SIXTH DAY
(Tuesday, February 11, 2025)
The Senate met at 11:13 a.m. pursuant to adjournment and was called to order by the President.
The roll was called and the following Senators were present: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Absent-excused: Creighton, Miles.
The President announced that a quorum of the Senate was present.
Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, offered the invocation as follows:
O God of justice and mercy, as we gather in service to our state, we give You thanks for the gift of life and for the opportunity to serve You and one another. We pray for all the Members of the legislature, for judges, elected civil officials, and all others who are entrusted to guard our political welfare. May they be enabled by Your powerful protection to discharge their duties with honesty and ability. We pray for the humility to better listen to You and one another, seeking to hear and not just to be heard, to act boldly in the pursuit of justice and integrity, and to promote and protect the fullness of human dignity. May we all be stirred to more generous and dedicated service towards the common good of our community. We pray to You, who are Lord and God, forever and ever. Amen.
Senator Zaffirini 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.
LEAVES OF ABSENCE
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Miles was granted leave of absence for today on account of important business.
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Creighton was granted leave of absence for today on account of illness.
SENATE RESOLUTION 47
Senator Bettencourt offered the following resolution:
WHEREAS, The Most Reverend Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, retired archbishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, is serving as Pastor of the Day for the Texas Senate on February 11, 2025; and
WHEREAS, After serving the archdiocese as coadjutor archbishop, Cardinal DiNardo was appointed archbishop on February 28, 2006; he served as a cardinal elector in the papal conclave of 2013, which saw the election of Pope Francis to the See of Peter; that same year, he was elected vice president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; he further served on the Pontifical Council for Culture, the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, and the Council for the Economy; in addition, he has served as a trustee of The Catholic University of America; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure as the metropolitan archbishop, Cardinal DiNardo pastored more than two million Catholics in the diocese, which represents the largest Catholic population in the state, and he guided over 430 priests in nearly 150 parishes and more than 50 schools; he retired upon appointment of his successor in January 2025; and
WHEREAS, Cardinal DiNardo studied at Saint Paul Seminary and Duquesne University, and he received his master's degree in philosophy from Catholic University and degrees in sacred theology from both the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Patristic Institute Augustinianum in Rome; he was ordained to the priesthood for the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1977 and served as parish pastor, seminary professor, and spiritual director; from 1984 to 1991, he worked in Rome as a staff member for the Congregation for Bishops, as adjunct professor at the Pontifical North American College, and as director of Villa Stritch, the house for American clergy; he then returned to Pittsburgh to pastor several parishes and serve in the chancery; ordained as a bishop in 1997, he became bishop of Sioux City, Iowa, the next year; and
WHEREAS, Cardinal DiNardo has inspired innumerable Texans through his messages of faith and goodwill, and it is a great privilege to welcome him to the State Capitol; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby honor the Most Reverend Daniel Cardinal DiNardo for his participation in the Pastor of the Day program and extend to him sincere appreciation for his many years of service to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Cardinal DiNardo as an expression of high regard by the Texas Senate.
SR 47 was read.
On motion of Senators Alvarado and Bettencourt, and by unanimous consent, the names of the Lieutenant Governor and Senators were added to the resolution as signers thereof.
On motion of Senator Bettencourt, the resolution was adopted by a rising vote of the Senate.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Bettencourt, joined by Senator Zaffirini, was recognized and introduced to the Senate Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, accompanied by Father Mark Hebert and Father Joseph White.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 45
Senator Hancock offered the following resolution:
SR 45, Recognizing February 10 and 11, 2025, as Tarrant County Days.
