TWENTY-FIRST DAY
(Monday, April 12, 2021)
The Senate met at 2:17 p.m. pursuant to adjournment and was called to order by President Pro Tempore Birdwell.
The roll was called and the following Senators were present: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Powell, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
The President Pro Tempore announced that a quorum of the Senate was present.
Senator Taylor offered the invocation as follows:
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, as we gather today at the start of this legislative week, I thank You for Your overwhelming love for all, for Your exceeding grace, and for Your provision of wisdom and knowledge to those who seek You and ask You to impart it to them. As we work through and deliberate the issues we face as a state, many times we feel overwhelmed by the complexities and divisions. But as Your message for us reminds us, it's in these times we feel weakest that You make us strong. Today, Lord, I especially need to be mindful of that. May we always remember, Lord, we serve in these roles and we are at our best as leaders, we take on the role of servants to those who we serve. I thank You for the opportunity to serve this great state and its people. I also thank You for the blessings of serving with this group of individuals from across this great land that You have gathered here to serve. I ask that Your presence be among us as we deliberate here today, and I do ask that You grant us Your wisdom and discernment for I know that the plans You have for us far exceed anything we could plan for ourselves. All these things I pray with a heart of gratitude and with hopeful expectations for our future. 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, April 12, 2021 - 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 expansion of broadband services to certain areas.
Relating to protective orders; making conforming changes.
Relating to notifying an alleged perpetrator of child abuse or neglect of the person's right to record an investigative interview.
Relating to common and public nuisances.
Relating to the transfer of vacation leave time to a sick leave pool in certain counties.
Relating to prohibiting discrimination against living organ donors by certain insurers.
Relating to the authority of a county to require electronic bids or proposals for competitive bidding.
Relating to the administration of a veterans treatment court program.
Relating to the terminology used to refer to an individualized education program team.
Relating to the creation of a specialty treatment court for certain individuals residing with a child who is the subject of a juvenile court case.
Relating to the enforcement of commercial motor vehicle safety standards in certain counties.
Relating to a study on the suitability of unused and underused public facilities for joint use by state and local governmental entities and artists.
Relating to the expansion of the Texas Innovative Adult Career Education (ACE) Grant Program to include certain nonprofit organizations providing job training to veterans.
Relating to Texas Department of Criminal Justice transfer facilities.
Relating to notice of a modification to the medical certification information on certain death certificates.
Relating to service contracts for leased or purchased motor vehicles.
Relating to a program administered by the Texas Veterans Commission to provide energy industry career training for veterans.
Relating to the establishment of a bone marrow donor recruitment program.
Relating to the eligibility of emergency service dispatchers to participate in a public safety employees treatment court program.
Relating to the exemption of certain property from municipal drainage service charges.
Relating to the selection of public members to serve on a county's salary grievance committee.
Relating to fees charged by certain persons for the method used for payments made under an agreement.
Relating to the composition of the board of trustees of the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
Relating to a report on recidivism rates.
Relating to the Texas natural gas vehicle grant program.
Relating to the appointment of a judge or magistrate to preside over a regional specialty court program and the authority of that judge or magistrate in cases referred to the program.
Relating to a petition filed for a place on the ballot for the board of directors for the Montgomery County Hospital District.
Relating to expedited death certificates for religious purposes in certain counties.
Relating to access to a residence or former residence to retrieve certain personal property.
Relating to a requirement that a decree of divorce include the date of the marriage.
Relating to the presence of a qualified facility dog or qualified therapy animal in certain court proceedings.
Relating to the issuance of specialty license plates to honor recipients of the Presidential Service Badge.
Relating to county road reports.
Relating to military readiness for purposes of the college, career, or military readiness outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program.
Relating to the inclusion of a nonprofit attraction on a specific information logo sign.
Relating to proof of eligibility for medical priority boarding of ferries operated by the Texas Department of Transportation; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the period for which certain land owned by a religious organization for the purpose of expanding a place of religious worship or constructing a new place of religious worship may be exempted from ad valorem taxation.
Relating to the membership of the board of managers for certain emergency communication districts.
Relating to the prohibited suspension of laws protecting religious freedom and prohibited closure of places of worship.
Relating to the definition of personal property for purposes of removing personal property from a roadway or right-of-way.
Relating to the time for making required reports of deceased residents of this state to a voter registrar and to the secretary of state.
Relating to the provision of certain notices in guardianship proceedings.
Relating to service of process on institutions and organizations in certain probate proceedings.
Relating to authorizing a petitioner for a protective order to separate the petitioner's wireless telephone number from the respondent's wireless telephone service account.
Relating to birth records of adopted persons; authorizing a fee.
Relating to procurement by a political subdivision of a contingent fee contract for legal services.
Relating to the transfer of certain state property from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to Stephens County.
Relating to an exemption for certain cemeteries from cemetery location restrictions.
Relating to paid leave for public officers and employees engaged in certain military service.
Relating to the regulation of on-site sewage disposal systems on certain leased land that is owned by the federal government.
Relating to liability coverage under a personal automobile insurance policy for a temporary vehicle provided to an insured by an automobile repair facility.
Relating to the administration of apprenticeship training programs.
Relating to annual continuing education requirements for certain court clerks.
Relating to the issuance of specialty license plates to honor members of the United States Army Special Forces.
Relating to the labeling of wine as originating from an area of this state or with the name of a vineyard in this state.
Relating to an exemption for certain cemeteries from cemetery location restrictions.
Relating to consumption of alcoholic beverages in public entertainment facilities and zones.
Relating to the designation of the portion of U.S. Highway 77 in Refugio County as the Second Lieutenant Lloyd "Pete" Hughes Medal of Honor Memorial Highway.
