(Continued)

(Tuesday, April 1, 2025)

The Senate met at 11:21 a.m. and was called to order by President Pro Tempore Creighton.

The Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez, Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, offered the invocation as follows:

Good and gracious God, as we gather in service to our state, we give You thanks for the gift of life and for the opportunity to serve You and one another. We pray for all the Members of the Legislature, for judges, elected civil officials, and all others who are entrusted to guard our political welfare. We give You thanks for their service and dedication. Fill them with Your wisdom and charity as they discharge their duties. We pray for the humility to listen to You and one another, seeking to hear and not just to be heard, to act boldly in the pursuit of justice and integrity, and to promote and protect the fullness of human dignity. May Your Holy Spirit stir us to a more generous and dedicated service towards the common good of our community. We pray to You, who are Lord and God, forever and ever. Amen.

The following Message from the Governor was read and was referred to the Committee on Nominations:

April 1, 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 State Soil and Water Conservation Board for terms to expire as indicated:

Christine "Tina" Yturria Buford

Harlingen, Texas

James H. Clement, III

Kingsville, Texas

Respectfully submitted,

/s/Greg Abbott

Governor

HOUSE CHAMBER

Austin, Texas

Tuesday, April 1, 2025 - 1

The Honorable President of the Senate

Senate Chamber

Austin, Texas

Mr. President:

I am directed by the house to inform the senate that the house has taken the following action:

THE HOUSE HAS PASSED THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:

In memory of Tracy Lee Vincent of Longview.

In memory of the Honorable Terrell Lynn Roberts of Angleton.

Respectfully,

/s/Stephen Brown,

Chief Clerk

House of Representatives

Senator Bettencourt offered the following resolution:

SR 350, Recognizing Joe S. Vásquez for his service as Pastor of the Day and on his installation as archbishop of Galveston-Houston.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Bettencourt, joined by Senator J. Hinojosa, was recognized and introduced to the Senate The Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston; Bishops Michael F. Olson, Michael J. Sis, Gregory Kelly, and Daniel E. Flores; and a Texas Catholic Advocacy Day delegation.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Kolkhorst offered the following resolution:

SR 338, Recognizing Victoria College on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Kolkhorst was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Victoria College delegation including President, Dr. Jennifer Kent; Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Cindy Buchholz; Vice President of Administrative Services Keith Blundell; Executive Director Advancement and VC Foundation Amy Mundy; Director of Student Life Elaine Everett-Hensley; Trustee Kay McHaney; Foundation Board President Vee Strauss; and students Hopi Trevino, Bryan Acevedo, Abigail Villanueva, and Danielle Soto.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Blanco, joined by Senators Hagenbuch and Birdwell, was recognized and introduced to the Senate Navy Chief Petty Officers from across Texas.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Eckhardt was recognized and presented Dr. Jen Nordhauser of Pflugerville as the Physician of the Day.

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

Senator Middleton was recognized and introduced to the Senate a student delegation of The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, accompanied by Senior Vice President and Provost, Dr. Susan Chubinskaya.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Campbell submitted the following report from the Committee on Nominations:

We, your Committee on Nominations, to which were referred the following appointments, have had same under consideration and report them back to the Senate with a recommendation that they be confirmed:

Judge, 183rd Judicial District Court, Harris County:  Lance Gene Long, Harris County.

Judge, 297th Judicial District Court, Tarrant County:  Amy Allin Gastorf, Tarrant County.

Judge, 66th Judicial District Court, Hill County:  Justin William Lewis, Hill County.

Members, Advisory Committee to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments:  Robb David Catalano, Tarrant County; Joseph Vincent Penn, Harris County.

Presiding Officer, Alamo Regional Mobility Authority:  John Christopher Asel, Bexar County.

Members, Board of Directors, Angelina and Neches River Authority Board of Directors:  Coreen Ann Blaylock, Angelina County; Robert Edward Hopkins, Jasper County; Jennifer Renee Sanders, Trinity County.

Member, Board of Pardons and Paroles:  Sandra Clark Fletcher, Fort Bend County.

Commissioners, Board of Pilot Commissioners for Galveston County Ports:  Elizabeth Kathleen Sekaly Cross, Galveston County; Arden Cyril Hill, Galveston County; Jason Ray Keeling, Galveston County; Terrilyn Tarlton-Shannon, Galveston County.

