EIGHTH DAY
(Thursday, February 13, 2025)
The Senate met at 10:09 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, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The President announced that a quorum of the Senate was present.
Minister Ross Ransleben, Smithville Church of Christ, Smithville, offered the invocation as follows:
Almighty and merciful Father in heaven, we come before You this morning united in goal and purpose that we may serve to the best of our ability this great state and its people. Lord, today I pray that You would impart wisdom, discernment, and knowledge to the women and men who are shaping our future. I pray for humility and for courage that they might stand up for what it is right for the greatest and especially for the least. Lord, today I pray that we might speak the truth in love. Father, please protect Your children today, that we might do Your good work. And cast down all of our enemies in Your mighty name. For Yours is the kingdom, and Yours is the glory, 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.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Campbell was granted leave of absence for today on account of illness.
RESOLUTION SIGNED
The President announced the signing of the following enrolled resolution in the presence of the Senate: SCR 14.
SENATE RESOLUTION 98
Senator Huffman offered the following resolution:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is honored to pay tribute to Senator Judith Zaffirini, a distinguished leader and dedicated public servant, in recognition of her esteemed position as Dean of the Texas Senate and on the occasion of her birthday on February 13, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Elected to the Texas Senate in 1986, Senator Zaffirini has long held the enduring respect of her constituents, and as the Senate's longest-serving and highest-ranking member, she holds the title of Dean of the Texas Senate and is the first woman to achieve this distinction; and
WHEREAS, Not only the first female senator to serve as Dean but also the first Mexican American woman to serve as a senator in Texas, Dean Zaffirini represents District 21 and the people of the Lone Star State with remarkable dedication and loyalty, and she inspires the confidence and trust of her constituents and the admiration of her colleagues across state government; and
WHEREAS, An alumna of The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, Dean Zaffirini is an accomplished communications specialist, a former educator, and a public servant who is well known for her work ethic and for her achievements in health care, family support, and education; throughout her years of legislative and professional work, she has remained deeply devoted to her family and to helping the families of Texas, and she has cherished the love and support of her husband, Carlos M. Zaffirini, her son and daughter-by-marriage, Carlos M. Zaffirini Jr. and Audrey, and her grandsons, Asher and George; and
WHEREAS, Dean Zaffirini is a highly regarded legislator and state leader who gives generously of her time and energy to community and public affairs and consistently exhibits a deep love of the Texas land and of its citizens; her wealth of knowledge has been an invaluable asset to the Senate; she has cast more than 72,000 consecutive votes since 1987, a record for the Texas Legislature; and
WHEREAS, Senator Zaffirini's successful career is marked by her exemplary decision-making and statesmanship; her support of causes for the betterment of our state and her work as a lawmaker are testaments to her high standards, strong leadership, and commitment to public service, and her loyalty to the Senate body has earned her the highest regard of those with whom she serves; and
WHEREAS, The members of the Texas Senate are proud to have the opportunity to honor Dean Zaffirini for her outstanding contributions to the citizens of Texas on this special day and to pay tribute to her for her many accomplishments and for her dedication to our state; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby commend Senator Judith Zaffirini, Dean of the Texas Senate, for her exceptional achievements on behalf of the citizens of this state and extend to her sincere appreciation and best wishes for a most enjoyable birthday celebration; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her as an expression of the admiration and esteem of the Texas Senate.
BIRDWELL
A. HINOJOSA
PAXTON
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SR 98 was read and was adopted by a rising vote of the Senate.
GUEST PRESENTED
Senator Huffman, joined by Senators Alvarado, J. Hinojosa, Menéndez, Eckhardt, Flores, Birdwell, Bettencourt, A. Hinojosa, West, Hall, and Johnson, was recognized and introduced to the Senate Carlos Zaffirini Jr., son of Senator Zaffirini.
The Senate welcomed its guest.
PHYSICIAN OF THE DAY
Senator Bettencourt was recognized and presented Dr. Cindy Cedillo-Ruiz of Houston as the Physician of the Day.
The Senate welcomed Dr. Cedillo-Ruiz and thanked her for her participation in the Physician of the Day program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Middleton was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Harmony Public Schools delegation celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Menéndez was recognized and introduced to the Senate a National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, Texas Chapter, delegation including Tim Alcott, Hector Morales, Lisa Garcia, Wayne Pollard Jr., Kataunta Jones, Milet Hopping, and Barbara Bozon.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTIONS
The following resolutions were offered:
SR 86 by Zaffirini, Commending Starr County Memorial Hospital on its 50th anniversary.
SR 87 by Zaffirini, In memory of Shelly Cantu-Valdez.
