(Continued)

(Friday, May 12, 2023)

The Senate met at 10:28 a.m. and was called to order by the President.

Senator Hancock was recognized and presented Dr. Alfred Wettermark III of Fort Worth as the Physician of the Day.

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

Minister Ross Ransleben, Smithville Church of Christ, Smithville, offered the invocation as follows:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed is Your name. May Your kingdom come and may Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. We call upon You, God, who created this blessed land we call Texas. May her majestic forests and the cool rushing waters of her rivers teem with life. May her natural beauty and her landscapes continue to bear witness to Your majesty day after day and night after night. May we never grow tired of serving this blessed land and all who call it home. In humility, we ask for Your guidance, God, who being limitless in power and unmatched in authority, taught us that true leadership comes from the heart of a servant. On behalf of all the leaders who are here this day, I ask for the strength to stand in the face of evil, for the wisdom to discern what is right and what is true, for the compassion to open our hearts to those who are different from us, for the humility to admit our mistakes, and for the perseverance to grow from them. God bless these men and women, and God bless Texas. Amen.

HOUSE CHAMBER

Austin, Texas

Friday, May 12, 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:

Relating to health benefit plan coverage for certain tests to detect prostate cancer.

Relating to certain burdens of proof in determining a defendant's insanity in a criminal case.

Relating to the eligibility requirements for a license to carry a handgun.

Relating to the use of extrapolation by a health maintenance organization or an insurer to audit claims.

Relating to the establishment of the private child care task force.

Relating to sheriff's department civil service systems in certain counties.

Relating to the authority of a municipality to prohibit police or fire department employees from circulating or signing certain employment petitions.

Relating to county jailer training on interacting with veterans in the criminal justice system.

Relating to the participation of community-based organizations in workforce training programs funded by the skills development fund.

Relating to the distribution of funds designated for the low-income vehicle repair assistance, retrofit, and accelerated vehicle retirement program.

Relating to the violation of certain laws and provisions of governing instruments by, and the recall by property owners of, a property owners' association board member.

Relating to the creation of a rural county law enforcement grant program.

Relating to procedures in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Relating to changing the eligibility for mandatory supervision of an inmate serving a sentence for or previously convicted of certain assaults.

Relating to the provision of state aid to certain local governments to offset the cost of the exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran.

Relating to the reporting of child abuse or neglect.

Relating to a local remote learning program offered by a public school for certain students at risk of dropping out of school.

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

Relating to the service credit used in calculating longevity pay for certain judges and justices with prior full-time service as an associate judge.

Relating to requiring the Department of Family and Protective Services to notify certain individuals of changes to child abuse and neglect investigation reports.

Relating to the statute of limitations for certain burglary offenses.

Relating to certain policies and procedures for the placement and use of video cameras in certain classrooms, including classrooms that provide special education services.

Relating to the use of dynamic message signs for the Keep 'Em Safe Texas Gun Storage Campaign.

Relating to judicial review of certain local laws applicable to state license holders.

Relating to compensation and leave for certain peace officers.

Relating to an exception to the renewal requirement for agricultural and timber tax exemption registration numbers issued to or held by persons who are at least 65 years of age.

Relating to the adoption of a veterans' land bank program by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation.

Relating to the payment of certain fines and court costs by an inmate during a term of imprisonment or following release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Relating to allowing the board of trustees of certain school districts to create a nonvoting student trustee position on the board.

Relating to payments associated with certain medical examinations under the workers' compensation system; imposing a fee.

Relating to the practice of nursing, including disciplinary procedures of the Texas Board of Nursing; authorizing a fee.

Relating to the health care providers authorized to examine a person to determine whether the person is incapacitated for purposes of certain guardianship proceedings.

Relating to an assessment on the use of surplus government property to provide housing to homeless veterans.

Relating to the prosecution of the criminal offense of the possession, manufacture, transport, repair, or sale of certain devices intended to modify handguns.

Relating to the administration of medication to certain persons in the custody of a sheriff.

Relating to complaints submitted to and sanctions issued by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

Relating to the payment of restitution by a person released on parole or to mandatory supervision.

