THIRTIETH DAY
(Monday, March 27, 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, Campbell, 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.
The President announced that a quorum of the Senate was present.
Pastor Darren Lemons, The Refuge Church, Terrell, offered the invocation as follows:
God, we are honored to stand in Your presence. We ask Your blessings for all the elected officials, staffers, interns, volunteers, and all that are serving our great state and nation. Give those in authority wisdom in every decision and help them to think clearly. Give them discernment and integrity as they make difficult decisions that impact our state. Strengthen all of us and help us to show a spirit of love, joy, and peace as we go about our daily lives. Help us to be people of compassion towards others in difficult circumstances. May Your peace guide our hearts and minds in the days to come. In Jesus' name. 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.
MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
HOUSE CHAMBER
Austin, Texas
Monday, March 27, 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 development of and contracting for reclaimed water facilities in certain municipalities.
Relating to venue in the prosecution of certain criminal conduct involving obstruction or retaliation.
Relating to the discharge or waiver of fines and costs imposed on indigent defendants; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the continuation of the Red River Boundary Commission.
Relating to the election date of the board of directors of the Rusk County Groundwater Conservation District.
Relating to the powers and election dates of the Hemphill County Underground Water Conservation District.
Relating to the prosecution of and punishment for the offense of criminal mischief involving property used for flood control purposes or a dam.
Relating to displaying certain informational materials and videos in driver's license offices.
Respectfully,
/s/Robert Haney, Chief Clerk
House of Representatives
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.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
Senator Birdwell submitted the following report from the Committee on Nominations:
We, your Committee on Nominations, to which were referred the following appointments, have had same under consideration and report them back to the Senate with a recommendation that they be confirmed:
Members, Finance Commission of Texas: Robert Ivan Borochoff, Harris County; Hector J. Cerna, Maverick County; Margaret Mary Curl, Dallas County; Phillip Andrew Holt, Fannin County, Matthew Christopher Moore, Randall County; Vincent Edward Puente, Tarrant County.
Members, State Board of Dental Examiners: Renee Susanne Cornett, Travis County; Diane Milliken Garza, Cameron County; Bryan Neal Henderson, Dallas County; Jorge E. Quirch, Fort Bend County; Michael D. Tillman, Parker County; Richard Dietrich Villa, Hays County.
Member, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Jonathan Karl Niermann, Travis County.
Member, Texas Racing Commission: Margaret L. Martin, Kendall County.
NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION OF NOMINATIONS
Senator Birdwell gave notice that he would tomorrow submit to the Senate for consideration nominations to agencies, boards, and commissions of the state.
SENATE RESOLUTION 296
Senator Hall offered the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Kaufman County are gathering in Austin on March 27, 2017, to celebrate Kaufman County Day at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Situated in the fertile blackland prairie of Northeast Texas, Kaufman County was home to Cherokee and Caddo Indians when settlers arrived in 1840 and established a community that became known as Kingsboro; and
WHEREAS, In 1848, Kaufman County was carved out of Henderson County and named in honor of David Spangler Kaufman, a member of the Texas Legislature and the United States Congress; three years later, the settlement of Kingsboro became the county seat and took the new name of Kaufman; and
WHEREAS, Among the area's notable historic sites is the Kaufman County Poor Farm, which was established in 1883 to provide housing to indigent residents; other landmarks include the Porter Farm near Terrell, the Spellman Museum of Forney History, the Kaufman County Veterans Memorial Park and Vietnam Memorial Wall, the Terrell Heritage Museum, and the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum in Terrell; and
WHEREAS, Treasuring their rich heritage as they look forward to a bright and promising future, the citizens of Kaufman County may take great pride in the role their communities continue to play in the story of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby recognize March 27, 2017, as Kaufman County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable visit.
SR 296 was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Hall was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Kaufman County Day delegation, accompanied by Kaufman Chamber of Commerce President Anne Glasscock and Terrell Economic Development Corporation Vice-president Dawn Steil.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Kolkhorst was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas Historical Commission delegation celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Chisholm Trail.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
PHYSICIAN OF THE DAY
Senator Burton was recognized and presented Dr. Richard Young of Fort Worth as the Physician of the Day.
The Senate welcomed Dr. Young and thanked him for his participation in the Physician of the Day program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.
CONCLUSION OF MORNING CALL
The President at 2:20 p.m. announced the conclusion of morning call.
SENATE BILL 730 ON SECOND READING
Senator Bettencourt moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 730 at this time on its second reading:
SB 730, Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of income-producing tangible personal property having a value of less than a certain amount.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
SENATE BILL 730 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 730 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 629 ON SECOND READING
Senator Schwertner moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 629 at this time on its second reading:
SB 629, Relating to liability for interest if land appraised for ad valorem tax purposes as agricultural or open-space land is sold or diverted to a different use.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0, Present-not voting 1.
Present-not voting: Huffines.
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:
Present-not voting: Huffines.
SENATE BILL 629 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 629 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0, Present-not voting 1.
Present-not voting: Huffines.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0, Present-not voting 1. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 594 ON SECOND READING
Senator Creighton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 594 at this time on its second reading:
SB 594, Relating to the procedure for the approval of rules adopted by the comptroller relating to the appraisal of qualified open-space land and qualified timber land for ad valorem tax purposes.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
SENATE BILL 594 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 594 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.
MOTION TO PLACE
SENATE BILL 330 ON SECOND READING
Senator Rodríguez moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 330 at this time on its second reading:
SB 330, Relating to the qualification of land for appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes as qualified open-space land.
