EIGHTEENTH DAY
(Tuesday, March 18, 2025)
The Senate met at 11:09 a.m. pursuant to adjournment and was called to order by President Pro Tempore Creighton.
The roll was called and the following Senators were present: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, 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.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
The President Pro Tempore announced that a quorum of the Senate was present.
Pastor L.C. Cunningham Jr., Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Bay City, offered the invocation as follows:
Loving and gracious God, You are indeed the giver of all good gifts and we thank You today for all Your blessings, for the successful outcomes of this great state in which we call home. Lord, please make clear Your plans to our lawmakers and fill them with confidence in Your power. Inspire them to use their talents as instruments of hope and kindness. Lord, keep them purposeful and expectant so they will experience daily a deeper relationship with You. We ask that You bless them abundantly as they conduct the daily business of the state and that they may continue to seek Your wisdom, guidance, courage, and strength. Infuse them with the serenity to accept the things they cannot change, the courage to change the things they can, and the wisdom to know the difference. We ask this all in His holy name. 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 Blanco was granted leave of absence for today on account of illness.
PHYSICIAN OF THE DAY
Senator Huffman was recognized and presented Dr. Chelsea Mendonca of Houston as the Physician of the Day.
The Senate welcomed Dr. Mendonca, accompanied by Dr. Adam Mendonca, and thanked her for her participation in the Physician of the Day program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.
MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR
The following Messages from the Governor were read and were referred to the Committee on Nominations:
March 14, 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 Public Accountancy for terms to expire January 31, 2031:
Christopher G. "Grant" Coates
Fort Worth, Texas
(Mr. Coates is being reappointed)
Jill A. Holup
Austin, Texas
(Ms. Holup is being reappointed)
Kenneth E. Omoruyi
Bellaire, Texas
(replacing Debra D. Seefeld of Montgomery whose term expired)
Jeannette Pierro Smith
Mission, Texas
(Ms. Smith is being reappointed)
James M. "Jim" Trippon
Houston, Texas
(Mr. Trippon is being reappointed)
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Greg Abbott
Governor
March 18, 2025
Austin, Texas
TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:
On January 22, 2025, I submitted the name of Clark E. Smith for appointment to the Texas Lottery Commission for a term to expire February 1, 2029.
Because he resigned, I hereby withdraw his nomination.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Greg Abbott
Governor
March 18, 2025
Austin, Texas
TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:
On January 22, 2025, I submitted the name of John Paul "J.P." Steelman for appointment to the Texas Commission on Fire Protection for a term to expire February 1, 2029.
Because he resigned, I hereby withdraw his nomination.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Greg Abbott
Governor
SENATE RESOLUTION 266
Senator Hancock offered the following resolution:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Texas Rangers for their extraordinary achievements resulting in a historic 2023 season and the team's first Major League Baseball title; and
WHEREAS, After finishing a remarkable regular season in which the team achieved 90 wins and a wild card berth into the playoffs, the Rangers advanced through the American League playoff series without a loss, including victories over the Tampa Bay Rays and the Baltimore Orioles; and
WHEREAS, The American League Championship Series against the defending World Series champions, the Houston Astros, resulted in a thrilling seven-game contest, and the Rangers secured their third World Series appearance with a final 11-4 victory in Houston; and
WHEREAS, In the World Series, the Rangers demonstrated resilience playing against the Arizona Diamondbacks; they came back to win Game 1 with a walk-off homerun in the 11th inning, followed by a loss at home and three consecutive wins in Arizona; the team secured the championship with a decisive 5-0 victory in Game 5 at the Diamondbacks home stadium; and
WHEREAS, The Texas Rangers earned their first championship 62 seasons after the team was founded and have demonstrated the power of perseverance, teamwork, and dedication to excellence; this historic victory will be cherished by their fans for generations to come, and it has been a source of immense pride to the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby congratulate the Texas Rangers on winning the 2023 World Series and extend to the team's players, coaches, and staff sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the team as an expression of esteem by the Texas Senate.
SR 266 was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Hancock, joined by Senators Birdwell, Kolkhorst, Bettencourt, West, Menéndez, Parker, Gutierrez, and Alvarado, was recognized and introduced to the Senate representatives of the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball team and 2023 World Series Champions including owner Ray C. Davis, Chairman Neil Leibman, Executive Vice President Rob Matwick, Senior Vice President Rich Rice, Executive Assistants Keli West and Jennifer Chreitzberg, and players Elvis Adrus and Ian Kinsler.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RULE 8.02 SUSPENDED
(Referral to Committee)
Senator Johnson moved to suspend Senate Rule 8.02 to take up for consideration SR 268 at this time.
