(Tuesday, March 4, 2025)

The Senate met at 11:06 a.m. pursuant to adjournment and was called to order by Senator Flores.

The roll was called and the following Senators were present:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, 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.

The Presiding Officer announced that a quorum of the Senate was present.

Pastor Ronny Marriott, First Baptist Church, Richardson, offered the invocation as follows:

Lord, we pause to give You thanks. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your care for us. Thank You for allowing us to approach Your throne of mercy and grace. Thank You for the privilege to call You Father and the confidence to know You hear our prayers. We ask Your blessing over this session today. May You grant wisdom and discernment to those who will speak and those who will make decisions that impact all of our lives. Thank You for these men and women whom You've called to lead our state. Thank You for their gifts and abilities, their sacrifice, and their concern for the people who live and who will live in Texas. We know that You love all people from the professional to the marginalized, from the rich to the poor. We also understand that when we show care to all people, we reflect Your heart and Your character. We ask Your blessing on the people and all that takes place in this room today. 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.

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

March 4, 2025

Austin, Texas

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

I ask the advice, consent and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointments:

To be members of the Upper Guadalupe River Authority for terms to expire February 1, 2029:

Richard G. "Dick" Eastland

Hunt, Texas

Thomas W. "Weir" Labatt, III

Kerrville, Texas

Jonathan P. Letz

Comfort, Texas

Jeanne C. Stacy

Ingram, Texas

Respectfully submitted,

/s/Greg Abbott

Governor

March 4, 2025

Austin, Texas

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

I ask the advice, consent and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointments:

To be members of the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners for terms to expire January 31, 2031:

Elisabeth Lee "Ellee" Carlson, D.A.O.M.

Garland, Texas

Sheri J. Davidson

Houston, Texas

Ahmed G. Sheikh, M.D.

Frisco, Texas

Respectfully submitted,

/s/Greg Abbott

Governor

Senator Creighton offered the following resolution:

SR 187, Recognizing March 4, 2025, as Montgomery County Day.

CREIGHTON

BETTENCOURT

KOLKHORST

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Creighton, joined by Senators Kolkhorst and Bettencourt, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Montgomery County Day delegation including Conroe Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Clint Nichols, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Ann Wolford, Greater East Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Shane Harper, Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Chris Hoffman, and Southwest Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Board Member Skip Colvin.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Nichols offered the following resolution:

SR 135, Recognizing March 3 and 4, 2025, as Golden Triangle Days.

NICHOLS

CREIGHTON

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Nichols, joined by Senators Creighton and Birdwell, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Golden Triangle Days delegation including a Lamar University System delegation.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Miles offered the following resolution:

SR 200, Recognizing March 4, 2025, as Texas Southern University Day at the State Capitol.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Miles, joined by Senators West and A. Hinojosa, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas Southern University Day delegation including President James W. Crawford III, Brandon L. Simmons, Jackie Edwards Jr., Brianna Turner, Alexis Williams, and Joshua Thomas.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Miles offered the following resolution:

SR 199, Recognizing March 4, 2025, as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Day at the State Capitol.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Miles was recognized and introduced to the Senate an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Day delegation including Southwest Regional Vice President Jeramaine O. Netherly, Texas District Director Derrell R. Robinson, Jesuorobo Enobakhare Jr., and Kendric D. Jones.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Huffman was recognized and presented Dr. Jorge A. Duchicela of Weimar as the Physician of the Day.

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

Senator Zaffirini was recognized and introduced to the Senate a St. Edwards University School of Health Sciences delegation including University President, Dr. Montserrat "Montse" Fuentes; Provost, Dr. Marianne Ward-Peradoza; Interim Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Founding Nursing Director, Dr. Donna Beuk; Founding Occupational Therapy Director, Dr. Mary Zadnik; Board of Trustees Vice Chair Geronimo Rodriguez Jr.; Senior Director of External Affairs Liz Johnson; Assistant Professor of Nursing, Dr. Jessica Naiman; and Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas President Elizabeth Puthoff.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Zaffirini was again recognized and introduced to the Senate a Communities In Schools of Laredo, Inc., delegation including Elizabeth R. Velasquez, Joseph M. Jackson III, Rosina Silva, Claudia C. Dovalina-Guzman, Sandy Salinas, and Julieta Salinas.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator A. Hinojosa offered the following resolution:

SR 191, In memory of Johnny Canales.