Senator Rodríguez withdrew the motion to suspend the regular order of business.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator West was recognized and introduced to the Senate a University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law delegation.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RULE 5.14(a) SUSPENDED
(Intent Calendar)
On motion of Senator Kolkhorst and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 5.14(a), requiring bills to be posted on the Intent Calendar by 3:00 p.m., was suspended and the time was extended to 5:00 p.m. today.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The President acknowledged the presence of David "The Admiral" Robinson.
The Senate welcomed its guest.
SENATE RESOLUTION 509
Senator Huffman offered the following resolution:
SR 509, Recognizing the Greater Houston Pachyderm Club.
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Huffman was recognized and introduced to the Senate Greater Houston Pachyderm Club members, accompanied by Martha Wong and SJ Swanson.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 16 ON SECOND READING
Senator Nichols moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 16 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 16, Relating to decreasing the fee for the issuance of an original or renewed license to carry a handgun.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Estes, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffines, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Miles, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor of Galveston, Taylor of Collin, Uresti, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Nays: Garcia, Menéndez, Rodríguez, Watson, West.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Nichols offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 16 (senate committee printing) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Section 411.190(c), Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
(c) In the manner applicable to a person who applies for a license to carry a handgun, the department shall conduct a background check of a person who applies for certification as a qualified handgun instructor. If the background check indicates that the applicant for certification would not qualify to receive a handgun license, the department may not certify the applicant as a qualified handgun instructor. If the background check indicates that the applicant for certification would qualify to receive a handgun license, the department shall provide handgun instructor training to the applicant. The applicant shall pay a fee of $100 to the department for the training. The applicant must take and successfully complete the training offered by the department and pay the training fee before the department may certify the applicant as a qualified handgun instructor. The department shall issue a license to carry a handgun under the authority of this subchapter to any person who is certified as a qualified handgun instructor and who pays to the department a fee of $40 [$100] in addition to the training fee. The department by rule may prorate or waive the training fee for an employee of another governmental entity.
The amendment to CSSB 16 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSSB 16 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: Garcia, Menéndez, Rodríguez, Watson, West.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 16 ON THIRD READING
Senator Nichols moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 16 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Estes, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffines, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Miles, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor of Galveston, Taylor of Collin, Uresti, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Nays: Garcia, Menéndez, Rodríguez, Watson, West.
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 BILL 20 ON THIRD READING
Senator Taylor of Galveston moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 20 at this time on its third reading and final passage:
CSSB 20, Relating to health plan and health benefit plan coverage for abortions.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Estes, Hall, Hancock, Huffines, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor of Galveston, Taylor of Collin.
Nays: Garcia, Hinojosa, Menéndez, Miles, Rodríguez, Uresti, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10. (Same as previous roll call)
STATEMENT REGARDING SENATE BILL 20
Senator Zaffirini submitted the following statement regarding SB 20:
As a strong pro-life senator, I always vote for pro-life bills that address the sanctity of life. SB 20, however, is not a pro-life bill and is based on a false premise. Specifically, I do not believe that health plan coverage of abortion causes one person's premium contributions to subsidize another person's abortion, as the bill's proponents assert. What's more, I believe the effect of the bill would be to place an undue burden on access to a procedure that is guaranteed as a constitutional right.
Although the bill purports to maintain access to care by allowing insurance plans to offer abortion coverage on a separate, standalone basis, doing so could lead to that separate risk pool becoming overpopulated with those likeliest to file claims, thereby causing premiums to rise and effectively ending access to coverage. Because this bill purports to solve a problem I do not believe exists, and because in so doing it risks denying insurance coverage for a lawful procedure, I voted no.
ZAFFIRINI
STATEMENT REGARDING SENATE BILL 20
Senator Rodríguez submitted the following statement regarding SB 20:
I submit this statement to explain my vote against Senate Bill 20. Families rely on health insurance to protect themselves from unknown emergency medical situations, and this bill fails to consider that pregnancy comes with the risk of a multitude of health complications, some of which may require abortion services. By restricting families' ability to insure themselves for these circumstances, S.B. 20 creates unnecessary governmental interference in how insurance companies conduct business, and places women at risk by limiting their access to safe, medical abortions.
The exercise of one's constitutional rights, including the access to health care and ability to purchase coverage for all emergency situations, should not be limited by your income. By creating additional premiums and administrative complications for abortion coverage, this bill hinders abortion access even to those citizens with a secure income. But the greatest infringement of S.B. 20 is on Texans who depend on health plans within the government-subsidized exchanges, as these individuals may not have the option to seek private coverage for abortion services. I believe that all Texans deserve the same access to medical care regardless of their income and insurance carrier, and this bill discriminates against Texans who rely on the health insurance exchange.
Sufficient policies already exist to ensure taxpayer monies do not fund abortions. The language of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) states that federal dollars cannot be used to fund abortions, with the exceptions of rape/incest and life endangerment, and that individuals must pay premiums out-of-pocket to cover all other abortions. The Hyde Amendment has prohibited public funding for abortion since 1976, and President Obama's Executive Order reaffirms that this amendment is operative under the ACA. With these guidelines already in place, the financial responsibility for coverage for abortions lies solely with private citizens. Restricting their ability to use their own money for this purpose creates extraneous barriers to both abortion care as well as citizens' power to protect themselves against a medical emergency.
In addition, the lack of sufficient exceptions in S.B. 20 fails to account for the wide array of health complications possible during a pregnancy. The only current exception outlined in this bill is if the procedure is essential to save the woman's life or prevent permanent damage to a major bodily function. The ambiguity of these acceptable conditions is dangerous, as it impedes physicians from acting with medical discretion and forces them to instead provide care in compliance with standards that may conflict with the best interest of the woman. Furthermore, the bill does not include exceptions for treatment for potentially fatal diseases, rape, incest or severe fetal abnormalities that affect viability. This omission is inconsistent with other areas of code, and could exacerbate trauma to women in these difficult circumstances.