HB 2305
Thompson, Senfronia
Relating to the Texas Real Estate Research Center, the Real Estate Research Advisory Committee, and the Texas Real Estate Commission; increasing a fee.
Relating to the repeal of the real estate inspection recovery fund.
Relating to the administration and collection of sales and use taxes and certain fees applicable to sales involving marketplace providers.
Relating to the alternate provisions for ad valorem tax rate notices when the de minimis rate of a taxing unit exceeds the voter-approval tax rate.
Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 173 in Bandera County as the Master Sergeant Rodney Lee Buentello Memorial Highway.
Relating to a sales and use tax exemption for animals adopted from or sold by nonprofit animal welfare organizations.
Relating to the performance of a real property evaluation for use by certain financial institutions.
Relating to an annual audit of the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region.
Relating to the designation of the portion of State Highway 3 in Dickinson as the Sergeant Andrew James Creighton Memorial Highway.
Commending Mary Nan Story, Aurelia Holcomb, Mary Reed, Cathy Rains, and Martha Mears for their many years of service to the Texoma Exposition and Livestock Show.
In memory of Clyde Moody Siebman.
Paying tribute to the lives of the physicians and other health care workers who passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commemorating the 85th anniversary of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Congratulating Frederic M. Newman on his induction into the Petroleum Hall of Fame.
Congratulating Paul L. Morris on his induction into the Petroleum Hall of Fame.
Honoring the memory of Frank M. Late on the occasion of his posthumous induction into the Petroleum Hall of Fame.
Respectfully,
/s/Robert Haney, Chief Clerk
House of Representatives
MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR
The following Messages from the Governor were read and were referred to the Committee on Nominations:
April 12, 2021
Austin, Texas
TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:
I ask the advice, consent and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointments:
To be members of the Texas Board of Respiratory Care for terms to expire February 1, 2027:
Timothy R. "Tim" Chappell, M.D.
Plano, Texas
Sam G. "Gregg" Marshall, Ph.D.
Round Rock, Texas
Kandace D. "Kandi" Pool
San Angelo, Texas
The individuals listed above are being reappointed.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Greg Abbott
Governor
April 12, 2021
Austin, Texas
TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-SEVENTH 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 Public Utility Commission of Texas for a term to expire September 1, 2023:
Peter M. Lake
Austin, Texas
(replacing Arthur C. D'Andrea of Austin who resigned)
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Greg Abbott
Governor
April 12, 2021
Austin, Texas
TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:
I ask the advice, consent and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointment:
To be the Inspector General for Health and Human Services for a term to expire February 1, 2022:
Sylvia Hernandez Kauffman
Austin, Texas
(Ms. Kauffman is being reappointed)
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Greg Abbott
Governor
SENATE RULE 7.07(b) SUSPENDED
(Permission to Introduce)
(Motion In Writing)
Mr. President:
The following members hereby request to suspend Senate Rule 7.07(b), Limitations on Introduction, to permit the introduction of bills and resolutions as follows:
SCR 34 by Alvarado, Urging the United States Congress to pass the I am Vanessa Guillén Act.
SCR 38 by Campbell, Designating the Texas star mushroom as the official State Mushroom of Texas.
SCR 41 by Springer, Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification the "Keep Nine" amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
SB 2190 by Whitmire, Relating to new crimes committed while committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
SB 2195 by Kolkhorst, Relating to the relationship between pharmacists or pharmacies and pharmacy benefit managers or health benefit plan issuers, including relationships governed by contracts with managed care organizations under Medicaid and the child health plan program.
SB 2199 by Buckingham, Relating to electricity service provided by certain municipally owned utilities.
SB 2200 by Buckingham, Relating to certain regulations adopted by governmental entities regarding building products, materials, or methods used in the construction or renovation of residential or commercial buildings.
SB 2201 by Buckingham, Relating to prohibiting certain limitations on the operation of certain alcoholic beverage businesses and organizations that benefit veterans during a declared state of disaster.
SB 2202 by Creighton, Relating to civics instruction public school students and instruction policies in public schools.
The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.
SENATE BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FIRST READING
The following bills and resolutions were introduced, read first time, and referred to the committees indicated:
SB 2166 by Miles
Relating to the creation of the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 580; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 2190 by Whitmire
Relating to new crimes committed while committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 2193 by Buckingham
Relating to the creation of the Matthews Ranch Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 of Blanco County; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 2194 by Schwertner, Menéndez
Relating to the regulation of certain retail electric products.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
SB 2195 by Kolkhorst
Relating to the relationship between pharmacists or pharmacies and pharmacy benefit managers or health benefit plan issuers, including relationships governed by contracts with managed care organizations under Medicaid and the child health plan program.
To Committee on Health & Human Services.
SB 2196 by Creighton
Relating to the creation of the Cleveland Municipal Utility District No. 2; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 2197 by Creighton
Relating to the creation of the Montgomery County Municipal Utility District No. 183; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 2198 by Creighton
Relating to the creation of the Chambers County Municipal Utility District No. 7; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees and taxes.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 2199 by Buckingham
Relating to electricity service provided by certain municipally owned utilities.
To Committee on Administration.
SB 2200 by Buckingham
Relating to certain regulations adopted by governmental entities regarding building products, materials, or methods used in the construction or renovation of residential or commercial buildings.
To Committee on Administration.
SB 2201 by Buckingham
Relating to prohibiting certain limitations on the operation of certain alcoholic beverage businesses and organizations that benefit veterans during a declared state of disaster.
To Committee on Administration.
