (page 2, lines 33 and 34), strike "an appropriation of state tax revenues dedicated by this constitution for purposes of Section 22 of this article" and substitute "not an appropriation subject to the limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations established under Section 22 of this article and shall be excluded from computations used to determine whether appropriations exceed the amount authorized by that section".
The amendment to CSSJR 1 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
Senator Ellis offered the following amendment to the resolution:
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend CSSJR 1 as follows:
(1) In SECTION 2 of the joint resolution, in added Section 29, Article VIII, Texas Constitution (page 3, line 37), between "Sec. 29." and "A tax", insert "(a)".
(2) In SECTION 2 of the joint resolution, at the end of added Section 29, Article VIII, Texas Constitution (page 3, between lines 40 and 41), insert the following:
(b) A tax may not be imposed or collected on the sale or use of a prescription medicine, medical service, or food product for human consumption that was not subject to taxation under Chapter 151, Tax Code, on September 1, 2015.
(3) In SECTION 4 of the joint resolution, in the ballot proposition (page 3, lines 67 and 68), strike "repealing the exemption, and prohibiting the imposition" and substitute "repealing the exemption, prohibiting the imposition".
(4) In SECTION 4 of the joint resolution, in the ballot proposition (page 4, line 1), between "interest in real property" and the period, insert ", and prohibiting the imposition or collection of a sales and use tax on prescription medicine, medical services, and certain food".
The amendment to CSSJR 1 was read.
On motion of Senator Nelson, Floor Amendment No. 2 was tabled by the following vote: Yeas 19, Nays 12.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Hall, Hancock, Huffines, Huffman, Kolkhorst, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, L. Taylor.
Nays: Ellis, Garcia, Hinojosa, Lucio, Menéndez, Rodríguez, V. Taylor, Uresti, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
On motion of Senator Nelson and by unanimous consent, the caption was amended to conform to the body of the resolution as amended.
CSSJR 1 as amended was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment except as follows:
Nays: Ellis, Eltife, Garcia, Rodríguez, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
SENATE BILL 752 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 752 at this time on its second reading:
SB 752, Relating to the repeal of the inheritance tax and the tax on combative sports events.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
SENATE BILL 752 ON THIRD READING
Senator Bettencourt moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 752 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 31 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Zaffirini and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 31 at this time on its second reading:
SB 31, Relating to the authority of certain volunteer firefighter and emergency services organizations to hold tax-free sales or auctions.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
SENATE BILL 31 ON THIRD READING
Senator Zaffirini moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 31 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.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Menéndez was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Fire Marshals' Day delegation, accompanied by Universal City Fire Chief Ross Wallace and his wife, Kim, and Fire Marshal John Hatzel and his wife, Cindy.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
AT EASE
The President at 1:20 p.m. announced the Senate would stand At Ease subject to the call of the Chair.
IN LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The President at 2:13 p.m. called the Senate to order as In Legislative Session.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 7 ON SECOND READING
Senator Nelson moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 7 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 7, Relating to the computation of and to decreasing the rates of the franchise tax.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Ellis, Garcia, Menéndez, Rodríguez, Watson, Whitmire, and Zaffirini asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Huffines offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 7 (senate committee printing) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in amended Section 171.002(a), Tax Code (page 1, line 32), between "171.003" and "and", insert ", 171.004,".
(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in amended Section 171.002(b), Tax Code (page 1, line 35), between "171.003" and "and", insert ", 171.004,".
(3) Add the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumber the SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Subchapter A, Chapter 171, Tax Code, is amended by adding Section 171.004 to read as follows:
Sec. 171.004. ADJUSTMENT OF TAX RATES. (a) In this section, "maximum general revenue fund appropriations" means for a state fiscal biennium the sum of:
(1) the maximum amount of state tax revenues not dedicated by the constitution that may be appropriated under Sections 22(a) and (c), Article VIII, Texas Constitution, for that biennium; and
(2) the estimated amount of anticipated revenue to be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund during that biennium that is not subject to the limit on appropriations under Section 22(a), Article VIII, Texas Constitution, as specified in the estimate prepared by the comptroller as required by Section 49a(a), Article III, Texas Constitution.
(b) Beginning in 2018, on January 1 of each year if the comptroller determines that the maximum general revenue fund appropriations for the state fiscal biennium during which that date occurs is at least $107 billion:
(1) the rate of the franchise tax under Section 171.002(a) is adjusted by subtracting 0.15 from the rate in effect on December 31 of the previous year; and
(2) the rate of the franchise tax under Section 171.002(b) is adjusted by subtracting 0.075 from the rate in effect on December 31 of the previous year.
(c) The tax rates determined under Subsection (b) apply to a report originally due on or after the date the determination is made.
(d) Notwithstanding Subsection (b), if an adjustment otherwise required by Subsection (b) would reduce a rate of the franchise tax to less than zero, the rate is instead reduced to zero.
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, if the rates of the franchise tax are reduced to zero under Subsection (b) or (d), a taxable entity does not owe any tax and is not required to file a report that would otherwise be originally due on or after the date the rates are reduced to zero.
