TWENTY-SEVENTH DAY
(Monday, March 20, 2017)
The Senate met at 2:00 p.m. pursuant to adjournment and was called to order by the President.
The roll was called and the following Senators were present: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Burton, Creighton, Estes, Garcia, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffines, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Rodríguez, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor of Galveston, Taylor of Collin, Uresti, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The President announced that a quorum of the Senate was present.
Major Scott Crosley, Chaplain, Texas Army National Guard, offered the invocation as follows:
Dear Lord, we open this session today with prayer but not solely out of tradition or protocol alone, rather we believe the truth of Your word that promises: If we draw near to You, You, Lord, will draw near to us. So, we ask You, Lord, to guide the action steps taken here today in this room. I pray the truth of Psalms 119:105 over the men and women gathered here today. That is that Your word would be a lamp to their feet and a light to their path. As King Solomon asked You, Lord, for wisdom thousands of years ago, I ask for the same thing for these servant leaders here today. May You give them the ability to quickly resolve issues, to balance their time well, and to serve their families as well as the great State of Texas. I pray for conviction, for courage, and for compassion. I ask that You, Lord, would help us to remember and be encouraged by the truth of Your word in Proverbs 16:9 which says: The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Lord, we thank You for this great country, for the State of Texas, and for these men and women who serve faithfully. May You encourage them, embolden them, and remind them of Your never-ending love for them. It is in the powerful name of Jesus that I choose to pray. Amen.
Senator Whitmire moved that the reading of the Journal of the proceedings of the previous day be dispensed with and the Journal be approved as printed.
The motion prevailed without objection.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
On motion of Senator Whitmire, Senator Campbell was granted leave of absence for today on account of a death in the family.
MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR
The following Messages from the Governor were read and were referred to the Committee on Nominations:
March, 15, 2017
Austin, Texas
TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:
I ask the advice, consent and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointments:
To be a member of the State Preservation Board for a term to expire February 1, 2019:
Iris H. Moore
Fort Worth, Texas
(Ms. Moore is being reappointed)
To be members of the Texas Historical Commission for terms to expire as indicated:
To Expire February 1, 2021:
Frank "Tom" Perini
Buffalo Gap, Texas
(Mr. Perini is being reappointed)
To Expire February 1, 2023:
Earl Paul Broussard, Jr.
Westlake Hills, Texas
(Mr. Broussard is being reappointed)
Catherine M. "Cathy" McKnight
Dallas, Texas
(replacing Robert Kelly "Bob" Shepard of Weatherford whose term expired)
Daisy Sloan White
Houston, Texas
(Ms. White is being reappointed)
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Greg Abbott
Governor
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Nelson was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas Council on Family Violence delegation.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Hinojosa was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association delegation.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
INTRODUCTION OF
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS POSTPONED
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.
SENATE RESOLUTION 465
Senator Nelson offered the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Patsy Spaw, the beloved and highly regarded secretary of the Texas Senate, was recently honored by Executive Women in Texas Government and the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin for her years of outstanding leadership and her many accomplishments as a public servant; and
WHEREAS, Patsy Spaw was first hired by the Texas Senate in 1969, when she joined the Engrossing and Enrolling Department as a typist; she became the department's assistant enrolling clerk in 1972, and in 1977, she was officially elected to the position of engrossing and enrolling clerk; she served with distinction as head of the department for 24 years, and during her tenure, she began to forge what has become a legendary career with the Texas Senate that few can match; and
WHEREAS, As head of E and E, she oversaw the engrossment and enrollment of legislation and supervised numerous Senate employees; throughout her years in charge, she was noted for her managerial efficiency, her attention to detail, and her remarkable fortitude and tenacity in handling the long and difficult hours required by the position of enrolling clerk; incredibly, while serving as clerk, she managed to raise a family of four children and, concurrently, to attend law school and earn a degree from The University of Texas School of Law; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, Patsy was elected to the position of secretary of the Senate, the Senate's highest administrative post, and in this capacity, she has diligently served under three lieutenant governors, read countless bills, and supervised other elected officers and central staff; as the Senate's chief executive administrator, she is noted for her loyalty to each of the members of the Senate, for her incomparable work ethic, and for her exceptional diplomacy and poise; and
WHEREAS, During her long and productive career with the Senate, Patsy has always upheld the highest standards in Senate tradition, and as secretary of the Senate, her contributions to the work of the Senate and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor are immeasurable; and
WHEREAS, An invaluable asset to all who serve at the Capitol and a much-cherished officer of the Texas Senate, she is well deserving of the recent praise conferred on her by Executive Women in Texas Government and the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby extend to Patsy Spaw sincerest congratulations on her recent honor and deepest appreciation for her exceptional work and leadership.