S.B. 20 puts women's health and well-being at risk by restricting their ability to insure themselves for all emergency situations. As with any law that chips away at access to abortion, this increases the risk of unsafe and illegal practices. Rather than imposing superfluous restrictions that bar women from medical services, our goal should be to bolster women's security in having safe, readily-available health care.
RODRÍGUEZ
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 23 ON SECOND READING
Senator Schwertner moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 23 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 23, Relating to requiring state contractors to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Estes, Hall, Hancock, Huffines, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor of Galveston, Taylor of Collin, West.
Nays: Garcia, Hinojosa, Menéndez, Miles, Rodríguez, Uresti, Watson, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Schwertner offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 23, in SECTION 4 of the bill, in proposed Section 2264.103(a), Government Code (Committee Printing, page 2, lines 20-21), by striking "the comptroller determines" and substituting "a state agency under Section 2264.102 determines".
The amendment to CSSB 23 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSSB 23 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Estes, Hall, Hancock, Huffines, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor of Galveston, Taylor of Collin, West.
Nays: Garcia, Hinojosa, Menéndez, Miles, Rodríguez, Uresti, Watson, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 717 ON SECOND READING
Senator Taylor of Collin moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 717 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 717, Relating to the reappraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of property damaged in a disaster.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 717 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 CSSB 717 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 5 ON SECOND READING
Senator Huffman moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 5 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 5, Relating to requiring a voter to present proof of identification; providing a criminal penalty.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Estes, Hall, Hancock, Huffines, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor of Galveston, Taylor of Collin.
Nays: Garcia, Hinojosa, Menéndez, Miles, Rodríguez, Uresti, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Huffman offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 5 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 3 of the bill, in added Section 63.0013, Election Code (page 2, line 55), by striking "knowingly" and substituting "intentionally".
The amendment to CSSB 5 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
Senator Huffman offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend CSSB 5 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 5 of the bill, in added Section 63.0101(a), Election Code (page 3, line 3, through page 3, line 19), by striking the text and substituting the following:
(a) The following documentation is an acceptable form of photo identification under this chapter:
(1) a driver's license, election identification certificate, or personal identification card issued to the person by the Department of Public Safety that has not expired or that expired no earlier than two years [60 days] before the date of presentation;
(2) a United States military identification card that contains the person's photograph that has not expired or that expired no earlier than two years [60 days] before the date of presentation;
(3) a United States citizenship certificate issued to the person that contains the person's photograph;
(4) a United States passport issued to the person that has not expired or that expired no earlier than two years [60 days] before the date of presentation; or
(5) a license to carry a handgun issued to the person by the Department of Public Safety that has not expired or that expired no earlier than two years [60 days] before the date of presentation.
The amendment to CSSB 5 was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2.
Senator Lucio offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 3
Amend CSSB 5 (senate committee printing) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 5 of the bill, in added Section 63.0101(b), Election Code (page 3, line 30), strike "or".
(2) In SECTION 5 of the bill, in added Section 63.0101(b), Election Code (page 3, line 33), strike the underscored period and substitute the following:
; or
(4) a student identification card issued by an institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education as those terms are defined by Section 61.003, Education Code.
The amendment to CSSB 5 was read.
On motion of Senator Huffman, Floor Amendment No. 3 was tabled by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Estes, Hall, Hancock, Huffines, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor of Galveston, Taylor of Collin.
Nays: Garcia, Hinojosa, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Rodríguez, Uresti, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Senator Rodríguez offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 4
Amend CSSB 5 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 3 of the bill, in added Section 63.0013(a), Election Code (page 2, line 56), between "Section 63.001(i)" and the underscored period, by inserting "with the intent to commit an offense under Section 64.012".
The amendment to CSSB 5 was read.
On motion of Senator Huffman, Floor Amendment No. 4 was tabled by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Estes, Hall, Hancock, Huffines, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor of Galveston, Taylor of Collin.
Nays: Garcia, Hinojosa, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Rodríguez, Uresti, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Senator Rodríguez offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 5
Amend CSSB 5 (senate committee printing) by striking all below the enacting clause and substituting the following:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 31, Election Code, is amended by adding Section 31.013 to read as follows:
Sec. 31.013. MOBILE LOCATIONS FOR OBTAINING IDENTIFICATION. (a) The secretary of state shall establish a program using mobile units to provide election identification certificates to voters for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of Section 63.001(b). A mobile unit may be used at special events or at the request of a constituent group.
(b) In establishing the program, the secretary of state shall consult with the Department of Public Safety on the creation of the program, security relating to the issuance of an election identification certificate, best practices in issuing an election identification certificate, and equipment required to issue an election identification certificate.
(c) The secretary of state may not charge a fee to a group that requests a mobile unit established under this section.
(d) If the secretary of state cannot ensure the required security or other necessary elements of the program, the secretary of state may deny a request for a mobile unit established under this section.
(e) The secretary of state shall adopt rules necessary for the implementation of this section.
SECTION 2. Subchapter E, Chapter 31, Election Code, is amended by adding Section 31.125 to read as follows:
Sec. 31.125. ELECTION IDENTIFICATION CERTIFICATES. (a) The county clerk shall provide a location at the county clerk's office and at each subcourthouse located in the county for the Department of Public Safety to issue an election identification certificate under Section 521A.001, Transportation Code, during all regular business hours.
(b) The secretary of state shall negotiate an agreement that the Department of Public Safety and each county clerk shall enter into for the purpose of issuing election identification certificates under this section.
SECTION 3. Section 63.001, Election Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (c-1) and (i) to read as follows:
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (h), on offering to vote, a voter must present to an election officer at the polling place:
(1) one form of photo identification listed in [described by] Section 63.0101(a); or
(2) one form of identification listed in Section 63.0101(b) accompanied by the declaration described by Subsection (i) [63.0101].