The resolution was read.

On motion of Senator A. Hinojosa, SR 191 was adopted by a rising vote of the Senate.

In honor of the memory of Johnny Canales, the text of the resolution will be printed in the Senate Journal upon adjournment of this legislative day.

Senator A. Hinojosa, joined by Senators J. Hinojosa and Zaffirini, was recognized and introduced to the Senate family members of Johnny Canales including his wife, Nora, and his daughters, Nora Seleste and Miroslava.

The Senate welcomed its guests and extended its sympathy.

Senator Middleton, joined by Senator Alvarado, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Day delegation including Nathaniel Belleville and Willard Joiner from Dobie High School, Braden Mayberry from South Houston High School, Pasadena ISD Superintendent DeeAnn Powell, and Deputy Superintendent Troy McCarley.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Hall offered the following resolution:

SR 197, Recognizing Christian Life Commission on the occasion of its 75th anniversary.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Hall was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Christian Life Commission delegation including Pastor Ronny Marriott and members of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Blanco offered the following resolution:

SR 44, Recognizing April 9, 2025, as Education and Sharing Day.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Blanco, joined by Senators J. Hinojosa, Cook, and Menéndez, was recognized and introduced to the Senate an Education and Sharing Day delegation including statewide Chabad-Lubavitch representatives.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Cook offered the following resolution:

SR 180, Recognizing March 4, 2025, as Nurse Day at the State Capitol.

The resolution was read.

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

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

Senator Cook, joined by Senators Campbell, Paxton, Birdwell, Menéndez, Miles, Hall, and Bettencourt, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas Nurses Association delegation.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Perry offered the following resolution:

SR 171, Recognizing March 4, 2025, as Cotton Day at the State Capitol.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Perry was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Cotton Day delegation.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Flores was recognized and introduced to the Senate a City of Pleasanton delegation including Mayor JR Gallegos, Mayor Pro Tempore Joey Macon, and Councilmembers Harmony Ratterree and Brandon Hicks.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Eckhardt offered the following resolution:

SR 198, Recognizing March 2025 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Eckhardt was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy delegation including Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Dr. Sanjana Luther, and Dr. Harry J. Thomas.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator West offered the following resolution:

SR 188, In memory of L. Clifford Davis.

The resolution was read.

On motion of Senator West, SR 188 was adopted by a rising vote of the Senate.

In honor of the memory of L. Clifford Davis, the text of the resolution will be printed in the Senate Journal upon adjournment of this legislative day.

The following resolutions were offered:

SR 173 by Hughes, Recognizing March 4, 2025, as Make Texans Healthy Again Day at the State Capitol.

SR 179 by King, Congratulating Brigadier General Joe D. Cave on his retirement as deputy commanding general of the Texas State Guard.

SR 181 by Gutierrez, Congratulating Garrett Lane Mills on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

SR 182 by Gutierrez, Congratulating Clayton Ross Newman on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

SR 183 by Gutierrez, Congratulating William Paxton Henke on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

SR 184 by Zaffirini, Recognizing the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Central Texas on the occasion of its 40th anniversary.

SR 186 by Creighton, Bettencourt, and Kolkhorst, Recognizing Montgomery Independent School District on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

SR 189 by West, Recognizing 125 years of Black aviation history.

SR 192 by Eckhardt, Recognizing February 19, 2025, as Audubon Texas Day.

SR 195 by Johnson, Congratulating Aarieanna Ware of Dallas on being crowned Miss Texas USA 2024.

SR 196 by Johnson and West, Congratulating John Hudspeth on his retirement as Dallas deputy district engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation.

SR 201 by Miles, Alvarado, Birdwell, Cook, Eckhardt, and West, In memory of the Reverend William A. Lawson of Houston.