Presiding Officer, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority:  Robert W. Jenkins, Travis County.

Chair, State Board of Education:  Aaron Glenn Kinsey, Midland County.

Member, Correctional Managed Health Care Committee:  Divyansu Patel, Travis County.

Members, Finance Commission of Texas:  Kathleen Klein Fields, Bexar County; Troy Lee Lambden, Young County; David Winfield Osborn, El Paso County; Miguel Romano, Travis County.

Member, Board of Directors, Gulf Coast Protection District:  Sharon Day Hulgan, Galveston County.

Member, Interstate Commision for Adult Offender Supervision:  Rene Javier Hinojosa, Travis County.

Members, Judicial Compensation Commission:  Rodney E. Anderson, Dallas County; Philip Wayne Johnson, Lubbock County; Linda Walters Kinney, Kendall County.

Members, Manufactured Housing Board:  James Edward Brady, Tarrant County; Joseph Thomas Christian, Bexar County.

Members, Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority:  Charla Kay Scott Brotherton, Tarrant County; Scott A. Jackson, Kendall County; Thomas Allan Sloan, Travis County; Katherine Barker Whitehill, Dallas County.

Independent Ombudsman, Office of Independent Ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department:  Robert Sean McCleskey, Bexar County.

Director, Office of School Safety and Security:  John Paul Scott, Somervell County.

Members, Public Safety Commission:  Willis D. Hord, Midland County; Steven Hall Stodghill, Dallas County.

Members, Board of Directors, Sabine River Authority of Texas:  Richard Blair Abney, Harrison County; Thomas Neil Beall, Sabine County; James William Bruce, Orange County; Clifford Ralph Todd, Panola County.

Member, Board of Directors, San Antonio River Authority:  John Henry Yochem, Goliad County.

Members, State Board of Dental Examiners:  Bryan Neal Henderson, Dallas County; Lorie Lynette Jones, Montgomery County; Sarah Lamb, Dallas County; Michael Brady Morehead, Bexar County.

Member, State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners:  Stacy Elizabeth McLeod, Parker County.

Commissioners, State Commission on Judicial Conduct:  April Irene Aguirre, Harris County; Derek Matthew Cohen, Travis County; Yinon Weiss, Hays County.

Members, Statewide Health Coordinating Council:  Billie Bell, Medina County; Lauren Hart Day, Travis County; Emily Rose Hunt, Harris County; David Vaughan Lewis, Travis County; Dakota Marks, Angelina County.

Justice, Supreme Court of Texas:  James P. Sullivan, Travis County.

Member, Board of Regents, Texas A&M University System:  Kelley Sullivan Georgiades, Harris County.

Members, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission:  Michael S. Adkins, El Paso County; Chad Michael Craycraft, Dallas County.

Members, Texas Board of Criminal Justice:  Tommy Gene Fordyce, Walker County; Nathanael William Sprinkle, Fort Bend County; William O. Welch, Travis County; Sydney June Zuiker, Harris County.

Members, Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors:  Ademola Adejokun, Tarrant County; Roberto Moreno, El Paso County; Kiran Shah, Fort Bend County.

Members, Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists:  Danielle Margueritte Kingham, Brazoria County; Samuel Sean McGee, Kendall County.

Judge, Texas Business Court, 3rd Division:  Melissa Michelle Davis Andrews, Travis County.

Judge, Texas Business Court, 8th Division:  Brian Scott Stagner, Tarrant County.

Members, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement:  Janna Ann Atkins, Taylor County; Conor Ryan Harvey, Harris County; Sergio Saenz, Hildago County; Justin Allan West, Galveston County.

Members, Texas Commission on the Arts:  Robert M. Lee, Randall County; Patricia Peterson Nuss, Nueces County; Edwin Kent Perkins, Erath County; Nancy Carol Windham, Nacogdoches County.

Members, Texas Crime Stoppers Council:  Gregory F. New, Ellis County; Jarrod Wayne Robertson, Randall County; Cheryl Sinacola, Collin County.

Members, Texas Facilities Commission:  Robert Hampton Clay, Harris County; Robert Scott Wetmore, Travis County.

Members, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board:  Richard L. Clemmer, Travis County; Stacy Ann Williams Hock, Travis County; Juan Jose Nevarez Sanchez, Dallas County; Ashlie Ann Thomas, Victoria County; Welcome Wade Wilson, Harris County.