Relating to the authority of a taxing unit other than a school district, county, municipality, or junior college district to establish a limitation on the amount of ad valorem taxes that the taxing unit may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses and to the information required to be included in a tax bill.

Relating to certain notices provided to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality by public water supply systems.

Relating to information on the transfer of license plates included in an application for title and registration of a motor vehicle.

Relating to arbitration of certain controversies involving members of certain nonprofit entities.

Relating to the establishment of a rapid DNA analysis pilot program in certain counties.

Relating to the powers of certain public utility agencies; granting the power of eminent domain.

Relating to certain benefits payable by the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan One and the Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan Two.

Relating to a veteran housing program established by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Relating to certain motor vehicle safety inspection fees.

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the commissioners court of a county to exempt from ad valorem taxation by each political subdivision that taxes the property the portion of the assessed value of a person's property that is attributable to the installation in or on the property of a rainwater harvesting or graywater system.

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize wagering in this state on certain sporting events and requiring the legislature to dedicate to property tax relief at least 98 percent of the net state tax revenue generated from the wagering on sporting events.

Respectfully,

/s/Stephen Brown,

Chief Clerk

House of Representatives

Senator Flores offered the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Members of Atascosa County law enforcement agencies demonstrated tremendous courage in the line of duty on June 2, 2022, when they risked their lives to stop an escaped prisoner and suspected murderer from fleeing the country; and

WHEREAS, The suspect was accused of killing a family of five in Centerville after he escaped from a prison transport bus on May 12; when Atascosa County Sheriff David Soward received word that the suspect could be headed to the area in an apparent attempt to reach the U.S.-Mexico border, he quickly mobilized his deputies for a large-scale manhunt, which involved constables and officers from the Pleasanton, Jourdanton, Poteet, and Lytle Police Departments, as well as DPS troopers and U.S. Marshals; and

WHEREAS, Officers from these various agencies were posted at all highways and major roads headed south, and just before 10 p.m., Atascosa County Animal Control chief Henry Dominguez reported that he and a deputy sheriff had sighted the suspect, who was driving a stolen pickup truck and was armed with an AR-15-style rifle and a pistol; Officer Dominguez was instructed to follow the suspect, while other personnel drove ahead of the fleeing suspect to intercept him and deployed spikes in his path to puncture the vehicle's tires; and

WHEREAS, Before reaching the edge of Jourdanton, Jourdanton Police Chief Eric Kaiser successfully spiked all four of the vehicle's tires as the suspect attempted to evade law enforcement by driving into a field; the suspect fired his rifle at oncoming deputies before losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a utility pole and then a fence; after exiting the vehicle with a rifle in hand, the suspect was shot and killed, bringing his 22-day crime spree to an end; and

WHEREAS, The exceptional bravery displayed by the Atascosa County law enforcement officers was met with an outpouring of gratitude from the community, and Sheriff Soward awarded commendations to 14 officers; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Atascosa County law enforcement agencies went to heroic lengths to protect their community and prevent further violence, and in so doing, they exemplified the highest ideals of their profession; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby commend the officers in Atascosa County for their role in stopping an escaped convict and suspected murderer and extend to them sincere appreciation for their dedicated service; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the law enforcement units across Atascosa County as an expression of high regard by the Texas Senate.

SR 506 was read.

On motion of Senator Flores 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 by a rising vote of the Senate.

Senator Flores was recognized and introduced to the Senate members of the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office and the Jourdanton Police Department including Atascosa County Sheriff David Soward, Jourdanton Police Chief Eric Kaiser, Atascosa County Captain Max Peralta, Atascosa County Lieutenant Investigator Wayne Stratton, Atascosa County Sergeant Investigator Tzu-Chi Chia, and Atascosa County Animal Control Chief Henry Dominguez.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Campbell offered the following resolution:

SR 546, Recognizing May 2023 as Nurses Month.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Campbell, joined by Senators Menéndez, Kolkhorst, Bettencourt, and Birdwell, was recognized and introduced to the Senate Texas Nurses Association CEO Serena Bumpus.

The Senate welcomed its guest.

Senator Menéndez offered the following resolution:

SR 560, Congratulating the Clark High School girls' basketball team for winning a state championship.