SR 88 by Kolkhorst, In memory of Mark Allen Butler.
The resolutions were read and were adopted by a viva voce vote.
INTRODUCTION OF
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS POSTPONED
The President announced that the introduction of bills and resolutions on first reading would be postponed until the end of today's session.
There was no objection.
CONCLUSION OF MORNING CALL
The President at 11:06 a.m. announced the conclusion of morning call.
SENATE BILL 4 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 4 at this time (submitted by Governor as an emergency matter):
SB 4, Relating to an increase in the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district and the protection of school districts against certain losses in local revenue.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Bettencourt offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 4 (senate committee report) in Article 2 of the bill as follows:
(1) In the recital to SECTION 2.01, amending Section 46.071, Education Code (page 2, line 65), strike "and (d-2)" and substitute ", (d-2), and (f)".
(2) In SECTION 2.01, immediately following added Section 46.071(d-2), Education Code (page 3, between lines 13 and 14), insert the following:
(f) A school district may use additional state aid received under this section only to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds for which the district received the aid.
(3) In the recital to SECTION 2.02, amending Section 48.2551, Education Code (page 3, line 15), strike "Subsection (d-3)" and substitute "Subsections (d-3) and (d-4)".
(4) In SECTION 2.02, in added Section 48.2551(d-3), Education Code (page 3, lines 21 and 22), strike "and also as if that increase did not take effect".
(5) In SECTION 2.02, immediately following added Section 48.2551(d-3), Education Code (page 3, between lines 23 and 24), insert the following:
(d-4) If the increase in the residence homestead exemption under Section 1-b(c), Article VIII, Texas Constitution, as proposed by the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, does not take effect, the commissioner may adjust school districts' maximum compressed rates under this section for the 2025-2026 school year accordingly. Before making an adjustment under this subsection, the commissioner shall notify and must receive approval from the Legislative Budget Board and the office of the governor. This subsection expires September 1, 2029.
(6) In SECTION 2.03, amending Section 48.283, Education Code, as follows:
(A) On page 3, line 27, strike "2024-2025 school year" and substitute "2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years".
(B) On page 3, lines 37 and 38, strike "2024-2025 [current] school year" and substitute "2023-2024 or 2024-2025 [current] school year, as applicable,".
(C) On page 3, lines 42 and 43, strike "2024-2025 school year" and substitute "2023-2024 or 2024-2025 school year, as applicable".
(7) Strike SECTION 2.09 of the bill, amending Section 25.23, Tax Code (page 4, lines 56-62), and substitute the following appropriately numbered SECTION:
SECTION ____. Section 26.01, Tax Code, is amended by adding Subsections (a-2) and (a-3) to read as follows:
(a-2) This subsection applies only to the appraisal roll for a school district for the 2025 tax year. When the chief appraiser delivers the appraisal roll to the assessor for the school district, the chief appraiser shall include a provisional appraisal roll to account for the changes in law made by S.B. 4, Acts of the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025. If the chief appraiser delivers a supplemental appraisal roll or correction to the appraisal roll to the assessor for the school district before the effective date of Article 1 of that Act, the chief appraiser shall include provisional appraisal roll entries to account for the changes in law made by that article. If Article 1 of that Act takes effect:
(1) on the effective date of that article, the provisional appraisal roll, as supplemented and corrected, becomes the appraisal roll for the school district; and
(2) as soon as practicable after the effective date of that article, the chief appraiser shall correct the school district's appraisal roll as necessary to finally account for the changes in law made by that article.
(a-3) This subsection and Subsection (a-2) expire December 31, 2026.
The amendment to SB 4 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: Campbell.
Senator Bettencourt offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend SB 4 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In the recital to SECTION 1.02 of the bill, amending Section 46.071, Education Code (page 1, line 33), strike "and (c-3)" and substitute "(c-3), (d-1), and (d-2)".
(2) In SECTION 1.02 of the bill, immediately following added Section 46.071(c-3), Education Code (page 2, between lines 17 and 18), insert the following:
(d-1) If the amount required to pay debt service on bonds issued under Subchapter A, Chapter 45, is less than the sum of state assistance provided under this chapter, including the amount of additional state aid provided under this section, and the revenue from the district's interest and sinking tax for a school year, the commissioner shall, except as provided by Subsection (d-2), reduce the amount of additional state aid provided under this section by the difference between:
(1) the sum of state assistance provided under this chapter, including the amount of additional state aid provided under this section, and the revenue from the district's interest and sinking tax for the school year; and
(2) the amount required to pay debt service on bonds described by this subsection for the school year.
