(Wednesday, February 22, 2023)

The Senate met at 11:03 a.m. pursuant to adjournment and was called to order by President Pro Tempore Hancock.

The roll was called and the following Senators were present:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, LaMantia, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Springer, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The President Pro Tempore announced that a quorum of the Senate was present.

Chaplain Richmond Stoglin, St. Peter and St. Paul Anglican Church, Arlington, offered the invocation as follows:

Divine Father, we stand on the corners of hope and faith because the spines of courage compels us to move forward with the gifts of constructive difference making in an age fraught with maddening indifference. Remind us, God, that those who assemble in this cherished building are here because of the chiseled expectations as Mordecai said to Esther, You have been called for such a time as this. Indeed, there can be nothing less, as the words of Frederick Douglass so eloquently imparts and imprints on our conscience as citizens of the great State of Texas, You will not be judged by the heights you have been risen, but from the depths you have climbed. Remind this body of leaders that it is paramount to work together for the greater good in indisputable righteousness this day and beyond, so help them God. We pray for those who act as responsible guardians of our local communities, even when the duties they perform are not always acknowledged or appreciated. And lest we forget those who are in harm's way a long ways from home, so we pray for those who streak across the turbulent skies, move underneath the forceful oceans, march on the hot, sandy desert floors, and survive in the dense jungles of the world, be with them, God. Be with their families as they look through the windows of anticipation of their loved one's safe return home. Help them and us remember, no matter what, hope is our strongest weapon. To God be the glory. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 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.

On motion of Senator Whitmire, Senator Eckhardt was granted leave of absence for today on account of illness.

HOUSE CHAMBER

Austin, Texas

Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - 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:

Granting the legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days during the period beginning on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, and ending on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

Respectfully,

/s/Stephen Brown,

Chief Clerk

House of Representatives

Senator Paxton was recognized and presented Dr. Sunil Modi of Allen as the Physician of the Day.

The Senate welcomed Dr. Modi and thanked him for his participation in the Physician of the Day program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.

The following bills and resolution were introduced, read first time, and referred to the committees indicated:

SB 2 by Hughes

Relating to conduct constituting the criminal offense of illegal voting; increasing a criminal penalty.

To Committee on State Affairs.

SB 728 by Huffman

Relating to the reporting of mental health and intellectual disability information with respect to certain children for purposes of a federal firearm background check.

To Committee on State Affairs.

SB 1004 by Huffman

Relating to creating the criminal offense of tampering with an electronic monitoring device.

To Committee on Criminal Justice.

SJR 44 by Huffman, Hinojosa

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the denial of bail under some circumstances to a person accused of a violent or sexual offense or of continuous trafficking of persons and requiring a judge or magistrate to impose the least restrictive conditions of bail that may be necessary to ensure the person's appearance in court as required and the safety of the community, law enforcement, and the victim of the alleged offense.

To Committee on Criminal Justice.

Senator Perry offered the following resolution:

SR 195, Recognizing February 22, 2023, as Lubbock Day.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Perry was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Lubbock County Day delegation including Lubbock Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kay McDowell, Lubbock Mayor Tray Payne, Lubbock County Judge Curtis Parrish, Chamber of Commerce Chair Steve Beck, and Chamber of Commerce Chair-elect Beth Lawson.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Hinojosa offered the following resolution:

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the citizens of Edinburg in celebrating Edinburg Day at the Capitol on February 22, 2023; and

WHEREAS, The county seat of Hidalgo County, Edinburg is a thriving community in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, and the city holds a wealth of opportunities for residents and visitors alike; and

WHEREAS, Edinburg is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state and is considered a regional hub for both health care and air travel; the city is home to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's main campus and to its School of Medicine; in addition, the United States Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley Sector is headquartered in Edinburg; and

WHEREAS, Edinburg draws thousands of visitors to its sports arenas and recreational venues; the city boasts a professional soccer stadium and the Bert Ogden Arena, a state-of-the-art indoor arena that is the largest of its kind south of San Antonio; and

WHEREAS, As a tribute to the valor of hometown legends Sergeant Freddy Gonzalez and Private Pedro Cano, both of whom received the Congressional and Texas Legislative Medals of Honor, the City of Edinburg is often referred to as the "Hometown of Heroes"; and