MENÉNDEZ

CAMPBELL

GUTIERREZ

ZAFFIRINI

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 Menéndez, the resolution was adopted without objection.

Senator Menéndez, joined by Senators West, Campbell, Hall, and Kolkhorst, was recognized and introduced to the Senate the 2023 UIL 6A Clark High School girls' basketball state championship team including team captains Ramsey Robledo and Natalie Huff; team members Bolu Odumosu, Sydney Pritchard, Raya Kolysko, Katherine Mika, Manal El-Jabsheh, Kaitlin Whitlock, Sarah Perales, Arianna Roberson, Kamryn Griffin, Jadeyn Perez, Emily Lopez, and Joi Gonzalez; Head Coach Rihana Houy; Assistant Coaches Michael Byrne and Jennifer Woods; and former Northside ISD Superintendent Brian Woods.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Flores was recognized and introduced to the Senate family members of former Atascosa County Sheriff Tommy Williams including Darrell and Sandy Hickey and John Merryman and Paige Merryman.

The Senate welcomed its guests, rose in honor of Tommy Williams, and extended its sympathy.

The Presiding Officer laid before the Senate the following resolution:

SCR 53, Recognizing Mikael and Carolyn Garcia on the birth of their daughter, Mary Faustina Garcia.

The resolution was read.

On motion of Senator Sparks and by unanimous consent, the resolution was considered immediately and was adopted without objection.

Senator Sparks was recognized and introduced to the Senate his Chief of Staff Mikael Garcia.

The Senate welcomed its guest.

Senator King offered the following resolution:

SR 553, Recognizing the eighth class of Governor William P. Clements Jr. Scholars.

KING

CAMPBELL

HUGHES

KOLKHORST

MIDDLETON

PAXTON

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator King, joined by Senators Middleton, Paxton, and Hughes, was recognized and introduced to the Senate Governor William P. Clements Jr. Scholars including Olivia Alexander, Morghan Armenta, Sydney Baker, Cameron Castillo, Mika'ele Castro, Mary Grace Davidson, Bailey Halbert, Noah Huerta, Jacquelyn Pillow, Zane Prince, Leah Shepherd, Trinity Smith, Madeline Tillman, and Romana Vargas.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

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

May 12, 2023

Austin, Texas

TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:

On January 19, 2023, I submitted the name of Robert P. Gauntt for appointment to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for a term to expire August 31, 2027.

Because he resigned, I hereby withdraw his nomination and request that the Senate return the appointment to me.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/Greg Abbott

Governor

May 12, 2023

Austin, Texas

TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:

On January 19, 2023, I submitted the name of Shelley S. Sweatt, Ed.D. for appointment to the Texas Woman's University Board of Regents for a term to expire February 1, 2027.

Because she resigned, I hereby withdraw her nomination and request that the Senate return the appointment to me.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/Greg Abbott

Governor

On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 796 at this time on its second reading:

HB 796, Relating to the creation and maintenance by an appraisal district of a publicly available Internet database of information regarding protest hearings conducted by the appraisal review board established for the district.

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

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Bettencourt moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 796 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Nichols moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 1772 at this time on its second reading:

HB 1772, Relating to the documentation required for the purchase of certain timber products; creating a criminal offense.

The motion prevailed.

Senators Creighton and Middleton asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.

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

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Nays:  Creighton, Middleton.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Nichols moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 1772 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 2.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, LaMantia, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Springer, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Creighton, Middleton.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator LaMantia and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSHB 2777 at this time on its second reading:

CSHB 2777, Relating to the contracting authority of the Parks and Wildlife Department.

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

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator LaMantia moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 2777 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Hinojosa and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 4422 at this time on its second reading:

HB 4422, Relating to a study on enhancing border security outcomes through public safety, technological, and transportation infrastructure improvements near Texas-Mexico border crossings.

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

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Hinojosa moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 4422 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Nichols and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 3437 at this time on its second reading:

HB 3437, Relating to the authority to approve change orders for certain contracts for the construction, repair, and renovation of water district facilities.

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

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Nichols moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 3437 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Nichols and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 3507 at this time on its second reading:

HB 3507, Relating to contracts for the construction, repair, and renovation of certain conservation and reclamation district facilities.