(d-2) The amount of additional state aid provided under this section may not be reduced under Subsection (d-1) to an amount below the additional state aid provided under Subsection (a-3).
(3) Strike SECTION 1.03 of the bill, amending Section 48.2543, Education Code (page 2, lines 18 through 57), and substitute the following appropriately numbered SECTION:
SECTION 1.___. Section 48.2543, Education Code, is amended by amending Subsections (a-1) and (b) and adding Subsection (a-2) to read as follows:
(a-1) For [Beginning with] the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years [year], a school district is entitled to additional state aid to the extent that state and local revenue under this chapter and Chapter 49 is less than the state and local revenue that would have been available to the district under this chapter and Chapter 49 as those chapters existed on September 1, 2022, if any increase in a residence homestead exemption under Section 1-b(c), Article VIII, Texas Constitution, and any additional limitation on tax increases under Section 1-b(d) of that article as proposed by the 88th Legislature, 2nd Called Session, 2023, had not occurred.
(a-2) Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, a school district is entitled to additional state aid to the extent that state and local revenue under this chapter and Chapter 49 is less than the state and local revenue that would have been available to the district under this chapter and Chapter 49 as those chapters existed on September 1, 2024, if any increase in a residence homestead exemption under Section 1-b(c), Article VIII, Texas Constitution, as proposed by the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, had not occurred.
(b) The lesser of the school district's currently adopted maintenance and operations tax rate or the adopted maintenance and operations tax rate for:
(1) the 2021 tax year is used for the purpose of determining additional state aid under Subsection (a); [and]
(2) the 2022 tax year is used for the purpose of determining additional state aid under Subsection (a-1); and
(3) the 2024 tax year is used for the purpose of determining additional state aid under Subsection (a-2).
(4) Strike SECTION 1.04 of the bill, repealing provisions of the Education Code (page 2, lines 58 and 59), and renumber subsequent SECTIONS of the article accordingly.
(5) In SECTION 2.01 of the bill, amending Section 46.071, Education Code (page 2, line 64 through page 3, line 13), strike added Subsections (d-1) and (d-2).
The amendment to SB 4 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: Campbell.
SB 4 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:
Absent-excused: Campbell.
SENATE BILL 4 ON THIRD READING
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 SB 4 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)
STATEMENT REGARDING SENATE BILL 4
Senator Johnson submitted the following statement regarding SB 4:
I cast my vote in favor of Senate Bill 4 today, but I do so with some reservation. It is bold. It helps people, and for that reason I support it. But it is certainly not conservative. In a time of great political and fiscal uncertainty, prudence counsels us to, at a minimum, view today's action in the full light of its long-term fiscal implications.
As the bill author stated, this $2.7B commitment is permanent. As it will benefit every homeowner hereafter, it will be a budget obligation hereafter. But, as was frequently said on the floor, we have a huge surplus, so maybe this is money we can "give back" (never mind for the moment that we're giving sales tax dollars paid by everyone to replace property tax dollars paid only by homeowners, not renters or businesses) to taxpayers (to some of them, anyway). Yes, we're in a surplus cycle. But we won't always be.
The Texas economy is strong, and I believe it will be for quite some time. Probably. Meanwhile, the current presidential administration seems bent on drastically cutting federal spending for programs that may profoundly affect this state. The result may be that Texas receives far less than the $100B federal dollars upon which we rely to balance our annual state budget.
And when inevitably we enter a budget cycle with a deficit, the people of this state will look to us to run a balanced budget, to uphold the commitments we made today, and still to provide for the social and physical infrastructure that enables all Texans to pursue a better life.
In addition to concerns over future fiscal challenges, SB 4 falls far short of the important objective of making housing in Texas more affordable and attainable. The bill offers appreciable financial benefit to all homeowners, while it does nothing for renters. True, the proposed state budget includes significant funding for tax compression, and the compression will provide financial benefit to landlords along with homeowners. Theoretically, landlords might pass along some of those savings (a proposition rendered less likely by scarcity in the housing market). But as the bill author stated, a homestead exemption gives roughly three times the financial benefit as tax compression. And whereas renters get only compression, homeowners get both. So far this session then, tax relief benefits are slanted 4:1 in favor of homeowners to renters and businesses.
That's OK, so long as we don't declare that we're done. Not every bill should or can attend to every need. But we must address housing availability and affordability broadly, not merely for a subset of Texans. As we consider means to achieve this broader objective, it is appropriate that we keep in mind the scale of what we're doing today with SB 4.
