NINTH DAY
(Continued)
(Monday, February 24, 2025)
AFTER RECESS
The Senate met at 9:06 a.m. and was called to order by Senator Sparks.
SENATE BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FIRST READING
The following bills and resolutions were introduced, read first time, and referred to the committees indicated:
SB 3 by Perry
Relating to the regulation of consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products; requiring a registration; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; providing an administrative penalty.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 5 by Huffman
Relating to the creation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 12 by Creighton
Relating to parental rights in public education and to certain public school requirements and prohibitions regarding instruction and diversity, equity, and inclusion duties and the loss of funding for public schools that fail to comply with those provisions.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 18 by Hughes, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks
Relating to prohibiting municipal libraries that host certain events from receiving state or other public funding.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1001 by Blanco
Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to certain funds and accounts, including the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund, and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1002 by Blanco
Relating to the establishment of a county employee family leave pool program.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1003 by Blanco
Relating to the compensation of a distributed renewable generation owner in certain areas outside of ERCOT.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1004 by Middleton, Perry
Relating to the relocation of the headquarters for certain state agencies.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1005 by Middleton
Relating to a political subdivision's authority to use public money in the provision of legal services for individuals unlawfully present in the United States.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1006 by Middleton
Relating to declination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of insurance policies.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1007 by Middleton
Relating to the cancellation of certain consumer transactions.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1008 by Middleton
Relating to state and local authority to regulate the food service industry.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1009 by Middleton
Relating to the adoption of the Uniform Easement Relocation Act.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1010 by Middleton
Relating to patient stay reports submitted by freestanding emergency medical care facilities.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1011 by Blanco
Relating to the installation of highway signs for certain cultural attractions by the Texas Department of Transportation.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1012 by Kolkhorst
Relating to authorizing the sale by the State of Texas of certain real property located in Austin, Texas.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1013 by Eckhardt
Relating to the definition of a crosswalk.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1014 by Sparks
Relating to certain health care services contract arrangements entered into by insurers and health care providers.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1015 by Zaffirini
Relating to excess contributions and fees allocated to statutory probate courts.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
SB 1016 by Blanco
Relating to student union building fees at The University of Texas at El Paso.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 1017 by Blanco
Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds for certain capital projects at The University of Texas at El Paso.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 1018 by Huffman
Relating to distribution of state traffic fine revenue received by the comptroller.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1019 by Huffman
Relating to the admissibility of certain hearsay statements in the adjudication of certain sexual or assaultive offenses committed against a child or a person with a disability.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1020 by Huffman
Relating to personal bond offices, to the notification provided to a judge regarding tampering with an electronic monitoring device while released on bond or community supervision, and to the availability of certain information regarding a person required to submit to an electronic monitoring program.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1021 by Huffman
Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision of a person convicted of stalking.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1022 by Kolkhorst, Alvarado, Bettencourt, Blanco, Middleton, Miles
Relating to the recovery of vegetation management costs by electric utilities.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1023 by Bettencourt
Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1024 by Bettencourt
Relating to the issuance of certain anticipation notes and certificates of obligation.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1025 by Bettencourt
Relating to the text of ballot propositions that increase taxes.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1026 by Hughes
Relating to the duty of the attorney general to prosecute criminal offenses prescribed by the election laws of this state.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1027 by Zaffirini
Relating to the Internet broadcast or recording of certain open meetings.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1028 by Blanco
Relating to the qualifications for serving as a member of the board of directors of certain municipal utility districts.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1029 by Nichols
Relating to the advertising of certain used motor vehicles.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1030 by Nichols
Relating to the exemption from sales and use taxes for certain aircraft components and other property required for normal aircraft operations.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1031 by Blanco
Relating to eligibility for and benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1032 by Kolkhorst
Relating to participation in the governor's university research initiative.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 1033 by Hughes
Relating to the withdrawal of a candidate in a runoff primary election.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1034 by Sparks, Perry
Relating to cybersecurity for retail public utilities that provide water or sewer service.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1035 by Sparks, Perry
Relating to equitable relief from the enforcement of certain governmental requirements that affect agricultural operations.
To Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1036 by Zaffirini
Relating to the regulation of residential solar retail transactions; requiring an occupational registration; authorizing fees; providing civil and administrative penalties.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1037 by Sparks
Relating to the issuance of certain anticipation notes and certificates of obligation.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1038 by Sparks
Relating to administrative remedies for certain fraud and abuse violations under Medicaid; providing administrative penalties.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1039 by Hughes
Relating to creating a school uniform allotment under the Foundation School Program.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 1040 by Parker
Relating to voidable provisions contained in certain construction contracts.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1041 by Parker, Eckhardt, Hall
Relating to state employment opportunities for individuals who do not hold a bachelor's degree.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1042 by Flores
Relating to the Kimble County Hospital District of Kimble County, Texas.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1043 by Sparks
Relating to the composition of the advisory committee for metal recycling entities.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 1044 by Parker
Relating to newborn screening tests for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1045 by Parker, Alvarado, Bettencourt, Blanco, Creighton, Flores, West
Relating to the requirement that a state agency grant an opportunity for a public hearing before adopting certain rules.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1046 by Parker, Cook, Hall, Perry
Relating to the composition of the Health and Human Services Commission Executive Council.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1049 by King
Relating to excused absences from public school for the purpose of attending a released time course.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 1050 by J. Hinojosa
Relating to energy savings performance contracts for local governments; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a fee.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1051 by J. Hinojosa
Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates of a taxing unit for a year in which a property owner provides notice that the owner intends to appeal an order of an appraisal review board determining a protest by the owner regarding the appraisal of the owner's property.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1052 by J. Hinojosa
Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates of a taxing unit for a year in which a property owner provides notice that the owner intends to appeal an order of an appraisal review board determining a protest by the owner regarding the appraisal of the owner's property.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1053 by J. Hinojosa
Relating to the consequences of a criminal conviction on a person's eligibility for an occupational license.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1054 by Zaffirini, Blanco
Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of oil and gas equipment theft.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1055 by Nichols
Relating to permit fees for groundwater wells imposed by the Southeast Texas Groundwater Conservation District.
To Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1056 by Parker
Relating to a presumption of good faith for directors and officers of certain domestic corporations.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1057 by Parker
Relating to shareholder proposals submitted to certain domestic corporations.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1058 by Parker
Relating to the exclusion of certain securities transaction payments from the total revenue of a taxable entity that is an exchange or a member of an exchange for purposes of the franchise tax.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1059 by Parker, Bettencourt, Hall, A. Hinojosa
Relating to the authority of the governing body of a home-rule municipality to submit a proposed charter amendment to the voters for approval if application of the provisions of the amendment would be contrary to state law.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1060 by Parker
Relating to the inspection of the location of a proposed Class I injection well.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 1061 by Parker
Relating to procedural requirements for uranium mining production area authorizations.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 1062 by Kolkhorst
Relating to the type of newspaper required for publication of public notices.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1063 by Campbell
Relating to prohibiting contracts or other agreements with foreign-owned companies in connection with agricultural land.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1064 by Hall
Relating to the creation of an additional judicial district composed of Rockwall County.
To Committee on Jurisprudence.
SB 1065 by Hall
Relating to a required provision in certain governmental entity contracts regarding the carrying of handguns by license holders; providing civil penalties.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1066 by Perry
Relating to requiring payment and performance bonds for certain public work contracts.
To Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
SB 1067 by Middleton
Relating to prohibiting public institutions of higher education and employees of public institutions of higher education from soliciting or accepting gifts, grants, donations, or investments from certain foreign entities.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 1068 by Middleton
Relating to intercollegiate athletic competitions based on biological sex.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1069 by Middleton
Relating to the procedure for resolving allegations of religious discrimination against a student at a public institution of higher education.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 1070 by Eckhardt
Relating to the date on which a voter registration application becomes effective.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1071 by Eckhardt
Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to receive certain tax revenue derived from a hotel and convention center project and to pledge certain tax revenue for the payment of obligations related to the project.