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

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Nichols moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 3507 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Zaffirini moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 1602 at this time on its second reading:

HB 1602, Relating to performance criteria for the award of adult education and literacy funds.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Middleton asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.

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

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Nays:  Middleton.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

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 HB 1602 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1.

Nays:  Middleton.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Alvarado moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 1755 at this time on its second reading:

HB 1755, Relating to the creation of the Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 24, Nays 6.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Birdwell, Blanco, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, LaMantia, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Sparks, Springer, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Bettencourt, Campbell, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Schwertner.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading by the following vote:  Yeas 22, Nays 8.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Birdwell, Blanco, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, LaMantia, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Sparks, Springer, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Bettencourt, Campbell, Hall, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Schwertner.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Alvarado moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 1755 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 24, Nays 6.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Birdwell, Blanco, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, LaMantia, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Sparks, Springer, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Bettencourt, Campbell, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Schwertner.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 22, Nays 8.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Birdwell, Blanco, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, LaMantia, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Sparks, Springer, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Bettencourt, Campbell, Hall, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Schwertner.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 3273 at this time on its second reading:

HB 3273, Relating to public notice of the availability on the Internet of property-tax-related information.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Bettencourt offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend HB 3273 (senate committee report) as follows:

(1)  Strike SECTION 2 of the bill (page 1, line 37, through page 2, line 13) and renumber the SECTIONS of the bill accordingly.

(2)  In the recital to SECTION 3 of the bill (page 2, line 14), strike "Effective January 1, 2024,".

(3)  In SECTION 4 of the bill, amending Section 26.05(d-1), Tax Code (page 3, line 9), between "26.04(e-2)" and the semicolon, insert "or published or posted the notice required by Section 26.04(e-6)".

(4)  In SECTION 7 of the bill (page 3, line 39), strike "Except as otherwise provided by this Act, the" and substitute "The".

(5)  In SECTION 8 of the bill (page 3, line 43), strike "Except as otherwise provided by this Act, this" and substitute "This".

The amendment to HB 3273 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:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

HB 3273 as amended was passed to third reading by a viva voce vote.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Bettencourt moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 3273 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

The Presiding Officer announced the signing of the following enrolled bills in the presence of the Senate after the captions had been read:

SB 58, SB 68, SB 294, SB 435, SB 602, SB 604, SB 840, SB 888, SB 1021, SB 1319, SB 1373, SB 1401, SB 1457, SB 1484, SB 1603, SB 1650, SB 1732, SB 2085.

HB 279, HB 1535, HB 1555, HB 1922, HB 2460, HB 2759, HB 3290.

Senator Johnson moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 4553 at this time on its second reading:

HB 4553, Relating to the eligibility of certain entities for services and commodity items provided by the Department of Information Resources and statewide technology centers.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Nichols asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.

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

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Nays:  Nichols.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Johnson moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 4553 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1.

Nays:  Nichols.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Hinojosa moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 4964 at this time on its second reading:

HB 4964, Relating to the sale, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages at the Texas State History Museum.

The motion prevailed.

Senators Hughes and Perry asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.

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

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Nays:  Hughes, Perry.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Hinojosa moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 4964 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 2.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, LaMantia, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Schwertner, Sparks, Springer, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Hughes, Perry.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator LaMantia moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 3647 at this time on its second reading:

HB 3647, Relating to the imposition by the Department of Public Safety of administrative and civil consequences for certain criminal convictions.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Creighton asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.

The bill was read second time.

Senator LaMantia offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend HB 3647 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 521.042(f), Transportation Code (page 1, line 27), between "Subsection (g)" and the underlined comma, by inserting "and Chapter 706".

The amendment to HB 3647 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:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

HB 3647 as amended was passed to third reading by a viva voce vote.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Nays:  Creighton.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator LaMantia moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 3647 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1.

Nays:  Creighton.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Hancock moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 3007 at this time on its second reading:

HB 3007, Relating to the authority of the Benbrook Water Authority to issue bonds.

The motion prevailed.

Senators Hughes and Middleton asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.