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Hancock, joined by Senators King, Birdwell, West, Kolkhorst, and Parker, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Tarrant County delegation including County Judge Tim O'Hare; County Commissioner Matt Krause; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; Fort Worth City Councilmembers Elizabeth Beck, Alan Blaylock, Michael Crain, Carlos Flores, Chris Nettels, and Jared Williams; Arlington City Councilmembers including Rebecca Boxall, Mauricio Galante, Raul Gonzalez, Long Pham, and Andrew Piel; Westlake Mayor Kim Greaves; and The University of Texas at Arlington President Jennifer Cowley.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
(Senator Flores in Chair)
SENATE RESOLUTION 85
Senator Parker offered the following resolution:
SR 85, Recognizing the evolving partnership between the State of Texas and the United Kingdom.
The resolution was read.
On motion of Senator Blanco and by unanimous consent, the names of the Lieutenant Governor and Senators were added to the resolution as signers thereof.
On motion of Senator Parker, the resolution was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Parker was recognized and introduced to the Senate British Consul General in Houston Sujeevan Satheesan, accompanied by Jessie Dodwell, Tim Cork, Elizabeth Bertram, Christina Luhn, Nick Reed, Yna Capatayan Quiambao, Maria Alamo Jara, Matthew Hamman, Cameron Bechtold, Freya Cartwright, Steven Robinson, Kate Wilkinson, Joe Cowen, Caroline Stotesbury, Kathryn Tyler, Rachel Canales, Grace Chen, and Adam Boone.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 66
Senator Alvarado, on behalf of Senator Miles, offered the following resolution:
SR 66, Recognizing February 11, 2025, as University of Houston Day at the State Capitol.
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Alvarado, joined by Senators West, Paxton, Kolkhorst, Bettencourt, and Zaffirini, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a University of Houston system delegation including Chancellor and President Renu Khator and Board of Regents members John A. McCall Jr., Gregory C. King, Jack B. Moore, and Tomas A. Bryan.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 70
Senator Birdwell offered the following resolution:
SR 70, Recognizing February 11, 2025, as Texas State Technical College Day.
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Birdwell, joined by Senators J. Hinojosa, A. Hinojosa, Campbell, Hall, Hughes, and Bettencourt, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas State Technical College delegation including Deputy Chancellor Gail Lawrence and Board of Regents members Ron Widup, Dr. Tiffany Tremont, Rob Misso, and Lizzy de la Garza Putegnat.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Kolkhorst, joined by Senator Eckhardt, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a City of Cuero delegation including Mayor Emil Garza and his wife, Velma; Mayor Pro-tem William "Bill" Matthys; Councilmembers ShaNon Henson and his wife, Mary Jane, Terry Glover, and Mitch Adams and his wife, Suzy; Kim Moore; City Manager Wayne Berger; Cuero Development Corporation Director Maggie Cromeens; Samantha Bayfus; Cuero Chamber of Commerce Board President Cecilia Hedrick; Executive Director Angie Cuellar; Sara Blain; and DeWitt County GOP Chair Jeannie Seidel.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Nichols was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Leadership Jacksonville delegation.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
PHYSICIAN OF THE DAY
Senator Birdwell was recognized and presented Dr. Zachary Sartor of Waco as the Physician of the Day.
The Senate welcomed Dr. Sartor and thanked him for his participation in the Physician of the Day program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Nichols was recognized and introduced to the Senate a City of Athens delegation.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 63
Senator Hall offered the following resolution:
SR 63, Recognizing February 11, 2025, as Rockwall County Day at the State Capitol.
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Hall was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Rockwall County delegation.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR
The following Messages from the Governor were read and were referred to the Committee on Nominations:
February 6, 2025
Austin, Texas
TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:
I ask the advice, consent and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointment:
To be a member of the Board for Lease of Texas Department of Criminal Justice Lands for a term to expire September 1, 2025:
Erin E. Lunceford
Houston, Texas
(Judge Lunceford is being reappointed)
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Greg Abbott
Governor
February 7, 2025
Austin, Texas
TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:
I ask the advice, consent and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointments:
To be members of the Department of Information Resources for terms to expire February 1, 2031:
Walter F. "Frank" Coppersmith, III
Round Rock, Texas
Keith R. Halman
Wolfforth, Texas
The individuals listed above are being reappointed.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Greg Abbott
Governor
February 11, 2025
Austin, Texas
TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:
I ask the advice, consent and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointment:
To be the presiding officer of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority for a term to expire February 1, 2027:
Robert W. "Bobby" Jenkins, Jr.