(c-1) An election officer may not refuse to accept documentation presented to meet the requirements of Subsection (b) solely because the address on the documentation does not match the address on the list of registered voters.
(i) If the requirement for identification prescribed by Subsection (b)(1) is not met, an election officer shall notify the voter that the voter may be accepted for voting if the voter meets the requirement for identification prescribed by Subsection (b)(2) and executes a declaration under penalty of perjury declaring the voter's identity. The secretary of state shall prescribe the following form of the affidavit:
DECLARATION OF VOTER'S IDENTITY TO BE COMPLETED BY VOTER
Name:
VOTER'S DECLARATION OF IDENTITY
By signing this declaration, I swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that my name is listed as ________________ on the official voter registration list, that I am that person, that I currently reside at__________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Signature of VoterDate
Sworn to and subscribed before me this
_____ day of __________, 20___
Presiding Judge _______________
SECTION 4. Section 63.0101, Election Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 63.0101. DOCUMENTATION OF PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION. (a) The following documentation is an acceptable form of photo identification under this chapter:
(1) a driver's license[, election identification certificate,] or personal identification card issued to the person by the Department of Public Safety or the equivalent agency of another state [that has not expired or that expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation];
(2) a United States military identification card that contains the person's photograph [that has not expired or that expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation];
(3) a United States citizenship certificate issued to the person that contains the person's photograph;
(4) a United States passport issued to the person [that has not expired or that expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation]; [or]
(5) a license to carry a handgun issued to the person by the Department of Public Safety;
(6) an election identification certificate issued to the person by the Department of Public Safety;
(7) a valid identification card that contains the person's photograph and is issued by:
(A) an agency or institution of the federal government; or
(B) an agency, institution, or political subdivision of any state;
(8) a photo identification card issued to the person by a municipal, county, or state governmental entity or the United States for the purpose of obtaining public benefits, including veteran's benefits, Medicaid, or Medicare;
(9) an official Native American tribal document that:
(A) contains the person's photograph; and
(B) is issued by a tribe that is federally recognized;
(10) a student identification card issued by an institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education as those terms are defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, that contains the person's photograph; or
(11) a United States Department of Veterans Affairs identification card, including a Veteran Health Identification Card, that contains the person's photograph [that has not expired or that expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation].
(b) The following documentation is acceptable as proof of identification under this chapter:
(1) a government document that shows the name and address of the voter, including the voter's voter registration certificate;
(2) one of the following documents that shows the name and address of the voter:
(A) a copy of a current utility bill;
(B) a bank statement;
(C) a government check; or
(D) a paycheck; or
(3) a certified copy of a domestic birth certificate or other document confirming birth that is admissible in a court of law and establishes the person's identity.
(c) A person 70 years of age or older may use a form of identification listed in Subsection (a) that has expired for the purposes of voting if the identification is otherwise valid.
(d) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a form of acceptable identification listed by Subsection (a) that has not expired or expired not earlier than four years before the date of presentation may be used as an acceptable form of photo identification if the identification is otherwise valid.
SECTION 5. Section 65.0541(a), Election Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) A voter who is accepted for provisional voting under Section 63.011 because the voter does not meet the identification requirements of Section 63.001(b) may, not later than the sixth day after the date of the election:
(1) present [a form of identification described by Section 63.0101] to the voter registrar for examination:
(A) a form of identification described by Section 63.0101(a); or
(B) a form of identification described by Section 63.0101(b) accompanied by the declaration described by Section 63.001(i); or
(2) execute an affidavit described by Section 65.054(b)(2)(B) or (C) in the presence of the voter registrar.
SECTION 6. Section 272.011(b), Election Code, is amended to read as follows:
(b) The secretary of state shall prepare the translation for election materials required to be provided in a language other than English or Spanish for the following state prescribed voter forms:
(1) voter registration application form required by Section 13.002;
(2) the confirmation form required by Section 15.051;
(3) the voting instruction poster required by Section 62.011;
(4) the declaration of voter's identity required by Section 63.001(b);
(5) the statement of residence form required by Section 63.0011;
(6) [(5)] the provisional ballot affidavit required by Section 63.011;
(7) [(6)] the application for a ballot by mail required by Section 84.011;
(8) [(7)] the carrier envelope and voting instructions required by Section 86.013; and
(9) [(8)] any other voter forms that the secretary of state identifies as frequently used and for which state resources are otherwise available.
SECTION 7. Section 521A.001(a), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) The department shall issue an election identification certificate to a person who states that the person is obtaining the certificate for the purpose of satisfying Section 63.001(b), Election Code, and does not have another form of identification described by Section 63.0101(a) [63.0101], Election Code, and:
(1) who is a registered voter in this state and presents a valid voter registration certificate; or
(2) who is eligible for registration under Section 13.001, Election Code, and submits a registration application to the department.
SECTION 8. This Act takes effect January 1, 2018.
The amendment to CSSB 5 was read.
On motion of Senator Huffman, Floor Amendment No. 5 was tabled by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Estes, Hall, Hancock, Huffines, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor of Galveston, Taylor of Collin.
Nays: Garcia, Hinojosa, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Rodríguez, Uresti, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
CSSB 5 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Burton, Campbell, Creighton, Estes, Hall, Hancock, Huffines, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor of Galveston, Taylor of Collin.
