(Wednesday, April 21, 2021)

The Senate met at 1:22 p.m. pursuant to adjournment and was called to order by the President.

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 announced that a quorum of the Senate was present.

Senator Nichols offered the invocation as follows:

Lord, thank You for all the many blessings You have bestowed upon our families and our friends. Please, as You watch over us, watch after our first responders and the men and women in our military who are always in harm's way. Lord, You have granted to us a wonderful life to live. May we use the time You have given to us to love, help our neighbor, and to make things better for all God's children. As we go through this session, give us strength and wisdom to make the right decisions guided by Your light. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Senator Whitmire moved that the reading of the Journal of the proceedings of the previous day be dispensed with and the Journal be approved as printed.

The motion prevailed without objection.

The President acknowledged the presence of the Honorable Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas.

The Senate welcomed its guest.

The following Messages from the Governor were read and were referred to the Committee on Nominations:

April 21, 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 State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors for terms to expire as indicated:

Brenda S. Compagnone

San Antonio, Texas

Carmelia "Lia" Amuna, Ph.D.

Killeen, Texas

Loretta J. Bradley, Ph.D.

Lubbock, Texas

Respectfully submitted,

/s/Greg Abbott

Governor

April 21, 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 University of Texas System Board of Regents for terms to expire as indicated:

Robert S. "Steve" Hicks

Austin, Texas

Nolan E. Perez, M.D.

Harlingen, Texas

Stuart W. Stedman

Houston, Texas

Respectfully submitted,

/s/Greg Abbott

Governor

The President announced the signing of the following enrolled bills in the presence of the Senate after the captions had been read: SB 270, HB 1445.

Senator Birdwell offered the following resolution:

SR 287, Recognizing James Allan Curry on the occasion of his retirement.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Birdwell, joined by Senators Zaffirini, Seliger, Nelson, and Eckhardt, was recognized and introduced to the Senate James Allan Curry, The Bob Bullock Professor of Public Policy and Administration at Baylor University, along with the following Bob Bullock scholars:  Garrett Taylor, Lilly Price, Lizzy Headley, Amon Thapa, and Meghan Yoyotte.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

HOUSE CHAMBER

Austin, Texas

Wednesday, April 21, 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 peer-to-peer car sharing programs.

Relating to digital citizenship instruction in public schools.

Relating to the personal needs allowance for certain Medicaid recipients who are residents of long-term care facilities.

Relating to a fishing license fee waiver for certain residents.

Relating to the admission by a party of a material and substantial change of circumstances in a motion to modify an order in certain family law cases.

Relating to the disclosure of certain utility customer information.

Relating to prior authorization for prescription drug benefits related to the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Relating to the use of individual graduation committees for certain high school students.

Relating to the duration of an appointment of a guardian ad litem or an attorney ad litem for a child in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Relating to the continuation of the Trade Agricultural Inspection Grant Program.

Relating to the storage of firearms and ammunition in the same locked location in certain foster homes.

Relating to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of willed body programs to the Texas Funeral Service Commission and to the creation of the State Anatomical Advisory Committee; authorizing a fee.

Relating to the Brazos River Authority, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission; specifying grounds for the removal of a member of the board of directors.

Relating to recovery of attorney's fees in certain civil cases.

Relating to certain seller's disclosures for the sale of residential real property.

Relating to certain agreements by architects and engineers in or in connection with certain construction contracts.

Relating to financial assistance provided to political subdivisions by the Texas Water Development Board for water resource restoration projects.

Relating to efficiency audits of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Relating to the authority of a development corporation created by the Gulf Coast Authority to finance certain projects.

Relating to utility facilities for restoring electric service after a widespread power outage.

Relating to matters regarding educators, including the composition of the State Board for Educator Certification, the issuance of certain sanctions by the board, and a public school teacher's notification of resignation from employment.

Relating to the operation and administration of the Medicaid managed care program, including requirements for and reimbursement of managed care organizations.

Relating to certain procedures relating to children placed under a parental child safety placement.

Relating to inspections and examinations by the Railroad Commission of Texas of certain sites and facilities conducted using unmanned aircraft.

Relating to the creation of the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission.

Relating to the establishment of the commercial oyster mariculture advisory board.

Relating to the authority of the comptroller to send, or to require the submission to the comptroller of, certain ad valorem tax-related items electronically.