SR 204 by Johnson, Hall, Parker, and West, Commemorating the 40th annual Dallas Blooms event at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

SR 205 by Flores, Recognizing March 4, 2025, as Pleasanton Day at the State Capitol.

SCR 21 by Hughes, In memory of Edwin Elmer Perryman of Tyler.

The resolutions were read and were adopted by a viva voce vote.

Senator Creighton offered the following resolution:

SR 185, Commemorating the 189th anniversary of the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 2025.

The resolution was read.

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

On motion of Senator Creighton, the resolution was adopted by a rising vote of the Senate.

On motion of Senator Birdwell and by unanimous consent, the remarks regarding SR 185 were ordered reduced to writing and printed in the Senate Journal as follows:

Presiding Officer:  Members, if you could take your seats, we have a very important resolution. The Chair lays out the following resolution, the Secretary will read the resolution.

Secretary of the Senate:  SR 185 by Creighton, Commemorating Texas Independence Day 2025.

Presiding Officer:  Members, again, if you'd take your seats, please, and the Chair recognizes Senator Creighton on the resolution.

Senator Creighton:  Thank you, Mr. President. Members, although Texas Independence Day fell on Sunday this year, it's significance resonates just as powerfully today and it should be recognized. On March 2, 1836, a group of brave Texans gathered at Washington-on-the-Brazos near current day Brenham and declared our independence forging a republic built on the principles of liberty, self-governance, and unyielding determination. Nearly two centuries later, Texas remains a beacon of freedom and opportunity for the world, not just for our citizens. As Members of this Senate, we are guardians of that legacy in our duty to defend the principles our forebearers fought for, strong borders, economic freedom, and the right of Texans to shape our own destiny. May we always lead with the courage and conviction that demands those freedoms. I also want to take the opportunity, Members, to read a letter from my family that I read every so often on Independence Day, family members that fought in the Texas Revolution but particularly from Colonel Martin Palmer who chaired the constitutional convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos in the drafting of the Texas Constitution. This letter is written by Colonel Palmer from Montgomery County, who chaired the committee to draft the constitution, and at this location at Washington-on-the-Brazos, while the Alamo was under siege, he sent this to his wife in Montgomery County in case he did not survive. This was sent to my five-times great-grandmother and it was published in the New Orleans True American newspaper on the 15th of March, 1836, even though the letter was written days before. This is to the editor of the True American newspaper: Sir, and to my grandmother, Sir, I send a copy of the letter received this morning by express from Texas in haste, it's from the committee room, Washington, Texas, March 6, 1836. Dear wife, I am well and we are getting along very well. We have three or four committees who are preparing a constitution and we will soon have it ready. I shall be at home in 10 or 15 days, God willing, and we have alarming news continually from the west. Frank Johnson's division is all killed but five, it is supposed. We saw two shot begging for quarter. Doctor Grant, with a company of men, is supposed to all be slain. Travis' last express states San Antonio was strongly besieged. It is much feared that Travis and company are all massacred, as dispatches have been due from that place for three days and none have arrived here yet. The frontiers are breaking up. Gonzales must be sacked and its inhabitants murdered and defiled unless they get immediate aid. The last accounts the Mexican Army were to a considerable number between Gonzales and San Antonio. Fannin is at La Vernia with about 500 men and in daily expectation of a visit from Santa Anna. Texas has been declared free and independent but unless we have a general turnout, and every man lay a helping hand, we are lost. General Santa Anna and his soldiers are now on our borders and the declaration of our freedom, unless it is sealed with blood, is of no force. I say, again, that nothing will save Texas but a general turnout of every man. You all know my views with regard to our condition. I have given you the facts. Judge for yourselves. I wish a copy of this letter sent immediately to Captain Bailey Anderson and Colonel S.A. Lovett and publicly read in San Augustine. Travis closes his last expresses with these words, Help, oh my country. Signed, Colonel Barton Palmer to the committee of vigilance and safety. San Augustine, Texas. Mr. President, I move adoption of the resolution.