To Committee on Economic Development.
SB 1072 by Eckhardt
Relating to allowing pregnant individuals to vote by mail if they will be in the second or third trimester on election day.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1073 by Hughes
Relating to discrimination against or burdening certain constitutional rights of an applicant for or holder of a license to practice law in this state.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1074 by Zaffirini
Relating to the amendment of an existing comprehensive development agreement for a portion of State Highway 130 to facilitate nontolled transportation projects.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1075 by Hall
Relating to excuses from grand jury service.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1076 by Hall
Relating to permitted forms of identification for the purpose of accepting a voter.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1077 by Zaffirini, Blanco
Relating to the duration of a protective order against family violence.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1078 by West
Relating to certain searches of female inmates by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1079 by West
Relating to the authority of a county to dispose of sensitive media devices.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1080 by West
Relating to the issuance of a provisional occupational license to certain applicants with criminal convictions.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1081 by West
Relating to the regulation of art therapy, including the establishment of the Texas Art Therapy Board and the duties of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a fee.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1082 by West
Relating to declination and nonrenewal of residential and personal automobile insurance policies based on previous claims.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1083 by West
Relating to the representation of an indigent person in certain criminal proceedings in certain counties.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1084 by Campbell
Relating to certain mammography reports providing required breast density information.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1085 by Blanco
Relating to the course levels offered at Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 1086 by Perry
Relating to the authority of certain counties to impose a hotel occupancy tax.
To Committee on Economic Development.
SB 1087 by Perry
Relating to the authority of certain counties to impose a hotel occupancy tax.
To Committee on Economic Development.
SB 1088 by Eckhardt
Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of reckless driving.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1089 by Hughes
Relating to funding for certain commercial service airport projects.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1090 by Hughes
Relating to bundling and down-coding practices conducted by certain providers of dental benefits.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1091 by Hughes
Relating to a permit authorizing the movement of certain vehicles transporting an intermodal shipping container.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1092 by Zaffirini
Relating to the referral of certain students receiving special education services to a local intellectual and developmental disability authority for services or public benefits.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 1093 by Sparks
Relating to procedures and required findings in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1094 by Zaffirini
Relating to certain sentencing procedures in a capital case.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1095 by Blanco
Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds for certain capital projects at Sul Ross State University.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 1096 by Blanco
Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds for certain capital projects at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 1097 by Hughes
Relating to a franchise tax credit for taxable entities that make contributions to employees' Texas 529 plans.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1098 by Blanco
Relating to the disclosure by a pharmacy to a patient of certain price information for a drug or biological product.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1099 by Flores
Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for certain offenses committed by an alien.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1100 by Flores
Relating to the use of the Department of Public Safety image verification system for the purpose of verifying an individual's identity; authorizing a fee.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1101 by Flores
Relating to the prosecution of the offense of smuggling of persons.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1102 by Paxton
Relating to the administration of certain drugs by a midwife.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1103 by Zaffirini
Relating to prohibiting the distribution or sale of certain flavored consumable hemp products; creating a criminal offense.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1104 by Hughes
Relating to fingerprinting requirements for the issuance of dealer general distinguishing numbers to certain persons.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1105 by Parker
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Authority and a Texas nuclear permitting officer.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1106 by Parker
Relating to publication of public improvement district service plans and assessments on certain public Internet websites.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1107 by Parker
Relating to the right of a purchaser to terminate a contract of purchase and sale of real property for failure to provide notice that the property is located in a public improvement district.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1108 by Parker
Relating to sexually explicit visual material.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1109 by Parker
Relating to the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact; authorizing fees.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1110 by Eckhardt
Relating to an exemption from certain zoning requirements for developments receiving certain financial assistance administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1111 by Eckhardt
Relating to the inclusion of certain taxes in the comptroller's report on the effect of certain tax provisions.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1112 by Hughes
Relating to the determination of fees, charges, and rates for certain benefits under Medicaid.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1113 by Hughes
Relating to certain retail sales of motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers by a holder of a converter's license.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1114 by A. Hinojosa
Relating to eligibility for the Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund grant program.