Relating to the exemption from sales and use taxes for items sold by a nonprofit organization at a county fair.

Relating to a cause of action for the bad faith washout of an overriding royalty interest in an oil and gas lease.

Respectfully,

/s/Robert Haney, Chief Clerk

House of Representatives

Senator Springer offered the following resolution:

SR 250, Recognizing the 45th anniversary of Germanfest in Muenster.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Lucio offered the following resolution:

SR 290, In memory of Bobby Joe Morrow.

The resolution was read.

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

On motion of Senator Lucio, the resolution was adopted by a rising vote of the Senate.

In honor of the memory of Bobby Joe Morrow, the text of SR 290 is printed at the end of today's Senate Journal.

Senator Lucio was recognized and introduced to the Senate Amy Jackson, Abilene Christian University representative.

The Senate welcomed its guest and extended its sympathy.

On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the remarks by Senator Lucio regarding SR 290 were ordered reduced to writing and printed in the Senate Journal as follows:

Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, Patsy, for reading that beautiful resolution that you did again and you do each day. An American icon, wow, somebody that lived a couple of miles away from me, who we loved so much and cherished. I don't know how many times I've seen his film on the Internet. I just, he's just something special to look at, very humble as was stated in the resolution. But, Members, I would like today to thank Amy Jackson, representing Abilene Christian University, who is here with us today in the west gallery, side of the gallery. Also, I'd like to thank Representative Stan Lambert and Travis Clardy for being with us today. I think they're, either here or they might be across the way, to honor the memory of their beloved alumni, Bobby Morrow. Having known Mr. Morrow personally, I was always impressed by his character. He was a man guided by his faith and family, Senator Bettencourt, just an incredible, incredible Christian man. When I invited him to be my Texas Legend for my annual golf tournament, which raises money for scholarships, he asked not to be treated like a superstar. I remember that conversation and I said, But you are and we admire, respect everything you've accomplished. You're such a role model for every kid, not only here in the Valley, but all over the state and country. But he was a down-to-earth man who, by the will of God, turned to be the world's fastest man. The fastest human on Earth and although he won and earned his medals, he decided that the best place to keep them was at a museum so that everyone could see them. Bobby donated his Olympic gold medals to the Smithsonian Institute in D.C., the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and Abilene Christian University. I just want to say that this exemplary citizen is a one-of-a-kind Texan, and I wish everybody could have known him and met him and spent a little bit of time as I did. It was something so special that I'll never forget. And you can't help but become emotional when a person like this passes. I was able to speak and present memorial flags to his family members, and it's something that you will always cherish, Senator Kolkhorst, and being an athlete yourself, you understand the commitment and dedication that goes into being the best, as you were. He was the best in the world and something that, to behold, because he was so humble, and that's what really attracted me so much, you know, about him. He didn't want to be served, he himself served God. That was the ultimate thing that he personified. So, today it's good to be able to have an opportunity to stand here before you and in a humble way say, you missed out in meeting one of the greatest of all time from Texas, from our country, and someone that will always be remembered as a very humble servant of God. So, I thank you for your kind attention, and I would ask that you join with me in praying for the family, and I do have a bill later on this morning, I think, to rename the highway where he was born, the Bobby Morrow Memorial Highway. So, I hope you can join me supporting that bill as well. Thank you.

The Presiding Officer announced that the introduction of bills and resolutions on first reading would be postponed until the end of today's session.

There was no objection.

The Presiding Officer at 2:08 p.m. announced the conclusion of morning call.

On motion of Senator Lucio and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 787 at this time on its second reading:

SB 787, Relating to the designation of Farm-to-Market Road 1479 in Cameron County as the Bobby Morrow Memorial Highway.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.

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

Senator Lucio moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 787 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.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 1818 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1818, Relating to a defense under the Solid Waste Disposal Act for persons engaged in certain scrap metal recycling transactions.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.

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

Senator Zaffirini moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 1818 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.

On motion of Senator Kolkhorst and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 968 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 968, Relating to public health disaster and public health emergency preparedness and response; providing a civil penalty.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Perry offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 968 (senate committee printing) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTIONS to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:

SECTION ____.  Subchapter B, Chapter 418, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 418.0125 to read as follows:

SECTION ____.  Section 418.0125, Government Code, as added by this Act, applies only to an order issued or regulation adopted on or after the effective date of this Act.