Members, Texas Industrialized Building Code Council:  Suzanne Rebecca Arnold, Rockwall County; Edwin O. Lofton, Llano County; Alfonso Alexandre Morales, Harris County; Jorge Antonio Olivares, Bexar County; John Dilworth Scholl, Armstrong County; William Fletcher Smith, Hays County.

Members, Texas Judicial Council:  George Michael Bryant, Dallas County; David Daniel Botha Dunmoyer, Travis County.

Member, Board of Directors, Texas Permanent School Fund Corporation:  Clifton Leo Thomas, Victoria County.

Member, Board of Regents, University of North Texas System:  Teresa Lynne Banning West, Collin County.

Member, Veterans' Land Board:  James Richard Rothfelder, Comal County.

Senator Campbell submitted the following report from the Committee on Nominations:

We, your Committee on Nominations, to which were referred the following appointment, have had same under consideration and report it back to the Senate with a recommendation that the nominee be confirmed:

Member, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement:  Justin Lee Berry, Travis County.

Senator Campbell gave notice that tomorrow she would submit to the Senate for consideration nominations to agencies, boards, and commissions of the state.

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.

The following resolution was offered:

SR 43 by Blanco, Recognizing April 4, 2025, as Community Health Workers/Promotores Advocacy Day.

The resolution was read and was adopted by a viva voce vote.

Senator Eckhardt was recognized and introduced to the Senate representatives of the Texas Neurological Society.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

On motion of Senator Flores and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 856 at this time on its second reading:

SB 856, Relating to the use of the skills development fund by certain entities.

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.

Senator Flores moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 856 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

Senator Campbell moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 371 at this time on its second reading:

SB 371, Relating to parental approval for a student's participation in human sexuality instruction in public schools.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 24, Nays 7.

Yeas:  Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, 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.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 24, Nays 7. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Sparks moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 621 at this time on its second reading:

SB 621, Relating to a prohibition on the establishment, operation, or ownership of a public bank by a political subdivision.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 26, Nays 5.

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

Nays:  Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 26, Nays 5. (Same as previous roll call)

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 621 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 26, Nays 5.

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

Nays:  Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 26, Nays 5. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Nichols and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 1497 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1497, Relating to the search of certain wireless communications devices by a peace officer.

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.

Senator Nichols moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 1497 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

On motion of Senator King and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 1207 at this time on its second reading:

SB 1207, Relating to instruction on adoption in the parenting and paternity awareness program in public schools.

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.

Senator King moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 1207 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

On motion of Senator Hancock and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 1330 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1330, Relating to billing and reimbursement for certain medical equipment, devices, and supplies provided to Medicare enrollees; creating a criminal offense.

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.

Senator Hancock moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 1330 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

On motion of Senator Flores and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 251 at this time on its second reading:

SB 251, Relating to the creation of criminal law magistrates for Bell County.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Huffman offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend SB 251 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill, by striking proposed Section 54.1601(b)(2), Government Code (page 1, line 33), and substituting the following:

The amendment to SB 251 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.

SB 251 as amended was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.

Senator Flores moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 251 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 1535 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1535, Relating to the establishment by the Texas Workforce Commission of an advanced nuclear energy workforce development program.

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.

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 1535 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

On motion of Senator Perry and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 503 at this time on its second reading:

SB 503, Relating to the establishment of an electronic registry of livestock marks and brands.

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.

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 SB 503 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

Senator Huffman moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 1021 at this time on its second reading:

SB 1021, Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision of a person convicted of stalking.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Eckhardt asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Perry offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend SB 1021 (senate committee printing) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:

SECTION ____.  Section 38.111(a), Penal Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a)  A person commits an offense if the person, while confined in a correctional facility after being charged with or convicted of an offense under Section 42.072 or listed in Article 62.001(5), Code of Criminal Procedure, contacts by letter, telephone, or any other means, either directly or through a third party, a victim of the offense or a member of the victim's family, if the director of the correctional facility has not, before the person makes contact with the victim:

(1)  received written and dated consent to the contact from:

(A)  the victim, if the victim was 17 years of age or older at the time  of the commission of the offense for which the person is confined; or

(B)  if the victim was younger than 17 years of age at the time of the commission of the offense for which the person is confined:

(i)  a parent of the victim;

(ii)  a legal guardian of the victim;

(iii)  the victim, if the victim is 17 years of age or older at the time of giving the consent; or

(iv)  a member of the victim's family who is 17 years of age or older; and

(2)  provided the person with a copy of the consent.