SB 2202 by Creighton
Relating to civics instruction public school students and instruction policies in public schools.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SCR 34 by Alvarado
Urging the United States Congress to pass the I am Vanessa Guillén Act.
To Committee on Veteran Affairs & Border Security.
SCR 38 by Campbell
Designating the Texas star mushroom as the official State Mushroom of Texas.
To Committee on Administration.
SCR 41 by Springer, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor
Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification the "Keep Nine" amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
HOUSE BILLS ON FIRST READING
The following bills received from the House were read first time and referred to the committees indicated:
HB 33 to Committee on Veteran Affairs & Border Security.
HB 103 to Committee on Criminal Justice.
HB 139 to Committee on Veteran Affairs & Border Security.
HB 315 to Committee on Criminal Justice.
HB 365 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 690 to Committee on Education.
HB 699 to Committee on Education.
HB 738 to Committee on Business & Commerce.
HB 785 to Committee on Education.
HB 868 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 1024 to Committee on Business & Commerce.
HB 1033 to Committee on Business & Commerce.
HB 1082 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 1118 to Committee on Finance.
HB 1227 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 1401 to Committee on Criminal Justice.
HB 1514 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 1658 to Committee on Finance.
HB 1677 to Committee on Administration.
HB 1689 to Committee on Business & Commerce.
HB 1729 to Committee on Business & Commerce.
HB 1755 to Committee on Business & Commerce.
HB 2073 to Committee on Local Government.
HB 2343 to Committee on Criminal Justice.
HB 2404 to Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development.
HB 2462 to Committee on Criminal Justice.
HB 2677 to Committee on Transportation.
SENATE RESOLUTION 236
Senator Creighton offered the following resolution:
SR 236, Recognizing the participants in the Texas A&M University Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program and Public Policy Internship Program.
The resolution was read.
On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the names of the Lieutenant Governor and Senators were added to the resolution as signers thereof.
On motion of Senator Creighton, SR 236 was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Creighton, joined by Senators Lucio, Nelson, Bettencourt, Miles, Paxton, Hughes, Hancock, and Schwertner, was recognized and introduced to the Senate Texas A&M University policy interns including Ryan Jones, Alicia Dixon, Christopher Livaudias, Joel Chavez, Matthew McCormick, Skyllar Duncan, Alexis Casiano, Whitney Sloan, Brittany Reed, and Faith Villarreal.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUEST PRESENTED
Senator Bettencourt was recognized and introduced to the Senate Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Galveston-Houston.
The Senate welcomed its guest.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
Senator Buckingham 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, Advisory Committee to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments: Sanjay Gautam Adhia, Fort Bend County; Matthew Duane Faubion, Bexar County; Randall MacNaughton, Bexar County; Denise Oncken, Harris County; Casey Colleen O'Neal, Travis County; Rogelio Cesar Rodriguez, El Paso County.
Presiding Officer, Alamo Regional Mobility Authority: Michael J. Lynd, Bexar County.
Members, Correctional Managed Health Care Committee: Jeffrey Keith Beeson, Tarrant County; John William Burruss, Collin County; Diego De la Mora, El Paso County; Robert Daniel Greenberg, Bell County.
Members, Council on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: Elie Rashid Balesh, El Paso County; Stanley Mathias Duchman, Harris County; Sherron Denise Franks-Meeks, Ector County; Suzanne Scism Hildebrand, Bexar County; Samantha Kersey, Galveston County; E'Loria Simon-Campbell, Harris County; Maricela Gonzalez Wilson, Travis County.
Member, Credit Union Commission: David Francis Shurtz, Parker County.
Director, Regulatory Compliance Division, Office of the Governor: Erin Bennett, Travis County.
Member, Board of Trustees, Employees Retirement System of Texas: James Kee, McLennan County.
Members, Governing Board, Texas Indigent Defense Commission: Alexander Bunin, Harris County; Valerie Covey, Williamson County; Richard Arlan Evans, Bandera County; Mary Koehler McDonald Medary, Nueces County; Gonzalo P. Rios, Tom Green County.
Members, Governing Board, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Maghan Nicole Gautney, Collin County; Beth Ann Ashby Jones, Collin County; Brenda Wood Lee, Brown County; Elaine Wallace Robertson, Fort Bend County; Bruce Sonnenberg, Lubbock County; Ernest Worthington, Dallas County.
Members, Board of Directors, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority: William Richard Carbonara, DeWitt County; Stephen Brent Ehrig, Gonzales County; Don B. Meador, Hays County; Sheila Leute Old, Guadalulpe County; Dennis Lynn Patillo, Victoria County; Andra Mueller Wisian, Kendall County.
Members, Judicial Compensation Commission: Carlos Zarahi Amaral, Collin County; Cynthia Olson Bourland, Williamson County; Jingjing Clemence, Fort Bend County; Philip Wayne Johnson, Lubbock County; Linda Walters Kinney, Kendall County; Curtis Herman Nelson, Bexar County; Scott Jon Salmans, McLennan County.
Presiding Officer, North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority: Linda Ryan Thomas, Gregg County.
Independent Ombudsman, Office of Independent Ombudsman, Texas Juvenile Justice Department: Jeffery Don Robertson, Hays County.
Public Counsel, Office of Public Insurance Counsel: Melissa Ruth Hamilton, Travis County.
Member, Public Utility Commission of Texas: James William McAdams, Williamson County.
Members, Board of Directors, Red River Authority of Texas: Mary Lou Bradley, Childress County; Jerry Dan Davis, Collingsworth County; Zackary Kiser Smith, Randall County; Stephen Alan Thornhill, Grayson County.
Members, School Land Board: Gilbert Burciaga, Travis County; Michael Rohrman, Dallas County.