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

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Nays:  Hughes, Middleton.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Hancock moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 3007 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 2.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, LaMantia, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Springer, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Hughes, Middleton.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Hancock and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 3060 at this time on its second reading:

HB 3060, Relating to the regulation of recycling and recycled products.

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

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Hancock moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 3060 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Flores and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 2755 at this time on its second reading:

HB 2755, Relating to the minimum instruction requirement for the boater education program and the disposition and use of money received by the Parks and Wildlife Department from the boater education program.

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

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Flores moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 2755 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Flores moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 3731 at this time on its second reading:

HB 3731, Relating to the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Middleton asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.

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

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Nays:  Middleton.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Flores moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 3731 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1.

Nays:  Middleton.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Campbell moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 2628 at this time on its second reading:

SB 2628, Relating to requiring medical clearance before admission to an inpatient mental health facility.

The motion prevailed.

Senators Gutierrez, Miles, and West asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Campbell offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend SB 2628 (senate committee report) by striking all below the enacting clause and substituting the following:

SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 575, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 575.004 to read as follows:

SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.

The amendment to SB 2628 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:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

SB 2628 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, West.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Campbell moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 2628 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 27, Nays 3.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, LaMantia, Menéndez, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Springer, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Gutierrez, Miles, West.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 27, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Kolkhorst moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 1809 at this time on its second reading:

HB 1809, Relating to the establishment of the commercial oyster mariculture advisory board.

The motion prevailed by a viva voce vote.

Senators Hall, Hughes, and Parker asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.

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

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Nays:  Hall, Hughes, Parker.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Hughes moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 19 at this time on its second reading:

CSHB 19, Relating to the creation of a specialty trial court to hear certain cases; authorizing fees.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 24, Nays 6.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, LaMantia, Menéndez, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Springer.

Nays:  Gutierrez, Johnson, Miles, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Hughes offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSHB 19 (senate committee report) as follows:

(1)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 25A.017(j), Government Code (page 9, line 7), strike "The" and substitute "Subject to Subsection (k), the".

(2)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 25A.017, Government Code (page 9, between lines 10 and 11), insert the following:

(3)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 25A.0171, Government Code (page 9, lines 11 through 14), and substitute the following appropriately numbered section in and renumber subsequent sections of added Chapter 25A, Government Code, accordingly:

The amendment to CSHB 19 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:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Alvarado offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSHB 19 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 25A.006(e), Government Code (page 5, line 69), between "may not remove" and "the action", by inserting "or transfer".

The amendment to CSHB 19 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 except as follows:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator West offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSHB 19 (senate committee report) as follows:

(1)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Sections 25A.002 and 25A.010, Government Code (page 2, lines 65 and 66, and page 7, lines 35 through 39), renumber subsequent sections of added Chapter 25A, Government Code, and update any cross-references to those sections accordingly.

(2)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 25A.008(a)(3), Government Code (page 6, lines 66 and 67), strike "appointed for at least five years before appointment" and substitute "elected for at least five years preceding the beginning of the judge's term".

(3)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 25A.009, Government Code (page 7, lines 11 through 34), and substitute the following:

(4)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 25A.017(c), Government Code (page 8, line 41), strike "appointed" and substitute "elected".

(5)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 25A.017(d), Government Code (page 8, line 47), strike "appointed" and substitute "elected".

(6)  In SECTION 4 of the bill (page 10, line 25), strike "(a)".

(7)  Strike Subsection (b) of SECTION 4 of the bill (page 10, lines 29 through 34).

(8)  Strike SECTION 6 of the bill (page 10, lines 37 through 44) and renumber subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly.

The amendment to CSHB 19 was read and failed of adoption by the following vote:  Yeas 11, Nays 19.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Blanco, Gutierrez, Hinojosa, Johnson, LaMantia, Menéndez, Miles, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hall, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Springer.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

CSHB 19 as amended was passed to third reading by the following vote:  Yeas 24, Nays 6.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, LaMantia, Menéndez, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Springer.

Nays:  Gutierrez, Johnson, Miles, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

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 CSHB 19 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 24, Nays 6.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hall, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, LaMantia, Menéndez, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Springer.