The amendment to SB 1021 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.

SB 1021 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:

Nays:  Eckhardt.

Senator Huffman moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 1021 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 1.

Nays:  Eckhardt.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Parker moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 965 at this time on its second reading:

SB 965, Relating to the right of a public school employee to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 20, Nays 11.

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

Nays:  Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Menéndez offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend SB 965 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 22.012, Education Code (page 1, line 28), by striking "while" and substituting "during any time other than instructional time that the employee is".

The amendment to SB 965 was read and failed of adoption by the following vote:  Yeas 11, Nays 20.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Blanco, 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.

SB 965 was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 20, Nays 11.

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

Nays:  Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.

Senator Sparks moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 472 at this time on its second reading:

SB 472, Relating to the right of the chief appraiser of an appraisal district, the appraisal district, or the appraisal review board of the appraisal district to bring certain claims in an appeal of an order of the appraisal review board.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 26, Nays 5.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, 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:  Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Miles.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 26, Nays 5. (Same as previous roll call)

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 472 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 26, Nays 5.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, 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:  Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Miles.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 26, Nays 5. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Paxton and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 207 at this time on its second reading:

SB 207, Relating to excused absences from public school for certain students to attend mental health care appointments.

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.

Senator Paxton moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 207 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

On motion of Senator West and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 599 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 599, Relating to the authority of a political subdivision to regulate a licensed, registered, or listed group day-care home or family home.

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.

Senator West moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 599 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

Senator Kolkhorst moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 396 at this time on its second reading:

SB 396, Relating to confirmation of a voter's residence by a voter registrar.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 20, Nays 11.

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

Nays:  Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Kolkhorst offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend SB 396 (senate committee report) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:

SECTION ____.  If the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, appropriates money to the secretary of state for the purpose of providing additional funding for counties to administer the requirements of this Act, the secretary of state may allocate the appropriated amount to county voter registrars to defray the expenses incurred by the registrars to comply with the requirements of this Act.

The amendment to SB 396 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.

SB 396 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 20, Nays 11.

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

Nays:  Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.

On motion of Senator Hall and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 108 at this time on its second reading:

SB 108, Relating to the appointment of election clerks.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Hall offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend SB 108 (senate committee report), immediately following SECTION 5 of the bill, amending Section 32.034, Election Code (page 2, between lines 45 and 46), by inserting the following appropriately numbered SECTION and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS accordingly:

SECTION ____.  Section 127.006(a), Election Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a)  The manager, the presiding judge, and the alternate presiding judge may appoint clerks to serve at the central counting station in the same manner described by Section 32.034 for the appointment of precinct election clerks.

The amendment to SB 108 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.

SB 108 as amended was passed to engrossment by a viva voce vote.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.

Senator Hall moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 108 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

Senator Birdwell moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SJR 37 at this time on its second reading:

SJR 37, Proposing a constitutional amendment clarifying that a voter must be a United States citizen.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 3.

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

Nays:  Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez.

The resolution was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Birdwell moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SJR 37 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 3.

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

Nays:  Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez.

The resolution was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Sparks moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 533 at this time on its second reading:

SB 533, Relating to the election date for the authorization of the issuance of bonds or a tax increase.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 22, Nays 9.

Yeas:  Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, 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.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 22, Nays 9. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Hughes moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 16 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 16, Relating to requiring a person to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote; creating criminal offenses.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 20, Nays 11.

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

Nays:  Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Hughes offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 16 (senate committee report) in SECTION 12 of the bill, in added Section 115.002(b)(3), Election Code (page 6, line 50), by striking "by the sixth day after election day" and substituting "during the period described by Subdivision (2)".

The amendment to CSSB 16 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.

CSSB 16 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 20, Nays 11.

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

Nays:  Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.

HOUSE CHAMBER

Austin, Texas

Tuesday, April 1, 2025 - 2

The Honorable President of the Senate

Senate Chamber

Austin, Texas

Mr. President:

I am directed by the house to inform the senate that the house has taken the following action:

THE HOUSE HAS PASSED THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:

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.