Members, State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners: Sue Talaina Allen, McLennan County; Michael Andrew White, Montgomery County.
Members, State Pension Review Board: Christopher Elias Gonzales, Harris County; Stephanie Vincent Leibe, Hays County; Robert Douglas Ries, Travis County; Christopher Alan Zook, Harris County.
Members, State Soil and Water Conservation Board: Carl Ray Polk, Angelina County; Christine Russ Yturria Buford, Cameron County.
Member, Board of Regents, Stephen F. Austin State University: Robert Anthony Flores, Nacogdoches County.
Member, Board of Trustees, Teacher Retirement System of Texas: David Corpus, Harris County.
Members, Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists: Bereket Mebrahtu Derie, Williamson County; Margon Kathi Dillard, Fort Bend County; Steven William Fleming, Bexar County; Edward Francis Janak, Gillespie County; William Prescott, Potter County; LaFawn Denise Thompson, Comal County.
Members, Texas Commission on Fire Protection: David Eugene Coatney, Brazos County; Sue Ann Miner De Villez, Williamson County; John M. Glynn, Denton County; Phillip Hamilton, Potter County; Clyde Donald Loll, Walker County; Timothy Lynn Smith, Lubbock County; Kelly Don Vandygriff, Hale County; Russell Wynne Wilson, Dallas County.
Members, Board of Trustees, Texas County and District Retirement System: Tamberlin Rachel Biggar, Fannin County; Christopher Torrey Hill, Collin County; Chrisopher Lynn Taylor, Tarrant County; Holly Torbert Williamson, Harris County.
Members, Texas Juvenile Justice Board: Edeska Barnes, Jasper County; James P. Sabala Henry, Cochran County; Lisa Katherine Jarrett, Bexar County; Victoria A. Lattimore, Williamson County; Wesley Curtis Ritchey, Dallam County.
Members, Texas Medical Board: Arun Agarwal, Dallas County; James Salvatore Distefano, Brazos County; Roberto David Martinez, Hidalgo County; Jason Kelley Tibbels, Wise County.
Members, Board of Directors, Texas School Safety Center: Craig Robert Bessent, Taylor County; Edwin Stuart Flores, Dallas County; Cary B. Hedrick, Deaf Smith County; Andrew B. Kim, Comal County; James Michael Mosley, Hutchinson County; Teresa K. Oldham, Williamson County; Lizeth Cuellar Olivarez, Webb County; Kerri Washam Ranney, Montgomery County; Michael Lee Slaughter, Collin County; Jill Michelle Tate, Tarrant County; Alan S. Trevino, Burnet County; Robert Wade Wilson, Hardin County.
Members, Board of Directors, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation: Courtney Johnson Rose, Fort Bend County; Lemuel Curly Williams, Williamson County.
Members, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists: Jamie Alyson Becker, Collin County; Jeanette Deas Calhoun, Smith County; Sangeeta Swarup Singg, Tom Green County.
Members, Texas State Board of Pharmacy: Donald Gene Lewis, Henderson County; Bradley Alan Miller, Travis County; Donna Rogers Montemayor, Bexar County; Richard Arthur Tisch, Harris County.
Members, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy: Susan Irene Adams, Tarrant County; Kelly Vander Ploeg Aimone, Harris County; Renee Diane Foshee, Hays County; Ray Ramiro Garcia, Harris County; Jill Ann Holup, Travis County; Kevin James Koch, Bell County; Olivia Espinoza Riley, Dallas County; Debra Denise Seefeld, Montomery County; Jeannette Pierro Smith, Hidalgo County; Sheila Margaret Valles-Pankratz, Hidalgo County.
Members, Board of Directors, Upper Guadalupe River Authority: Lynda Lea Ables, Kerr County; Elwynn Allen, Kerr County; Aaron Clark Bulkley, Kerr County; Austin Cartwright Dickson, Kerr County; Diane Lund McMahon, Kerr County; Blake Wayne Smith, Kerr County.
NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION OF NOMINATIONS
Senator Buckingham gave notice that tomorrow she would submit to the Senate for consideration nominations to agencies, boards, and commissions of the state.
SENATE RULE 5.14(a) SUSPENDED
(Intent Calendar)
On motion of Senator Schwertner 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.
(President in Chair)
SENATE RESOLUTION 232
Senator West offered the following resolution:
SR 232, In memory of Charley Frank Pride.
The resolution was read.
On motion of Senator West and by unanimous consent, the names of the Lieutenant Governor and Senators were added to the resolution as signers thereof.
On motion of Senator West, the resolution was adopted by a rising vote of the Senate.
In honor of the memory of Charley Frank Pride, the text of SR 232 is printed at the end of today's Senate Journal.
SENATE RESOLUTION 233
Senator Lucio offered the following resolution:
SR 233, In memory of Roberto Ramiro Avitia Jr.
The resolution was read.
On motion of Senator Lucio, the resolution was adopted by a rising vote of the Senate.
In honor of the memory of Roberto Ramiro Avitia Jr., the text of SR 233 is printed at the end of today's Senate Journal.