The amendment to CSSB 968 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 968 as amended was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.

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

Senator 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 968 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.

On motion of Senator Kolkhorst and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 969 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 969, Relating to reporting procedures for and information concerning public health disasters and to certain public health studies; providing a civil penalty.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.

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

Senator 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 969 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.

On motion of Senator Creighton and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 1295 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1295, Relating to financial support and incentives for comprehensive regional universities.

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.

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 CSSB 1295 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 30, Nays 1.

Nays:  Hughes.

On motion of Senator Birdwell and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 739 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 739, Relating to the presiding officers of the boards of directors of certain river authorities.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Menéndez offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 739 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 49.0545(b), Water Code (page 1, line 30), between "board" and the underlined period, by inserting ", other than an appointment made to fill a vacancy".

The amendment to CSSB 739 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 739 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:  Buckingham, Johnson.

Senator Birdwell moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 739 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, Campbell, Creighton, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Powell, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Buckingham, Johnson.

On motion of Senator Seliger and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 922 at this time on its second reading:

SB 922, Relating to contracts for fingerprinting services entered into by the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Seliger offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend SB 922 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 1 of the bill, by striking added Sections 411.0865(a)(1)(A) and (B), Government Code (page 1, lines 28 through 33), and substituting the following:

The amendment to SB 922 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 922 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:  Creighton.

Senator Seliger moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 922 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 30, Nays 1.

Nays:  Creighton.

On motion of Senator West and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 1267 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1267, Relating to continuing education and training requirements for educators and other school district personnel.

The bill was read second time.

Senator West offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 1267 (senate committee report) as follows:

(1)  In the recital to SECTION 3 of the bill (page 1, line 56), strike "Sections 21.054(d)" and substitute "Sections 21.054(a), (d)".

(2)  In SECTION 3 of the bill, immediately following the recital (page 1, between lines 57 and 58), insert the following:

(a)  The board shall propose rules establishing a process for identifying continuing education courses and programs that fulfill educators' continuing education requirements, including:

(1)  opportunities for educators to receive micro-credentials in fields of study related to the educator's certification class as provided by Subsection (i); and

(2)  courses and programs related to standards for the renewal of an educator's certificate, including standards for educating students with disabilities.

The amendment to CSSB 1267 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 1267 as amended was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.

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

Senator West moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 1267 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.

On motion of Senator Buckingham and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 1677 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1677, Relating to eliminating certain reporting and posting requirements for public institutions of higher education and other state agencies and the requirement for a plan by certain school districts to increase enrollment in public institutions of higher education.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.

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

Senator Buckingham moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 1677 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.

On motion of Senator Hughes and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 1524 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1524, Relating to a sales and use tax refund pilot program for certain persons who employ apprentices.

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:  Hancock, Nichols, Paxton, Springer.

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 CSSB 1524 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 27, Nays 4.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hall, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Nelson, Perry, Powell, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Hancock, Nichols, Paxton, Springer.

On motion of Senator Lucio and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 474 at this time on its second reading:

SB 474, Relating to the unlawful restraint of a dog; creating a criminal offense.

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, Nichols.

Senator Lucio moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 474 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, Paxton, Perry, Powell, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Hall, Hughes, Nichols.

Senator Perry moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 1146 at this time on its second reading:

SB 1146, Relating to abortion reporting and exemptions to abortion facility licensing; creating a criminal offense.

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 and was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 19, Nays 12. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Hughes and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 885 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 885, Relating to quitclaim deeds.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.

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

Senator Hughes moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 885 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.

On motion of Senator Lucio and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 462 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 462, Relating to funding under the transportation allotment for transporting meals and instructional materials to students during a declared disaster.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Lucio offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 462 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 48.151(n), Education Code, by striking the last sentence of the subsection (page 1, lines 40 through 42).

The amendment to CSSB 462 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 462 as amended was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.

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

Senator Lucio moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 462 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

Senator Hughes moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1585 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1585, Relating to requirements for the designation of a property as a historic landmark and the inclusion of a property in a historic district by a municipality.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 26, Nays 5.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Miles, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Powell, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor, West.

Nays:  Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Menéndez, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 26, Nays 5. (Same as previous roll call)

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 CSSB 1585 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, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Miles, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Powell, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor, West.