Post script: a couple of matters raised on the Senate floor merit some additional context:
No one, of any age or income, single or married, with kids or without kids, in public school or private school, pays property taxes as tuition. Local school district taxes, along with state tax revenue dedicated to public education, are what we all contribute for the privilege of living in an educated, and therefore civilized, society. None of it represents tuition for anybody. And the civic obligation to contribute to the cost of an educated society is one that does not expire upon paying for a time, or upon paying a certain amount. We do a disservice to our civic health when we suggest otherwise.
JOHNSON
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 2 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSJR 2 at this time (submitted by Governor as an emergency matter):
CSSJR 2, Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district.
The resolution was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment except as follows:
Absent-excused: Campbell.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 2 ON THIRD READING
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 CSSJR 2 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Campbell.
The resolution was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)
MOTION IN WRITING
Senator Zaffirini offered the following Motion In Writing:
Mr. President:
I move to suspend Senate Rule 11.13 so that committees may meet during the reading and referral of bills.
ZAFFIRINI
The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.
MOTION TO ADJOURN
On motion of Senator Zaffirini and by unanimous consent, the Senate at 12:59 p.m. agreed to adjourn, upon completion of the introduction of bills and resolutions on first reading, until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
SENATE BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FIRST READING
The following bills and resolutions were introduced, read first time, and referred to the committees indicated:
SB 6 by King, Schwertner
Relating to electricity planning and infrastructure costs for large loads.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 13 by Paxton, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks
Relating to a school district's library materials and catalog, the creation of local school library advisory councils, and parental rights regarding public school library catalogs and access by the parent's child to library materials.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 21 by Schwertner
Relating to the establishment and administration of the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for the purpose of investing in cryptocurrency and the investment authority of the comptroller of public accounts over the reserve and certain other state funds.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 826 by Parker
Relating to the operation of a motor vehicle in a school crossing zone while intoxicated; increasing a criminal penalty.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 827 by Parker
Relating to the audit of an election using an electronic voting system.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 828 by Parker
Relating to the provision of services by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to offenders with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 829 by Parker
Relating to requiring the Department of Family and Protective Services to annually review the department's process to enter into adoption assistance agreements.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 830 by Parker
Relating to the amount of an expenditure made by a municipality for which competitive bidding is required.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 831 by Parker
Relating to certain reimbursements and discounts allowed for the collection and payment of sales and use taxes.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 832 by Parker
Relating to expedited credentialing of certain chiropractors by managed care plan issuers.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 833 by Johnson
Relating to conditions applicable to health benefit plan coverage of in vitro fertilization procedures.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 834 by Johnson
Relating to the eligibility of certain persons younger than 18 years of age to preregister to vote.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 835 by Paxton
Relating to the enforceability of certain nondisclosure or confidentiality provisions with respect to an act of sexual abuse committed against a child.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 836 by Paxton
Relating to victims of sex offenses, sex-based human trafficking offenses, or acts of a sexual nature and to the confidentiality of or restrictions on the availability of certain property, material, or information regarding those victims, offenses, or acts.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 837 by Kolkhorst
Relating to a family preservation services program.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 838 by J. Hinojosa
Relating to requirements for subscription service contracts; providing a civil penalty.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 839 by Johnson
Relating to asset forfeiture under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 840 by Hughes
Relating to certain municipal and county regulation of certain multifamily and mixed-use residential development projects and conversion of certain commercial buildings to mixed-use and multifamily residential occupancy.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 841 by Hughes
Relating to the beneficiaries of trust funds paid or received in connection with an improvement on specific real property.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 842 by Schwertner
Relating to immunity for ringside physicians assigned to combative sports events.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 843 by Kolkhorst
Relating to a Texas Education Agency database of school district bonds, taxes, and bond-related projects.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 844 by Hughes
Relating to procedures for changes to a zoning regulation or district boundary.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 845 by Zaffirini
Relating to the eligibility of social workers for the Homes for Texas Heroes home loan program.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 846 by Hughes
Relating to the duty of the attorney general to prosecute certain criminal offenses.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
SB 847 by Campbell
Relating to liability of a cavern entity for injuries arising from certain activities.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 848 by Eckhardt
Relating to a prohibition on requiring a local government to provide compensation to the Texas Department of Transportation for certain potential or actual lost toll project revenue.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 849 by Middleton
Relating to orders providing for the conservatorship of or possession of and access to a child by the child's parents in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 850 by Middleton
Relating to the payment of certain ad valorem tax refunds.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 851 by Middleton
Relating to repairs made pursuant to a tenant's notice of intent to repair and the refund of a tenant's security deposit.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 853 by Middleton, Eckhardt
Relating to an exemption from the mixed beverage gross receipts tax for the sale, preparation, or service of malt beverages produced by certain permit holders.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 854 by Middleton
Relating to municipal regulation of multifamily and mixed-use development on religious land.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 855 by Sparks
Relating to the authority of certain medical consenters to assume financial responsibility for certain out-of-network medical care provided to children in foster care.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 856 by Flores
Relating to the use of the skills development fund by certain entities.