WHEREAS, Edinburg has implemented a successful revitalization program that has resulted in improvements throughout the city, and it is a three-time recipient of the All-America City award, one of the oldest and most prestigious municipal recognition awards in the nation; residents can indeed take pride in their flourishing community while looking forward to a bright and prosperous future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby commend the citizens of Edinburg on their many contributions to the state and extend to them best wishes for a memorable Edinburg Day at the Capitol; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the city as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

SR 210 was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Hinojosa, joined by Senators Menéndez and LaMantia, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a City of Edinburg delegation including Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. and Councilmembers Jason De Leon, Johnny Garcia, Dan Diaz, and David White.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Creighton offered the following resolution:

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes great pleasure in joining the citizens of Chambers County for the celebration of Chambers County Day at the Capitol on February 22, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Situated on 600 square miles of Gulf Coast plains, Chambers County has a long and colorful history; in 1756, Spaniards erected a mission and presidio near present-day Wallisville to ensure control of the region, and in 1818, a group of French supporters of Napoleon Bonaparte established a short-lived colony near present-day Anahuac; in 1832 and 1835, conflicts at Anahuac between Anglo immigrants and Mexican authorities foreshadowed the Texas Revolution; and

WHEREAS, Chambers County was created from portions of Liberty and Jefferson Counties in 1858 and named in honor of General T. J. Chambers; Wallisville was the county seat until 1908, when that role was transfered to Anahuac; and

WHEREAS, Countless tourists are drawn to the attractions and events offered by Chambers County; Anahuac, known as the Alligator Capital of Texas, hosts the Texas Gatorfest each September at Fort Anahuac Park; another celebration is the Texas Rice Festival, which is held in September and October; and

WHEREAS, Visitors are also drawn by the area's historic sites and excellent golf courses and by the bountiful opportunities for birding, fishing, hunting, crabbing, boating, and photography; among the attractions are Wallisville Heritage Park, Houston Raceway Park, Moody National Wildlife Refuge, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, and the Corps of Engineers Trinity River Recreation Area; and

WHEREAS, In addition to tourism, the county's economy benefits from such enterprises as chemical plants and fish and oyster processing, as well as from business in manufacturing and agribusiness; and

WHEREAS, Chambers County is situated between Houston and the Golden Triangle of Beaumont-Orange-Port Arthur, and it offers its people both quiet rural living and convenient access to big-city amenities; and

WHEREAS, The residents of Chambers County are justifiably proud of their achievements, for this noteworthy region and its citizens have played a significant role in the development of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby recognize February 22, 2023, as Chambers County Day at the Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the fine citizens who have traveled to Austin to celebrate this occasion; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the people of Chambers County as a memento of this special occasion.

SR 178 was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Creighton, joined by Senators Flores and Bettencourt, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Chambers County Day delegation including County Judge Jimmy Sylvia and County Commissioners Mark Tice, Tommy Hammond, and Ryan Dagley.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Springer, joined by Senators Campbell and Parker, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas Woman's University System delegation including students and Chancellor Carine Feyten.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator LaMantia offered the following resolution:

WHEREAS, A distinguished delegation from South Texas is visiting Austin on February 22, 2023, to celebrate Rio Grande Valley Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Enjoying a strategic location on the Gulf of Mexico and along the Mexican border, the Rio Grande Valley was an important ranching region when Texas became the nation's 28th state in 1845; over time, the economy shifted from ranching to agriculture, and the Valley became the state's center of citrus and vegetable production; and

WHEREAS, In the 1960s, industry flourished and international trade became increasingly prominent; the region has contributed significantly to the tremendous increase in commerce across the United States-Mexico border, with more than 1,152,000 trucks, 11.7 million cars carrying 24.3 million passengers, 28,000 buses carrying over 300,000 passengers, and 6.2 million pedestrians crossing Rio Grande Valley ports of entry each year; commerce across the border averages more than $140 million in goods and services per day, with over $51 billion in commercial trade per year flowing across various land ports of entry; the Rio Grande Valley is an economic powerhouse for the State of Texas with approximately $12.5 billion in taxable sales recorded in reporting year 2022; and

WHEREAS, The Valley has 1.4 million residents, with approximately 600,000 individuals under the age of 25, and local and state officials have focused on the need to expand access to higher education and health care, strengthen the workforce, increase transportation and ports of entry infrastructure, and increase funding for public education; The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley serves some 30,000 students; the UTRGV School of Medicine is in its seventh year of operation with numerous GME programs and patient care sites; in addition, the Texas A&M University System recently opened its Higher Education Center at McAllen, which is linked to the campus in College Station and will offer programs in engineering, technology, biomedical sciences, agriculture, and laboratory sciences; and