Nays:  Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Menéndez, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 26, Nays 5. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Creighton and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 1780 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1780, Relating to the protection of public health in this state, including through the establishment of the Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

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, Paxton, Springer.

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 CSSB 1780 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, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Nelson, Nichols, Perry, Powell, Schwertner, Seliger, Taylor, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Hughes, Paxton, Springer.

On motion of Senator West and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 642 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 642, Relating to the provision of mental health services for certain children at risk of relinquishment.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.

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

Senator West moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 642 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

Senator Birdwell moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1261 at this time on its third reading and final passage:

CSSB 1261, Relating to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state to regulate greenhouse gas emissions in this state and the express preemption of local regulation of those emissions.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 20, Nays 11.

Yeas:  Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor.

Nays:  Alvarado, Blanco, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, Powell, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 20, Nays 11. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Springer and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 22 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 22, Relating to certain claims for benefits or compensation by certain public safety employees.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Springer offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 22 (senate committee printing) as follows:

(1)  Strike Subsection (c) of SECTION 8 of the bill (page 3, lines 47-55) and substitute the following:

(c)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a) of this section or Sections 409.003, 410.169, or 410.205, Labor Code, a person who on or after the date the governor declared a disaster under Chapter 418, Government Code, relating to SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but before the effective date of this Act, filed a claim for benefits, compensation, or assistance related to SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and whose claim was subsequently denied may, on or after the effective date of this Act, request in writing that the insurance carrier reprocess the claim and the changes in law made by this Act shall apply to that claim. A request to reprocess a claim as authorized by this subsection shall be filed not later than six months after the effective date of this Act.

(d)  Not later than the 60th day after the date an insurance carrier receives a written request to reprocess a claim under Subsection (c) of this section, the insurance carrier shall reprocess the claim and notify the person in writing whether the carrier accepted or denied the claim. If the insurance carrier denies the claim, the notice must include information on the process for disputing the denial. The notice provided by the insurance carrier must use the notice provisions prescribed by the division of workers' compensation of the Texas Department of Insurance under Subsection (e) of this section.

(e)  As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the division of workers' compensation of the Texas Department of Insurance shall prescribe notice provisions for an insurance carrier to use when providing notice of the insurance carrier's acceptance or denial of a person's claim. The notice provisions must be clear and easily understandable.

(2)  Add the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumber SECTIONS of the bill as appropriate:

SECTION ____.  Section 409.022(d), Labor Code, is amended to read as follows:

(d)  In this subsection, the terms "detention officer," "emergency medical technician," "firefighter," and "peace officer" have the meanings assigned by Section 607.051, Government Code. In addition to the other requirements of this section, if an insurance carrier's notice of refusal to pay benefits under Section 409.021 is sent in response to a claim for compensation resulting from a detention officer's, an emergency medical technician's, a firefighter's, or a peace officer's disability or death for which a presumption is claimed to be applicable under Subchapter B, Chapter 607, Government Code, the notice must include a statement by the carrier that:

(1)  explains why the carrier determined a presumption under that subchapter does not apply to the claim for compensation; and

(2)  describes the evidence that the carrier reviewed in making the determination described by Subdivision (1).

The amendment to CSSB 22 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 Perry offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 22 (senate committee printing) as follows:

(1)  In SECTION 5 of the bill, in added Section 607.0545, Government Code (page 2, line 47), immediately after "DECLARATION." insert "(a)".

(2)  In SECTION 5 of the bill, in added Section 607.0545, Government Code (page 2, between lines 60 and 61), insert the following:

The amendment to CSSB 22 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 22 as amended was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.

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

Senator Springer moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 22 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The following bill was introduced, read first time, and referred to the committee indicated:

SB 2221 by Creighton

Relating to the powers, duties, territory, and governance of the Westwood Magnolia Parkway Improvement District; creating a criminal offense.

To Committee on Local Government.

The following bills received from the House were read first time and referred to the committees indicated:

HB 53 to Committee on Administration.

HB 574 to Committee on State Affairs.

HB 604 to Committee on Local Government.

HB 636 to Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development.

HB 1135 to Committee on State Affairs.

HB 1510 to Committee on Jurisprudence.

HB 1622 to Committee on State Affairs.

HB 1699 to Committee on Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs.

HB 2083 to Committee on Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs.