To Committee on Economic Development.
SB 857 by Schwertner
Relating to the authorized removal of certain motor vehicles.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 858 by Schwertner
Relating to certain criminal offenses involving the attachment or display of a wrong license plate or registration insignia; increasing criminal penalties.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 859 by Schwertner
Relating to authorization and reimbursement for certain examination fee subsidies paid for public school teachers and students.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 860 by Flores
Relating to abolishing the Criminal Justice Legislative Oversight Committee.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 861 by Johnson
Relating to the distribution of funds designated for the low-income vehicle repair assistance, retrofit, and accelerated vehicle retirement program.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 862 by Johnson
Relating to the designation of Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Diwali as optional holidays.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 863 by Perry
Relating to the use of water withdrawn from the Edwards Aquifer.
To Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
SB 864 by Alvarado
Relating to allowing a bicyclist to treat certain traffic-control devices as a yield sign.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 865 by Alvarado
Relating to instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators for school district, private school, and open-enrollment charter school employees and volunteers.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 866 by Alvarado
Relating to judicial training requirements regarding family violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and child abuse.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 867 by Bettencourt
Relating to housing finance corporations; authorizing a fee.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 868 by Sparks
Relating to the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program and authorizing an increase in the assessment on certain insurers that fund the program.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 869 by Birdwell
Relating to the deadline for the Texas Ethics Commission to resolve certain complaints.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 870 by Birdwell
Relating to the open carrying of a handgun by a uniformed school marshal.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 871 by Birdwell
Relating to the authority of the legislature, governor, and certain political subdivisions with respect to disasters and emergencies.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 872 by Birdwell
Relating to the punishment for the offense of burglary of a vehicle involving theft of a firearm; increasing a criminal penalty.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 873 by Birdwell
Relating to the subject matter jurisdiction of the criminal trial courts of this state over certain criminal actions.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 874 by Birdwell
Relating to the eligibility of a person convicted of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude to serve in certain roles at a charter holder or an open-enrollment charter school.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 875 by Birdwell
Relating to prohibiting election activities committed by a member of the board of trustees or superintendent of an independent school district or on certain school district premises; creating criminal offenses.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 876 by Birdwell
Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 377 in Hood and Johnson Counties as the Bob Cornett Parkway.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 877 by Parker
Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general at the Texas Education Agency to investigate the administration of public education.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 878 by Birdwell
Relating to limitations on the use of public money under certain economic development agreements or programs adopted by certain political subdivisions.
To Committee on Economic Development.
SB 879 by Birdwell
Relating to an exemption for drillers or operators of closed-loop geothermal injection wells from certain requirements applicable to persons involved in activities under the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 880 by Kolkhorst
Relating to political advertising distributed or broadcast as part of a mass text message campaign and civil penalties for required disclosures on certain political advertising.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 881 by Sparks
Relating to the issuance by the Texas Medical Board of certain licenses to practice medicine and the authority of an insured to select certain license holders under the insured's health policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 882 by Cook
Relating to certain rights and duties of residential tenants and landlords; increasing the amount of civil penalties.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 883 by Paxton, Hall
Relating to patient access to prescription drugs for off-label use for COVID-19 treatment.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 884 by Kolkhorst
Relating to establishment of a shared savings program for certain managed care plans.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 885 by Eckhardt, Alvarado, Cook, Miles
Relating to who may request a public hearing from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality related to the construction of a concrete plant.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 886 by Sparks
Relating to the production, sale, and use of certain agricultural products containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); creating a criminal offense.
To Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
SB 887 by Eckhardt
Relating to the authority of a municipality to use funds collected from an impact fee to construct or install a safety improvement to a roadway facility.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 888 by Kolkhorst
Relating to the attorney general's defense of a district or county attorney against certain lawsuits in federal court.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 889 by Eckhardt
Relating to a defense to prosecution and the dismissal of a charge for the criminal offense of driving with an expired license.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 890 by Paxton
Relating to the issuance of a license to carry a handgun to certain active and retired judicial officers.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 891 by Johnson
Relating to penalties for intimidation and harassment of election officials and election interference; creating criminal offenses.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 892 by Johnson
Relating to voter registration.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 893 by Johnson
Relating to criminal offenses for creating and distributing certain misleading images and videos; creating a criminal offense.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 894 by Johnson
Relating to the adoption of the Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 895 by Hughes
Relating to a student's eligibility to participate in the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 896 by Blanco
Relating to the enrollment period for newborns under certain employer health benefit plans.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 897 by Blanco
Relating to the administration of a grant program to support community mental health programs assisting veterans and their families.