NELSON
ZAFFIRINI
SR 465 was read.
On motion of Senator Zaffirini and by unanimous consent, the names of the Lieutenant Governor and Senators were added to the resolution as signers thereof.
On motion of Senator Nelson, the resolution was adopted by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
PHYSICIAN OF THE DAY
Senator Whitmire was recognized and presented Dr. Donald Nino of Houston as the Physician of the Day.
The Senate welcomed Dr. Nino and thanked him for his participation in the Physician of the Day program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.
SENATE RULE 11.13 SUSPENDED
(Consideration of Bills in Committees)
(Motion In Writing)
Senator Kolkhorst submitted 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.
KOLKHORST
The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.
CONCLUSION OF MORNING CALL
The President at 2:25 p.m. announced the conclusion of morning call.
SENATE BILL 132 ON SECOND READING
Senator Creighton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 132 at this time on its second reading:
SB 132, Relating to the savings incentive program for state agencies.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
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:
Absent-excused: Campbell.
SENATE BILL 132 ON THIRD READING
Senator Creighton moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 132 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 249 ON SECOND READING
Senator Schwertner moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 249 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 249, Relating to the submission of an affordability and access report by public institutions of higher education.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
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:
Absent-excused: Campbell.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 249 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 CSSB 249 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 37 ON SECOND READING
Senator Zaffirini moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 37 at this time on its second reading:
SB 37, Relating to the requirement to obtain certification for attorneys representing persons in guardianship proceedings.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
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:
Absent-excused: Campbell.
SENATE BILL 37 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 37 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 887 ON SECOND READING
Senator Seliger moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 887 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 887, Relating to a requirement that certain participating institutions under the student loan program administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board provide loan debt information to certain students.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
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:
Absent-excused: Campbell.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 887 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 CSSB 887 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 331 ON SECOND READING
Senator West moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 331 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 331, Relating to the temporary approval of a private or independent college or university to continue to participate in the tuition equalization grant program.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 5.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Estes, Garcia, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Rodríguez, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor of Galveston, Uresti, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Nays: Burton, Creighton, Hall, Huffines, Taylor of Collin.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 5. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 331 ON THIRD READING
Senator West moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 331 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 5.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Estes, Garcia, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Rodríguez, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor of Galveston, Uresti, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Nays: Burton, Creighton, Hall, Huffines, Taylor of Collin.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 5. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 721 ON SECOND READING
Senator Perry moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 721 at this time on its second reading:
SB 721, Relating to treatment and care provided by licensed medical professionals to animals in certain facilities.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
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:
Absent-excused: Campbell.
SENATE BILL 721 ON THIRD READING
Senator Perry moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 721 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 135 ON SECOND READING
Senator Taylor of Collin moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 135 at this time on its second reading:
SB 135, Relating to the submission of a report by certain entities identifying spending reduction measures.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
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:
Absent-excused: Campbell.
SENATE BILL 135 ON THIRD READING
Senator Taylor of Collin moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 135 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)
(Senator West in Chair)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 38 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Zaffirini and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 38 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 38, Relating to certain procedural matters in courts exercising probate jurisdiction.
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:
Absent-excused: Campbell.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 38 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 CSSB 38 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 867 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 867 at this time on its second reading:
SB 867, Relating to the designation of United States Highway 287 in Armstrong and Donley Counties as the Colonel Charles Goodnight Memorial Highway.
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:
Absent-excused: Campbell.
SENATE BILL 867 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 867 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 674 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Schwertner and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 674 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 674, Relating to an expedited licensing process for certain physicians specializing in psychiatry; authorizing a fee.