Nays: Garcia, Hinojosa, Menéndez, Miles, Rodríguez, Uresti, Watson, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
REMARKS ORDERED PRINTED
On motion of Senator Lucio and by unanimous consent, the remarks by Senators Huffman and Lucio regarding CSSB 5 were ordered reduced to writing and printed in the Senate Journal as follows:
Senator Lucio: Senator, you know, your bill does a pretty good job of implementing the interim court order on voter ID, but obviously, it could be improved. And I'm going to be voting for your amendments. I think they're good amendments, and I hope you can consider my amendment. I've got to commend Senator Rodríguez, you know, for his remarks and his concerns about overall voter ID. You know, and I'm just thinking, because I haven't checked it out and I feel badly over it, but I will now. You know, what the requirements are if I'm 18 years of age, and I'm going to be going to fill out a registration form to become a voter in Texas, and I'm a citizen, and everything else. But I'm going to have some discussion on that particular item with you in a moment. Under your bill, though, I wanted to ask you what happens, what happens if an election officer questions the reasonableness of an impediment sworn to by a voter in a declaration? Now--
Senator Huffman: The, the bill specifically--
Senator Lucio: --now, under Section 2, under Section 2 of your bill, yes Ma'am, in subsection (d), it provides that starting on line 60, quote, an election officer may not question, and I repeat, may not question the reasonableness of an impediment sworn to by a voter in a declaration described by subsection (i). And my question again is, what happens if an election officer questions the reasonableness of an impediment, let's say transportation. What does your bill say or provide if this action is done? What happens to the election officer, what happens to him?
Senator Huffman: Well, the bill is silent to that, but it's, the bill is not silent to specifically instruct election officials that they may not question the reasonableness of an imped-- of the reason for the impediment.
Senator Lucio: But, but--
Senator Huffman: And I would think, you know, at these polling places, rarely is there just one person there. There's usually more than one and, I believe, if not many. And I believe that, that these officials are sworn to fulfill their duties. They receive training, they're specifically, are going to be instructed how to carry these duties out. And just like any other duties that we have elected officials or county officials or any election officials, that there's certain policies and procedures that they are required to follow, that we would hope and would assume that they would carry them out appropriately.
Senator Lucio: Well I, and we all hope that that's the case, but in case some election officer does question the reasonableness of, of an impediment sworn to by a voter, then I'm wondering how I would feel, knowing that I actually violated your legislation or the law in any way. And, and, and that's something I know that you said, said it right. We're mute to that. We don't describe anything in the bill in that, in that circumstance, and I hope that as we continue the process, something could be added and said about what repercussions might follow. But you know, Senator, I hope in today's modern technological-type world we live in that we can finally get to address voter ID through computers. A fingerprint, an actual picture of a teacher that goes in early in the morning, comes out late at night in her or his work at a school, that has the ability in an off period to go and into a teachers lounge and actually vote. You know, I think that's the greatest freedom we have in our country. And many of those that come here, I'm going to tell you, the many that I have met that have become citizens of the United States never miss an election. They feel that that's such an honor to be able to, to vote for their elected officials and those that will be governing us at every level of government. So, I hope as either this generation or the next comes on this floor, we can come to a system that affords people an opportunity like no other country in the world where we can actually vote from our homes, from the workplace, where we can trust that those participating in the process, you know, obviously will be doing the right thing through, you know, modern technology, a fingerprint, a picture, something that maybe hasn't even been invented or thought of. But I know we're heading in that direction, and I hope that that discussion leads us there. But I want to thank you for your work on this particular bill. I think that it's been on the table for a few years now. We need to make sense of what's best for Texas and try to be inclusive of everyone that is truly interested in getting involved in the political process, affording them an opportunity to participate, and making every effort that we can not to deny them something very sacred, their vote. Thank you.
Senator Huffman: Thank you, Senator Lucio.
RESOLUTIONS SIGNED
The President announced the signing of the following enrolled resolutions in the presence of the Senate: HCR 55, HCR 68.
SENATE BILL 298 REREFERRED
(Motion In Writing)
Senator Hinojosa submitted a Motion In Writing requesting that SB 298 be withdrawn from the Committee on Criminal Justice and rereferred to the Committee on Finance.
The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.
MOTION TO ADJOURN
On motion of Senator Whitmire and by unanimous consent, the Senate at 5:03 p.m. agreed to adjourn, upon completion of the introduction of bills and resolutions on first reading, until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.
SENATE BILLS ON FIRST READING
The following bills, filed on or before Friday, March 10, 2017, were introduced, read first time, and referred to the committees indicated:
SB 1926 by Lucio
Relating to authorization by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for certain public junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 1927 by Kolkhorst
Relating to requiring the Health and Human Services Commission to evaluate and implement changes to the Medicaid program to make the program more cost-effective, increase competition among providers, and improve health outcomes for recipients.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1928 by Kolkhorst
Relating to the frequency and location of certain meetings required by a prescriptive authority agreement.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1929 by Kolkhorst
Relating to a report on maternal mortality and the continuation of the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1930 by West
Relating to the adoption of cats and dogs previously used for research at public institutions of higher education.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 1931 by West
Relating to community land trusts.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1932 by West
Relating to eligibility requirements for registration as an interior designer.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1933 by West
Relating to the eligibility of certain criminal defendants for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1934 by Garcia
Relating to requiring the Teacher Retirement System of Texas to notify employees of an open-enrollment charter school of the revocation, nonrenewal, expiration, or surrender of a charter.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1935 by Hughes
Relating to disclosure of certain health care costs and shared savings between certain health benefit plans and state employees.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1936 by Hughes
Relating to the issuance of specially marked driver's licenses and personal identification certificates to disabled veterans.
To Committee on Veteran Affairs and Border Security.