CONCLUSION OF MORNING CALL
The President at 3:04 p.m. announced the conclusion of morning call.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 179 ON SECOND READING
Senator Lucio moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 179 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 179, Relating to the use of public school counselors' work time.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Blanco, Campbell, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Paxton, Powell, Seliger, Taylor, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Nays: Birdwell, Buckingham, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Hughes, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Schwertner, Springer.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 204 ON SECOND READING
Senator Schwertner moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 204 at this time on its second reading:
SB 204, Relating to the operation of a public school transportation system.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Powell, Schwertner, Springer, Taylor, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Nays: Eckhardt, Johnson, Miles, Seliger, West.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 204 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 204 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Powell, Schwertner, Springer, Taylor, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Nays: Eckhardt, Johnson, Miles, Seliger, 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 73 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Miles and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 73 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 73, Relating to providing access to local public health entities and certain health service regional offices under Medicaid.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment except as follows:
Nays: Hall, Hughes, Springer.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 73 ON THIRD READING
Senator Miles moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 73 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 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Powell, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hall, Hughes, Springer.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1112 ON THIRD READING
Senator Bettencourt moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1112 at this time on its third reading and final passage:
CSSB 1112, Relating to requirements for an early voting ballot voted by mail; creating a criminal offense.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 18, Nays 13.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hinojosa, Johnson, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Powell, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 18, Nays 13. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 1113 ON THIRD READING
Senator Bettencourt moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 1113 at this time on its third reading and final passage:
SB 1113, Relating to a registrar's failure to cancel voter registrations under applicable law.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 19, Nays 12.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Powell, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 19, Nays 12. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1114 ON THIRD READING
Senator Bettencourt moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1114 at this time on its third reading and final passage:
CSSB 1114, Relating to verification of the citizenship status of certain registered voters.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 18, Nays 13.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hinojosa, Johnson, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Powell, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 18, Nays 13. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 14 ON SECOND READING
Senator Creighton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 14 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 14, Relating to the regulation by a municipality or county of certain employment benefits and policies.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 19, Nays 12.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, Powell, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Creighton offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 14 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 83.002(c), Labor Code (page 1, between lines 47 and 48), by adding the following appropriately numbered subdivision to that subsection and renumbering subsequent subdivisions of that subsection accordingly:
( ) the authority of a political subdivision to negotiate the terms of employment with the political subdivision's employees;
The amendment to CSSB 14 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 West offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend CSSB 14 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 83.002(c), Labor Code (page 1, between lines 47 and 48), by adding the following appropriately numbered subdivision to that subsection and renumbering subsequent subdivisions of that subsection accordingly:
(__) an ordinance, order, rule, regulation, or policy relating to terms of employment for employees of a city or county, regardless of whether the ordinance, order, rule, regulation, or policy is adopted before, on, or after September 1, 2021;
The amendment to CSSB 14 was read.
Senator West withdrew Floor Amendment No. 2.
Senator West offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 3
Amend CSSB 14 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 83.002(c), Labor Code (page 1, between lines 47 and 48), by adding the following appropriately numbered subdivision to that subsection and renumbering subsequent subdivisions of that subsection accordingly:
(__) an ordinance, order, rule, regulation, or policy relating to terms of employment in contracts or agreements entered into between a private entity, including an organization representing city employees or county employees, and a governmental entity, regardless of whether the ordinance, order, rule, regulation, or policy is adopted before, on, or after September 1, 2021;
The amendment to CSSB 14 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. 3.
Senator Menéndez offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 4
Amend CSSB 14 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 83.002(c), Labor Code (page 1, between lines 47 and 48), by adding the following appropriately numbered subdivision to that subsection and renumbering subsequent subdivisions of that subsection accordingly:
( ) an ordinance, order, rule, regulation, or policy that prohibits discrimination, regardless of whether the ordinance, order, rule, regulation, or policy is adopted before, on, or after September 1, 2021;
MENÉNDEZ
POWELL
The amendment to CSSB 14 was read.
Senator Creighton moved to table Floor Amendment No. 4.
Senator Creighton withdrew his motion to table Floor Amendment No. 4.
Question recurring on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 4 to CSSB 14, the amendment failed of adoption by the following vote: Yeas 13, Nays 18.
Yeas: Alvarado, Blanco, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hinojosa, Johnson, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Powell, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor.
Senator Eckhardt offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 5
Amend CSSB 14 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 83.002(c), Labor Code (page 1, between lines 47 and 48), by adding the following appropriately numbered subdivision to that subsection and renumbering subsequent subdivisions of that subsection accordingly:
( ) an ordinance, order, rule, regulation, or policy that requires rest breaks for construction workers, regardless of whether the ordinance, order, rule, regulation, or policy is adopted before, on, or after September 1, 2021;
The amendment to CSSB 14 was read.
On motion of Senator Creighton, Floor Amendment No. 5 was tabled by the following vote: Yeas 18, Nays 13.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hinojosa, Johnson, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Powell, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
CSSB 14 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 19, Nays 12.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, Powell, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
SENATE BILL 44 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Zaffirini and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 44 at this time on its second reading:
SB 44, Relating to leave for state employees who are volunteers of certain disaster relief organizations.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment except as follows:
Nays: Creighton, Schwertner, Springer.
SENATE BILL 44 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 44 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 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Buckingham, Campbell, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Powell, Seliger, Taylor, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Schwertner, Springer.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 623 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Blanco and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 623 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 623, Relating to the investigation and punishment of certain sexual offenses, to protective orders issued on the basis of certain sexual offenses, to crime victims' compensation, and to the establishment of a state sexual offense prevention and response program for the Texas Military Department.
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 623 ON THIRD READING
Senator Blanco moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 623 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 1336 ON SECOND READING
Senator Hancock moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 1336 at this time on its second reading:
SB 1336, Relating to a limit on the rate of growth of certain appropriations.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 19, Nays 12.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Powell, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Hancock offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 1336 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 316.001(d)(2), Government Code (page 1, line 56), by striking "disaster recovery" and substituting "recovery from a disaster declared by the governor under Section 418.014".
The amendment to SB 1336 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.