Presiding Officer:  Members, we all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Some stand taller just as the author of this resolution and his great ancestor who wrote this letter. Would y'all, I would ask that we all, oh, wait a minute, we have some lights that have just come up, so, Senator Bettencourt for what purpose? Or Senator Middleton for what purpose if you'd like to go first. One of you go.

Senator Middleton:  I just want to make sure to move that all Members names be added to this resolution.

Presiding Officer:  Members, there objection, hearing none, so ordered. Senator Bettencourt, you're recognized.

Senator Bettencourt:  Thank you, Mr. President. Want to just recognize this is a great reading, especially for your family, because I think you're third-great-grandfather, or is it fifth? Okay, sorry. He's been here a long time, it's hard for me to keep track. And, more importantly, what you read is really what happened, and I love the closing at San Augustine because that's where my third-great-grandfather, I guess this means the Creightons do faster generations than the, you know, than the Hobby-Kelly-Bettencourts, okay, who actually brought a company down from San Augustine and they got to San Jacinto at 10 a.m. It was just the day after the battle, okay, and so places that we take for granted now, okay, are all part of what was serious Texas history back then. So, thanks for reading this.

Presiding Officer:  Members, in honor of Texas' independence, would you all rise showing your support for this resolution. All in favor, no objections, the resolution is adopted.

On motion of Senator Huffman, Senators Blanco, Campbell, J. Hinojosa, Parker, Paxton, and Zaffirini will be shown as Co-authors of SB 5.

On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senators Campbell, Parker, and Sparks will be shown as Co-authors of SB 25.

On motion of Senator Hall, Senator Sparks will be shown as Co-author of SB 100.

On motion of Senator West, Senator Miles will be shown as Co-author of SB 208.

On motion of Senator Johnson, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 232.

On motion of Senator Perry, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-author of SB 261.

On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Cook will be shown as Co-author of SB 314.

On motion of Senator Miles, Senator Cook will be shown as Co-author of SB 491.

On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-author of SB 618.

On motion of Senator Paxton, Senator Hagenbuch will be shown as Co-author of SB 941.

On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senator Hagenbuch will be shown as Co-author of SB 985.

On motion of Senator Sparks, Senators Blanco and A. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1034.

On motion of Senator West, Senator Hagenbuch will be shown as Co-author of SB 1080.

On motion of Senator Nichols, Senator Hagenbuch will be shown as Co-author of SB 1262.

On motion of Senator Sparks, Senators Blanco and A. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1301.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Eckhardt will be shown as Co-author of SB 1713.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Eckhardt will be shown as Co-author of SB 1714.

On motion of Senator Menéndez, Senator Campbell will be shown as Co-author of SB 1811.

On motion of Senator Huffman, Senators Blanco, J. Hinojosa, Paxton, and Zaffirini will be shown as Co-authors of SJR 3.

On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SR 186.

On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SR 187.

On motion of Senator A. Hinojosa, Senator J. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-author of SR 191.

On motion of Senator Eckhardt, Senators Campbell, Parker, and Zaffirini will be shown as Co-authors of SR 198.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, the Senate at 12:54 p.m. adjourned, in memory of Johnny Canales, L. Clifford Davis, and William A. Lawson, until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.

The following committee reports were received by the Secretary of the Senate in the order listed:

BUSINESS AND COMMERCE — CSSB 21, SB 72, SB 140, CSSB 262, SB 370, SB 372, SB 495, SB 627, SB 703, SB 764, SB 842

WATER, AGRICULTURE, AND RURAL AFFAIRS — SB 971, SB 790, SB 767, SB 480, CSSB 1066

SR 44, SR 135, SR 171, SR 173, SR 179, SR 180, SR 181, SR 182, SR 183, SR 184, SR 185, SR 186, SR 187, SR 188, SR 189, SR 191, SR 192, SR 195, SR 196, SR 197, SR 198, SR 199, SR 200, SR 201, SR 204, SR 205

WHEREAS, The life of a beloved television host drew to a close with the passing of Johnny Canales on June 12, 2024, at the age of 81; and