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:
Absent-excused: Campbell.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 674 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 CSSB 674 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)
(President in Chair)
SENATE BILL 415 ON THIRD READING
Senator Perry moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 415 at this time on its third reading and final passage:
SB 415, Relating to a prohibition on the performance of dismemberment abortions; providing penalties; creating a criminal offense.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Burton, Creighton, Estes, Hall, Hancock, Huffines, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor of Galveston, Taylor of Collin, Zaffirini.
Nays: Garcia, Hinojosa, Menéndez, Miles, Rodríguez, Uresti, Watson, West, Whitmire.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 9. (Same as previous roll call)
REASON FOR VOTE
Senator Rodríguez submitted the following reason for vote on SB 415:
I submit this statement to explain my vote against Senate Bill 415. S.B. 415 uses non-medical, inflammatory language to ban the safest and most widely-used procedure employed by doctors for second trimester abortions.
While most abortions are performed during the first trimester, there are multiple reasons why some women need an abortion during the second trimester. Increased barriers to abortion such as mandated waiting periods, delays in accessing insurance or funds, and decreased availability of appointments force some women to obtain abortion care during the second trimester instead of earlier in the pregnancy. Furthermore, many health risks in pregnant women do not become apparent early in the pregnancy, and identification of fetal anomalies most often occurs during the second trimester.
I trust doctors to make the safest judgment call for their patients. Medical professionals cite D&E as the safest method for second trimester abortions, which is reflected in that D&E accounts for 95 percent of abortions performed within this period. Banning this method would force doctors to provide substandard care for their patients, choosing alternative methods of abortion that may be more invasive and put the patient in greater risk of complications.
Although there is an exception to protect the life of the woman, the bill language does not make it clear that a medical condition that has the potential to become life-threatening falls under this exception. This ambiguity could force doctors to either compromise a patient's health by waiting until her condition deteriorates to life-threatening, or perform the abortion within a medically secure time limit and risk suspension of their license. Some doctors may be unwilling to compromise patient care in this way and stop providing abortions altogether, placing additional constraints on a woman's access to abortion care. Furthermore, the bill offers no exceptions for fetal health, rape/incest, or mental health. The lack of these exceptions can cause unnecessary trauma to vulnerable women and is inconsistent with other areas of statute.
Method bans such as this one place unconscionable barriers on women's safe and legal access to abortions. I oppose bills such as S.B. 415 that target women who seek abortion care and threaten their safety and well-being. Instead, we must move forward to strengthen women's access to evidence-based, best practice health care.
RODRÍGUEZ
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 25 ON SECOND READING
Senator Creighton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 25 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 25, Relating to eliminating the wrongful birth cause of action.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Burton, Creighton, Estes, Hall, Hancock, Huffines, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor of Galveston, Taylor of Collin, Zaffirini.
Nays: Garcia, Hinojosa, Menéndez, Miles, Rodríguez, Uresti, Watson, West, Whitmire.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 9. (Same as previous roll call)
MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
HOUSE CHAMBER
Austin, Texas
Monday, March 20, 2017 - 1
The Honorable President of the Senate
Senate Chamber
Austin, Texas
Mr. President:
I am directed by the house to inform the senate that the house has taken the following action:
THE HOUSE HAS PASSED THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:
Relating to the use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle; creating a criminal offense; modifying existing criminal penalties.
Relating to removing the deadline for the Department of Family and Protective Services to enter into permanency care assistance agreements.
Relating to recovery of attorney's fees in certain civil cases.
Relating to the persons authorized to conduct an inquest in certain counties.
Relating to provisional permits for certain insurance agents.
Relating to the training period for a temporary insurance agent's license.
Congratulating Betty Lamb on her retirement from the Coastal Bend Council of Governments.
Recognizing the Stop the Bleed campaign.
In memory of William Parks Johnson of Wimberley.
Commemorating the inaugural season of the Dripping Springs Pop Warner football and cheerleading program.
In memory of Will David Davis Sr. of Austin.
In memory of Brenda Nation of Austin.
Respectfully,
/s/Robert Haney, Chief Clerk
House of Representatives
SENATE RULES SUSPENDED
(Posting Rules)
On motion of Senator Huffines and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 11.10(a) and Senate Rule 11.18(a) were suspended in order that the Committee on Veteran Affairs and Border Security might meet.