The motion prevailed without objection.
SENATE RESOLUTION 268
The President Pro Tempore laid before the Senate the following resolution:
SR 268, Expressing support for the protection of COFA islanders residing in Texas, reaffirming their rights afforded under the Compacts of Free Association, and recognizing March 18, 2025, as COFA Day in Texas.
JOHNSON
ECKHARDT
WEST
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Johnson was recognized and introduced to the Senate a COFA Day delegation including Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia Aren B. Palik, Second Lady of the Federated States of Micronesia Adelita Abraham Palik, Member of Parliament of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Senator David Anitok, Ambassador of the Republic of Palau to the United States Hersey Kyota, and Co-Founder and President of CANN Texas Francis Deriek Sakate.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 270
Senator West offered the following resolution:
SR 270, Recognizing March 18, 2025, as Omega Psi Phi Day at the State Capitol.
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator West was recognized and introduced to the Senate an Omega Psi Phi Day delegation.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 238
Senator Huffman offered the following resolution:
SR 238, Recognizing March 18, 2025, as Matagorda County Day at the State Capitol.
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Huffman, joined by Senator Eckhardt, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Matagorda County Day delegation including County Judge Bobby Sieferman; Sheriff Rick DeLeon; Wharton County Junior College President Betty McCrohan; Palacios ISD Superintendent, Dr. Jared Duncum; Bay City Mayor Robert Nelson, Mayor Pro Tempore Becca Sitz, and Councilmembers Brad Westmoreland, Jim Folse, Blayne Finlay, and Ben Flores.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 278
Senator Hagenbuch offered the following resolution:
SR 278, Recognizing March 18, 2025, as Grayson County Day.
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Hagenbuch was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Grayson County Day delegation including Sherman Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sandy Rehkopf.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 267
Senator Eckhardt offered the following resolution:
SR 267, Extending best wishes to all those participating in the festivities of Holi.
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Eckhardt was recognized and introduced to the Senate Hindu American Foundation members including Nimai Shukla.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Alvarado was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Maternal Mental Health Day delegation including Nasruddin Rupani, Azizullah Baig, Dr. Mark Schnee, and Dr. Connie Almeida.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator J. Hinojosa was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas State Association of Fire Fighters delegation.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Miles was recognized and introduced to the Senate a delegation from Texas Impact, Friendship-West Baptist Church, and Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church including Rev. Danielle Ayers and Rev. Dr. Angela Ravin-Anderson.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 264
Senator Zaffirini offered the following resolution:
WHEREAS, March 18, 2025, marks the 62nd anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Gideon v. Wainwright, which found that under the United States Constitution, state courts must provide attorneys to indigent defendants in all felony cases; and
WHEREAS, In Gideon v. Wainwright, the United States Supreme Court unanimously reaffirmed the right of defendants to a fair trial and recognized that our adversarial system of criminal justice depends upon a fair contest between the prosecution and the defense, and this contest is an effective means of arriving at just results only when both the prosecution and the defense are adequately prepared and equipped to present their case effectively under the law; and
WHEREAS, Because the assistance of counsel is essential to effectuate a meaningful defense when faced with prosecution by the state, the 77th Legislature passed the Fair Defense Act of 2001 to better ensure that the constitutional rights of all Texans would be more reliably safeguarded; and
WHEREAS, That Act established the Task Force on Indigent Defense, which was elevated to permanent agency status as the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, to ensure the rights guaranteed in Gideon v. Wainwright, with the task force and the commission enabling many more people to receive public defense services and earlier access to counsel, while also improving the quality of legal assistance provided; and
WHEREAS, The commission provides technical support to counties to develop and maintain quality, cost-effective public defense systems and offers financial assistance to meet the new requirements and to foster innovation in the way public defense services are provided; state grant funds administered by the commission have led to the creation of many new public defender offices and managed assigned counsel programs to provide public defense services in more than 82 counties; and
WHEREAS, The commission is actively working to address the rural attorney shortage crisis by establishing more rural regional public defender offices; by affirming essential principles of fairness and justice, the commission plays a crucial role in guaranteeing access to counsel for all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby commemorate the 62nd anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright and commend the Texas Indigent Defense Fund on its work to improve the administration of justice in this state.