SB 1336 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 19, Nays 12.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Powell, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
SENATE BILL 1234 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Hughes and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 1234 at this time on its second reading:
SB 1234, Relating to a requirement that a voting system use a paper record or produce a paper receipt for verification purposes.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Hughes offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 1234 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 1 of the bill, by striking the text of added Section 129.003, Election Code (page 1, lines 24-40), and substituting the following:
Sec. 129.003. PAPER AUDIT TRAIL REQUIRED. (a) In this section, "auditable voting system" means a voting system that:
(1) uses a paper record; or
(2) produces a paper record by which a voter can verify that the voter's ballot will be counted accurately.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (e), a voting system that consists of direct recording electronic voting machines may not be used in an election unless the system is an auditable voting system.
(c) Except for a recount under Title 13 or an election contest under Title 14, the electronic vote is the official record of the ballot. For a recount of ballots cast on a system involving direct recording electronic voting machines, or in an election contest, the paper record is the official record of the vote cast.
(d) An authority that purchased a voting system other than an auditable voting system after September 1, 2016, and before September 1, 2021, may use available federal funding and, if federal funding is not available, available state funding to retrofit the purchased voting system as an auditable voting system in accordance with the following schedule:
(1) if the voting system was retrofitted as an auditable voting system not later than the election taking place November 8, 2022, the authority is eligible to have 100 percent of the cost of retrofitting reimbursed under this section; and
(2) if the authority is not eligible for a 100 percent reimbursement of cost under Subdivision (1) and the voting system was retrofitted as an auditable voting system not later than the election taking place November 3, 2026, the authority is eligible to have 50 percent of the cost of retrofitting reimbursed under this section.
(e) Subsections (a)-(c) do not apply to an election held before September 1, 2026.
The amendment to SB 1234 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.
SB 1234 as amended was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
SENATE BILL 1234 ON THIRD READING
Senator Hughes moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 1234 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 367 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Miles and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 367 at this time on its second reading:
SB 367, Relating to the requirements for an application for a permit to drill an oil or gas well at a site adjacent to a well blowout site.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment except as follows:
Nays: Hughes, Springer.
SENATE BILL 367 ON THIRD READING
Senator Miles moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 367 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 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Powell, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hughes, Springer.
(Senator Springer in Chair)
(President in Chair)
SENATE BILL 669 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Perry, on behalf of Senator Springer, and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 669 at this time on its second reading:
SB 669, Relating to certain reports created by the Texas Water Development Board.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 669 ON THIRD READING
Senator Perry, on behalf of Senator Springer, moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 669 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 598 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Kolkhorst and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 598 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 598, Relating to auditable voting systems.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Kolkhorst offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 598 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 2 of the bill, adding Section 129.003, Election Code, as follows:
(1) Strike "or" (page 2, line 48).
(2) Insert the following (page 2, between lines 48 and 49):
(2) for an election contest under Title 14; or
(3) Strike "(2)" and substitute "(3)" (page 2, line 49).
The amendment to CSSB 598 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 Hall offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend CSSB 598 (senate committee printing) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, adding Subchapter I, Chapter 127, Election Code (page 2, between lines 26 and 27), insert the following:
Sec. 127.306. WAIVER NOT PERMITTED. The secretary of state may not waive any requirements of this subchapter.
(2) In SECTION 2 of the bill, adding Section 129.003, Election Code (page 3, between lines 11 and 12), insert the following:
(j) The secretary of state may not waive any requirements of this section.
(3) In SECTION 3 of the bill, amending Section 129.054, Election Code (page 3, between lines 26 and 27), insert the following:
(c) The secretary of state may not waive any requirements of this section.
The amendment to CSSB 598 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.
CSSB 598 as amended 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 598 ON THIRD READING
Senator Kolkhorst moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 598 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 646 ON SECOND READING
Senator Schwertner moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 646 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 646, Relating to county approval of certain proposed purchases or conversions of properties to house homeless individuals.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 18, Nays 13.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hinojosa, Johnson, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Powell, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Hall offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 646 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 1 of the bill as follows:
(1) In added Section 233.201(a), Local Government Code (page 1, lines 28 and 29), strike "person, including a political subdivision, may not" and substitute "political subdivision may not purchase or contract with a private entity to".
(2) In added Section 233.201(b), Local Government Code (page 1, lines 33 and 34), strike "person may not convert the use of a property owned by the person" and substitute "political subdivision may not convert or contract with a private entity to convert the use of a property owned by the political subdivision or private entity".
(3) In added Section 233.203, Local Government Code (page 1, lines 57 and 58), strike "person who intends to purchase or convert" and substitute "political subdivision that intends to purchase or convert or to contract with a private entity for the purchase or conversion of".
The amendment to CSSB 646 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 except as follows:
Nays: Eckhardt.
CSSB 646 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 18, Nays 13.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hinojosa, Johnson, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Powell, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
SENATE BILL 346 ON SECOND READING
Senator Paxton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 346 at this time on its second reading:
SB 346, Relating to the participation of open-enrollment charter schools in the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Gutierrez and Miles asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Hinojosa offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 346 (senate committee printing) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in amended Section 134.004(a), Education Code (page 1, line 28), between "colleges," and "and", insert "eligible nonprofit organizations,".
(2) Add the following appropriately numbered SECTIONS to the bill and renumber the SECTIONS of the bill appropriately:
SECTION ____. Section 134.001, Education Code, is amended by adding Subdivision (1-a) to read as follows:
(1-a) "Nonprofit organization" means an organization exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(a), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as an organization described by Section 501(c)(3) of that code.
SECTION ____. Chapter 134, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 134.005 to read as follows:
Sec. 134.005. GRANTS TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS FOR INNOVATIVE AND SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS. (a) The commission may award a grant to a nonprofit organization eligible under Subsection (b) for the development, support, or expansion of programs to prepare low-income students for careers in high-demand occupations.