MOTION TO RECESS
On motion of Senator Whitmire and by unanimous consent, the Senate at 3:47 p.m. agreed to recess, upon completion of the introduction of bills and resolutions on first reading, until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
(Senator Taylor of Collin in Chair)
SENATE BILLS AND RESOLUTION ON FIRST READING
The following bills and resolution, filed on or before Friday, March 10, 2017, were introduced, read first time, and referred to the committees indicated:
SB 1426 by Hancock
Relating to the calculation and dissemination of certain ad valorem tax rates.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1427 by Hancock, Campbell
Relating to providing information regarding perinatal hospice care and prohibiting discriminatory abortions; creating an administrative penalty, a civil remedy, and criminal offenses.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1428 by Taylor of Collin
Relating to the provision of mental health telemedicine medical services.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1429 by Perry
Relating to the creation and operations of health care provider participation programs in certain counties.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1430 by Perry
Relating to desalinated seawater and a requirement that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality provide expedited consideration of certain applications to amend water rights.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1431 by Zaffirini
Relating to escrow payments for a loan secured by a new dwelling.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1432 by Estes
Relating to the regulation of sport lagoons and granting rulemaking authority.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1433 by Uresti
Relating to requiring registration as a sex offender of certain defendants convicted of the offense of continuous trafficking of persons.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1434 by Zaffirini
Relating to compensation of county auditors and assistant auditors.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1435 by Zaffirini
Relating to the removal from office of a county auditor.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1436 by Uresti, Campbell
Relating to the punishment for the offense of injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual and creating the offense of continuous injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1437 by Schwertner
Relating to payment for the use of a highway toll project.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1438 by Zaffirini
Relating to the applicability of certain unfunded mandates on political subdivisions.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1439 by Whitmire
Relating to air conditioning and refrigeration contracting and the education and certification of air conditioning and refrigeration technicians.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1440 by Campbell
Relating to the attendance by a quorum of a governmental body at certain candidate events under the open meetings law.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1441 by Creighton
Relating to the right of certain appellants to supersede a judgment or order on appeal.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1442 by Creighton
Relating to the use of municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue in certain municipalities.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1443 by Creighton
Relating to electronic benefits transfer cards used for recipients of benefits under certain assistance programs.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1444 by West
Relating to de novo hearings in child protection cases.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1445 by West
Relating to methods of payment of rent and security deposits to residential landlords and authorizing associated service charges.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1446 by Estes
Relating to contested cases conducted under the Administrative Procedures Act.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1447 by Estes
Relating to the liability of a sport shooting range.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1448 by Estes
Relating to restricting employers from prohibiting certain employees from carrying, transporting, storing, or using handguns or ammunition.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1449 by Taylor of Galveston
Relating to an insurer's compliance with National Association of Insurance Commissioners requirements.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1450 by Taylor of Galveston
Relating to the rulemaking authority of the commissioner of insurance with respect to certain agreements and the effect of those agreements on this state's authority to regulate insurance.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1451 by Seliger
Relating to the designation of a water conservation coordinator by a retail public water utility to implement a water conservation plan.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1452 by Zaffirini
Relating to the application of the open meetings law to district judges performing certain management or administrative functions.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1453 by Miles
Relating to the definition of regular eligible student used in determining the transportation allotment under the school finance system for a municipal school district.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1454 by Watson
Relating to the study and approval of lethal pesticides for feral hog control.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1455 by Campbell, Hinojosa, Perry
Relating to the establishment of a rural resident physician grant program.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 1456 by Nichols
Relating to the building code standards for new residential construction in the unincorporated area of certain counties; creating a criminal offense and affecting the prosecution of a criminal offense.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1457 by Buckingham
Relating to a report by the Texas Workforce Commission regarding the transition from military service to employment.
To Committee on Veteran Affairs and Border Security.