SR 264 was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Zaffirini, joined by Senator J. Hinojosa, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas Indigent Defense Commission delegation including Executive Director Scott Ehlers, Director of Grant Funding Edwin Colfax, Policy Analyst Cody Huffman, and Senior Policy Analyst Kristin Meeks.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 272
Senator Perry offered the following resolution:
SR 272, Honoring the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Concho Valley on its 60th anniversary.
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Perry, joined by Senators West and Sparks, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Boys & Girls Clubs of the Concho Valley delegation including Tiffany Parker, Charles Flores, Javier Cruz Jr., and Jamaica Bates.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 271
Senator Parker offered the following resolution:
SR 271, Recognizing March 17, 2025, as Profound Autism Awareness Day.
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
SENATE RESOLUTIONS
The following resolutions were offered:
SR 246 by Hall, Recognizing March 18, 2025, as Corsicana/Navarro County Day.
SR 260 by West, Recognizing the members of the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation team at Children's Health.
SR 262 by Zaffirini, Recognizing Texas State University's Mariachi Nueva Generación for earning first prize in the university division of the 2024 Mariachi Extravaganza.
SR 273 by Perry, Honoring the Lubbock Monterey Chapter of AMBUCS on the occasion of its Visibility Month.
SR 274 by Kolkhorst, Recognizing Carl Idlebird on his induction into the Association of Texas Small School Bands Hall of Fame.
SR 282 by Hughes, In memory of Kenneth William Threlkeld of Tyler.
SR 283 by Hughes, Bettencourt, Middleton, and Sparks, Commending Laura Rogers for her lifesaving actions on May 29, 2024.
SR 285 by Hancock, Recognizing the opening of the Tuskegee Airmen Texas State Veterans Home.
SR 287 by Miles, Congratulating Keith Downey on receiving a 2025 Outstanding Texan Award from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus.
SR 288 by Miles, Congratulating Tracy Stephens on receiving a 2025 Outstanding Texan Award from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus.
SR 289 by Hughes, In memory of Reginald Garrett.
SR 290 by West, Recognizing the Texas Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs on the occasion of its Texas State Summit and Youth of the Year Event.
The resolutions were read and were adopted by a viva voce vote.
INTRODUCTION OF
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS POSTPONED
The President Pro Tempore announced that the introduction of bills and resolutions on first reading would be postponed until the end of today's calendar.
There was no objection.
CONCLUSION OF MORNING CALL
The President Pro Tempore at 12:29 p.m. announced the conclusion of morning call.
SENATE BILL 441 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator J. Hinojosa and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 441 at this time on its second reading:
SB 441, Relating to civil liability for the production, solicitation, disclosure, or promotion of artificial intimate visual material.
The bill was read second time.
Senator J. Hinojosa offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 441 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 3 of the bill as follows:
(1) In added Section 98B.0022(b), Civil Practice and Remedies Code (page 2, lines 23-24), strike "fails to do so within 72 hours after the request is made." and substitute the following:
fails to:
(1) notify the person making the request that the owner has received the request within 24 hours of receiving the request; or
(2) remove the material within 72 hours of receiving the request.
(2) Between added Sections 98B.0022 and 98B.008, Civil Practice and Remedies Code (page 2, between lines 24 and 25), insert the following:
(c) A person who owns an Internet website, including a social media platform, shall make available on the Internet website an easily accessible system that allows a person to submit a request for the removal of artificial intimate visual material and track the status of the request.
The amendment to SB 441 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: Blanco.
SB 441 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: Blanco.
SENATE BILL 441 ON THIRD READING
Senator J. Hinojosa moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 441 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)
(President in Chair)
SENATE BILL 495 ON SECOND READING
Senator Sparks moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 495 at this time on its second reading:
SB 495, Relating to the authority of the Texas Department of Insurance to adopt rules that implement or are based on certain environmental, social, and governance models, ratings, or standards.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Sparks offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 495 (senate committee printing), in SECTION 2 of the bill, in added Section 36.008(a)(2), Insurance Code (page 1, lines 60-61), by striking "employee and officer pay policy, and accounting methodology of the entity" and substituting "and employee and officer pay policy".
The amendment to SB 495 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: Blanco.
