(Continued)

(Thursday, March 20, 2025)

The Senate met at 10:24 a.m. and was called to order by President Pro Tempore Creighton.

Minister Justin Coffman, Harvest Hill Church, Midlothian, offered the invocation as follows:

Almighty God, You are a good, good Father and You have given us, Your children, exceptional gifts and blessings. We acknowledge in these Chambers today that You have granted us a wonderful gift in rooting us in and allowing us leadership opportunities within the great State of Texas. Your blessings are so evident here as You have blessed our state with abundant resources, wise leadership, and a rich heritage of dedicated, loyal, and passionate citizens that we proudly call Texans. With this great gift, Lord, we recognize the responsibility that comes with leading well in the stewardship of the resources of this state. Lord God, just as You placed Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden and how you entrusted Joshua to lead Your people in to the promised land. We recognize that it's in the same manor that You have placed us all here in this land we call Texas, in this very moment for the very same purpose, to glorify You in stewardship of this territory for Your glory. So, Father, I pray that this governing body continue to own this mantle of servant leadership and healthy stewardship as they continue their efforts to serve their various constituents in the 89th Senate Legislature. Lord, I thank You for every single one of them, and I pray Your blessings on them and their families for their sacrifices to serve their fellow Texans. So, Lord, bless them and keep them, make Your face shine upon them and be gracious toward them. Lord, turn Your face toward them and give them peace. In Your name we pray. Amen.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator King was granted leave of absence for today on account of family business.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Menéndez was granted leave of absence for today on account of family business.

Senator Kolkhorst offered the following resolution:

SR 303, Recognizing March 20, 2025, as Calhoun County Day.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Kolkhorst was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Calhoun County Day delegation including County Judge Vern Lyssy; Commissioners David Hall, Ronald Best, Joel Behrens, and Gary Reese; Sheriff Bobbie Vickery; Sara Rodriquez; Raquel Morales; Russell Cain; Alysa Jarvis; Cj Vetter; Sharon Barnard; Diane Drussell; Jack Wu; Amy Blanchett; Lesa and Steve Jurek; Misty Best; and Cindy Krause.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Kolkhorst offered the following resolution:

SR 302, In memory of the Honorable Richard Harold Meyer.

The resolution was read.

On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, SR 302 was adopted by a rising vote of the Senate.

In honor of the memory of the Honorable Richard Harold Meyer, the text of the resolution will be printed in the Senate Journal upon adjournment of this legislative day.

Senator Kolkhorst was recognized and introduced to the Senate family members of Richard Harold Meyer including Dr. Ty Meyer and his wife, Gabby, and Morgen and Kamie New.

The Senate welcomed its guests and extended its sympathy.

Senator Eckhardt was recognized and presented Dr. Larry Kravitz of Austin as the Physician of the Day.

The Senate welcomed Dr. Kravitz, accompanied by Steven Brown Jr., and thanked him for his participation in the Physician of the Day program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.

Senator West was recognized and introduced to the Senate a University of North Texas at Dallas delegation.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

On motion of Senator Blanco and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 1268 at this time on its second reading:

SB 1268, Relating to the review and updating by the Texas Water Development Board of guidance principles and rules related to certain plans adopted or approved by the board.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment except as follows:

Absent-excused:  King, Menéndez.

Senator Blanco moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 1268 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  King, Menéndez.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Zaffirini and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 57 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 57, Relating to provisions and plans by public schools to ensure the safety of individuals with disabilities or impairments during a mandatory school drill or a disaster or emergency situation.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment except as follows:

Absent-excused:  King, Menéndez.

Senator Zaffirini moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 57 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  King, Menéndez.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Sparks and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 499 at this time on its second reading:

SB 499, Relating to the selection by the board of directors of the West Coke County Hospital District of a depository bank for the district.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment except as follows:

Absent-excused:  King, Menéndez.

Senator Sparks moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 499 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  King, Menéndez.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Hall offered the following resolution:

SR 305, In memory of Jill Diane Warrington Glover.

The resolution was read.

At the request of Senator Hall, the Senate observed a moment of silence in honor of Jill Diane Warrington Glover.

On motion of Senator Hall, SR 305 was adopted by a rising vote of the Senate.

In honor of the memory of Jill Diane Warrington Glover, the text of the resolution will be printed in the Senate Journal upon adjournment of this legislative day.

Senator Hall was recognized and introduced to the Senate family and friends of Jill Diane Warrington Glover including her son, Nicholas, and husband, Curtis Glover.