WHEREAS, The six higher education institutions in the Rio Grande Valley, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, South Texas College, Texas Southmost College, and Texas State Technical College, serve a student population of over 70,000; and

WHEREAS, Major sponsors for the day's legislative event include the Cities of Brownsville, San Benito, Primera, Palm Valley, McAllen, and Edinburg, ERO Architects, Gulf Aviation, the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority, M&S De Leon Enterprises LLC, RGV Grant Consultants LLC, Cameron County Drainage District No. 5, Hidalgo County Precinct No. 4, JL Powers & Associates, Alamo Chamber of Commerce, the Weslaco, Edinburg, Pharr, Mission, Harlingen, and San Benito Economic Development Corporations, Prairie View A&M University, Supporting World Hope, the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, VTX1 Companies, Texas State Technical College, the Port of Harlingen Authority, Driscoll Children's Hospital, the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, Killam Development, Texas Gas Service, the Greater Chamber of Harlingen, the Texas Oil & Gas Association, Texas Regional Bank, AT&T, and Atlas Hall & Rodriguez, all of which are promoting greater regional cooperation in the 21st century; and

WHEREAS, A vibrant region with a rich heritage, the Rio Grande Valley is poised to take advantage of tremendous opportunities for continued economic development, and it is indeed most fitting to honor Valley residents for their dedication to building a bright and prosperous future for the area; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 22, 2023, as Rio Grande Valley Day at the State Capitol and extend to all participants sincere best wishes for a productive and enjoyable visit.

LAMANTIA

HINOJOSA

ZAFFIRINI

SR 196 was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator LaMantia, joined by Senators Hinojosa and Zaffirini, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Rio Grande Valley Day delegation.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Menéndez offered the following resolution:

WHEREAS, A delegation from The University of Texas at San Antonio is visiting Austin on February 22, 2023, for UTSA Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1969, UTSA first opened its doors in 1973 with around 650 students enrolled at the graduate level; the university has since grown significantly, with campuses throughout San Antonio and a robust online-learning program; UTSA currently serves more than 34,000 students of diverse backgrounds, nearly half of whom are the first in their families to attend college; it has also led the way in Latino student success, earning a Seal of Excelencia from Excelencia in Education; and

WHEREAS, Among the top four percent of research universities in the nation, UTSA holds a Tier 1 status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education; faculty researchers from the university have secured more than 390 research awards totaling over $100 million; in addition to expanding discovery activities, those awards have furthered collaboration between faculty researchers and partners across the nation and provided students with exceptional learning opportunities; moreover, the university has partnered with UT Health San Antonio to advance biomedical research through the San Antonio Life Sciences Institute; and

WHEREAS, UTSA also received three National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity recognitions from the National Security Agency; boasting one of the largest government-university-industry cybersecurity ecosystems in the nation, UTSA is home to the National Security Collaboration Center, the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute, and the School of Data Science, the first of its kind in Texas; and

WHEREAS, An engine of social and economic prosperity, UTSA has graduated nearly 35,000 students in the last five years; the school continues to increase its enrollment, and its predicted growth will serve to prepare even more Texans for the workforce; and

WHEREAS, Since its founding, The University of Texas at San Antonio has provided its students with a strong foundation for achievement, and in so doing, it has played a significant role in enhancing the quality of life in the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 22, 2023, as UTSA Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those associated with the institution sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for The University of Texas at San Antonio as an expression of high regard by the Texas Senate.

SR 211 was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Menéndez, joined by Senators Zaffirini, Gutierrez, and Campbell, was recognized and introduced to the Senate The University of Texas at San Antonio students, accompanied by President Taylor Eighmy, The University of Texas System Chancellor James B. Milliken, and students Victoria Kidder, Sebastian Gallegos, and Jasmine Paquet-Durand Ford.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Johnson offered the following resolution:

SR 201, Recognizing February 22, 2023, as Dallas Regional Chamber Day.