HB 2139 to Committee on Administration.

HB 3402 to Committee on Local Government.

HB 3788 to Committee on Local Government.

Senator Kolkhorst moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1158 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1158, Relating to state contracts with and investments in social media companies that censor political speech.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 18, Nays 13.

Yeas:  Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Springer, Taylor.

Nays:  Alvarado, Blanco, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, Powell, Seliger, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 17, Nays 14.

Yeas:  Bettencourt, Birdwell, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Springer, Taylor.

Nays:  Alvarado, Blanco, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hinojosa, Johnson, Lucio, Menéndez, Miles, Powell, Seliger, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Senator Nelson submitted the following Motion In Writing:

Mr. President:

I move suspension of Senate Rule 7.07(b) to permit the introduction of the following bill:

SB 2222 Nelson

Relating to requiring rifle resistant windshields for certain Department of Public Safety automobiles.

NELSON

The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.

The following bill was introduced, read first time, and referred to the committee indicated:

SB 2222 by Nelson, Huffman

Relating to requiring rifle resistant windshields for certain Department of Public Safety automobiles.

To Committee on Finance.

On motion of Senator Creighton and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 11.10(a) and Senate Rule 11.18(a) were suspended in order that the Committee on Higher Education might meet in the press room today.

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.

On motion of Senator Springer, Senator Menéndez will be shown as Co-author of SB 22.

On motion of Senator Miles, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 68.

On motion of Senator Menéndez, Senator Eckhardt will be shown as Co-author of SB 261.

On motion of Senator West, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 272.

On motion of Senator Alvarado, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 282.

On motion of Senator Lucio, Senators Blanco and Menéndez will be shown as Co-authors of SB 462.

On motion of Senator Lucio, Senators Blanco, Menéndez, and Zaffirini will be shown as Co-authors of SB 474.

On motion of Senator Alvarado, Senator Gutierrez will be shown as Co-author of SB 678.

On motion of Senator Creighton, Senators Hughes, Kolkhorst, Perry, Springer, and Taylor will be shown as Co-authors of SB 784.

On motion of Senator Buckingham, Senator Hall will be shown as Co-author of SB 912.

On motion of Senator Seliger, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 922.

On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Perry will be shown as Co-author of SB 968.

On motion of Senator Schwertner, Senators Blanco and Powell will be shown as Co-authors of SB 984.

On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator Alvarado will be shown as Co-author of SB 1102.

On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator Springer will be shown as Co-author of SB 1146.

On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Bettencourt will be shown as Co-author of SB 1158.

On motion of Senator Taylor, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 1230.

On motion of Senator Creighton, Senators Kolkhorst and Paxton will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1295.

On motion of Senator Eckhardt, Senators Blanco and Miles will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1349.

On motion of Senator Creighton, Senators Blanco and Zaffirini will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1385.

On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senator Nelson will be shown as Co-author of SB 1449.

On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 1524.

On motion of Senator Lucio, Senator Powell will be shown as Co-author of SB 1564.

On motion of Senator Lucio, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 1566.

On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senators Lucio, Menéndez, and Nelson will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1615.

On motion of Senator Hughes, Senators Creighton and Taylor will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1699.

On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 1780.

On motion of Senator Powell, Senator Lucio will be shown as Co-author of SB 1849.

On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator Buckingham will be shown as Co-author of SB 1889.

On motion of Senator Campbell, Senators Springer and Taylor will be shown as Co-authors of SB 2116.

On motion of Senator Miles, Senators Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Lucio, Menéndez, Nelson, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Powell, Schwertner, Seliger, Springer, Taylor, West, Whitmire, and Zaffirini will be shown as Co-authors of SCR 29.

On motion of Senator Huffman, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SJR 47.

On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator Hall will be shown as Co-author of SJR 51.

On motion of Senator Nichols, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 5.

On motion of Senator Nelson, Senator Alvarado will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 7.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Seliger will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 119.

On motion of Senator Hall, Senator Alvarado will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 2586.

The following resolutions were adopted by the Senate:

SR 292 by West, In memory of Marilyn Munroe Hurtt.

SR 293 by Buckingham, In memory of Patrick Michael Bergman.

SR 288 by Hinojosa, Recognizing Elva Estrada on the occasion of her retirement.

SR 289 by Hinojosa, Lucio, and Zaffirini, Recognizing The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley chess team for winning the President's Cup.