SB 495 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 412 ON SECOND READING
Senator Middleton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 412 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 412, Relating to defenses to prosecution for certain offenses involving material or conduct that is obscene or otherwise harmful to children.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 9. (Same as previous roll call)
STATEMENT REGARDING
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 412
Senators Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, and Zaffirini submitted the following statement regarding CSSB 412:
While we agree with the stated purpose of Senate Bill 412 to protect children from harmful materials, we have serious concerns about the provision repealing "educational" purpose as an affirmative defense under Texas Penal Code Section 43.24. This change could impose unnecessary burdens on teachers, librarians and school personnel, undermining their ability to foster a safe and nurturing learning environment.
Currently, state law allows an affirmative defense for materials deemed "harmful" if they serve educational, scientific, governmental or similar purposes. As drafted, S.B. 412 threatens academic freedom and intellectual diversity, limiting students' access to age-appropriate, educational materials and pressuring educators to self-censor or face harassment and criminal prosecution.
Teachers and librarians are trained professionals dedicated to providing enriching, appropriate materials to students. However, this bill opens the door for misuse by individuals targeting educators for subjective or political reasons, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty in our schools.
The bill author has stated that an educator who is presenting materials in compliance with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), state library standards or other state laws would not need this affirmative defense because these materials would not be deemed "harmful." However, an amendment to clarify this in the legislation was rejected despite the subjective nature of the definition of "harmful material" currently in state law.
We support safeguarding children from inappropriate content but believe S.B. 412 is not the right approach. Removing the educational defense is unnecessary and will likely lead to political and criminal attacks on librarians and educators, as well as the censorship of constitutionally-protected materials statewide. Restoring the educational affirmative defense is essential to safeguarding educators and ensuring students have access to valuable educational resources.
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 18 ON SECOND READING
Senator Perry moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SJR 18 at this time on its second reading:
SJR 18, Proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 24, Nays 6.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Zaffirini.
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
The resolution was read second time.
Senator Perry offered the following amendment to the resolution:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SJR 18 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the resolution, by striking added Section 24-b(b), Article VIII, Texas Constitution (page 1, lines 36 through 42), and substituting the following:
(b) This section may not be construed as modifying the applicability or prohibiting the imposition or change in the rate of:
(1) an ad valorem tax on property;
(2) a sales tax on the sale of goods or services;
(3) a use tax on the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of goods or services; or
(4) a general business tax measured by business activity.
The amendment to SJR 18 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: Blanco.
SJR 18 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 24, Nays 6.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Zaffirini.
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 18 ON THIRD READING
Senator Perry moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SJR 18 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 24, Nays 6.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Zaffirini.
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
The resolution was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 24, Nays 6. (Same as previous roll call)
ANNIVERSARY WISHES EXTENDED
The President, on behalf of the Senate, extended anniversary wishes to Senator Gutierrez and his wife, Sarah.
SENATE BILL 11 ON SECOND READING
Senator Middleton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 11 at this time on its second reading:
SB 11, Relating to a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious text in public schools.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 7.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 7. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 11 ON THIRD READING
Senator Middleton moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 11 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 24, Nays 6.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Miles.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 7.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
POINT OF ORDER
Senator Gutierrez raised a point of order that SB 10 violates Article I, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution.
POINT OF ORDER RULING
The President stated that the point of order was respectfully overruled.
SENATE BILL 10 ON SECOND READING
Senator King moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 10 at this time on its second reading:
SB 10, Relating to the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 10.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Menéndez offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 10 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill as follows:
(1) In added Section 1.0041(d)(1), Education Code (page 1, line 60), between "(1)" and "accept", insert "subject to Subsection (d-1),".
(2) Immediately following added Section 1.0041(d), Education Code (page 2, between lines 5 and 6), insert the following subsection:
(d-1) A school district may require a person who is donating a poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments to drop off the poster or framed copy at the district's central administrative office.
The amendment to SB 10 was read and failed of adoption by the following vote: Yeas 10, Nays 20.
Yeas: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
Senator Eckhardt offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend SB 10 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill, by striking added Section 1.0041(c), Education Code (page 1, lines 39 through 56), and substituting the following :
(c) The text of the poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments described by Subsection (a) must read as follows:
"The Ten Commandments
I am the Lord your G-d, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a graven image, nor any manner of likeness of anything that is in heaven above, that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them, nor serve them. For I the Lord your G-d am a jealous G-d, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children of the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; and showing mercy unto the thousandth generation of them that love Me and keep My commandments.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your G-d in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain.
Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work; but the seventh day is a Sabbath unto the Lord your G-d. On it you shall not do any manner of work-you, your son, your daughter, your man-servant, your maid-servant, your cattle, and your stranger that is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath Day, and hallowed it.
Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your G-d gives you.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, his man-servant, his maid-servant, his ox, his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's."
The amendment to SB 10 was read and failed of adoption by the following vote: Yeas 10, Nays 20.
Yeas: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
Senator Eckhardt offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 3
Amend SB 10 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 1.0041, Education Code, as follows:
(1) On page 1, line 27, between "COMMANDMENTS" and the underlined period, insert "AND FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM".
(2) In Subsection (a) (page 1, line 30), between "Commandments" and "that", insert "and the Five Pillars of Islam".
(3) In Subsection (b) (page 1, lines 32 and 33), between "Commandments" and "described", insert "and the Five Pillars of Islam".
(4) In Subsection (b)(1) (page 1, line 34), between "Commandments" and "as", insert "and the Five Pillars of Islam".
(5) In Subsection (c) (page 1, line 40), between "Commandments" and "described", insert "and the Five Pillars of Islam".
(6) In Subsection (c) (page 1, between lines 56 and 57), insert the following:
The Five Pillars of Islam
Shahadah: To believe in no God but Allah and that Muhammad is his prophet and message of Allah
Salah: To pray five times each day.
Sawm: To give up food and drink during daylight hours during the month of Ramadan.
Zakah: To give a share of personal wealth and help people in need.
Hajj: To perform a pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in a lifetime.
(7) In Subsection (d) (page 1, line 59), between "Commandments" and "as", insert "and the Five Pillars of Islam".
(8) In Subsection (d)(1) (page 1, line 61), between "Commandments" and "provided", insert "and the Five Pillars of Islam".
(9) In Subsection (e) (page 2, line 8), between "Commandments" and "as", insert "and the Five Pillars of Islam".
The amendment to SB 10 was read and failed of adoption by the following vote: Yeas 10, Nays 20.
Yeas: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
Senator Eckhardt offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 4
Amend SB 10 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill, adding Section 1.0041, Education Code, as follows:
(1) In the heading to added Section 1.0041, Education Code (page 1, line 27), between "TEN COMMANDMENTS" and the underlined period, insert "AND SEVEN CORE TENETS OF HINDUISM".
(2) Add "and the Seven Core Tenets of Hinduism" after "Ten Commandments" in each of the following places it appears:
(A) In added Section 1.0041(a) (page 1, line 30);
(B) In added Section 1.0041(b) (page 1, line 32);
(C) In added Section 1.0041(b)(1) (page 1, line 34);
(D) In added Section 1.0041(c) (page 1, lines 39 and 40);
(E) In added Section 1.0041(d) (page 1, lines 58 and 59);
(F) In added Section 1.0041(d)(1) (page 1, line 61); and
(G) In added Section 1.0041(e) (page 2, lines 7 and 8).
(3) In added Section 1.0041(c), Education Code, between "neighbor's." and the underlined quotation mark (page 1, line 56), insert the following:
The Seven Core Tenets of Hinduism
Dharma (Righteous Duty),
Karma (Cause and Effect),
Samsara (Cycle of Rebirth),
Moksha (Liberation),
Brahman (Ultimate Reality),
Ahimsa (Nonviolence), and
Yoga (Spiritual Discipline)
The amendment to SB 10 was read and failed of adoption by the following vote: Yeas 10, Nays 20.
Yeas: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
Senator Eckhardt offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 5
Amend SB 10 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill, adding Section 1.0041, Education Code, as follows:
(1) In the heading to added Section 1.0041 (page 1, line 27), between "TEN COMMANDMENTS" and the underlined period, insert "AND NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH".
(2) Add "and Noble Eightfold Path" after "Ten Commandments" in each of the following places it appears:
(A) In added Section 1.0041(a) (page 1, line 30);
(B) In added Section 1.0041(b) (page 1, line 32);
(C) In added Section 1.0041(b)(1) (page 1, line 34);
(D) In added Section 1.0041(c) (page 1, lines 39 and 40);
(E) In added Section 1.0041(d) (page 1, lines 58 and 59);
(F) In added Section 1.0041(d)(1) (page 1, line 61); and
(G) In added Section 1.0041(e) (page 2, lines 7 and 8).