(e) The comptroller shall make the determination required by Subsection (b) and may adopt rules related to making that determination. The comptroller shall publish the franchise tax rates determined under this section in the Texas Register and on the comptroller's Internet website not later than January 15 of each year.
(f) A determination by the comptroller under this section is final and may not be appealed.
The amendment to CSSB 7 was read.
Senator Fraser offered the following amendment to Floor Amendment No. 1:
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend Floor Amendment No. 1 by Huffines to CSSB 7 as follows:
(1) On page 1, strike lines 9-29
(2) On page 2, strike lines 1-26
(3) Add the following appropriately numbered SECTION and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____.
(a) TITLE. This Act shall be known as the Franchise Tax Repeal Act of 2015.
(b) PURPOSE AND FINDINGS. The Legislature finds that the tax imposed by Texas Tax Code Chapter 171 has not provided sufficient reliability for property tax relief. It is the intent of the legislature to promote economic growth by repealing the Franchise Tax.
(4) Add the following appropriately numbered SECTION and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. The comptroller of public accounts shall conduct a comprehensive study, no later than September 30th, 2016, to identify the effects of economic growth on future state revenues. The results of the study shall be reported to the Governor and the Legislative Budget Board. The report should identify revenue growth allocation options to promote efficiency and sustainability in meeting the revenue needs of this state, including revenues allocated by Tax Code 171.4011, upon repeal of the Franchise Tax.
The amendment to Floor Amendment No. 1 to CSSB 7 was read.
Senator Huffines moved to table Floor Amendment No. 2.
The motion to table was lost by the following vote: Yeas 7, Nays 24.
Yeas: Burton, Ellis, Garcia, Hall, Huffines, Rodríguez, V. Taylor.
Nays: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, L. Taylor, Uresti, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Question recurring on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 to Floor Amendment No. 1 to CSSB 7, the amendment to the amendment was adopted by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, L. Taylor, Uresti, Zaffirini.
Nays: Burton, Ellis, Garcia, Hall, Huffines, Menéndez, Rodríguez, V. Taylor, Watson, West, Whitmire.
Question recurring on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 to CSSB 7, the amendment as amended was adopted by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, L. Taylor, V. Taylor, Uresti, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Burton, Ellis, Garcia, Huffines, Menéndez, Rodríguez, Watson, Whitmire.
On motion of Senator Nelson and by unanimous consent, the caption was amended to conform to the body of the bill as amended.
CSSB 7 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 24, Nays 7.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffines, Huffman, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, L. Taylor, V. Taylor, Uresti, West.
Nays: Ellis, Garcia, Menéndez, Rodríguez, Watson, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
REASON FOR VOTE
Senator Huffines submitted the following reason for vote on Floor Amendment No. 2 to CSSB 7:
I deeply appreciate Chairman Nelson for her leadership on Senate Bill 7. We have known each other many years and I am proud to call her a friend, and to serve with her in this august body.
Senate Bill 7 is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. But we should have seized the opportunity to do more. Anything less than the phase-out and eventual elimination of the margins tax is a missed opportunity that I simply could not justify to the residents of Senate District 16.
Texas has been a model example of job creation and innovation. That's largely attributable to the tough votes and difficult decisions my more senior colleagues have made. But room for improvement remains.
The margins tax kills jobs, dampens investment, and stalls prosperity. Studies indicate that, if we phase-out the margins tax, our benefits will be significant: Job growth would be between 41,500 and 129,200; and Real personal income growth would grow between $10 billion and $16 billion; and we could expect at least $3 billion in new investment.
My amendment - before it was gutted by an amendment to the amendment - would have retained the 15 percent rate reduction to the margins tax rate in place for the 16-17 biennium, but would have added that the rate would continue to be reduced by 15 percentage points each fiscal year until the rate is reduced completely and all businesses in this state owe nothing. The amendment would have included an important fiscal safeguard: the annual 15 percent rate reduction would have been contingent upon there being a minimum of $107 billion dollars in General Revenue available.
I regret that we did not adopt my original pro-growth, pro-jobs amendment for all business owners, workers, and consumers across Texas. This was a missed opportunity.
HUFFINES
SENATE BILL 8 ON SECOND READING
Senator Schwertner moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 8 at this time on its second reading:
SB 8, Relating to the total revenue exemption for the franchise tax.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 24, Nays 7.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffines, Huffman, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, L. Taylor, V. Taylor, Uresti, West.
Nays: Ellis, Garcia, Menéndez, Rodríguez, Watson, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Ellis offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 8 by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ___. In order to ensure the State of Texas is responsibly investing in protecting the economic security and competitiveness of the state, the provisions of this Act may not be implemented until:
1) The commissioner of education certifies in writing to the governor, lieutenant governor, comptroller, and speaker of the house of representatives that the current expenditure per pupil in average daily attendance in this state is at least equal to the national average expenditure per pupil in average daily attendance, as determined according to the most recent statistics gathered by the National Center for Education Statistics of the United States Department of Education; and
2) This Act does not take effect until the state provides sufficient and necessary funding to Texas Department of Transportation, as estimated by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute and Texas Department of Transportation, to mitigate congestion and maintain current conditions of state transportation system.