JOHNSON

HALL

PARKER

PAXTON

WEST

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Johnson, joined by Senator Parker, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Dallas Regional Chamber Day delegation including President and CEO Dale Petrosky, COO and CFO Angela Farley, 2023 Chair Rafael R. Lizardi, 2024 Chair Nancy Avila, and Director Taylor Wilson.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Middleton offered the following resolution:

SR 213, Recognizing February 22, 2023, as Pearland Day.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Middleton was recognized and introduced to the Senate a City of Pearland delegation including Mayor Kevin Cole, Councilmembers Jeffrey Barry and Layni Cade, Interim City Manager Trent Epperson, Economic Development Corporation President Matt Buchanan, Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman, Brazoria County Commissioner Stacy Adams, Pearland Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Stuart Cayer, Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jim Johnson, and Pearland ISD Superintendent Larry Berger.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Hinojosa offered the following resolution:

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the civic and business leaders of the Coastal Bend in celebrating February 22, 2023, as Coastal Bend Day at the Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Each year, the Texas Coastal Bend draws more than 10 million travelers from across the country and around the world; millions of guests help infuse the region and the City of Corpus Christi with more than a billions dollars each year and support thousands of jobs; and

WHEREAS, The Coastal Bend region has been recognized by the National Park Service as Texas' only World War II heritage site, where the training of more than 35,000 naval aviators at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi greatly contributed to the success of the war effort; and

WHEREAS, The myriad of popular attractions in the area includes Padre Island National Seashore, the Texas State Aquarium, the USS Lexington aircraft carrier, and many youth and amateur sporting events; and

WHEREAS, The Coastal Bend is home to a thriving industry due to the Port of Corpus Christi, the largest port in the United States in total revenue tonnage and a major economic engine of Texas and the United States; and

WHEREAS, There are many fine educational institutions in the Coastal Bend area, including Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Del Mar Community College, Coastal Bend College, and the schools in the Corpus Christi Independent School District, all of which work to educate and train the workforce and the leaders of the future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby recognize February 22, 2023, as Coastal Bend Day at the State Capitol and extend to the region's delegation sincere best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable event; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this special occasion.

SR 209 was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Hinojosa, joined by Senators LaMantia and Zaffirini, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Coastal Bend Day delegation including Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo, Councilmember Roland Barrera, Corpus Christi Medical Center CEO Eric Evans, United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Chair Merida May Mendoza, and Chair-elect Amy Grandberry.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Flores offered the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Members of the Sheriffs' Association of Texas are gathering in Austin on February 22, 2023, to participate in Sheriffs' Association of Texas Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, The Texas Constitution created the office of sheriff in each county of the state; legislation requires that a sheriff conserve peace and enforce the criminal laws of the state; moreover, the sheriff is responsible for the county jail, bail bonds, civil process, and the security of the courts; in some smaller counties, the sheriff may also act as the tax collector; and

WHEREAS, The first meeting of this esteemed association took place on August 14, 1874, making this group one of the oldest law enforcement organizations in the nation; association members adopted their preamble calling for sheriffs to assist one another in the execution of laws, in the discharge of their duties against criminals, and in the protection of the citizens in their respective counties and throughout the state; through the years, the association has continued to follow the dictates of this mission; and

WHEREAS, Sheriffs in our state's 254 counties are elected to four-year terms, and each sheriff is a member of the Sheriffs' Association of Texas; in addition, more than 2,500 individuals are active members of the group, and over 50,000 others are honorary members; and

WHEREAS, The men and women of the Sheriffs' Association of Texas are helping to make the Lone Star State an even safer place, and their work benefits countless people each day; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 22, 2023, as Sheriffs' Association of Texas Day at the State Capitol and commend the members of the organization for their many contributions to their communities; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Sheriffs' Association of Texas as an expression of high regard by the Texas Senate.

FLORES

HUGHES

MENÉNDEZ

SR 146 was read.

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

On motion of Senator Flores, the resolution was adopted without objection.

Senator Flores, joined by Senators Zaffirini, Menéndez, Kolkhorst, Springer, Hinojosa, Campbell, and Parker, was recognized and introduced to the Senate the Sheriffs' Association of Texas delegation including President Buddy Mills, Executive Director Steve Westbrook, board members Larry Smith, Ricky Jones, Greg Capers, Brian Hawthorne, and Ray Del Bosque; and Sheriffs Dwayne Villanueva, Javier Salazar, Jack Curd, Marshall Thomas, Travis Babcock, Eddie Guerra, Urbino "Benny" Martinez, J. C. Hooper, Al Auxier, Gary Cutler, and Bill Waybourn.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Flores offered the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Gillespie County sheriff Buddy Mills, the president of the Sheriffs' Association of Texas, is being honored for his distinguished career in law enforcement on the occasion of Sheriffs' Association of Texas Day at the State Capitol on February 22, 2023; and