To Committee on Veteran Affairs.
SB 898 by Blanco
Relating to the allocation of low income housing tax credits.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 899 by Blanco
Relating to the provision of state aid to certain local governments disproportionately affected by the granting of ad valorem tax relief to disabled veterans and surviving spouses of certain armed services members.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 900 by Hughes
Relating to the inclusion of a school safety domain for evaluating districts and campuses under the public school accountability system.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 901 by Kolkhorst
Relating to the declaration of a candidate's ineligibility on the basis of filing an application for a place on the general primary election ballot or for nomination by convention with more than one political party.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 902 by Sparks
Relating to an alternate board certification to signify accreditation within a given specialty in this state and medical care provided at certain health care facilities by physicians with an alternate board certification.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 903 by Sparks
Relating to continuing education requirements for certain physicians regarding adoption.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 904 by Zaffirini
Relating to the licensing and regulation of hearing instrument fitters and dispensers.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 905 by Zaffirini
Relating to the licensing and regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 906 by Blanco
Relating to the authority of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo to commission peace officers.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 907 by Blanco
Relating to bill payment assistance programs for utility customers offered by certain municipalities.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 908 by Blanco
Relating to the regulation of certain firearm transfers, to the unlawful possession or acquisition of a firearm or ammunition, and to reports of lost or stolen firearms; creating criminal offenses.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 909 by Blanco
Relating to the issuance of permits for producer dairies in certain areas of this state.
To Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
SB 910 by Blanco
Relating to the establishment of a grant program to support the elimination of illegally disposed of scrap tires.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 911 by Blanco, Hall, Middleton, Paxton, Perry
Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain advanced practice registered nurses; authorizing a fee.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 912 by Blanco
Relating to the verification of health care practitioner continuing education compliance through the establishment of continuing education tracking systems.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 913 by Blanco
Relating to the use of hotel occupancy tax revenue by certain municipalities.
To Committee on Economic Development.
SB 914 by Blanco
Relating to authorizing certain cities to change the date on which their general election for officers is held.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 915 by Blanco
Relating to a limitation on the amount of tuition charged by public institutions of higher education.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 916 by Zaffirini
Relating to consumer protections against certain medical and health care billing by emergency medical services providers.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 917 by Zaffirini
Relating to certain boiler inspection reports and the composition and governance of the board of boiler rules.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 918 by Zaffirini
Relating to the licensing and regulation of orthotists and prosthetists.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 919 by Zaffirini
Relating to a governmental body's response to a request for public information.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 920 by Sparks
Relating to the administration of medication by open-enrollment charter schools, private schools, and school employees.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 921 by Sparks
Relating to a prohibition on conducting an ex parte renewal of a recipient's Medicaid eligibility.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 922 by Hancock
Relating to the disclosure of certain medical information by electronic means.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 923 by Hancock
Relating to fiscal impact statements for legislation imposing mandates on health benefit plan issuers.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 924 by Hancock
Relating to entities that provide cable services or video services.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 925 by Hancock
Relating to certain agreements with collective bargaining organizations related to certain publicly funded public work contracts.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 926 by Hancock
Relating to certain practices of health benefit plan issuers to encourage the use of certain physicians and health care providers and rank physicians.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 927 by Hancock
Relating to the issuance of Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal specialty license plates.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 928 by Johnson
Relating to the delivery, possession, and medical use of low-THC cannabis and associated drug paraphernalia under the Texas Compassionate Use Program.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 929 by Johnson
Relating to deadlines and time of inception for mechanic's and materialman's liens.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 930 by Eckhardt
Relating to efficiency audits of Operation Lone Star and other border security programs.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 931 by Hall
Relating to the process of canvassing elections.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 932 by Hall
Relating to establishment of the immigration authority delegation training grant program for local law enforcement agencies.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 933 by Hall
Relating to the location of meetings of the board of directors of a municipal utility district.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 934 by Hall
Relating to the installation and repair of critical electric grid equipment purchased from certain companies and nonprofit organizations.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 935 by Hall
Relating to an exemption from certain motor fuel taxes for counties in this state.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 936 by Hall
Relating to authorizing the Texas School Safety Center to conduct random safety and security audits of public schools; authorizing a civil penalty.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 937 by Parker
Relating to bidding or procurement requirements for improvement projects in public improvement districts.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 938 by Parker
Relating to the regulation of earned wage access services; providing an administrative penalty.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 939 by West
Relating to the members of a school district's local school health advisory council.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 940 by West
Relating to allowing the board of trustees of certain school districts to create a nonvoting student trustee position on the board.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 941 by Paxton
Relating to a screening for the risk of commercial sexual exploitation of certain children.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 942 by Hughes
Relating to a court order for retroactive child support, including for retroactive child support beginning on the date of the child's conception.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
SB 943 by Hughes
Relating to the establishment and duties of the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office and the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Advisory Panel.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 944 by Hughes
Relating to judicial deference regarding an interpretation of law by a state agency.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 945 by Hughes
Relating to the adoption of political shareholder proposals by insurers and insurer holding companies.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 946 by Hughes
Relating to the prohibition on certain discrimination in the extension of credit to organizations based on social credit or value-based standards.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 947 by Flores
Relating to a certificate of public convenience and necessity to provide water or sewer service in an area incorporated or annexed by a municipality.
To Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
SB 948 by Johnson
Relating to the confidentiality of residential eviction case information.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 949 by Parker
Relating to prohibitions on deceptive and unfair practices related to financial institutions discriminating in the provision of financial services to consumers and other persons.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 950 by Johnson
Relating to a public hearing requirement for a proposal by the governor or the Legislative Budget Board to affect appropriations and certain actions of the governor during a state of disaster.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 951 by Johnson
Relating to the authority of the governor and the legislature regarding declared states of disaster.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 952 by Johnson
Relating to a biennial report on certain contingent appropriations.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 953 by Johnson
Relating to eligibility to request a deposition before bringing a civil action.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
SB 954 by Johnson
Relating to the remote participation of certain persons in a proceeding for the issuance or modification of a protective order.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 955 by Parker
Relating to the punishment for the offense of trafficking of persons.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 956 by Parker
Relating to requiring the denial of bail to a person accused of committing certain trafficking or sexual offenses against a child while released on bail for committing a similar offense.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 957 by Parker
Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of continuous aggravated promotion of prostitution.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 958 by Parker
Relating to the eligibility of certain victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 959 by Perry
Relating to modification of certain prescription drug benefits and coverage offered by certain health benefit plans.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 960 by Johnson
Relating to the establishment of the workforce housing program by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 961 by Kolkhorst
Relating to fraud prevention and verifying eligibility for benefits under Medicaid.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 962 by Zaffirini
Relating to the provision of certain benefits, including applied behavior analysis, behavior supports, and associated evaluation services, through telecommunications or information technology under certain public benefits programs.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 963 by Hughes
Relating to allowing Medicaid managed care organizations to inform Medicaid recipients about the availability of certain private health benefit plan coverage.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 964 by Hughes
Relating to the appearance of a personal identification certificate or driver's license issued to a person who is not a citizen of the United States.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 965 by Parker, Bettencourt, Campbell, Creighton, Hall, A. Hinojosa, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Paxton
Relating to the right of a public school employee to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 966 by Kolkhorst
Relating to the use of technology by public school students, including a study on the public health effects of digital learning and public school policies regarding student possession of personal communication devices; increasing a fee.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 967 by Zaffirini
Relating to the age at which a person in this state may marry.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 968 by Zaffirini
Relating to the licensing and regulation of the practice of podiatry.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 969 by Hughes
Relating to the reimbursement of state employees for groceries consumed while traveling on official state business.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 970 by Sparks
Relating to the prioritization of awarding grants and loans from the Texas Energy Fund for certain electric generating facilities.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 971 by Sparks
Relating to the definition of a rural political subdivision for purposes of the Texas Water Assistance Program.
To Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
SB 972 by Zaffirini
Relating to reimbursement rates for child-care providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program.
To Committee on Economic Development.
SB 973 by Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Middleton, Parker, West
Relating to the prohibition on posting on the Internet information held by an appraisal district regarding certain residential property.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 974 by Eckhardt, Bettencourt, Cook, Gutierrez, Parker, Paxton, West
Relating to the eligibility of a person employed by a school district as a teacher to serve on the appraisal review board of an appraisal district.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 975 by Eckhardt
Relating to a study on the prevalence and tracking of heat-related deaths in this state.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 976 by Eckhardt
Relating to the establishment of an advisory board to study surface water and groundwater interaction.
To Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
SB 977 by Eckhardt
Relating to electronic voter registration.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 978 by Eckhardt
Relating to the repeal of the exception to the offense of unlawfully prohibiting an employee from voting.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 979 by Eckhardt
Relating to voter registration at polling places.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 980 by Eckhardt
Relating to the reporting of proceeds and property from asset forfeiture proceedings under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 981 by Eckhardt
Relating to the use of school buses by public schools.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 982 by Hughes
Relating to appeals to justice courts of certain appraisal review board orders.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 983 by Hughes
Relating to local school health advisory councils and instruction regarding human sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity provided by public schools.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 984 by Bettencourt
Relating to access to individualized investigational treatments for patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 985 by Bettencourt, Paxton
Relating to the combination of certain election precincts.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 986 by Bettencourt
Relating to procedures under the public information law, including expedited responses and charges for bad faith requests.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 987 by Bettencourt
Relating to the subject matter jurisdiction of the criminal trial courts of this state over certain criminal actions.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 988 by Bettencourt
Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of criminal mischief involving impairment of a motor fuel pump.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 989 by Bettencourt
Relating to criminal history record information for certain master, magistrate, referee, associate judge, or other court official applicants appointed or employed to serve in a state court.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 990 by Bettencourt
Relating to increasing the punishment for certain conduct constituting the offense of murder.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 991 by Bettencourt
Relating to the inclusion of chronically absent and truant students as students at risk of dropping out of school and the collection and reporting of data regarding those students.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 992 by Nichols
Relating to the procedure by which the attorney general approves or denies approval of a state agency contract for outside legal services.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 993 by Nichols
Relating to the authority of a peace officer commissioned by the comptroller to apply for an order authorizing the installation and use of a mobile tracking device.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 994 by Nichols
Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 995 by Nichols
Relating to the approval of a surety bond for a contract authorizing an oversize or overweight vehicle to cross a road or highway.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 996 by Nichols
Relating to fireworks sales to the public by retail fireworks permit holders on certain dates.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 997 by Nichols
Relating to the duties of the district attorney for the 1st Judicial District and the creation of the office of district attorney for the 273rd Judicial District.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
SB 998 by Zaffirini
Relating to the creation of the Alzheimer's Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 999 by Blanco
Relating to the establishment of the case assistance affiliate program to provide certain assistance to Medicaid recipients and child health plan program enrollees.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1000 by Blanco
Relating to the reporting of certain information regarding medically necessary debt on a consumer report.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SCR 13 by A. Hinojosa
Urging the U.S. Department of State and the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission to take appropriate action to ensure that Mexico complies with the 1944 Treaty regarding shared water resources.
To Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
SJR 40 by Birdwell
Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the supreme court following certain disaster or emergency declarations.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SJR 41 by Birdwell
Rescinding the automatic rescission of certain applications made by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing any amendment to that constitution.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SJR 42 by Birdwell, Zaffirini
Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the time during which the legislature may act on bills or resolutions during a regular session.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SJR 43 by Johnson
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.
To Committee on Finance.
SJR 44 by Johnson
Proposing a constitutional amendment to remove the governor's line-item veto authority.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SJR 45 by Parker
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to enact laws providing for the denial of bail to a person accused of committing a trafficking or sexual offense against a child while released on bail for committing a similar offense.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SJR 46 by Nichols
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail.
To Committee on Local Government.
SJR 47 by Zaffirini
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Alzheimer's Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishing the Alzheimer's Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders in this state, and transferring state general revenue to that fund.
To Committee on Finance.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 4
On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senator Miles will be shown as Co-author of SB 4.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 229
On motion of Senator West, Senators Cook, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, and Middleton will be shown as Co-authors of SB 229.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 307
On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Flores will be shown as Co-author of SB 307.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 365
On motion of Senator Eckhardt, Senator Middleton will be shown as Co-author of SB 365.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 381
On motion of Senator Middleton, Senator Hall will be shown as Co-author of SB 381.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 449
On motion of Senator Middleton, Senator Flores will be shown as Co-author of SB 449.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 714
On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator Middleton will be shown as Co-author of SB 714.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 715
On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator Middleton will be shown as Co-author of SB 715.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 893
On motion of Senator Johnson, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-author of SB 893.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 970
On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator Middleton will be shown as Co-author of SB 970.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1215
On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Flores will be shown as Co-author of SB 1215.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 2
On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senator Miles will be shown as Co-author of SJR 2.
ADJOURNMENT
Pursuant to a previously adopted motion, the Senate at 2:15 p.m. adjourned until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
APPENDIX
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following committee reports were received by the Secretary of the Senate in the order listed:
February 13, 2025
CRIMINAL JUSTICE — CSSB 9, CSSJR 1, SB 40, SJR 5
BILL AND RESOLUTION ENGROSSED
February 13, 2025
SB 4, SJR 2
RESOLUTIONS ENROLLED
February 13, 2025
SR 86, SR 87, SR 88, SR 98