The amendment to SB 8 was read.
On motion of Senator Schwertner, Floor Amendment No. 1 was tabled by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Hall, Hancock, Huffines, Huffman, Kolkhorst, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, L. Taylor, V. Taylor.
Nays: Ellis, Garcia, Hinojosa, Lucio, Menéndez, Rodríguez, Uresti, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
SB 8 was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 24, Nays 7.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffines, Huffman, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, L. Taylor, V. Taylor, Uresti, West.
Nays: Ellis, Garcia, Menéndez, Rodríguez, Watson, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 7 ON THIRD READING
Senator Nelson moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 7 be placed on its third reading and final passage:
CSSB 7, Relating to the computation of and to decreasing the rates of the franchise tax.
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 24, Nays 7.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffines, Huffman, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, L. Taylor, V. Taylor, Uresti, West.
Nays: Ellis, Garcia, Menéndez, Rodríguez, Watson, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 1 ON THIRD READING
Senator Nelson moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSJR 1 be placed on its third reading and final passage:
CSSJR 1, Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for an exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes of a portion of the market value of a residence homestead based on the median market value of all residence homesteads in the state, providing for a reduction of the limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for those purposes on the homestead of an elderly or disabled person to reflect the increased exemption amount, providing that an appropriation of state tax revenues to protect school districts against the resulting revenue loss is not an appropriation of state tax revenues dedicated by the constitution for purposes of the restriction on the rate of growth of appropriations from undedicated state tax revenues, authorizing the legislature to prohibit a political subdivision that has adopted an optional residence homestead exemption from reducing the amount of or repealing the exemption, and prohibiting the imposition or collection of a tax on the conveyance of an interest in real property.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The resolution was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Estes, Fraser, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffines, Huffman, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, L. Taylor, V. Taylor, Uresti.
Nays: Ellis, Eltife, Garcia, Rodríguez, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
SENATE BILL 8 ON THIRD READING
Senator Schwertner moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 8 be placed on its third reading and final passage:
SB 8, Relating to the total revenue exemption for the franchise tax.
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 24, Nays 7.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffines, Huffman, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, L. Taylor, V. Taylor, Uresti, West.
Nays: Ellis, Garcia, Menéndez, Rodríguez, Watson, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
SENATE BILL 947 ON SECOND READING
Senator Zaffirini moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 947 at this time on its second reading:
SB 947, Relating to a study and report by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on the feasibility of providing off-campus employment positions through the Texas college work-study program.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Burton and Nichols 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: Burton, Nichols.
SENATE BILL 947 ON THIRD READING
Senator Zaffirini moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 947 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Ellis, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Garcia, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffines, Huffman, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Nelson, Perry, Rodríguez, Schwertner, Seliger, L. Taylor, V. Taylor, Uresti, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Nays: Burton, Nichols.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 35
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 84th 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 25, 2015, and ending on Monday, March 30, 2015.
WHITMIRE
SCR 35 was read.
On motion of Senator Whitmire, the resolution was considered immediately and was adopted by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE RULE 11.13 SUSPENDED
(Consideration of Bills in Committees)
(Motion In Writing)
Senator Hancock offered the following Motion In Writing:
I move suspension of Senate Rule 11.13 to permit commitees to meet during the reading and referral of bills.
HANCOCK
The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 33 REREFERRED
(Motion In Writing)
Senator Rodríguez submitted a Motion In Writing requesting that SCR 33 be withdrawn from the Committee on Administration and rereferred to the Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations.
The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.
SENATE RULES SUSPENDED
(Posting Rules)
On motion of Senator Nelson and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 11.10(a) and Senate Rule 11.18(a) were suspended in order that the Committee on Finance might meet and consider SB 2004 today.
SENATE RULES SUSPENDED
(Posting Rules)
On motion of Senator Schwertner and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 11.10(a) and Senate Rule 11.18(a) were suspended in order that the Committee on Health and Human Services might meet today.
MOTION TO ADJOURN
On motion of Senator Whitmire and by unanimous consent, the Senate at 3:14 p.m. agreed to adjourn, in memory of Robert E. "Bob" Johnson, upon completion of the introduction of bills and resolutions on first reading, until 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2015.