(3) In added Section 1.0041(c), between "neighbor's." and the underlined quotation mark (page 1, line 56), insert the following:
The Noble Eightfold Path
(1) Right View
(2) Right Thought
(3) Right Speech
(4) Right Action
(5) Right Livelihood
(6) Right Effort
(7) Right Mindfulness
(8) Right Concentration
The amendment to SB 10 was read and failed of adoption by the following vote: Yeas 10, Nays 20.
Yeas: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
SB 10 was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 10.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
SENATE BILL 18 ON SECOND READING
Senator Hughes moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 18 at this time on its second reading:
SB 18, Relating to prohibiting municipal libraries that host certain events from receiving state or other public funding.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 10.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
Absent-excused: Blanco.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 10. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 1169 REREFERRED
(Motion In Writing)
Senator A. Hinojosa submitted a Motion In Writing requesting that SB 1169 be withdrawn from the Committee on Local Government and rereferred to the Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 3
On motion of Senator Perry, Senators Hall and Schwertner will be shown as Co-authors of SB 3.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 6
On motion of Senator King, Senators Creighton and Hagenbuch will be shown as Co-authors of SB 6.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 15
On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senator Johnson will be shown as Co-author of SB 15.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 22
On motion of Senator Huffman, Senator Alvarado will be shown as Co-author of SB 22.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 35
On motion of Senator Nichols, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 35.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 400
On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Hall will be shown as Co-author of SB 400.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 412
On motion of Senator Middleton, Senators Bettencourt and Creighton will be shown as Co-authors of SB 412.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 441
On motion of Senator J. Hinojosa, Senators Creighton and West will be shown as Co-authors of SB 441.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 469
On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator Middleton will be shown as Co-author of SB 469.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 495
On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator Creighton will be shown as Co-author of SB 495.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 666
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 666.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 735
On motion of Senator Menéndez, Senator King will be shown as Co-author of SB 735.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 740
On motion of Senator Perry, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 740.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 854
On motion of Senator Middleton, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 854.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 917
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 917.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 995
On motion of Senator Nichols, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 995.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1121
On motion of Senator Nichols, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 1121.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1234
On motion of Senator Hancock, Senator Hagenbuch will be shown as Co-author of SB 1234.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1281
On motion of Senator Parker, Senator Miles will be shown as Co-author of SB 1281.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 1300
On motion of Senator Flores, Senators Creighton, Kolkhorst, and West will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1300.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1379
On motion of Senator Flores, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 1379.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1413
On motion of Senator Nichols, Senator Creighton will be shown as Co-author of SB 1413.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1484
On motion of Senator A. Hinojosa, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-author of SB 1484.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1645
On motion of Senator Perry, Senator Hall will be shown as Co-author of SB 1645.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1701
On motion of Senator Parker, Senator Hagenbuch will be shown as Co-author of SB 1701.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1845
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Campbell will be shown as Co-author of SB 1845.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 1902
On motion of Senator Nichols, Senators Hagenbuch, Miles, and West will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1902.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1981
On motion of Senator Hall, Senator Hagenbuch will be shown as Co-author of SB 1981.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 2060
On motion of Senator Parker, Senator Perry will be shown as Co-author of SB 2060.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 2116
On motion of Senator Parker, Senator Hagenbuch will be shown as Co-author of SB 2116.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 5
On motion of Senator Eckhardt, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SCR 5.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 25
On motion of Senator Alvarado, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SCR 25.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 18
On motion of Senator Perry, Senators Birdwell, Creighton, and Schwertner will be shown as Co-authors of SJR 18.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE RESOLUTION 271
On motion of Senator Parker, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-author of SR 271.
RECESS
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, the Senate at 4:09 p.m. recessed until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.
APPENDIX
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following committee reports were received by the Secretary of the Senate in the order listed:
March 18, 2025
WATER, AGRICULTURE, AND RURAL AFFAIRS — CSSB 1302
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT — SCR 12, SB 856, SCR 24
STATE AFFAIRS — CSSB 650
LOCAL GOVERNMENT — SB 583, SB 673, CSSB 840
BILLS AND RESOLUTION ENGROSSED
March 18, 2025
SB 11, SB 441, SJR 18
RESOLUTIONS ENROLLED
March 18, 2025
SR 238, SR 246, SR 260, SR 262, SR 264, SR 266, SR 267, SR 268, SR 270, SR 271, SR 272, SR 273, SR 274, SR 278, SR 282, SR 283, SR 285, SR 287, SR 288, SR 289, SR 290