Austin, Texas
(Mr. Jenkins is being reappointed)
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Greg Abbott
Governor
February 11, 2025
Austin, Texas
TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:
I ask the advice, consent and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointments:
To be members of the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority for terms to expire February 1, 2031:
Charla K. Brotherton
Fort Worth, Texas
Katherine B. "Kit" Whitehill
Coppell, Texas
The individuals listed above are being reappointed.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Greg Abbott
Governor
SENATE BILLS ON FIRST READING
The following bills were introduced, read first time, and referred to the committees indicated:
SB 10 by King, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks
Relating to the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 11 by Middleton, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks
Relating to a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious text in public schools.
To Committee on Education K-16.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Middleton was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texans for Vaccine Choice delegation.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTIONS
The following resolutions were offered:
SR 41 by Nichols, Recognizing February 11, 2025, as Jacksonville Leadership Day.
SR 46 by A. Hinojosa, In memory of Frank and Alice Kelso of Corpus Christi.
SR 64 by Huffman, In memory of Donald Jean Hollier of Houston.
SR 65 by Schwertner, Recognizing February 11, 2025, as Bastrop County Day.
SR 68 by Zaffirini, Recognizing February 4, 2025, as Laredo Day.
SR 71 by Alvarado, Recognizing February 11, 2025, as Texas Independent Automobile Dealers Association Day at the State Capitol.
SR 81 by West, Recognizing February 11, 2025, as Nexus Family Recovery Center Day.
The resolutions were read and were adopted without objection.
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 14
The Presiding Officer laid before the Senate the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Section 17, Article III, Texas Constitution, provides that neither house of the legislature may adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other house; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED by the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas, That each house grant the other permission to adjourn for more than three days during the period beginning on Thursday, February 13, 2025, and ending on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
ZAFFIRINI
SCR 14 was read.
On motion of Senator Zaffirini and by unanimous consent, the resolution was considered immediately and was adopted by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Creighton, Miles.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Campbell, joined by Senator Zaffirini, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Hays County Republican Women delegation including Abby Gibson, Cris Peterson, and Erin Ritter.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 9
On motion of Senator Huffman, Senators Bettencourt and Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-authors of SB 9.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 40
On motion of Senator Huffman, Senators Bettencourt and Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-authors of SB 40.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 45
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 45.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 225
On motion of Senator West, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 225.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 463
On motion of Senator Campbell, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 463.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 469
On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator Flores will be shown as Co-author of SB 469.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 498
On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator Flores will be shown as Co-author of SB 498.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 645
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 645.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 677
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Hall will be shown as Co-author of SB 677.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 716
On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator Middleton will be shown as Co-author of SB 716.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 767
On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator A. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-author of SB 767.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 881
On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator Flores will be shown as Co-author of SB 881.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 1047
On motion of Senator Huffman, Senators Bettencourt and Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1047.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1080
On motion of Senator West, Senator Middleton will be shown as Co-author of SB 1080.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 1
On motion of Senator Huffman, Senators Bettencourt and Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-authors of SJR 1.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 5
On motion of Senator Huffman, Senators Bettencourt and Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-authors of SJR 5.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 38
On motion of Senator Birdwell, Senators Hall and Menéndez will be shown as Co-authors of SJR 38.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, the Senate at 12:43 p.m. adjourned until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.
APPENDIX
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following committee reports were received by the Secretary of the Senate in the order listed:
February 11, 2025
LOCAL GOVERNMENT — SJR 2, SB 4
RESOLUTIONS ENROLLED
February 11, 2025
SR 41, SR 45, SR 46, SR 47, SR 63, SR 64, SR 65, SR 66, SR 68, SR 70, SR 71, SR 81, SR 85