(Senator Estes in Chair)
SENATE BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FIRST READING
The following bills and resolutions, filed on or before Friday, March 13, 2015, were introduced, read first time, and referred to the committees indicated:
SB 1801 by L. Taylor
Relating to the recognition of certain employment authorizations granted by federal executive action.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1802 by Ellis
Relating to the method of returning a ballot to be voted by mail.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1803 by Lucio
Relating to route designation for the issuance of a permit for the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles in certain counties.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1804 by Hinojosa
Relating to low income housing tax credits awarded for at-risk developments.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1805 by Lucio
Relating to the rate of the hotel occupancy taxes in certain counties and the use of revenue from the hotel occupancy tax by certain counties; authorizing an increase in the rate of a tax.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1806 by Estes
Relating to limits on the regulatory authority of a municipality.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1807 by Bettencourt
Relating to the system for appraising property for ad valorem tax purposes; authorizing a fee.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1808 by Bettencourt
Relating to the confidentiality and use of information related to a taxpayer subject to audit by the comptroller.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1809 by Bettencourt
Relating to ad valorem tax protests and appeals.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1810 by West
Relating to authorization by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for certain public junior colleges to offer early childhood education baccalaureate degree programs.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 1811 by Kolkhorst
Relating to certain publications of intimate visual material by a business; providing civil penalties.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1812 by Kolkhorst
Relating to transparency in the reporting of eminent domain authority and the creation of an eminent domain database.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1813 by Kolkhorst
Relating to procedures for complaints filed with the Texas Medical Board against physicians.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1814 by Kolkhorst
Relating to establishment of a child-care facility database on the Department of Family and Protective Services' Internet website.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1815 by Kolkhorst
Relating to fees charged by the Coastal Bend Groundwater Conservation District.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1816 by Hinojosa
Relating to the authority of the Employees Retirement System of Texas to make available a TRICARE Military Health System Supplemental plan.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1817 by Zaffirini
Relating to a limitation on the location of solid waste facilities.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1818 by Zaffirini
Relating to a requirement that an employer provide an employee with an earnings statement at the end of each pay period.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1819 by Campbell, Creighton, Kolkhorst
Relating to the determination of resident status of students by public institutions of higher education.
To Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, Subcommittee on Border Security.
SB 1820 by V. Taylor
Relating to the exemption of certain vehicles from towing regulations.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1821 by Campbell
Relating to a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of real property of a business that employs honorably discharged veterans.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1822 by L. Taylor
Relating to grants for school districts and campuses providing blended and individualized learning staff development activities.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1823 by L. Taylor
Relating to the enforcement of commercial motor vehicle safety standards in certain municipalities.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1824 by Campbell
Relating to limitations on awarding the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor.
To Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations.
SB 1825 by Creighton
Relating to the period of time allowed for appointment of a board of managers for a school district.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1826 by Campbell
Relating to the regulation of the amount of installed electric generation capacity.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1827 by Campbell
Relating to the legislature's goals for renewable electric generating capacity.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1828 by Zaffirini
Relating to the creation of the offense of cargo theft.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1829 by Zaffirini
Relating to printing requirements for state agencies.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1830 by Creighton
Relating to the use of a credit or charge card by certain state agencies to make certain purchases.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1831 by Menéndez
Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 151 as the Specialist Dane Balcon Memorial Bridge.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1832 by Menéndez
Relating to the contents of a notice of appraised value sent to a property owner by the chief appraiser of an appraisal district.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1833 by Menéndez
Relating to a supplemental payment for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and the unfunded actuarial liabilities allowed under that system.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1834 by Menéndez
Relating to participation in the state group benefits program by a member of the Texas National Guard called to protect the border.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1835 by Menéndez
Relating to an exemption from the motor vehicle use tax for motor vehicles brought into this state by certain current or former military personnel.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1836 by Menéndez
Relating to a chronic respiratory disease state strategic plan developed by the Department of State Health Services.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1837 by Menéndez
Relating to requiring certain metropolitan rapid transit authorities to hold a referendum before spending any money for a fixed rail transit system.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1838 by Menéndez
Relating to the definition of peace officer for purposes of intercepting or collecting information in relation to certain communications in an investigation conducted by an arson investigating unit.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1839 by Menéndez
Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of cannabis for medical purposes; authorizing fees.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1840 by Kolkhorst
Relating to standards for the Public Utility Commission of Texas to grant or deny certain certificates of convenience and necessity.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1841 by Hall
Relating to the verification of employment authorization by governmental entities, state contractors, and state grant recipients, including the use of the federal E-verify program.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1842 by Hall
Relating to removing the requirement for bilingual education and special language programs for certain students of limited English proficiency.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1843 by West
Relating to a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county of a portion of the value of the residence homestead of a physician who provides health care services for which the physician agrees not to seek payment from any source, including the Medicaid program or otherwise from this state or the federal government, to indigent residents of the county.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1844 by Zaffirini
Relating to the establishment and functions of the Interagency Data Coordination and Transparency Commission.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1845 by Zaffirini
Relating to employment of a statewide data coordinator in the Department of Information Resources.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1846 by Garcia
Relating to the criminal penalty for violating the Flood Control and Insurance Act.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1847 by Garcia
Relating to the option of providing electronic recordings of proceedings in the municipal court of record for the City of Houston.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1848 by Garcia
Relating to civil liability of shareholders and members of certain legal entities that engage in the trafficking of persons.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1849 by Nichols
Relating to the deposit of certain amounts to the credit of the Texas emissions reduction plan fund.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1850 by Nichols
Relating to a sales tax exemption for the rental of equipment used in the construction or improvement of a road or highway for a governmental entity.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1851 by Nichols
Relating to the premises covered by mixed beverage permits for certain county-owned facilities.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1852 by Nichols