To Committee on Economic Development.
SB 1115 by A. Hinojosa
Relating to eligibility for custodial officer service in the Employees Retirement System of Texas by certain juvenile correctional officers and caseworkers employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1116 by A. Hinojosa
Relating to the route designation for the issuance of a permit for the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles in certain counties.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1117 by Schwertner
Relating to the administration of botulinum toxin by dentists.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1118 by Hughes
Relating to anesthesia coverage and patient assessment requirements for certain health benefit plans.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1119 by Hughes
Relating to liability of a water park entity for injuries arising from certain activities.
To Committee on State Affairs.
SB 1120 by J. Hinojosa, Huffman
Relating to rights of a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim in certain criminal cases involving family violence, sexual or assaultive offenses, stalking, or a violation of a protective order or condition of bond.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1121 by Nichols
Relating to excepting certain fiber-optic cable projects from certain notice requirements for projects on state or local public land.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1122 by Schwertner
Relating to applicability of certain prescription drug insurance laws to health benefit plans and pharmacy benefit managers.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1123 by Blanco, Perry, Sparks, Zaffirini
Relating to the prosecution and punishment of the offense of theft of petroleum product.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1124 by Huffman
Relating to discovery in a criminal case.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1125 by Middleton
Relating to creating the criminal offense of criminal pursuit.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1126 by Middleton
Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the appraised value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of such a veteran based on the disability rating of the veteran.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1127 by Middleton
Relating to charter schools, including the admission, enrollment, and employment policies of and the applicability of certain laws to open-enrollment charter schools.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 1128 by Middleton
Relating to certain employer contributions to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
To Committee on Finance.
SB 1129 by Middleton
Relating to a credit against required recapture payments for school districts for the cost of optional residence homestead exemptions under the public school finance system.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SB 1130 by Middleton
Relating to an alternative dispute resolution procedure regarding certain matters under the public information law.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1131 by Middleton
Relating to an advisory committee to study suicide prevention and peer support programs in fire departments in this state.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1132 by Middleton
Relating to the public use of forms produced or published by a state agency.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SB 1133 by Hagenbuch
Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole for certain persons convicted of intoxication manslaughter.
To Committee on Criminal Justice.
SB 1134 by Hagenbuch
Relating to assistance for tuition and fees at postsecondary educational institutions for certain members of the Texas military forces.
To Committee on Veteran Affairs.
SB 1135 by Hagenbuch
Relating to civil liability of a commercial motor vehicle owner or operator.
To Committee on Transportation.
SB 1136 by Miles
Relating to the inspection of group homes by county fire marshals.
To Committee on Local Government.
SB 1137 by Miles
Relating to group home consultant referrals; creating a criminal offense.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1138 by Miles
Relating to municipal first responder policies for emergencies occurring at a group home.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1139 by Miles
Relating to the operability of elevators and related equipment following a power outage at a senior independent living community; authorizing an administrative penalty.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1140 by Miles
Relating to establishment of the Texas Rare Disease Advisory Council.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1141 by Miles
Relating to procedures in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1142 by Miles
Relating to preauthorization of certain benefits by certain health benefit plan issuers.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1143 by Blanco
Relating to certain planning, notification, and evaluation requirements with respect to workforce development programs in this state.
To Committee on Economic Development.
SB 1144 by Blanco
Relating to the provision of shelter or care to a minor by an emergency shelter facility.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1145 by Birdwell, Sparks
Relating to the authority of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to issue permits for the land application of water produced from certain mining and oil and gas extraction operations.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 1146 by Birdwell
Relating to the plugging or replugging of certain inactive wells subject to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 1147 by Birdwell
Relating to the withdrawal of the State of Texas from the Interstate Mining Compact.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 1148 by Sparks
Relating to required training for caregivers to children, including foster parents.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1149 by Sparks
Relating to the regulation of child welfare, including licensure, community-based care contractors, family homes, and child-care facilities.