SR 291 by Eckhardt, Recognizing the Texas School for the Deaf football team for winning a state championship.

On motion of Senator Whitmire and by unanimous consent, the Senate at 4:29 p.m. agreed to adjourn, in memory of Bobby Joe Morrow, pending the receipt of committee reports, until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

Pursuant to a previously adopted motion, the Senate at 9:59 a.m. Thursday, April 22, 2021, adjourned, in memory of Bobby Joe Morrow, until 10:00 a.m. today.

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

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES — CSSB 1941, CSSB 1896

NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT — CSSB 695, HB 7, SB 1072, SB 1155, SB 1177, SB 1264, SB 1265, SB 1266, SB 1269, SB 1655, SB 2008

FINANCE — CSSB 1827, CSHB 1118, CSSB 483, CSSB 1105, CSSB 1204

STATE AFFAIRS — CSSB 2093, CSSB 1178, CSSJR 61, CSSB 2202

FINANCE — CSSB 296

NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT — CSSB 1263

LOCAL GOVERNMENT — CSSB 1499, CSSB 1879, SB 1428, SB 1427, SB 1315, SB 1949, SB 1987, SB 2145, CSSB 1165, SB 2146, SB 2147, SB 2185, SB 2180, SB 1088, SB 804, SB 59, CSSB 1413

JURISPRUDENCE — CSSB 495, CSSB 69

LOCAL GOVERNMENT — HB 2429, HB 362

STATE AFFAIRS — CSSB 1922, CSSB 1508, HB 2536

EDUCATION — CSSB 560, CSSB 279

VETERAN AFFAIRS AND BORDER SECURITY — SB 397, HB 33, HB 139, SCR 4

CRIMINAL JUSTICE — SB 112, SB 280, SB 508, SB 1359, CSSB 1373, SB 1480, SB 1495, CSSB 1831, CSSB 2190

ADMINISTRATION — CSSB 655

SB 22, SB 462, SB 474, SB 642, SB 739, SB 787, SB 885, SB 922, SB 968, SB 969, SB 1261, SB 1267, SB 1295, SB 1524, SB 1585, SB 1677, SB 1780, SB 1818

SR 250, SR 287, SR 288, SR 289, SR 290, SR 291, SR 292, SR 293

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Bobby Joe Morrow, an esteemed Texas citizen and a world-champion athlete, who died May 30, 2020, at the age of 84; and

WHEREAS, A native of Rangerville, Bobby Morrow was born on October 15, 1935, and he grew up on his family's cotton and carrot farm in the Rio Grande Valley; he was a naturally gifted runner, and he excelled on the football team and as a track and field athlete at San Benito High School, where he gained nationwide attention as a three-time state champion sprinter; and

WHEREAS, Bobby was known for his natural physical poise on the track and for his fluid running style, and he honed his skills and talent at Abilene Christian University under the guidance of the late Coach Oliver Jackson; he won the Amateur Athletic Union championship for the 100-yard dash as a freshman in 1955, and he and his teammates broke or matched 10 world records; and

WHEREAS, Bobby represented the United States at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, where he won gold medals in the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints and in the 400-meter relay, and he was the first American sprinter since Jesse Owens in 1936 to earn a gold medal in all three events; he returned home a hero and received numerous accolades for his athletic achievements, including recognition as the 1956 Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated magazine and as One of the Nine Greatest Living Americans by the United States Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, After retiring as an athlete, Bobby returned to the Rio Grande Valley, and he enjoyed a quiet life in San Benito, where the school district's football stadium was named in his honor; he donated his Olympic gold medals with the hope of inspiring others to pursue their dreams, and he occasionally gave speeches and made public appearances; he preferred to live simply and dedicate himself to his loved ones and his community, and he remained humble and gracious throughout his life, despite his impressive accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Bobby shared 20 years of devotion with his longtime partner, Judy Parker; he was blessed with a son and two daughters and with two stepdaughters, and his 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren were a source of much pride and joy for him; and

WHEREAS, Bobby Morrow was a legendary figure in the world of sports and a cherished Texan; while famous for his extraordinary talent, he was also known for his loving and generous spirit, and he will long be remembered with respect and admiration 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 Bobby Joe Morrow; 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 Bobby Morrow.

LUCIO