WHEREAS, A native of San Antonio, Sheriff Mills pursued studies at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and later San Antonio College; he began working as a game warden for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1980, when he was 21 years old; after being assigned to Eagle Lake in Colorado County for 12 years, he transferred to Gillespie County, where he served for another 15 years until his retirement in 2007; during his time as a game warden, he traveled across the state for special wildlife and fishing operations, took part in search and rescue missions, and assisted with natural disaster response and recovery efforts, including in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; and

WHEREAS, This esteemed law enforcement professional made a successful bid for the office of Gillespie County sheriff in 2008; after fulfilling his duties as sheriff for over a decade, he had the honor of being elected president of the Sheriffs' Association of Texas in July 2022, notably becoming the first former Texas game warden to hold the title; and

WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Sheriff Mills enjoys the love and support of his wife of 43 years, Heidi Mills, as well as his two children and five grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, The Sheriffs' Association of Texas is fortunate to benefit from the leadership, dedication, and experience that Buddy Mills brings to the role of president, and he may indeed take justifiable pride in his lifelong efforts to serve and protect the citizens of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby recognize Sheriff Buddy Mills on the occasion of Sheriffs' Association of Texas Day at the State Capitol and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success in his tenure as the organization's president; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Sheriff Mills as an expression of high regard by the Texas Senate.

SR 188 was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Flores was recognized and introduced to the Senate Sheriff Buddy Mills and his wife, Heidi Mills; his father, Jay Mills; son, Dustin Mills; daughter, Heather Durand and son-in-law, Mike Durand; and grandchildren, Hunter and Brayden Durand.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Bettencourt offered the following resolution:

SR 194, Recognizing February 22, 2023, as Texas Building Owners and Managers Association Advocacy Day.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Bettencourt was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas Building Owners and Managers Association delegation.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Zaffirini offered the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Hispanic judges from across the state are gathering in Austin on February 22, 2023, in celebration of Texas Hispanic Judges' Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, The Hispanic population of Texas is at least 40 percent, yet Hispanic judges account for only 16 percent of the state's judiciary; and

WHEREAS, Hispanic judges have contributed significantly to justice across the State of Texas, as exemplified by trailblazers Reynaldo Garza, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; Pete Benavides, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; Raul Gonzalez, Texas Supreme Court; Eva Guzman, Texas Supreme Court; Elsa Alcala, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals; Linda Yanez, Thirteenth Court of Appeals; Carlos Cadena, Fourth Court of Appeals; Alma Lopez, Fourth Court of Appeals; and Elma Salinas Ender, 341st Judicial District Court, to name a few; and

WHEREAS, In collaboration with the Hispanic Issues Section of the State Bar of Texas, Hispanic judges formed the first statewide Hispanic judges' organization with the mission of advancing current and future Hispanic judges, promoting diversity, inclusion, integrity, and excellence in the judiciary, and recognizing their contributions to the Texas judicial system; and

WHEREAS, Advancing equal justice is the mission of all judges, and today the more than 500 Hispanic individuals who serve on courts throughout the state exemplify the highest standards of judicial conduct and demonstrate their dedication to the people of Texas through their public service on and off the bench, which is truly an inspiration to us all; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 22, 2023, as Texas Hispanic Judges' Day at the State Capitol, commend Hispanic judges of Texas for their commitment to equal justice under the law, and extend to all those participating in this event sincere best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable visit to Austin.

SR 216 was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Zaffirini, joined by Senators Kolkhorst, Hinojosa, Menéndez, Blanco, and LaMantia, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas Hispanic Judges Day delegation including Texas Latinx Judges President Victor Villarreal, President-elect Maria Salas Mendoza, Treasurer Dori Contreras, Secretary Antonia "Toni" Arteaga, and board members Carlos Barrera, Orlinda Naranjo, Maria Cantú Hexsel, Bianca Garcia, Daniella DeSeta Lyttle, Gina Benavides, and Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Perry offered the following resolution:

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the people of Israel and supporters of Israel from throughout Texas, Israel, and the United States on the occasion of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, which is taking place in Houston on February 24, 2023, and to join in celebrating 2023 as the 75th anniversary of Israel's independence; and 

WHEREAS, The Lone Star State has always been a steadfast supporter of the historic alliance between Israel and the United States, and Texas has long enjoyed a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with Israel and her people; and