Nays:  Gutierrez, Johnson, Miles, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 24, Nays 6. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Alvarado and by unanimous consent, the remarks regarding CSHB 19 were ordered reduced to writing and printed in the Senate Journal.

The remarks are printed in an addendum to this day's Journal.

Senator Hughes moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 1195 at this time on its second reading:

SB 1195, Relating to the duty of the attorney general to prosecute certain criminal offenses.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 17, Nays 13.

Yeas:  Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hall, Hancock, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Springer.

Nays:  Alvarado, Blanco, Gutierrez, Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, LaMantia, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 17, Nays 13. (Same as previous roll call)

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 HB 1809 be placed on its third reading and final passage:

HB 1809, Relating to the establishment of the commercial oyster mariculture advisory board.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 27, Nays 3.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, LaMantia, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Springer, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Hall, Hughes, Parker.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 27, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Miles moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 567 at this time on its second reading:

HB 567, Relating to discrimination on the basis of hair texture or protective hairstyle associated with race.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Schwertner asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.

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

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Nays:  Schwertner.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

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 HB 567 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1.

Nays:  Schwertner.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Kolkhorst moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 4018 at this time on its second reading:

CSHB 4018, Relating to the use of Parks and Wildlife Department land for carbon sequestration or similar ecosystem services projects.

The motion prevailed.

Senators Hall and Middleton asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.

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

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Nays:  Hall, Middleton.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

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 CSHB 4018 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 2.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, LaMantia, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Springer, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Hall, Middleton.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)

HOUSE CHAMBER

Austin, Texas

Friday, May 12, 2023 - 2

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 conveyance of property by a municipality for the public purpose of economic development.

Relating to access to certain investigational drugs, biological products, and devices used in clinical trials by patients with severe chronic diseases.

(Amended)

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.

Relating to qualifications of a sheriff or a candidate for sheriff.

Relating to continuation and operations of a health care provider participation program by the Bexar County Hospital District.

Relating to civil actions by a civilly committed individual.

Relating to the adoption of a climate policy in a municipal charter.

(Amended)

Respectfully,

/s/Stephen Brown,

Chief Clerk

House of Representatives

Senator Creighton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 1605 at this time on its second reading:

CSHB 1605, Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 21, Nays 9.

Yeas:  Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, LaMantia, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Springer, West.

Nays:  Alvarado, Blanco, Gutierrez, Hall, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Creighton offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSHB 1605 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 55 of the bill, providing effective dates, as follows:

(1)  In Subsection (a) of the SECTION (page 22, line 69, and page 23, line 1), strike "Subsections (b) and (c)" and substitute "Subsection (b)".

(2)  In Subsection (b) of the SECTION (page 23, line 7), strike "and".

(3)  In Subsection (b) of the SECTION (page 23, line 8), between "Act," and "take", insert "and Section 322.0082, Government Code, as added by this Act,".

(4)  Strike Subsection (c) of the SECTION (page 23, lines 9 and 10).

The amendment to CSHB 1605 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:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Menéndez offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSHB 1605 (senate committee report) in SECTION 4 of the bill, adding Section 22.05125, Education Code, by striking Subsection (b)(2) (page 3, lines 27 through 29), and substituting the following:

The amendment to CSHB 1605 was read and failed of adoption by the following vote:  Yeas 11, Nays 19.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Blanco, Gutierrez, Hinojosa, Johnson, LaMantia, Menéndez, Miles, West, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hall, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Springer.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Parker offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSHB 1605 (senate committee report) in SECTION 13 of the bill, amending Section 31.003, Education Code (page 5, line 59), by striking "any provision of this chapter" and substituting "a provision of this chapter that the commissioner or agency is responsible for implementing".

The amendment to CSHB 1605 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 except as follows:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Hughes offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSHB 1605 (senate committee report) as follows:

(1)  In SECTION 22 of the bill, in amended Section 31.022(a), Education Code (page 9, line 45), between "board" and "must", insert "may review the material and".