SB 1937 by Hughes
Relating to the participation of certain counties in the collection improvement program.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1938 by Hughes
Relating to the method of calculating the salary of state judges.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1939 by Hughes
Relating to the movement of vehicles transporting sealed ocean cargo shipping containers; authorizing a fee.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1940 by Hughes
Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 271 as the Veterans Memorial Highway.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1941 by Hughes
Relating to the licensing and regulation of neurodiagnostic practitioners and neurodiagnostic technologists; requiring an occupational license; creating an offense; providing penalties and authorizing fees.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1942 by Hughes
Relating to the transportation or storage of a handgun or other firearm or ammunition by a license holder in a motor vehicle in a parking area of a primary or secondary school.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1943 by Hughes
Relating to restrictive covenants regarding firearms or firearms ammunition.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1944 by Hughes
Relating to the issuance of specialty plates to honor recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross medal with Valor.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1945 by Hughes
Relating to the Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1946 by Hughes
Relating to an award of costs an attorney's fees in a motion to dismiss for certain actions that have no basis in law or fact.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1947 by Hughes
Relating to adjudication of claims arising from certain written contracts with state agencies.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1948 by Hughes
Relating to electronic reporting requirements for an abortion facility.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1949 by Hughes
Relating to the regulation of certain sweepstakes in this state.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1950 by Hughes
Relating to damages in certain contract claims against the state.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1951 by Hughes
Relating to wage surveys for the determination of prevailing wage rates for certain contracts for public works.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1952 by Hughes
Relating to off-site sales by a dealer for antique or special interest vehicles that have been subject to a retail sale.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1953 by Hughes
Relating to indemnification and duties of engineers and architects under certain governmental contracts.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1954 by Hughes
Relating to participation in and contributions to the optional retirement program for certain employees of institutions of higher education.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1955 by Hughes
Relating to expunction of a notice of lis pendens.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1956 by Lucio
Relating to the expiration date of hunting and fishing licenses.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1957 by Lucio
Relating to a pilot program to reduce the cost of hunting and fishing licenses for nonresidents.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1958 by Lucio
Relating to the residency requirements for hunting and fishing licenses.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1959 by Lucio
Relating to certain comprehensive development agreements of the Texas Department of Transportation or a regional mobility authority.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1960 by Lucio
Relating to firearm safety awareness; decreasing the application and license fee for a license to carry a handgun.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1961 by Lucio
Relating to the relationship between public employers and fire and police employees.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1962 by Creighton
Relating to a sales and use tax exemption for property used in master recordings and admissions to certain amusement services.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1963 by Creighton
Relating to requirements for educator preparation program support for certain candidates for certification.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1964 by Creighton
Relating to the use of land in Jones State Forest for academic and economic purposes.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 1965 by Creighton
Relating to enforcement of child support obligations.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1966 by Creighton
Relating to certain procedures for cases and orders relating to the Title IV-D agency.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1967 by Creighton
Relating to modification of certain prescription drug benefits and coverage offered by certain health benefit plans.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1968 by Zaffirini
Relating to the state flag code.
To Committee on Veteran Affairs and Border Security.
SB 1969 by Kolkhorst
Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the Texas Racing Act, including conforming amendments.
To Committee on Administration.
SB 1970 by Kolkhorst
Relating to fantasy sports contests.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1971 by Kolkhorst, Buckingham
Relating to the set aside, collection, and transfer of certain money for the Texas-bred program.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1972 by Kolkhorst
Relating to the deposit and distribution by the Texas Racing Commission of certain pari-mutuel wagering funds to benefit the Texas-bred program.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1973 by Kolkhorst
Relating to the set aside, collection, and transfer of certain money for the Texas Racing Commission.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1974 by Whitmire
Relating to certain alcoholic beverage auction and raffle permits.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1975 by Whitmire
Relating to establishing the Texas Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony Committee to recognize and honor peace officers who were killed in the line of duty.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1976 by Whitmire
Relating to the eligibility process for customer service benefits.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1977 by Whitmire
Relating to the authority of the independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department to investigate and evaluate certain juvenile facilities.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1978 by Schwertner
Relating to the punishment for the offense of theft of cattle, horses, exotic livestock, exotic fowl, sheep, swine, or goats; increasing a criminal penalty; imposing a fee.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1979 by Schwertner
Relating to liability for the additional tax imposed on land appraised for ad valorem tax purposes as agricultural land if the use of the land changes as a result of a condemnation.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1980 by Schwertner
Relating to performance bonds for certain public improvements in certain municipalities.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1981 by Schwertner
Relating to selection of statewide competition locations by the University Interscholastic League.
To Committee on Education.
SB 1982 by Schwertner
Relating to the establishment of a university system center located in Brazos County as part of The Texas A&M University System.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 1983 by Miles
Relating to the creation of the Texas Urban Agricultural Innovation Authority.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1984 by Miles
Relating to the creation and funding of the urban farming pilot program and the creation of the Select Committee on Urban Farming.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1985 by Miles
Relating to the revocation or amendment of a certificate of public convenience and necessity for water utilities in a service area.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1986 by Lucio
Relating to the creation of an advisory committee on mental health issues affecting veterans within the Texas Veterans Commission.
To Committee on Veteran Affairs and Border Security.