The Senate welcomed its guests and extended its sympathy.

Senator Schwertner submitted a Motion In Writing requesting that SB 30 be withdrawn from the Committee on Business and Commerce and rereferred to the Committee on State Affairs.

The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.

Senator Zaffirini submitted a Motion In Writing requesting that SB 1666 be withdrawn from the Committee on Business and Commerce and rereferred to the Committee on Criminal Justice.

The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.

Senator Hughes submitted a Motion In Writing requesting that SB 1333 be withdrawn from the Committee on Criminal Justice and rereferred to the Committee on State Affairs.

The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.

Senator Bettencourt moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 1025 at this time on its second reading:

SB 1025, Relating to the text of ballot propositions that increase taxes.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 23, Nays 6.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.

Nays:  Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Miles, Zaffirini.

Absent-excused:  King, Menéndez.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 23, Nays 6. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Eckhardt moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 974 at this time on its second reading:

SB 974, Relating to the eligibility of a person employed by a school district as a teacher to serve on the appraisal review board of an appraisal district.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 21, Nays 8.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, West, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Creighton, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Hughes, Middleton, Schwertner, Sparks.

Absent-excused:  King, Menéndez.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 21, Nays 8. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Campbell offered the following resolution:

SR 304, Recognizing March 20 and 21, 2025, as Texas Federation of Republican Women Days at the State Capitol.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Bettencourt moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 1025 be placed on its third reading and final passage:

SB 1025, Relating to the text of ballot propositions that increase taxes.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 25, Nays 4.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.

Nays:  Cook, Johnson, Miles, Zaffirini.

Absent-excused:  King, Menéndez.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 23, Nays 6.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.

Nays:  Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Miles, Zaffirini.

Absent-excused:  King, Menéndez.

Senator Eckhardt moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 974 be placed on its third reading and final passage:

SB 974, Relating to the eligibility of a person employed by a school district as a teacher to serve on the appraisal review board of an appraisal district.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 24, Nays 5.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, West, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Creighton, Hancock, Middleton, Schwertner, Sparks.

Absent-excused:  King, Menéndez.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 21, Nays 8.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, West, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Creighton, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Hughes, Middleton, Schwertner, Sparks.

Absent-excused:  King, Menéndez.

On motion of Senator Parker and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 1061 at this time on its second reading:

SB 1061, Relating to procedural requirements for uranium mining production area authorizations.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Perry offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend SB 1061 (senate committee printing) by striking the recital to SECTION 1 of the bill (page 1, lines 22 and 23) and substituting the following:

SECTION 1.  Section 27.0513, Water Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c-1) and amending Subsection (d) to read as follows:

The amendment to SB 1061 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:  King, Menéndez.

SB 1061 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:  King, Menéndez.

Senator Bettencourt moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 1061 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  King, Menéndez.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Hughes and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 11.10(a) and Senate Rule 11.18(a) were suspended in order that the Committee on Jurisprudence might meet and consider pending business at Desk 1 in the Senate Chamber.

On motion of Senator Hughes, Senators Alvarado, Flores, Hall, and Middleton will be shown as Co-authors of SB 31.

On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator Hagenbuch will be shown as Co-author of SB 34.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Campbell will be shown as Co-author of SB 57.

On motion of Senator West, Senators Alvarado and Hall will be shown as Co-authors of SB 211.

On motion of Senator West, Senators Middleton and Parker will be shown as Co-authors of SB 213.

On motion of Senator Flores, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 241.

On motion of Senator Alvarado, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 259.

On motion of Senator Perry, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 304.

On motion of Senator Middleton, Senator Schwertner will be shown as Co-author of SB 379.

On motion of Senator Middleton, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 413.

On motion of Senator Eckhardt, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 423.

On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 673.

On motion of Senator Menéndez, Senator Paxton will be shown as Co-author of SB 769.

On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Campbell will be shown as Co-author of SB 843.

On motion of Senator Hall, Senator Sparks will be shown as Co-author of SB 883.

On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senators Hagenbuch, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, and Perry will be shown as Co-authors of SB 990.

On motion of Senator Huffman, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 1018.

On motion of Senator Alvarado, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 1265.

On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senators Johnson and Miles will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1302.

On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 1415.

On motion of Senator Perry, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 1505.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 1697.

On motion of Senator Huffman, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 1737.

On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 1786.

On motion of Senator Schwertner, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 1826.

On motion of Senator Parker, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 2164.