To Committee on Health and Human Services.
SB 1150 by Middleton
Relating to the plugging of certain inactive wells subject to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas.
To Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 1565 by Creighton
Relating to a school district's grievance procedure and to certain public school requirements and prohibitions regarding instruction and diversity, equity, and inclusion duties and the loss of funding for public schools that fail to comply with those provisions.
To Committee on Education K-16.
SCR 15 by Kolkhorst
Designating Brenham as the official Ice Cream Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
To Committee on Administration.
SCR 17 by West
Designating the fourth Thursday of March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day.
To Committee on Administration.
SJR 3 by Huffman
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of dementia and related disorders in this state, and transferring to that fund $3 billion from state general revenue.
To Committee on Finance.
SJR 48 by Blanco
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund, dedicating the money in that fund to benefit areas of the state significantly affected by oil and gas production, and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and certain other funds and accounts.
To Committee on Finance.
SJR 50 by Parker
Proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting the enactment of a law imposing an occupation tax on certain entities that enter into transactions conveying securities or imposing a tax on certain securities transactions.
To Committee on Business and Commerce.
SJR 51 by Paxton
Proposing a constitutional amendment protecting children by allowing for retroactive laws regarding civil causes of action arising out of child sexual abuse.
To Committee on State Affairs.
ADJOURNMENT
Pursuant to a previously adopted motion, the Senate at 9:29 a.m. adjourned, in memory of Eddie Bernice Johnson, Karl McElhaney, and Pedro "Pete" Cuellar Alfaro, until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.
APPENDIX
COMMITTEE REPORT
The following committee report was received by the Secretary of the Senate:
February 24, 2025
EDUCATION K-16 — CSSB 26
In Memory
of
Eddie Bernice Johnson
Senate Resolution 116
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to honor and commemorate the life of Eddie Bernice Johnson, who died on December 31, 2023, at the age of 89; and
WHEREAS, Eddie Bernice Johnson was born on December 3, 1934, in Waco; a graduate of A. J. Moore High School, she studied nursing at Saint Mary's College and later went on to earn a nursing degree from Texas Christian University and a master's degree in public administration from Southern Methodist University; and
WHEREAS, Upon moving to Dallas in the late 1950s, she experienced the blatant racism and discrimination that helped to inspire her commitment to activism and advocacy, and she went on to lead an exceptional career of public service that helped to transform the city and improved the lives of people across the nation; and
WHEREAS, Eddie Bernice Johnson began her career as a chief psychiatric nurse, and in 1972, she became the first Black woman elected to represent Dallas County in the Texas House of Representatives, where she earned a reputation as a champion for women and children and was admired for her bipartisan and no-nonsense approach to policymaking; and
WHEREAS, In 1977, she accepted an appointment to serve as a regional director of the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Jimmy Carter; after a period of time with the federal government and in the private sector, she returned to Texas, and in 1986, she became the first Black person since Reconstruction to represent Dallas in the Texas Senate; she brought her state service to a close in 1992, when she was elected to the United States Congress; and
WHEREAS, Congresswoman Johnson led many committees and subcommittees that effected progress in such areas as human rights, STEM education, transportation, environmental policy, and foreign relations; widely recognized as one of the most effective legislators in Congress, she was responsible for authoring and co-authoring more than 175 enacted bills; and
WHEREAS, Her distinguished career in public service included 15 terms of leadership representing the 30th Congressional District of Texas, and she continued serving her Dallas community while tirelessly supporting human rights in the United States and around the globe; an esteemed Democratic leader and a woman of great courage and strength, Eddie Bernice Johnson was a devoted mother to her son, Kirk Johnson, whom she raised by loving example; she was a proud grandmother to her three grandsons and to her great-grandchildren, who all enriched her life immeasurably; and
WHEREAS, Eddie Bernice Johnson's extraordinary leadership and dedication to public service will long be remembered by the people of the Lone Star State and by citizens and leaders throughout our great nation; her remarkable life and her outstanding achievements are a source of inspiration to countless people, and her enduring legacy is a shining example to current and future generations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Eddie Bernice Johnson; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her family and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Eddie Bernice Johnson.