Relating to the adoption of an amendment procedure for restrictive covenants affecting real property in certain residential subdivisions.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1853 by Lucio
Relating to authorizing the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas to establish a statewide program for the prevention and detection of certain criminal offenses.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1854 by Lucio
Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of property owned by the National Hispanic Institute.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1855 by Lucio
Relating to appeals regarding dangerous dogs.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1856 by Ellis
Relating to confidentiality of student records.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 1857 by Garcia
Relating to the payment of gratuities to certain employees.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1858 by Garcia
Relating to programs in public schools designed to facilitate planning and saving for higher education and facilitate personal financial literacy instruction.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1859 by Zaffirini
Relating to the restoration of expired eminent domain authority of certain rural rail transportation districts.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1860 by Zaffirini
Relating to the definition of "heavy equipment" for purposes of the ad valorem taxation of certain dealer's heavy equipment inventory.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1861 by Burton
Relating to the audit of Tarrant Regional Water District.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1862 by Burton
Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public money for lobbying activities or lobbyists; creating a criminal offense.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1863 by Burton
Relating to repealing civil asset forfeiture provisions and establishing criminal asset forfeiture in this state.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1864 by Burton, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Ellis, Garcia, Hall, Hinojosa, Huffines, Perry, Rodríguez, Schwertner, L. Taylor, V. Taylor, Watson, Whitmire
Relating to requiring a peace officer to obtain a warrant to search a cellular telephone or other wireless communications device.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1865 by Zaffirini
Relating to the filing of a complaint with the Railroad Commission of Texas.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1866 by Zaffirini, Lucio
Relating to an award program to recognize school nutrition program excellence.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1867 by Zaffirini
Relating to excluding certain adult students receiving special education services from computation of dropout and completion rates for purposes of public school accountability.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1868 by Zaffirini
Relating to public school accountability for bilingual education and English as a second language and other special language programs.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1869 by Lucio
Relating to resource awareness sessions for women seeking abortions.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1870 by Lucio
Relating to state agency rules and strategic plans guided by the principle that life begins at conception.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1871 by Lucio
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Board of Behavior Analyst Examiners and the requirement to obtain a license to practice as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst; imposing fees; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1872 by Campbell
Relating to coverage provided by certain qualified health plans for abortions.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1873 by Campbell
Relating to requiring personnel of abortion facilities and certain other facilities performing abortions to complete training on human trafficking.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1874 by Whitmire
Relating to accessing criminal history record information and other records of involvement in the criminal justice system; authorizing fees; authorizing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1875 by Uresti
Relating to funding and donations for transportation projects, including projects of county energy transportation reinvestment zones.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1876 by Zaffirini
Relating to the appointment of attorneys ad litem, guardians ad litem, and mediators.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1877 by Zaffirini
Relating to the development and maintenance by each state agency of a data use agreement for the state agency's employees.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1878 by Zaffirini
Relating to a study on the feasibility of implementing more secure access requirements for electronically stored information held by the state.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1879 by Zaffirini
Relating to the allocation of certain grants from the fund for veterans' assistance.
To Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations.
SB 1880 by Zaffirini
Relating to the authority of the Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate abuse, neglect, or exploitation of individuals receiving services from certain providers.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1881 by Zaffirini
Relating to authorizing supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1882 by Zaffirini
Relating to a bill of rights for wards under guardianship.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1883 by Zaffirini
Relating to the administration of housing funds set aside for persons with disabilities through the homebuyer assistance program.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1884 by Zaffirini
Relating to the provision of cognitive rehabilitation therapy under the Medicaid program.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1885 by Zaffirini, Watson
Relating to the reimbursement of providers for the provision of certain home telemonitoring services under the Medicaid program.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1886 by Zaffirini
Relating to developing a program to provide telemedicine medical services to certain children.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1887 by Zaffirini
Relating to the period for which a defendant with an intellectual disability who is found incompetent to stand trial may be civilly committed before the court holds a hearing to determine whether the defendant's release is appropriate.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1888 by Zaffirini
Relating to a requirement that a county report the number of certain persons with mental illness detained in that county's jail.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1889 by Zaffirini
Relating to the disclosure and use of certain information in the Department of Family and Protective Services central registry of child abuse or neglect cases and the report of certain information regarding those cases to the legislature.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1890 by Zaffirini
Relating to the electronic monitoring of residents at state supported living centers.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1891 by Zaffirini
Relating to the delivery of mental health services and supports under a system of care framework to minors who have or are at risk of developing a serious emotional disturbance or who are at risk of being removed from the minor's home.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1892 by Garcia
Relating to a study on homeless youth.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1893 by Garcia
Relating to the assessment of public school students in writing and English language arts.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1894 by Garcia, Hinojosa
Relating to the powers and duties of navigation districts, port authorities, and boards of trustees of municipal port facilities.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1895 by West
Relating to certain programs established by a municipality to provide affordable housing.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1896 by L. Taylor
Relating to providing public school students tutorials through the state virtual school network for end-of-course assessment instruments required for graduation.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1897 by L. Taylor
Relating to the powers and duties of the commissioner of education regarding open-enrollment charter schools.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1898 by L. Taylor
Relating to revocation of a charter for an open-enrollment charter school and procedures for the disposition of property owned by a charter school after revocation or surrender of a charter.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1899 by Campbell
Relating to the scope of duties of an emergency medical technician-paramedic and a licensed paramedic.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1900 by Campbell
Relating to funding for an open-enrollment charter school based on certain ad valorem taxes collected by school districts.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1901 by Campbell
Relating to emergency response employees or volunteers and others exposed or potentially exposed to certain diseases or parasites.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1902 by Perry
Relating to an order of nondisclosure of certain criminal history record information.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1903 by Perry
Relating to the storage and recovery of water in aquifers; authorizing fees and surcharges.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1904 by Perry