Respectfully,

/s/Stephen Brown,

Chief Clerk

House of Representatives

Senator Schwertner moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 8 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 8, Relating to agreements between sheriffs and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enforce federal immigration law.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 20, Nays 11.

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

Nays:  Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Schwertner offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 8 (senate committee report) as follows:

(1)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 752.084, Government Code (page 2, line 10), between the underlined period and "A", insert "(a)".

(2)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, immediately following added Section 752.084, Government Code (page 2, between lines 17 and 18), insert the following:

(3)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 752.085(a), Government Code (page 2, lines 19 and 20), strike "any money available" and substitute "money appropriated".

(4)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 752.085(b), Government Code (page 2, line 25), between "tiers" and the underlined colon, insert "in accordance with the General Appropriations Act".

(5)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 752.085(c)(1), Government Code (page 2, line 35), between "officers" and "performing", insert "and employees".

(6)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 752.088(a), Government Code (page 3, line 17), strike "annually" and substitute ", not later than the 60th day after the date the fiscal year of the county served by the sheriff ends,".

(7)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 752.088(d), Government Code (page 3, line 28), strike "The comptroller" and substitute "Not later than April 1 of each year, the comptroller".

(8)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 752.088(d), Government Code (page 3, line 29), strike "an annual" and substitute "a".

(9)  Strike SECTION 3 of the bill adding effective date language (page 3, line 51) and substitute "Except as otherwise provided by this Act, this Act takes effect January 1, 2026.".

(10)  Add the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumber subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:

SECTION ____.  A grant awarded to a sheriff under Section 752.085, Government Code, as added by this Act, may cover any costs associated with participating in an agreement described by Section 752.082, Government Code, as added by this Act, that were incurred by the sheriff between September 30, 2025, and January 1, 2026.

The amendment to CSSB 8 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.

Senator Blanco offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 8 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill as follows:

(1)  In added Section 752.082(a), Government Code (page 1, line 34), strike "The" and substitute "Except as provided by Subsection (f), the".

(2)  Immediately following added Section 752.082, Government Code (page 2, between lines 1 and 2), insert the following:

(3)  In added Section 752.084, Government Code (page 2, line 12), strike "entered into" and substitute "applied for".

(4)  In added Section 752.084, Government Code (page 2, line 13), strike "details" and substitute "estimates". 

(5)  Immediately following added Section 752.085, Government Code (page 2, between lines 47 and 48), insert the following:

The amendment to CSSB 8 was read and failed of adoption by the following vote:  Yeas 11, Nays 20.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Blanco, 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.

Senator Blanco offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 8 (senate committee report) as follows:

(1)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, immediately following added Section 752.082(c), Government Code (page 1, line 51)), add the following:

The agreement must permit a sheriff to terminate the agreement if:

(A)  the comptroller does not award a grant to the sheriff; or

(2)  In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 752.089(a), Government Code (page 3, line 43), strike the underlined period and substitute the following:

, except that the attorney general may not bring an action against a sheriff who terminated an agreement as provided by Section 752.082(c) and has not entered into an agreement as required by Section 752.082(a) based on financial hardship.

The amendment to CSSB 8 was read and failed of adoption by the following vote:  Yeas 11, Nays 20.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Blanco, 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.

Senator Eckhardt offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 8 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill as follows:

(1)  In added Section 752.084, Government Code (page 2, lines 11 and 12), strike "serves a county that has a population of less than one million and".

(2)  In added Section 752.085(b)(4), Government Code (page 2, line 29), strike "but not more than one million".

The amendment to CSSB 8 was read and failed of adoption by the following vote:  Yeas 11, Nays 20.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Blanco, 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.

Senator Birdwell offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 8 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill, immediately after added Section 752.089(b), Government Code (page 3, between lines 47 and 48), by inserting the following:

The amendment to CSSB 8 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. 5.

CSSB 8 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 20, Nays 11.

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

Nays:  Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.

On motion of Senator Creighton and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 1185 at this time on its second reading:

SB 1185, Relating to an exemption from boiler registration and inspection requirements for certain boilers in medical equipment and autoclaves.

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.

Senator Creighton moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 1185 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 1619 at this time on its second reading:

SB 1619, Relating to the use of an epinephrine delivery device by certain entities.

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.

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 SB 1619 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, the Senate at 3:28 p.m. adjourned, in memory of Gordon Robert Johnson and Carole Stewart Keeton, until 3:35 p.m. today.