(b) To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a nonprofit organization must:
(1) provide a program to offer assistance to low-income students in preparing for, applying to, and enrolling in a public junior college or public technical institute;
(2) be governed by a board or other governing structure that includes recognized leaders of broad-based community organizations and members of the local business community;
(3) demonstrate to the satisfaction of the advisory board that the organization's program has achieved or will achieve the following measures of success among program participants to the extent applicable to the type of program the organization provides:
(A) above-average completion of developmental education among participating public junior college or public technical institute students;
(B) above-average persistence rates among participating public junior college or public technical institute students;
(C) above-average certificate or degree completion rates by participating students within a three-year period compared to demographically comparable public junior college and public technical institute students; and
(D) employment of participating students at an average full-time starting wage that is equal to or greater than the prevailing wage for the occupation entered; and
(4) provide matching funds in accordance with rules adopted under Section 134.008.
(c) The matching funds required under Subsection (b)(4) may be obtained from any source available to the nonprofit organization, including in-kind contributions, community or foundation grants, individual contributions, and local governmental agency operating funds.
(d) Grants awarded under this section must be awarded in a manner that takes a balanced geographical distribution into consideration.
The amendment to SB 346 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.
SB 346 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: Gutierrez, Miles.
SENATE BILL 346 ON THIRD READING
Senator Paxton moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 346 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Eckhardt, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Powell, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.
Nays: Gutierrez, Miles.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE RULES SUSPENDED
(Posting Rules)
On motion of Senator Schwertner and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 11.10(a) and Senate Rule 11.18(a) were suspended in order that the Committee on Administration might meet today.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 14
On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator Lucio will be shown as Co-author of SB 14.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 21
On motion of Senator Huffman, Senator Nelson will be shown as Co-author of SB 21.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 40
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Seliger will be shown as Co-author of SB 40.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 111
On motion of Senator West, Senator Bettencourt will be shown as Co-author of SB 111.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 185
On motion of Senator Perry, Senator Hughes will be shown as Co-author of SB 185.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 450
On motion of Senator Hancock, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 450.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 513
On motion of Senator Hall, Senators Bettencourt and Perry will be shown as Co-authors of SB 513.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 538
On motion of Senator Blanco, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 538.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 550
On motion of Senator Springer, Senator Birdwell will be shown as Co-author of SB 550.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 572
On motion of Senator Springer, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 572.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 623
On motion of Senator Blanco, Senators Alvarado, Hinojosa, Lucio, Menéndez, West, and Zaffirini will be shown as Co-authors of SB 623.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 858
On motion of Senator Johnson, Senators Nichols and West will be shown as Co-authors of SB 858.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 865
On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator Menéndez will be shown as Co-author of SB 865.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 904
On motion of Senator Perry, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 904.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 938
On motion of Senator Campbell, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 938.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 964
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Menéndez will be shown as Co-author of SB 964.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 1126
On motion of Senator Springer, Senators Nelson and West will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1126.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1263
On motion of Senator Birdwell, Senator Nichols will be shown as Co-author of SB 1263.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1385
On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator Miles will be shown as Co-author of SB 1385.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1521
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 1521.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 1650
On motion of Senator Perry, Senators Hinojosa and Nichols will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1650.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1776
On motion of Senator Campbell, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-author of SB 1776.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 2026
On motion of Senator Taylor, Senator Bettencourt will be shown as Co-author of SB 2026.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 2038
On motion of Senator Menéndez, Senator Schwertner will be shown as Co-author of SB 2038.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 2092
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senators Johnson and Menéndez will be shown as Co-authors of SB 2092.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 2188
On motion of Senator Seliger, Senator Eckhardt will be shown as Co-author of SB 2188.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 3
On motion of Senator Paxton, Senators Huffman and Taylor will be shown as Co-authors of SCR 3.
RESOLUTIONS OF RECOGNITION
The following resolutions were adopted by the Senate:
Memorial Resolution
HCR 75 (Springer), In memory of Clyde Moody Siebman.
Congratulatory Resolutions
SR 235 by Creighton, Recognizing Lloyd Tisdale for his service on the San Jacinto River Authority Board of Directors.
SR 239 by Gutierrez, Recognizing Lauren O. Sawvel for being named a Boys & Girls Clubs Regional Military Youth of the Year.
SR 240 by Gutierrez, Recognizing Lauren A. Almendarez for being named a Boys & Girls Clubs Regional Youth of the Year.
SR 241 by Gutierrez, Recognizing Jaime Daniella P. Vegamora for being named a Boys & Girls Clubs Regional Military Youth of the Year.
HCR 80 (Seliger), Congratulating Frederic M. Newman on his induction into the Petroleum Hall of Fame.
HCR 81 (Seliger), Congratulating Paul L. Morris on his induction into the Petroleum Hall of Fame.
HCR 82 (Seliger), Honoring the memory of Frank M. Late on the occasion of his posthumous induction into the Petroleum Hall of Fame.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Senator Whitmire, the Senate at 5:40 p.m. adjourned, in memory of Charley Frank Pride and Roberto Ramiro Avitia Jr., until 12:00 p.m. tomorrow.