Relating to the creation of a select interim committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the provision of public health care services in this state.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1905 by Perry
Relating to the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas to adopt certain rules related to ratemaking procedures and to the status of previously adopted rules.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1906 by Perry
Relating to the distribution of certain civil penalties, civil restitution, and other payments received by the attorney general.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1907 by Perry
Relating to a study conducted by the Texas Water Development Board regarding the development of a market and conveyance network for water in this state.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1908 by Perry
Relating to bond elections for the Lynn County Hospital District.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1909 by Perry
Relating to the sale or use of an incorrect weighing or measuring device; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1910 by Perry
Relating to private road work by certain counties.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1911 by Perry
Relating to the medical treatment and care of animals by certain persons in animal shelters and releasing agencies.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1912 by Perry
Relating to authorizing supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1913 by Perry
Relating to a court administrator in certain counties.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1914 by Watson
Relating to creation of the Texas Health Improvement Network.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1915 by Watson
Relating to the provision of certain information by a seller of residential real property to a buyer of residential real estate.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1916 by Watson
Relating to the escheat of Unites States savings bonds.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1917 by Watson
Relating to contributions to the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1918 by Watson
Relating to the use of certain lighting equipment on motorcycles.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1919 by Watson
Relating to the authority of the Texas Transportation Commission to establish variable speed limits.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1920 by Watson
Relating to an exemption from the veterinary licensing law for certain persons who provide services to an animal shelter.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1921 by Watson
Relating to the prosecution of certain offenses involving controlled substances and other prohibited drugs, substances, or paraphernalia.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1922 by Watson
Relating to the funding of the designated trauma facility and emergency medical services account through the imposition of court costs on persons convicted of certain driving-related offenses.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1923 by Watson
Relating to the funding of the designated trauma facility and emergency medical services account through the imposition of court costs on persons convicted of certain driving-related offenses.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1924 by Eltife
Relating to landscape control along interstate and state highway rights-of-way; imposing a criminal penalty.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1925 by West
Relating to the dedication of revenue received from certain court costs to the truancy prevention and diversion fund.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1926 by Zaffirini
Relating to permits to be issued for the storage and disposal of certain oil and gas waste.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1927 by Seliger
Relating to the investment of a portion of the economic stabilization fund balance.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1928 by Seliger
Relating to the rulemaking authority of the Health and Human Services Commission to provide for the placement of refugees in this state.
To Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, Subcommittee on Border Security.
SB 1929 by Garcia
Relating to the transfer of jurisdiction and the appointment of an attorney ad litem or guardian ad litem in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1930 by Garcia
Relating to the appointment of counsel in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1931 by Garcia
Relating to the appointment of an attorney ad litem for a parent in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1932 by Garcia
Relating to the payment of permanency care assistance.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1933 by Garcia
Relating to an exemption from the sales and use tax for items sold through a vending machine operated by certain nonprofit organizations.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1934 by Campbell
Relating to requirements for the issuance of a driver's license or personal identification certificate.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1935 by Campbell
Relating to protection of the rights of conscience for child welfare services providers.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1936 by Kolkhorst
Relating to the recovery of damages resulting from an emergency transfer of water authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1937 by Kolkhorst
Relating to civil penalties levied and disciplinary proceedings conducted against certain covered entities.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1938 by Huffman
Relating to the creation of an additional family district court for Fort Bend County.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1939 by Huffman
Relating to contributions to, benefits from, and the administration of systems and programs administered by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1940 by Huffman
Relating to contributions to, benefits from, and the administration of systems and programs administered by Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1941 by Huffman
Relating to service credit and benefits under and funding requirements for the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1942 by Huffman
Relating to the doctrine of forum non conveniens.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1943 by Huffman, Bettencourt
Relating to the duty to report child abuse or neglect.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1944 by Huffman
Relating to the disposition of certain firearms seized by a law enforcement agency.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1945 by Fraser
Relating to establishing competitive retail electricity options for customers served by certain municipally owned utilities.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1946 by Fraser
Relating to the application of the open meetings and public information laws to the Texas Mutual Insurance Company.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1947 by Zaffirini
Relating to alternative road construction methods.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1948 by Nichols
Relating to certain holders of motor home manufacturer's and dealer's licenses.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1949 by Hinojosa
Relating to the allocation of Texas Emissions Reduction Plan funds.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1950 by Hinojosa
Relating to the fee collected for the provision of providing street lights in a subdivision in the unincorporated area of certain counties and the authority of said county to obtain a lien against property of a landowner to secure payment of a fee for the installation, operation, and maintenance of street lights.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1951 by Hinojosa
Relating to the promotion of tourism related to the musical heritage of this state.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1952 by Hinojosa
Relating to a requirement that a hospital allow a patient to designate a caregiver to receive aftercare instruction regarding the patient.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1953 by Hinojosa, Rodríguez, Uresti, Zaffirini
Relating to the establishment of the Texas-Mexico Commission.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1954 by Hinojosa
Relating to the authority and obligations of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Public Utility Commission of Texas to comply with and implement a Clean Power Plan.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1955 by Hinojosa
Relating to the control of access to state highways by the Texas Department of Transportation.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1956 by Hinojosa
Relating to property tax lenders and property tax loans.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1957 by Hinojosa
Relating to the payment of property taxes through the use of property tax loans or other means.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1958 by Hinojosa
Relating to the election of certain county bail bond board members.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1959 by Hinojosa
Relating to peace officers commissioned by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1960 by Hinojosa
Relating to the release of bulk criminal history record information by certain individuals and agencies.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1961 by Hinojosa
Relating to the appointment and duties of criminal magistrates for certain courts in Hidalgo County.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1962 by Hinojosa
Relating to the awarding of certain contracts of the Veterans' Land Board to veteran-owned businesses.
To Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations.
SB 1963 by Hinojosa
Relating to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's authority to contract with federal agencies to provide healthcare to veterans.
To Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations.
SB 1964 by Hinojosa
Relating to certain fees assessed in Hidalgo County district courts including fees assessed by the Hidalgo county clerk.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1965 by Hinojosa
Relating to low income housing tax credits awarded for at-risk developments.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1966 by Hinojosa
Relating to identification and implementation of hospital funding solutions.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1967 by Hinojosa
Relating to space utilization and online enrollment requirements for the issuance of revenue bonds by certain public institutions of higher education.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 1968 by Huffman
Relating to the organization of public employees.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1969 by Huffman
Relating to ethics of public servants, including the functions and duties of the Texas Ethics Commission; the regulation of political contributions, political advertising, lobbying, and conduct of public servants; and the reporting of political contributions and expenditures and personal financial information; providing civil and criminal penalties.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1970 by Huffman
Relating to increasing the electronic filing fee for certain courts of law.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1971 by Huffman
Relating to the transfer of the regulation of licensed dyslexia practitioners and licensed dyslexia therapists to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1972 by Huffman
Relating to the creation of a grant program to provide money for security at certain major events; authorizing fees.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1973 by V. Taylor
Relating to the names of certain businesses.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1974 by Zaffirini
Relating to the adoption of uniform rules for hours of work for certain county employees.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1975 by Zaffirini
Relating to a study of the economic cost of significant oil and gas activity in rural areas of the state.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1976 by Lucio
Relating to the establishment and administration of a program designed to increase the availability of affordable housing.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1977 by Lucio
Relating to the use of hunting license fees to help feed hungry Texans.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1978 by Lucio
Relating to a voluntary contribution to help feed hungry Texans when a person applies for a hunting license.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1979 by Hall
Relating to the study of the fiscal impact on local governments in Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro and Rockwall Counties of restructuring the NorthSTAR behavioral health system and the effective implementation the Sunset Commission Health and Human Services Commission Issue 9 recommendation.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1980 by Garcia
Relating to the participation of an advanced practice nurse as a primary care provider for certain governmental and other health benefit plans.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1981 by Bettencourt
Relating to the eligibility of persons to participate in an ad valorem tax sale of real property.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1982 by Kolkhorst
Relating to the exemption from auctioneer regulation of certain motor vehicle auctions.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1983 by Seliger
Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of pollution control property.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1984 by Huffman
Relating to the canvass of election returns for the offices of governor and lieutenant governor.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1985 by Uresti
Relating to the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of a real property interest in oil or gas in place.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1986 by L. Taylor
Relating to authorizing a recreation and wellness facility fee at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 1987 by Menéndez
Relating to specialty license plates for people with a hearing impairment.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1988 by Menéndez
Relating to a leasehold or other possessory interest in real property granted by a public facility corporation for a public facility.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1989 by Menéndez
Relating to underwriting standards for developments receiving an allocation of low income housing tax credits administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1990 by Menéndez
Relating to the disclosure of information about water used in hydraulic fracturing.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1991 by Menéndez
Relating to a cost-of-living adjustment applicable to certain benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1992 by V. Taylor
Relating to a restriction on the use of certain political contributions from a single source in the month before an election.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1993 by Nelson
Relating to making supplemental appropriations and giving direction and adjustment authority regarding appropriations.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1994 by Bettencourt
Relating to municipal control of certain public retirement systems established for the benefit of municipal employees.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1995 by Menéndez
Relating to the establishment of a health care pilot program for low-income individuals.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1996 by Menéndez
Relating to installment payments of ad valorem taxes imposed on certain residence homesteads.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1997 by Menéndez
Relating to the authority of a property owner to enter into a property tax loan if the property is already subject to a lien securing such a loan.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1998 by Menéndez
Relating to consideration of location of an offeror's principal place of business in awarding certain municipal contracts.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1999 by Menéndez
Relating to adult day care.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SJR 57 by Bettencourt
Proposing a constitutional amendment increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes, providing for a reduction of the limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for those purposes on the homestead of an elderly or disabled person to reflect the increased exemption amount, and extending the number of days that certain tangible personal property that is exempt from ad valorem taxation due to its temporary location in this state may remain located in this state before forfeiting the right to the exemption.