SB 1458 by Buckingham
Relating to a prior authorization requirement for certain prescription eye drops and related medications.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1459 by Hinojosa
Relating to incentives to encourage landowners to destroy, remove, or treat citrus trees located in a pest management zone.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1460 by Hinojosa
Relating to the issuance of childhood cancer awareness license plates.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1461 by Hinojosa
Relating to the punishment for certain possession offenses under the Texas Controlled Substances Act; changing eligibility for community supervision.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1462 by Hinojosa
Relating to local health care provider participation programs in certain counties and municipalities.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1463 by Huffman
Relating to settlement of claims and actions against a governmental unit.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1464 by Buckingham
Relating to the creation of the offense of possession or promotion of obscene visual material depicting a child.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1465 by Taylor of Galveston
Relating to the authority of certain ex officio members of the board of directors of a tax increment financing reinvestment zone to elect not to serve on the board.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 1466 by Taylor of Galveston
Relating to maximum liability limits for windstorm and hail insurance coverage provided through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1467 by West
Relating to the Texas college work-study program and to establishing a program for the off-campus employment of certain students at public or private institutions of higher education.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 1468 by Creighton
Relating to a franchise tax credit for entities that employ certain students in certain paid internship or similar programs.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1469 by Campbell
Relating to an election for the removal of a director serving on the board of directors of certain water districts.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1470 by Zaffirini
Relating to the powers and duties of the Department of Information Resources regarding cybersecurity.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1471 by Seliger
Relating to the establishment of the emergency medical services assistance program.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1472 by Rodríguez
Relating to granting to the board of trustees of certain municipally owned utilities the authority to set the compensation of employees necessary to provide service and protect against interruption.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1473 by Rodríguez
Relating to the authority to establish a customer assistance program for certain municipally owned utilities.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1474 by Taylor of Collin
Relating to the prosecution of the offense of impersonating a public servant.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1475 by Taylor of Galveston
Relating to windstorm and hail insurance coverage issued by the FAIR Plan Association in catastrophe areas.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1476 by Seliger
Relating to eligibility for support from the universal service fund.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1477 by West
Relating to ransomware; creating a criminal offense.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1478 by West
Relating to the designation of January 9 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1479 by Hughes
Relating to the election of the board of directors of the Panola County Groundwater Conservation District.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1480 by Hughes
Relating to the guarantee of charter district bonds by the permanent school fund.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1481 by Taylor of Galveston
Relating to the instructional materials and technology allotment, open education resource instructional materials, and the State Board of Education long-range technology plan.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1482 by Taylor of Galveston
Relating to the creation of a committee to recommend a framework to incorporate digital teaching and learning in public schools.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1483 by Taylor of Galveston
Relating to the creation of the Technology Lending Program to provide grants to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1484 by Taylor of Galveston
Relating to the creation of an instructional materials web portal by the commissioner of education.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1485 by Campbell
Relating to payment standards for preferred provider benefit plans to reduce balance billing of insureds for out-of-network health care services.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1486 by Campbell
Relating to payment standards for preferred provider benefit plans to reduce balance billing of insureds for out-of-network health care services.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1487 by West
Relating to preventing racial profiling and video and audio equipment and recordings of certain law enforcement motor vehicle stops; creating an offense.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1488 by West
Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 84th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.
To Committee on Administration.
SB 1489 by Taylor of Galveston
Relating to the Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1490 by Zaffirini
Relating to the premium surcharge certain automobile insurers are required to assess against an insured convicted of certain offenses.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1491 by Zaffirini
Relating to domestic surplus lines insurers; authorizing and imposing a tax.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1492 by Zaffirini
Relating to rules adopted by the commissioner of insurance to stabilize long-term care premium rates.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1493 by Zaffirini
Relating to changing statutory references to hearing officer and hearings officer to administrative law judge under the workers' compensation system.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1494 by Zaffirini
Relating to preauthorization and concurrent review of certain health care services under the workers' compensation system.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1495 by Zaffirini
Relating to access by the division of workers' compensation to certain designated doctor contracts under the workers' compensation system.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1496 by Zaffirini
Relating to certain workers' compensation reporting requirements.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1497 by Zaffirini
Relating to the eligibility requirements for employment as an ombudsman of the Office of Injured Employee Counsel under the Texas Workers' Compensation Act.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1498 by Zaffirini
Relating to the regulation of temporary common worker employers.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1499 by Zaffirini
Relating to the regulation of for-profit legal service contract companies.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1500 by Zaffirini
Relating to certain vehicle protection products.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1501 by Zaffirini
Relating to the regulation of motor vehicle towing, booting, and storage and to the elimination of required state licensing for vehicle booting companies and operators.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1502 by Zaffirini
Relating to the regulation of barbering and cosmetology.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1503 by Zaffirini
Relating to abolishing shampoo apprentice permits and shampoo specialty certificates.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1504 by Taylor of Collin
Relating to the eligibility of certain victims of trafficking of persons for an order of nondisclosure.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1505 by Hinojosa, Campbell
Relating to the application of and allocation of revenue from certain taxes imposed on certain tobacco products.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1506 by Hinojosa