SB 1987 by Lucio
Relating to the notice requirements for bills proposing the creation of or annexation of land to certain special purpose districts.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1988 by Lucio
Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain local laws concerning water and wastewater special districts, including conforming amendments.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1989 by Campbell
Relating to the elimination of straight-party voting for judicial offices.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1990 by Watson
Relating to low income housing tax credits awarded for certain developments.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1991 by Watson
Relating to the administration of federal funds under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1992 by Watson
Relating to the allocation of housing tax credits to developments within proximate geographical areas.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1993 by Rodríguez, Watson, Zaffirini
Relating to the licensing and other regulation of wrap lenders.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1994 by Zaffirini, Rodríguez, Watson
Relating to the financing of residential real estate purchases by means of a wrap mortgage loan; creating an offense.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1995 by Watson, Rodríguez, Zaffirini
Relating to disclosures in connection with certain wrap mortgage loan transactions; providing a criminal penalty.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1996 by Watson
Relating to the creation of the Rio de Vida Municipal Utility District No. 1; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 1997 by Watson
Relating to establishing a pilot program for professional support service provider services for persons who are deaf-blind.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1998 by Watson
Relating to the formal recognition of the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin and the School of Medicine at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and the participation of those schools in the Joint Admission Medical Program.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 1999 by Watson
Relating to energy resources planning for electric generation in ERCOT.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 2000 by Watson
Relating to the Major Events Reimbursement Program.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 2001 by Watson
Relating to defining the practice of psychology.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 2002 by Watson
Relating to regional or local health care programs for eligible individuals and employees of small employers.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 2003 by Watson
Relating to the low-income vehicle repair assistance, retrofit, and accelerated vehicle retirement program and local initiative air quality projects.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 2004 by Watson
Relating to the operation of a public transit motor bus by certain mass transit entities on an improved shoulder.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 2005 by Watson
Relating to the transfer of jurisdiction over and management of the property known as the French Legation to the Texas Historical Commission and to certain historic sites under the commission's jurisdiction.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 2006 by Watson
Relating to erecting or maintaining certain outdoor signs regulated by the Texas Department of Transportation.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 2007 by Taylor of Collin
Relating to the reimbursement of certain dentists under the Medicaid program.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 2008 by Taylor of Collin
Relating to claiming an exemption from required immunizations for public school students.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 2009 by Taylor of Collin
Relating to requiring a supplemental actuarial analysis by certain public retirement systems.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 2010 by Taylor of Collin
Relating to procedures for the determination of the validity of certain petitions filed in connection with an election.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 2011 by Taylor of Collin
Relating to the location and hours for early voting by personal appearance.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 2012 by Taylor of Collin
Relating to the study of an economic impact zone by the Texas Department of Transportation.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 2013 by Taylor of Collin
Relating to the disclosure of certain public information by a public school district.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 2014 by Creighton
Relating to consent of municipalities in the creation of municipal utility districts.
To Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
SB 2015 by Creighton
Relating to the Texas Sovereignty Act.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 2016 by Creighton
Relating to parental administrations for certain adults with intellectual disabilities and the prosecution of a related criminal offense.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 2017 by Creighton
Relating to the regulation of commercial shrimp unloading; requiring an occupational license and authorizing a fee for certain nonresident persons.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 2018 by Creighton
Relating to the donation of sick leave by state employees.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 2019 by Creighton
Relating to the punishment for the offense of tampering with a governmental record; increasing a criminal penalty.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 2020 by Creighton
Relating to voter information used for juror selections.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 2021 by Zaffirini
Relating to wage requirements for community rehabilitation programs participating in the purchasing from people with disabilities program.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 2022 by Zaffirini
Relating to competitive and integrated employment of persons with disabilities.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 2023 by Zaffirini
Relating to the implementation of the community living options information process for residents of certain facilities.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 2024 by Zaffirini
Relating to the personal needs allowance for participants in home and community-based waiver programs.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 2025 by Zaffirini
Relating to the establishment of a peer support program for residents of state supported living centers.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 2026 by Rodríguez
Relating to a study and report by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on the use of green stormwater infrastructure in this state.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 2027 by Rodríguez
Relating to a study to evaluate by region training and employment opportunities in this state for individuals with an intellectual disability.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 2028 by Rodríguez
Relating to the procedure for qualifying for the exemption from ad valorem taxation of pollution control property.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 2029 by Rodríguez
Relating to funding for new and existing migrant labor housing facilities; establishing an interagency task force to provide support for migrant agricultural workers.
To Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.
SB 2030 by Buckingham
Relating to the performance and appeal of utilization review by and under the direction of physicians.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 2031 by Buckingham
Relating to the inclusion of a student loan repayment benefit in a cafeteria plan administered for state employees.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 2032 by Bettencourt
Relating to the authority of the Texas State Technical College System to offer technical-vocational courses or programs.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 2033 by Bettencourt
Relating to the fixed tuition price plan offered by certain general academic teaching institutions.
To Committee on Higher Education.
SB 2034 by Miles
Relating to creation of a task force to study the health effects of concrete and rock crushing.
To Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.
SB 2035 by Zaffirini
Relating to the regulation of athlete agents.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 2036 by Zaffirini
Relating to liability insurance or other proof of financial responsibility for persons holding certain alcoholic beverage permits; authorizing a fee.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 2037 by Zaffirini
Relating to a request for 9-1-1 services by text message.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 2038 by Zaffirini
Relating to the composition of the Contract Advisory Team.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 2039 by Zaffirini
Relating to the development of a program and training for public schools on the prevention of sexual abuse and sex trafficking and participation by the human trafficking prevention task force in that development.
To Committee on Education.