To Committee on Finance.
SJR 59 by Campbell
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to nullify an order, rule, policy, or similar measure adopted by the executive branch of the federal government that exceeds the authority granted by the United States Constitution.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SJR 60 by Campbell
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the governing body of a political subdivision to adopt a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion, expressed as a dollar amount, of the market value of real property of a business that employs honorably discharged veterans.
To Committee on Finance.
SJR 61 by West
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county of a portion of the value of the residence homestead of a physician who provides health care services for which the physician agrees not to seek payment from any source, including the Medicaid program or otherwise from this state or the federal government, to indigent residents of the county.
To Committee on Finance.
SJR 62 by Nichols
Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating certain revenue sources to be used for the acquisition of rights-of-way for and the construction and maintenance of public roadways.
To Committee on Transportation.
SJR 63 by Perry
Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SJR 64 by Lucio
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the creation of emergency response districts; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SJR 65 by Hinojosa
Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the use of bonds and notes in the military value revolving loan account.
To Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations.
SJR 66 by Huffman
Proposing a constitutional amendment to provide for the governor's and lieutenant governor's terms of office to begin at 10 a.m. on the day preceding the day the regular legislative session convenes.
To Committee on State Affairs.
HOUSE BILLS ON FIRST READING
The following bills received from the House were read first time and referred to the committees indicated:
HB 10 to Committee on Criminal Justice.
HB 11 to Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, Subcommittee on Border Security.
HB 437 to Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations.
HB 834 to Committee on Criminal Justice.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 5
On motion of Senator Nichols, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 5.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 20
On motion of Senator Nelson, Senators Bettencourt and Uresti will be shown as Co-authors of SB 20.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 147
On motion of Senator Rodríguez, Senators Garcia and Hinojosa will be shown as Co-authors of SB 147.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 169
On motion of Senator Uresti, Senator Garcia will be shown as Co-author of SB 169.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 390
On motion of Senator Burton, Senator Hinojosa will be shown as Co-author of SB 390.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 527
On motion of Senator Birdwell, Senator Nelson will be shown as Co-author of SB 527.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 630
On motion of Senator Rodríguez, Senator Hinojosa will be shown as Co-author of SB 630.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 695
On motion of Senator L. Taylor, Senator Garcia will be shown as Co-author of SB 695.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 818
On motion of Senator Rodríguez, Senator Garcia will be shown as Co-author of SB 818.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 832
On motion of Senator Campbell, Senator Garcia will be shown as Co-author of SB 832.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 833
On motion of Senator Campbell, Senators Creighton and Garcia will be shown as Co-authors of SB 833.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 947
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senators Garcia and Hinojosa will be shown as Co-authors of SB 947.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1543
On motion of Senator Perry, Senator Hall will be shown as Co-author of SB 1543.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 5
On motion of Senator Nichols, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SJR 5.
RESOLUTIONS OF RECOGNITION
The following resolutions were adopted by the Senate:
Memorial Resolutions
SR 433 by Watson, In memory of James Edwin Russell Jr.
SR 434 by Watson, In memory of Johnnie B. Rogers.
Congratulatory Resolutions
SR 431 by Schwertner, Recognizing Billy Parker on the occasion of his retirement.
SR 432 by Schwertner, Recognizing the centennial of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station.
SR 437 by Menéndez, Recognizing the naming of Jaime P. Martinez Place in San Antonio.
SR 438 by Creighton, Commending Chase Romanski for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
SR 439 by Hinojosa, Recognizing the dedication of the Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument.
SR 440 by Hinojosa, Congratulating the Palmview High School Mariachi Los Lobos band for winning a state mariachi competition.
Official Designation Resolutions
SR 430 by Birdwell, Hancock, L. Taylor, and Watson, Celebrating March 30, 2015, as Baylor Day.
SR 436 by Menéndez, Recognizing March 31, 2015, as San Antonio Music Teachers Association Centennial Day.
ADJOURNMENT
Pursuant to a previously adopted motion, the Senate at 3:53 p.m. adjourned, in memory of Robert E. "Bob" Johnson, until 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2015.
APPENDIX
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following committee reports were received by the Secretary of the Senate in the order listed:
March 25, 2015
STATE AFFAIRS — CSSB 814, SB 909, SB 378, SCR 1, CSSB 940
FINANCE — CSSB 20
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT — SB 1165, SB 804
HIGHER EDUCATION — SB 1066, SB 596
CRIMINAL JUSTICE — CSSB 108, SB 344, SB 578
BILLS ENGROSSED
March 24, 2015
SB 172, SB 173, SB 179, SB 453, SB 461, SB 512, SB 534, SB 562, SB 664, SB 671, SB 757
RESOLUTIONS ENROLLED
March 24, 2015
SR 366, SR 421, SR 422, SR 423, SR 425, SR 427, SR 428, SR 429