(2)  In SECTION 23 of the bill, in amended Section 31.023(a)(1), Education Code (page 11, between lines 6 and 7), insert the following appropriately lettered paragraph and reletter subsequent paragraphs of the subdivision accordingly:

( ) requiring the agency to review materials if the State Board of Education requests by a majority vote that the material be reviewed by the agency;

(3)  In SECTION 23 of the bill, in amended Section 31.023(b)(3), Education Code (page 10, line 19), strike "and".

(4)  In SECTION 23 of the bill, in amended Section 31.023(b)(4), Education Code (page 10, line 22), between "31.1011(a)(1)(B)" and the open bracket, insert the following:

The amendment to CSHB 1605 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. 4 except as follows:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

Senator Kolkhorst offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSHB 1605 (senate committee report), immediately following added Section 31.0271(b)(2), Education Code (page 16, between lines 15 and 16), by inserting the following subsection:

The amendment to CSHB 1605 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. 5 except as follows:

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

CSHB 1605 as amended was passed to third reading by the following vote:  Yeas 22, Nays 8.

Yeas:  Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hancock, Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, LaMantia, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Springer, West.

Nays:  Alvarado, Blanco, Gutierrez, Hall, Menéndez, Miles, Whitmire, Zaffirini.

Absent-excused:  Eckhardt.

The following resolutions were adopted by the Senate:

SR 559 by Springer and Parker, In memory of Mary O. Horn.

SR 566 by Springer, In memory of Albina Ann Mages Schmitz.

SCR 50 by Hinojosa, Recognizing the Bazan family on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Taco Olé.

SR 561 by Perry, Recognizing Tommy Wayne Engelke on the occasion of his retirement.

SR 562 by West, Recognizing Diorene Thomas on the occasion of her 80th birthday.

SCR 51 by Hughes, Recognizing May 11, 2023, as American Heritage Girls Day.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, the Senate at 3:25 p.m. adjourned, in memory of Shawn Michael Snider, until 3:28 p.m. today.

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Shawn Michael Snider, who died May 1, 2023, at the age of 58; and

WHEREAS, An esteemed Texan and a devoted public servant, Fire Chief Shawn Snider proudly served the City of Edinburg Fire Department and was a respected leader in the Edinburg community; he was a loving husband and father, and he exemplified the highest ideals of public service with honor and integrity throughout his decades of distinguished service to his community; and

WHEREAS, Shawn Snider was born on July 10, 1964, in San Diego and received his early education in Texas, where he attended schools in Tyler and Pharr; before the age of 18, he began his career as a firefighter by serving as a volunteer member of the City of Alamo Fire Department, where he also worked as a mechanic; realizing his life's calling, he rose through the ranks to become fire marshal for the Alamo Fire Department at the age of 24; in January of 1991, he joined the City of Edinburg Fire Department as assistant fire marshal, and in 1999, he accepted the position of fire chief of the Edinburg Fire Department and took on the role of emergency management coordinator for the city; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, Chief Snider generously devoted his time and energy on behalf of his community through his participation in many professional organizations; he served for 10 years as training coordinator for the Rio Grande Valley Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association, and among his many leadership roles, he served as a fire school instructor, a search and rescue task force leader, and chairman of the Hidalgo County Fire Chiefs Association; and

WHEREAS, Uncompromising in his work ethic and in his commitment to excellence, Chief Snider held certification in a range of areas of professional expertise, including as a master firefighter and peace officer; he achieved advanced certification as a fire inspector and arson investigator as well as being certified as a fire executive, public manager, and emergency medical technician; Chief Snider carried out the unique and multifaceted responsibilities of his position as fire chief with wisdom, diligence, and courage, and his steadfast efforts in support of his fellow firefighters and public servants earned him the enduring respect and admiration of his colleagues and of the Edinburg community; and

WHEREAS, Above all else, Shawn cherished his beloved wife of 31 years, Edna Snider, and his devoted daughter, Sarah; he was a loving brother, uncle, and cousin and an outstanding leader, mentor, and example to countless others; and

WHEREAS, Chief Snider was a pillar of the Edinburg community, and he was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church; his remarkable leadership, strength, and dedication to duty were a source of inspiration to those who knew him and to all who work to benefit the greater good, and he leaves behind memories that will be forever treasured by his loved ones and by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Shawn Michael Snider; 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 Shawn Snider.

HINOJOSA