WHEREAS, The Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast in Houston is an opportunity for the broad expanse of Texas-based organizations dedicated to the support of Israel to gather and to join with citizens and public leaders in uplifting Israel in prayer and in celebrating the 75th anniversary of Israel's independence; and

WHEREAS, Taking part in this special occasion are a number of exemplary Texas-based groups unified in their recognition and committed support of Israel, including such organizations as America for Israel and the Texas-Israel Alliance; the efforts of these groups and of such entities as the Israeli Consulate General of the Southwest in Houston have continued to strengthen the close ties between Israel and Texas, and it is indeed fitting that this important connection be celebrated and honored; now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby commend the organizers, supporters, and attendees of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast on their invaluable contributions to the shared bond between Texas and Israel and extend to all associated with the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast best wishes for a fruitful and rewarding gathering; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this special event as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. 

SR 212 was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Perry, joined by Senator Campbell, was recognized and introduced to the Senate Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast Director Albert Veksler and his wife, Heli Veksler; Texas-Israel Alliance Director Toba Hellerstein; Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast Regional Director Jacob James; Nathan Hasse; Shanda Hasse; and Noah Hasse.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Hughes offered the following resolution:

SR 205, Recognizing February 22, 2023, as Supermarket Employee Day.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

The President Pro Tempore announced the signing of the following enrolled resolution in the presence of the Senate: SCR 20.

On motion of Senator Hughes, Senators Bettencourt and Springer will be shown as Co-authors of SB 2.

On motion of Senator Johnson, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 88.

On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Springer will be shown as Co-author of SB 166.

On motion of Senator Nichols, Senator Johnson will be shown as Co-author of SB 222.

On motion of Senator Nichols, Senator Hinojosa will be shown as Co-author of SB 225.

On motion of Senator Perry, Senator Springer will be shown as Co-author of SB 245.

On motion of Senator Huffman, Senator Springer will be shown as Co-author of SB 275.

On motion of Senator Hall, Senator Johnson will be shown as Co-author of SB 318.

On motion of Senator Hall, Senators Campbell and King will be shown as Co-authors of SB 330.

On motion of Senator Middleton, Senator Springer will be shown as Co-author of SB 346.

On motion of Senator Hall, Senator Springer will be shown as Co-author of SB 391.

On motion of Senator Parker, Senator Springer will be shown as Co-author of SB 462.

On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Springer will be shown as Co-author of SB 475.

On motion of Senator West, Senator Whitmire will be shown as Co-author of SB 500.

On motion of Senator Perry, Senators Birdwell, Hall, Hancock, and Paxton will be shown as Co-authors of SB 506.

On motion of Senator West, Senator LaMantia will be shown as Co-author of SB 557.

On motion of Senator LaMantia, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 693.

On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator Middleton will be shown as Co-author of SB 814.

On motion of Senator Middleton, Senator Hall will be shown as Co-author of SB 933.

On motion of Senator LaMantia, Senator Hinojosa will be shown as Co-author of SB 941.

On motion of Senator West, Senator Hall will be shown as Co-author of SB 1000.

On motion of Senator Schwertner, Senator Nichols will be shown as Co-author of SB 1001.

On motion of Senator Nichols, Senator Hinojosa will be shown as Co-author of SCR 2.

The following resolutions were adopted by the Senate:

SR 204 by West, In memory of the life of Julia Scott Reed.

SR 206 by Hughes, In memory of Harold Wayne Stone.

SR 200 by Birdwell, Hancock, King, and West, Recognizing Marcelo Cavazos on the occasion of his retirement.

SR 202 by LaMantia, Recognizing the 2023 Sombrero Festival in Brownsville.

SR 203 by Springer, Recognizing Condell Garden on the occasion of her retirement.

SR 207 by Springer, Recognizing the 2023 Decatur BBQ Bash.

SR 208 by Springer, Recognizing the 2023 Butterfield Stage Days BBQ Cook-Off.

SR 154 by Nichols, Recognizing February 23, 2023, as Liberty County Day.

On motion of Senator Whitmire, the Senate at 1:09 p.m. adjourned until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

SCR 20, SR 146, SR 154, SR 178, SR 188, SR 194, SR 195, SR 196, SR 200, SR 201, SR 202, SR 203, SR 204, SR 205, SR 206, SR 207, SR 208, SR 209, SR 210, SR 211, SR 212, SR 213, SR 216