In Memory
of
Karl McElhaney
Senate Resolution 113
WHEREAS, The passing of Karl McElhaney has brought a tremendous loss to his family, colleagues, and friends; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated public servant, Mr. McElhaney enjoyed a rewarding career with El Paso County, and he contributed immeasurably to the El Paso Chamber; he worked tirelessly to serve the people of New Mexico and Texas through partnerships with elected officials at the federal and county levels, and he advocated for improvements to infrastructure in rural communities; he also helped to craft policies and manage congressional district work and committee assignments; his integrity, skilled mentorship, and steadfast commitment to excellence earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew him; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McElhaney further gave back to his community through volunteer efforts such as fostering, rescuing, and transporting dogs and cats for adoption programs; above all else, he treasured time spent with his family, which included his three siblings, Liz, Jerry, and Jeffrey, and his two sons, Jacob and Jonathan; and
WHEREAS, While his loss is difficult to bear, Karl McElhaney leaves behind numerous friends and loved ones whose lives are far richer for having known him, and he will always hold a treasured place in their hearts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Karl McElhaney and extend sincere condolences to his relatives and many friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Karl McElhaney.
BLANCO
In Memory
of
Pedro "Pete" Cuellar Alfaro
Senate Resolution 121
WHEREAS, Residents of Baytown lost a beloved civic leader with the passing of former mayor Pedro Cuellar Alfaro on December 11, 2023, at the age of 83; and
WHEREAS, The son of Felipe and Victoriana Alfaro, Pedro "Pete" Alfaro was born on August 10, 1940; after graduating from The University of Texas at Austin, he was hired as an electrical engineer by ExxonMobil, where he was employed for more than three decades; he shared a fulfilling 61-year marriage with his wife, Guadalupe, and they were blessed with four children, Debi, who preceded him in death, Priscilla, Sandra, and Paul; offering unconditional support, he attended their activities whenever possible as they grew up and encouraged their friends as well; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Alfaro was elected as Baytown's first Hispanic mayor in 1989, and over the next 11 years, he worked tirelessly for the betterment of his community; his vision, determination, and positive relationships with state officials were instrumental in the completion of the Fred Hartman Bridge over the Houston Ship Channel, and he advocated powerfully for improving other infrastructure; he was a mentor to innumerable people while in office and served in many other leadership roles, including member of the board of San Jacinto Hospital, chair of the board of regents of Lee College, and president of the Rotary Club of Baytown; in addition, he provided his expertise to Bay Area Homeless Services; during 27 years on the board of Houston Methodist Baytown, he chaired the Patient and Family Advisory Council; the hospital named its Lupe and Pete Alfaro Clinical Education and Training Facility in honor of him and his wife, and among other accolades, he was named 2004 Baytown Sun Citizen of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Pete Alfaro made a lasting, positive difference in his community, and those he left behind will forever treasure their memories of his warmth, kindness, and wonderful sense of humor; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Pedro Cuellar Alfaro and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Guadalupe Alfaro; to his children, Dr. Priscilla Alfaro, Sandra Rodriguez and her husband, Manny, and Paul Alfaro and his wife, Amanda; to his grandchildren, Christopher, Marissa, Austin, Alexis, Mikaela, Emily, Nicholas, and Kelsey; and to his many other relatives and host of friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Pete Alfaro.
BIRDWELL
A. HINOJOSA
PAXTON
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CAMPBELL
HUFFMAN
SCHWERTNER
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