SB 2040 by Zaffirini
Relating to the content of an application for Medicaid.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 16
On motion of Senator Nichols, Senators Campbell and Taylor of Galveston will be shown as Co-authors of SB 16.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 20
On motion of Senator Taylor of Galveston, Senators Birdwell, Buckingham, and Burton will be shown as Co-authors of SB 20.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 27
On motion of Senator Campbell, Senators Garcia, Hinojosa, and Zaffirini will be shown as Co-authors of SB 27.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 88
On motion of Senator Hall, Senators Birdwell and West will be shown as Co-authors of SB 88.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 115
On motion of Senator Huffines, Senators Garcia and Schwertner will be shown as Co-authors of SB 115.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 179
On motion of Senator Menéndez, Senator Garcia will be shown as Co-author of SB 179.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 238
On motion of Senator Menéndez, Senator Huffines will be shown as Co-author of SB 238.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 256
On motion of Senator Taylor of Collin, Senator Menéndez will be shown as Co-author of SB 256.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 325
On motion of Senator Burton, Senators Hinojosa and Garcia will be shown as Co-authors of SB 325.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 327
On motion of Senator Burton, Senator Menéndez will be shown as Co-author of SB 327.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 330
On motion of Senator Rodríguez, Senators Garcia and Zaffirini will be shown as Co-authors of SB 330.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 361
On motion of Senator Nichols, Senator Taylor of Galveston will be shown as Co-author of SB 361.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 407
On motion of Senator Watson, Senator Perry will be shown as Co-author of SB 407.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 408
On motion of Senator Watson, Senator Perry will be shown as Co-author of SB 408.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 491
On motion of Senator Watson, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 491.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 570
On motion of Senator Rodríguez, Senator Birdwell will be shown as Co-author of SB 570.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 629
On motion of Senator Schwertner, Senators Bettencourt and Zaffirini will be shown as Co-authors of SB 629.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 717
On motion of Senator Taylor of Collin, Senators Garcia, Hinojosa, Lucio, and Zaffirini will be shown as Co-authors of SB 717.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 728
On motion of Senator Taylor of Collin, Senator Rodríguez will be shown as Co-author of SB 728.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 730
On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senator Lucio will be shown as Co-author of SB 730.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 790
On motion of Senator Miles, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 790.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 829
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Huffines will be shown as Co-author of SB 829.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 936
On motion of Senator Huffman, Senator Buckingham will be shown as Co-author of SB 936.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1066
On motion of Senator Schwertner, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 1066.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 1091
On motion of Senator Seliger, Senators Zaffirini and West will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1091.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1157
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Burton will be shown as Co-author of SB 1157.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1454
On motion of Senator Watson, Senator Garcia will be shown as Co-author of SB 1454.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1806
On motion of Senator Huffman, Senator Nelson will be shown as Co-author of SB 1806.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1837
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Nichols will be shown as Co-author of SB 1837.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 43
On motion of Senator Huffman, Senator Seliger will be shown as Co-author of SJR 43.
RESOLUTIONS OF RECOGNITION
The following resolutions were adopted by the Senate:
Memorial Resolution
SR 507 by Creighton, In memory of William Ross "Iron Bill" Dowling.
Congratulatory Resolutions
SR 466 by Campbell, Recognizing Barton Middle School and Dr. T. C. McCormick Jr. Middle School for their commitment to excellence in education.
SR 484 by Campbell, Recognizing Blaine Scott and his family for their service to veterans.
SR 492 by Taylor of Galveston, Recognizing Tristan Gene Autry on the occasion of his high school graduation.
SR 493 by Taylor of Galveston, Recognizing Rafe Jordan Borne on the occasion of his high school graduation.
SR 494 by Taylor of Galveston, Recognizing Michael Laurence Baldridge on the occasion of his high school graduation.
SR 495 by Taylor of Galveston, Recognizing Brianna C. Brown on the occasion of her high school graduation.
SR 496 by Taylor of Galveston, Recognizing Karley E. Frankum on the occasion of her high school graduation.
SR 497 by Taylor of Galveston, Recognizing Rebekah Elaine Bullman on the occasion of her high school graduation.
SR 498 by Taylor of Galveston, Recognizing Kayley Marie Fuqua on the occasion of her high school graduation.
SR 499 by Taylor of Galveston, Recognizing Tyler Layne Hennig on the occasion of his high school graduation.
SR 500 by Taylor of Galveston, Recognizing Hannah Christine Henson on the occasion of her high school graduation.
SR 501 by Taylor of Galveston, Recognizing Garrett M. Horning on the occasion of his high school graduation.
SR 502 by Taylor of Galveston, Recognizing Derek Ryan Meyer on the occasion of his high school graduation.
SR 503 by Taylor of Galveston, Recognizing Madeline Meylor on the occasion of her high school graduation.
SR 504 by Taylor of Galveston, Recognizing Seth Albert Miles on the occasion of his high school graduation.
SR 505 by Schwertner, Recognizing the 183rd Recon Aviation Company on the occasion of its reunion.
SR 508 by Hinojosa, Recognizing Lynn Burton on the occasion of his retirement.
SR 510 by Menéndez, Recognizing the Society of Mary on the occasion of its 200th anniversary.
Official Designation Resolution
SR 506 by Schwertner, Creighton, Huffman, Kolkhorst, and Taylor of Collin, Recognizing March 23, 2017, as Community Impact Newspaper Day.
ADJOURNMENT
Pursuant to a previously adopted motion, the Senate at 5:26 p.m. adjourned until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.
APPENDIX
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following committee reports were received by the Secretary of the Senate in the order listed:
March 27, 2017
NOMINATIONS — CSSB 705, CSSB 670
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS — SB 976, SB 758, SB 737, SB 622, SB 601
TRANSPORTATION — CSSB 82
STATE AFFAIRS — CSSB 2190
TRANSPORTATION — CSSB 28, CSSB 128
EDUCATION — CSSB 490, CSSB 3
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE — CSSB 78
FINANCE — SB 9
BILLS ENGROSSED
March 22, 2017
SB 29, SB 267, SB 286, SB 326, SB 347, SB 364, SB 365, SB 448, SB 495, SB 497, SB 539, SB 559, SB 658, SB 679, SB 731, SB 802, SB 972, SB 1009, SB 1124
RESOLUTIONS ENROLLED
March 22, 2017
SR 424, SR 468, SR 472, SR 473, SR 474, SR 475, SR 476, SR 477, SR 479, SR 480, SR 481, SR 482
March 23, 2017
SR 483, SR 485, SR 486, SR 488, SR 489, SR 490, SR 491