Relating to mechanic's, contractor's, or materialman's liens; authorizing a fee; changing the eligibility for community supervision.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1507 by Hinojosa
Relating to the authorization by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of the discharge, diversion, and transfer or other reuse of return flows derived from treated brackish groundwater.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1508 by Hinojosa
Relating to filing fees imposed in civil cases in Hidalgo County, Cameron County, and Willacy County.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1509 by Hinojosa
Relating to eligibility requirements for the repayment of certain mental health professional education loans.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 1510 by Perry
Relating to rates charged by certain transmission and distribution utilities to certain places of worship.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1511 by Perry
Relating to the state and regional water planning process and the funding of projects included in the state water plan.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1512 by Taylor of Galveston
Relating to replacement cost coverage in policies issued by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1513 by Uresti
Relating to continuing education requirements for noncertified surgical technologists.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1514 by Estes
Relating to the eligibility of land for appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes as qualified open-space land if the land is used for certain oil and gas operations.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1515 by Hancock
Relating to the authority to install a small wireless facility in a public right-of-way.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1516 by Hancock
Relating to the registration and regulation of appraisal management companies; authorizing fees; expanding the applicability of an occupational registration.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1517 by Hancock
Relating to partnerships, limited liability companies, and other domestic and foreign entities and to series of limited liability companies and foreign entities.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1518 by Hancock
Relating to corporations, associations, real estate investment trusts, and related entities.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1519 by Hancock
Relating to the promotion, sponsorship or advertising of an entertainment event or alcoholic beverage brand or product and a facility owned by a convention center development corporation
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1520 by Hancock
Relating to certain duties of physicians regarding patient records.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1521 by Rodríguez
Relating to recording certain criminal proceedings.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1522 by Nichols
Relating to the composition of the aviation advisory committee.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1523 by Nichols
Relating to the creation of the state safety oversight program for rail fixed guideway public transportation systems.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1524 by Nichols
Relating to the movement of certain vehicles transporting an intermodal shipping container; authorizing a fee; creating an offense.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1525 by Perry
Relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board of water needs and availability in this state.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SJR 51 by Estes
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for exceptions to the requirement that open-space land be devoted to certain purposes for ad valorem taxation based on the land's productive capacity.
To Committee on Finance.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 2
On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senators Buckingham, Burton, Estes, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Schwertner, and Taylor of Galveston will be shown as Co-authors of SB 2.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 10
On motion of Senator Hancock, Senators Hall, Hughes, and Schwertner will be shown as Co-authors of SB 10.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 17
On motion of Senator Nelson, Senators Creighton and Taylor of Collin will be shown as Co-authors of SB 17.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 20
On motion of Senator Taylor of Galveston, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-author of SB 20.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 29
On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator Taylor of Galveston will be shown as Co-author of SB 29.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 31
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Estes will be shown as Co-author of SB 31.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 83
On motion of Senator Hall, Senator Whitmire will be shown as Co-author of SB 83.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 87
On motion of Senator Hall, Senator Garcia will be shown as Co-author of SB 87.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 88
On motion of Senator Hall, Senators Bettencourt, Creighton, Huffines, and Whitmire will be shown as Co-authors of SB 88.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 132
On motion of Senator Creighton, Senators Bettencourt and Lucio will be shown as Co-authors of SB 132.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 258
On motion of Senator Huffines, Senator Hughes will be shown as Co-author of SB 258.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 267
On motion of Senator Schwertner, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 267.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 278
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Garcia will be shown as Co-author of SB 278.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 326
On motion of Senator Burton, Senators Garcia and Rodríguez will be shown as Co-authors of SB 326.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 327
On motion of Senator Burton, Senator Rodríguez will be shown as Co-author of SB 327.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 380
On motion of Senator Burton, Senator Rodríguez will be shown as Co-author of SB 380.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 457
On motion of Senator Campbell, Senator Huffines will be shown as Co-author of SB 457.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 480
On motion of Senator Burton, Senator Rodríguez will be shown as Co-author of SB 480.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 481
On motion of Senator Burton, Senator Rodríguez will be shown as Co-author of SB 481.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 507
On motion of Senator Hancock, Senator Taylor of Galveston will be shown as Co-author of SB 507.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 539
On motion of Senator Hinojosa, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-author of SB 539.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 581
On motion of Senator Whitmire, Senator Garcia will be shown as Co-author of SB 581.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 674
On motion of Senator Schwertner, Senator Lucio will be shown as Co-author of SB 674.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 712
On motion of Senator Hinojosa, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 712.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 823
On motion of Senator Burton, Senator Birdwell will be shown as Co-author of SB 823.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 840
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Rodríguez will be shown as Co-author of SB 840.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 887
On motion of Senator Seliger, Senators Hinojosa and Schwertner will be shown as Co-authors of SB 887.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1066
On motion of Senator Schwertner, Senator Seliger will be shown as Co-author of SB 1066.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 1152
On motion of Senator Menéndez, Senators Buckingham and Hall will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1152.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1395
On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-author of SB 1395.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1
On motion of Senator Buckingham, Senators Huffines and Seliger will be shown as Co-authors of SCR 1.