APPENDIX
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following committee reports were received by the Secretary of the Senate in the order listed:
April 12, 2021
VETERAN AFFAIRS AND BORDER SECURITY — CSSB 456
STATE AFFAIRS — SB 1253, CSSB 1678
FINANCE — CSSB 903
TRANSPORTATION — CSSB 1064
JURISPRUDENCE — CSSB 232, CSSB 335, CSSB 615, CSSB 1129
CRIMINAL JUSTICE — SB 568, CSSB 49, SB 1047, CSSB 1125, SB 1164, SB 1354
LOCAL GOVERNMENT — CSSB 526, CSSB 916
FINANCE — CSSB 288
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT — SB 952, SB 676, CSSB 518, CSSB 1261, CSSB 700, CSSB 1046
FINANCE — CSSB 475
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT — SB 1257, SB 818
LOCAL GOVERNMENT — CSSB 604, CSSB 1355
STATE AFFAIRS — CSSB 737, CSSB 18
LOCAL GOVERNMENT — CSSB 10
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT — CSSB 13
RESOLUTION ENROLLED
April 9, 2021
SR 234
BILLS ENGROSSED
April 12, 2021
SB 44, SB 73, SB 204, SB 346, SB 367, SB 598, SB 623, SB 669, SB 1112, SB 1113, SB 1114, SB 1234
RESOLUTIONS ENROLLED
April 12, 2021
SR 232, SR 233, SR 235, SR 236, SR 239, SR 240, SR 241
In Memory
of
Charley Frank Pride
Senate Resolution 232
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Charley Frank Pride, a pioneering country music legend, who died on December 12, 2020, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, A native of Sledge, Mississippi, Charley Pride was born on March 18, 1934, as the fourth of 11 children in a family of sharecroppers; he developed a love of baseball and music at a young age, and his mother bought him his first guitar when he was 14 years old; and
WHEREAS, Charley left home for Memphis to seek out a career in professional baseball, and in 1952, he was signed by the Memphis Red Sox, and he went on to become an All-Star pitcher in the Negro American League; he was drafted into the United States Army in 1956, and he married Ebby Rozene Cohrad, his best friend and spiritual partner, while on leave that same year; after his military service, he played baseball on several minor league teams in Montana while also working as a smelter and performing at clubs in a four-piece band, the Night Hawks; his rise to musical stardom began in 1965, when he moved to Nashville and the influential country music producer Chet Atkins signed him to the RCA Victor record label; and
WHEREAS, Charley released his first single through RCA Victor in 1966; he landed on the country music charts with his third single, "Just Between You and Me," and he became the first black performer to appear at the Grand Ole Opry since founding member DeFord Bailey appeared there more than 25 years earlier; in 1971, he released his biggest hit, "Kiss an Angel Good Morning," a song that reached the pop music charts and was among the Top-10 songs on the adult contemporary charts; he also earned Grammy Awards in 1971 for Best Sacred Performance and Best Gospel Performance and was named the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year, and the following year, he won a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance; and
WHEREAS, Over the next five decades, Charley amassed more than 50 Top-10 country hits, including 30 Number-1 hits; he routinely was sold out at American venues, and he developed a strong and loyal following in Ireland and the United Kingdom, which led to the sale of millions of albums worldwide; and
WHEREAS, Charley and his beloved wife, Rozene, settled in Dallas during his music career, and he remained a treasured honorary Texan for the rest of his life; he was a devoted father to three children, Carlton Kraig, Charles Dion, and Angela Rozene, and his five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren enriched his life immeasurably; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong baseball fan, Charley often sang the National Anthem at Texas Rangers games, and in 2021, the team dedicated a baseball field in his name and established the Charley Pride Internship for minority college students to train for careers in baseball; and
WHEREAS, Charley was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1993, and he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999; in 2000, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame; his trailblazing contributions to country music's rich heritage were recognized with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020; and
WHEREAS, Known for his smooth baritone voice and his friendly, graceful demeanor, Charley Pride remained kindhearted and humble, even after his remarkable talents brought him to the height of celebrity; his gentle presence inspired all who were blessed with his company, and his contributions to American music will continue to be appreciated for generations to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Charley Frank Pride; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Charley Pride.
WEST
In Memory
of
Roberto Ramiro Avitia Jr.
Senate Resolution 233
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Roberto Ramiro Avitia Jr., who died March 20, 2021, at the age of 67; and
WHEREAS, A beloved civic leader and an esteemed law enforcement officer, Roberto Avitia enjoyed a fulfilling life of service to his family, his community, and his church; and
WHEREAS, Roberto Avitia was born on October 23, 1953, in Harlingen; he graduated cum laude from Pan American University with a bachelor of science degree in law enforcement; he served with distinction as a member of the Brownsville Police Department for 36 years, and during his tenure, he earned numerous commendations for his work in the Criminal Investigation Division; he was appointed police commander in 2004 and was appointed commander of the Professional Standard Command two years later; he retired from public service in 2011; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Avitia shared 45 years of marriage with his life's love, Elizabeth Limón Avitia; he was blessed with three sons and with five grandchildren, who enriched his life immeasurably; and
WHEREAS, A man guided in all things by his Christian faith, Mr. Avitia taught Sunday school at both Temple Emmanuel Assemblies of God Church and the International Christian Center, and he volunteered his time to numerous charitable organizations; his many civic leadership roles included serving on the board of directors of the Brownsville Men's Bowling Association and the Boys Club and serving as president of the Mr. and Mrs. Club, the Mr. Amigo Association, and the Gathering of the Eagles; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Avitia was passionate about football and especially enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys, and he was an avid collector of sports memorabilia; he was always ready to help a neighbor in need, and he took great joy in searching for personalized gifts for his many loved ones; and
WHEREAS, Noted for his compassionate nature, his quick wit, and his tireless devotion to his community, Roberto Avitia was beloved by many, and he leaves behind memories that will long be cherished by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Roberto Ramiro Avitia Jr.; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Roberto Avitia.
LUCIO