WHEREAS, Juan José Canales was born on August 23, 1942, in the town of General Treviño in northern Mexico; his family moved to Robstown when he was an infant, and he went on to graduate from Robstown High School and to serve for two and a half years with the U.S. Army Third Infantry Division in Germany; and

WHEREAS, At the conclusion of his military duty, Mr. Canales returned to Texas and embarked on his career in media and entertainment; he formed a band, Johnny Canales y Su Orchestra, and joined the staff of a Spanish-language radio station as a deejay; he ultimately set his sights on television, and in 1983, the first episode of The Johnny Canales Show debuted on KRIS in Corpus Christi; and

WHEREAS, Featuring an eclectic variety format, the bilingual program became especially renowned for its musical guests, who were introduced with Mr. Canales's trademark catchphrase: "You got it, take it away"; through the years, the show featured such well-known acts as La Mafia, La Sombra, Ramon Ayala, and Selena, whose appearance in 1985 when she was still a teenager was one of her first TV performances; initially broadcast locally, The Johnny Canales Show gained national acclaim after being picked up by Univision; and

WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Canales enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Nora, who joined him in hosting El Nuevo Show de Johnny y Nora Canales beginning in 2014; the couple raised two daughters, Nora Seleste Canales and Miroslava Canales; and

WHEREAS, Through his talent, charisma, and vision, Johnny Canales became an influential champion of Hispanic culture and earned a special place in the hearts of innumerable people, and his legacy will continue to resonate for years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Johnny Canales and extend sincere condolences to his family, to his many friends, and to all who mourn his passing; 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 Johnny Canales.

A. HINOJOSA

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the people of Tarrant County in mourning the loss of the Honorable L. Clifford Davis, who died February 15, 2025, at the age of 100; and

WHEREAS, Born October 12, 1924, and raised amidst the Great Depression and Jim Crow segregation in Wilton, Arkansas, L. Clifford Davis dedicated his life to fighting for civil rights and ensuring justice for all; as a young man, he moved to Little Rock with his older siblings to attend high school, and he went on to earn a bachelor's and master's degree before pursuing his ambition to study law; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Davis was accepted to Howard University School of Law, but due to Howard's expense, he attended the University of Arkansas Law School under conditions of complete segregation; although he would complete his law degree at Howard University, he paved the way for other Black students to enter graduate programs in Arkansas, and he returned to his home state to begin his law practice; and

WHEREAS, Using Brown v. Board of Education as a foundation, Mr. Davis fought to desegregate schools in Arkansas, and in 1954, he passed the Texas bar exam and became one of the few Black attorneys working in Fort Worth; his efforts resulted in the integration of the Mansfield and Fort Worth school districts; in 1977, he organized the Fort Worth Black Bar Association; and

WHEREAS, Judge Davis became the first appointed and elected Black district court judge in Tarrant County, which he served from 1983 until 1988; he presided over the first drug diversion court in Tarrant County and spent three decades as a visiting judge in North Texas before returning to practice law; and

WHEREAS, During his 75 years as a licensed attorney, Mr. Davis garnered many local, state, and national accolades for his contributions to his community and to the legal field, including the prestigious Blackstone Award from the Tarrant County Bar Association and an honorary doctorate of law degree from the University of Arkansas; a legal association and a Fort Worth elementary school were named in his honor; and

WHEREAS, Above all, Mr. Davis found much fulfillment in his role as a husband to his late wife, Ethel, for more than 50 years and as a loving father to his daughters, Avis and Karen; he was a devoted member of Saint Andrew's United Methodist Church; his enthusiasm for mentoring lawyers and judges, providing pro bono services, and encouraging young people in his community to pursue higher education contributed to his legacy of community service and advancing justice; and

WHEREAS, A man of integrity, courage, and generosity, L. Clifford Davis's extraordinary contributions to civil rights will long be remembered by our nation and by the people of the Lone Star State; his remarkable life, his outstanding achievements, and his dedication to serving others are a source of inspiration to many, and his memory will be forever treasured by his loved ones and by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of L. Clifford Davis; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Judge Davis.

WEST