WHEREAS, The Capitol community is mourning the loss of Gordon Robert Johnson, who passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 63; and

WHEREAS, The son of Judith Cissna Scott Johnson and Robert Ellis Johnson, Gordon Johnson was born in Dallas on December 26, 1961; his family moved to Austin when he was a child, and he practically grew up at the Capitol, where his father served as House parliamentarian and as executive director of the Texas Legislative Council; after earning a bachelor's degree in engineering from Texas A&M University and a law degree from South Texas College of Law, he practiced briefly in Houston; he spent the rest of his career in the family law firm, Johnson and Johnson, representing clients in both the public and private sectors; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson had a deep understanding of the inner workings of state government, and he was able to resolve even the most complicated or controversial of issues; an advisor to numerous public officials, he served for many years as political director for House speaker Joe Straus, and he was instrumental in securing passage of the Texas Racing Act and other key legislation; good-natured and generous with his time and knowledge, he was a mentor to many; and

WHEREAS, Above all, Mr. Johnson was devoted to his loved ones; he spent countless happy hours watching his son, Reed, play sports, and they enjoyed many adventures together, from international travel and deep sea fishing to hunting and working on the ranch; eventually, he knew the joy of welcoming a daughter-in-law, Taylor, and granddaughter, Jemma, into his family, and his fulfilling 28-year marriage to Julie Johnson brought him four treasured stepchildren; deeply kind, he cared for a number of foster dogs; and

WHEREAS, While the death of Gordon Johnson brings immeasurable sorrow to his family and friends, he leaves behind a legacy that will long be treasured by all those who held him dear; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Gordon Robert Johnson and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Julie Hull Johnson; to his son, Reed Johnson, and his wife, Taylor; to his grandchild, Jemma Johnson; to his siblings, Robert Ellis Johnson Jr. and his wife, Teresa, Stanley Scott Johnson, and Karen Johnson Pounds; to his stepchildren, Jennifer Coffee O'Neill, Elizabeth Coffee McQueen, Dr. Katherine Coffee Janus, and Benjamin Coffee; and to his many other relatives and 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 Gordon Johnson.

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Carole Stewart Keeton, a highly esteemed Texan and a pioneering public servant, who died on March 26, 2025, at the age of 85; and

WHEREAS, Born September 13, 1939, Carole Keeton was the second child and only daughter of Madge Anna Stewart and W. Page Keeton, legendary dean of The University of Texas School of Law; enthusiastic and driven from an early age, Carole attended The University of Texas in the early 1960s, which helped to lay the foundation for her distinguished career of public service and a lifelong dedication to her community and state; and

WHEREAS, Carole broke barriers in Texas politics and government throughout her career, and in 1972, she became the first woman elected president of the Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees; she went on to become the first woman to serve as mayor of Austin in 1977 and committed her efforts to fostering the growth and development of the city, and she remains the only woman to have held the office; and

WHEREAS, In 1994, Carole Keeton became the first woman elected to the Texas Railroad Commission, and in 1998, she earned the similar distinction of being the first woman elected Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts; she served in this capacity from 1999 to 2007, during which time she demonstrated a robust commitment to fiscal responsibility and good governance as well as a dedication to economic transparency and a principle-driven work ethic; and

WHEREAS, A powerful voice for Texans, Carole made an impact that extended well beyond her official duties, particularly on issues of education and government efficiency; her influence resonated across party lines, and her snappy delivery and personal aphorisms endeared her to many and served to highlight her sharp wit and her keen insight into the challenges faced by everyday Texans; and

WHEREAS, While her professional accomplishments were remarkable, Carole found the greatest reward in her role as a mother and grandmother; she raised her four sons with care and devotion and instilled in them the value of hard work and the same diligence and intrepidity that defined her civic service; she treasured time spent with her grandchildren, who were a source of much pride and joy to her, and she was a model of grace and resilience to her loved ones; and

WHEREAS, A woman of strength, perseverance, and generosity, Carole leaves behind a distinguished legacy of service shaped by her notable achievements and her spirit of determination; she will continue to be a source of inspiration to others long into the future, and her memory will be dearly cherished by her loving family members and by the many people who were privileged to know her and to share in her 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 Carole Stewart Keeton; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her 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 Carole Keeton.