On motion of Senator Menéndez, Senator Alvarado will be shown as Co-author of SB 2851.

On motion of Senator Parker, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-author of SCR 8.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, the Senate at 11:58 a.m. adjourned, in memory of the Honorable Richard Harold Meyer and Jill Diane Warrigton Glover, until 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2025.

SB 57, SB 499, SB 974, SB 1025, SB 1061, SB 1268

SR 302, SR 303, SR 304, SR 305

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Calhoun County in mourning the loss of Judge Richard Harold Meyer, who died November 18, 2024, at the age of 74; and

WHEREAS, Richard Meyer was born on July 5, 1950, in Port Lavaca, and he grew up exploring the countryside and coastal waters of Calhoun County; he graduated from Calhoun High School in 1968 and served with distinction in the National Guard for six years; and

WHEREAS, On August 23, 1975, Richard married Jackie Schwarting, and together, they built a solid and loving foundation upon which they raised their two children, Ty and Leslie; the couple offered a sense of joy and belonging to their nine grandchildren and to all who shared in their lives throughout their 49 years of marriage; and

WHEREAS, Richard Meyer dedicated himself to his vocation as a farmer and rancher, and his vast knowledge of the region and his steadfast commitment to his community helped him to win election as Calhoun County judge; he took office on January 1, 2019, and fulfilled the duties of his roll with distinction, and he was serving in his second term at the time of his passing; and

WHEREAS, As county judge, he demonstrated fairness and impartiality and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing residents of Calhoun County; his leadership and unwavering dedication earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and fellow public servants as well as the residents of Calhoun County; and

WHEREAS, Richard's service extended beyond his duties as judge, and he was a proud supporter of local youth through 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and youth rodeo events; he served as president of the Calhoun County Cattlemen's Association for 22 years and was an instrumental member of the Victoria Economic Development Corporation; he also devoted his time to serving Hospice of South Texas for 15 years, and he was an active member of Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church; and

WHEREAS, Judge Meyer leaves behind a legacy of leadership, compassion, and integrity that will endure for generations to come, and his memory will be forever treasured by his wife, Jackie, his children and their spouses, his cherished grandchildren, his community, and all who were privileged to share 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 Richard Harold Meyer; 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 Richard Meyer.

KOLKHORST

WHEREAS, Jill Diane Warrington Glover, a prominent and dedicated member of the Republican Party of Texas, passed away on January 14, 2024, at the age of 63; and

WHEREAS, The former Jill Warrington was born in Palestine on October 10, 1960, to Nancy and Forrest Warrington, and she grew up with the companionship of two brothers, David and Dennis; during her youth, she explored a number of interests, including music, ballet, and poetry, and she graduated from Palestine High School, where she served as a member of the drill team; she went on to attend Stephen F. Austin State University, ultimately earning a master's degree in psychology, and worked as a local radio personality while completing her studies; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Glover was employed at Texas State Mental Health Services in Longview before establishing her own private practice in Dallas, where she specialized in helping women suffering from eating disorders and abuse trauma; she also served as a psychology professor at Dallas County Community College and as a part-time teacher at Coram Deo Academy; and

WHEREAS, A stalwart champion of conservative values, Mrs. Glover was selected to represent Senate District 12 on the State Republican Executive Committee in 2018; she also chaired the Legislative Priorities Committee, and over the course of her tenure, she provided essential support for the party's priority bills, including the Texas Heartbeat Act and the permitless carry bill from the 87th Regular Session; her determined efforts during the 88th Legislature helped 35 priority bills, in whole or in part, to become law, and she worked closely with State Senator Donna Campbell to secure the passage of Senate Bill 14, which prohibited the use of state funds for child gender modification; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her frequent visits to the State Capitol to discuss important issues with legislators, Mrs. Glover was instrumental in organizing town halls and other initiatives across Texas; she also utilized her radio skills to record updates for grassroots political organizations, and she published a weekly newsletter to inform the public about current events; and

WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to her family, Mrs. Glover shared a rewarding marriage with her husband, Curtis, and she took great pride in her son, Nicholas; in all her endeavors, she drew strength from her Christian faith; and

WHEREAS, The life of Jill Glover stands as an inspiring example of civic engagement, and her work will be remembered and admired for years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Jill Diane Warrington Glover and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of her family: to her husband, Curtis Glover; to her son, Nicholas Glover; to her brothers, David and Dennis Warrington; and to her other relatives and friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for her family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Jill Glover.