RESOLUTIONS OF RECOGNITION
The following resolutions were adopted by the Senate:
Memorial Resolutions
SR 443 by Lucio, In memory of Bernadette Richardson.
SR 450 by Taylor of Collin, In memory of Rudolph P. Miller Jr.
SR 453 by West, In memory of Luther D. Edwards Jr.
SR 460 by Hinojosa, In memory of Ricco Diaman Delgado.
SR 463 by Nelson and Watson, In memory of Mollie Ann Newcom.
SR 467 by Bettencourt, In memory of William Dowling.
Congratulatory Resolutions
SR 442 by West, Recognizing Homer Hogues on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
SR 444 by Buckingham, Recognizing Larry Gene Pullin for his work on behalf of veterans.
SR 447 by Whitmire, Recognizing Johnny Villarreal for his service as a firefighter.
SR 448 by Taylor of Collin, Recognizing Bob L. Townsend on the occasion of his retirement.
SR 451 by Nichols, Recognizing the Texas Department of Transportation for its work.
SR 452 by Garcia, Recognizing David L. Smith and Linda Smith on the occasion of their 25th pastoral anniversary.
SR 454 by Rodríguez, Recognizing Nancy Hurt Tovar for her contributions to the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association.
SR 455 by Rodríguez, Recognizing A Smoke-Free Paso del Norte on the occasion of its 15th anniversary.
SR 457 by Creighton, Recognizing Eunice and Nicholas Peet on the occasion of their 75th wedding anniversary.
SR 461 by Hinojosa, Recognizing the Texas Innovative Adult Career Education Fund for its commitment to Texas workers.
SR 462 by Hughes, Recognizing Jeffrey Patrick Morris for his service to Young Conservatives of Texas.
SR 464 by West, Recognizing Charles Ray Sims for being named a 2017 Lifetime Achievement Honoree.
Official Designation Resolutions
SR 446 by Buckingham, Recognizing March 2017 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
SR 449 by Taylor of Collin, Recognizing February 22, 2017, as Sachse Day.
SR 458 by Hall, Recognizing March 20, 2017, as Balch Springs Day.
SR 459 by Hall, Recognizing March 23, 2017, as Seagoville Day.
RECESS
Pursuant to a previously adopted motion, the Senate at 4:03 p.m. recessed until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
APPENDIX
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following committee reports were received by the Secretary of the Senate in the order listed:
March 20, 2017
CRIMINAL JUSTICE — CSSB 343, CSSB 325
FINANCE — CSSB 669, CSSB 717, CSSB 972
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE — CSSB 80, CSSB 23, CSSB 115, CSSB 407, CSSB 408, CSSB 510, CSSB 947, CSSB 404, CSSB 347
EDUCATION — CSSB 22
BILLS ENGROSSED
March 15, 2017
SB 6, SB 8
RESOLUTIONS ENROLLED
March 15, 2017
SR 425, SR 427, SR 428, SR 429, SR 430, SR 431, SR 432, SR 433, SR 434, SR 435
March 16, 2017
SR 436, SR 437, SR 438, SR 439, SR 441