(Wednesday, April 9, 2025)

The Senate met at 11:13 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, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.

Absent-excused:  King.

The President Pro Tempore announced that a quorum of the Senate was present.

Pastor Steve Bowman, Leaving a Legacy Coaches Ministry, Flatonia, offered the invocation as follows:

Lord, we come to You this morning in a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness. We pause to reflect on all the blessings You have bestowed on us individually and as a state. We thank You for our families and dear friends. We thank You for being able to be here in this place to guide the future of Texas, not only for today but for generations to come. From the Red River to the Rio Grande, from El Paso to Texarkana, we stand in awe at the wonders You have made. No matter what part of this great state we call home, we are truly one state under God. For all gathered together here this morning, Senators, staffers, security, and spectators, I offer this challenge to myself and to all. Lord, today, help us to abide by Your instruction from Philippians 2: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. How different would our state, our country, and our world look if we all lived by these words? Lord, help us to leave a legacy for those who follow us. Help us to be like the greatest servant-leader to ever walk the face of the Earth, our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. And it is in His name I pray these things. 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.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator King was granted leave of absence for today on account of a death in the family.

Senator Zaffirini was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Karnes County delegation including 81st Judicial District Judge Jennifer Dillingham, County Commissioners Benny Lyssy and Wesley Gisler, Justice of the Peace Trent Enriquez, Sheriff Steven Bailey, Chief Deputy Scott Kotara, EMS Chief Casey Ebrom, Auditor Tom Dupnick, Falls City ISD Superintendent Todd Pawelek, Roger Lyssy, Zeke Casarez, and Garrett Richards.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Schwertner offered the following resolution:

SR 388, Recognizing the Texas Association of Museums in honor of its 50th anniversary.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Schwertner was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas Association of Museums delegation including representatives of Buddy Holly Center, Silent Wings Museum, W.K. Gordon Museum, Texas Forts Trail, Depot Museum, Polk County Memorial Museum, Space Center Houston, Mayborn Museum, Kimbell Art Museum, Witte Museum, International Museum of Art and Science, Texas Historical Commission, and Bullock Texas State History Museum.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

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

April 9, 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 Diabetes Council for terms to expire February 1, 2031:

Dirrell S. Jones

Farmers Branch, Texas

Michael P. Kelly, Ph.D.

El Paso, Texas

Jason M. Ryan

Houston, Texas

Kelley R. "Renee'" Yarbrough-Yale, D.N.P.

North Richland Hills, Texas

Respectfully submitted,

/s/Greg Abbott

Governor

Senator Campbell was recognized and presented Dr. Yun Shi of San Antonio as the Physician of the Day.

The Senate welcomed Dr. Shi, accompanied by Dr. Calista Moses, and thanked her for her participation in the Physician of the Day program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.

The following resolutions were offered:

SR 380 by West, Recognizing the Greater Dallas Section of the National Council of Jewish Women for their 112 years of service.

SR 382 by Hagenbuch, Commemorating the grand opening of the Medal of Honor Host City Museum at North Central Texas College in Gainesville.

SR 387 by Kolkhorst, Recognizing the Burleson County Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

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

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 President Pro Tempore at 11:33 a.m. announced the conclusion of morning call.

On motion of Senator Sparks and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 868 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 868, Relating to the allocation of money appropriated to the rural volunteer fire department assistance 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 except as follows:

Absent-excused:  King.

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 CSSB 868 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

HOUSE CHAMBER

Austin, Texas

Wednesday, April 9, 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:

Urging Congress to amend the Internal Revenue Code to make spaceports eligible for tax-exempt private activity bonds.

Relating to reforming the procedure by which state agencies adopt rules and impose regulatory requirements and the deference given to the interpretation of laws and rules by state agencies in certain judicial proceedings.

Respectfully,

/s/Stephen Brown,

Chief Clerk

House of Representatives

On motion of Senator Perry and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 2064 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 2064, Relating to an exemption from certain taxes imposed on the transfer of a motor vehicle to a person from a decedent or the decedent's estate.

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.

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 CSSB 2064 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Kolkhorst moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 2112 at this time on its second reading:

SB 2112, Relating to the punishment for certain criminal offenses related to cultivated oyster mariculture; increasing a criminal penalty.

The motion prevailed.

Senators Creighton and Hughes asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.

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:

Nays:  Creighton, Hughes.

Absent-excused:  King.

Senator Kolkhorst moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 2112 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 2.

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

Nays:  Creighton, Hughes.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator A. Hinojosa and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 1484 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1484, Relating to the marketing and sale of catfish and similar fish by food service establishments, food service suppliers, wholesalers, distributors, and wholesale distributors; providing administrative and civil penalties.

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.

Senator A. Hinojosa moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 1484 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator West moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 660 at this time on its third reading and final passage:

CSSB 660, Relating to the installation of bollards or another safety barrier adjacent to certain hospital emergency rooms.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 24, Nays 6.

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

Nays:  Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Hughes, Middleton, Parker.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 23, Nays 7.

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

Nays:  Creighton, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Hughes, Middleton, Parker.

Absent-excused:  King.

Senator Flores moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1809 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1809, Relating to the creation of the offense of fraudulent use, possession, or tampering with a gift card, gift card packaging, or gift card data or redemption information.

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 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:

Nays:  Eckhardt.

Absent-excused:  King.

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 CSSB 1809 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1.

Nays:  Eckhardt.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 32 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 32, Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of tangible personal property that is held or used for the production of income and a franchise tax credit for the payment of certain related ad valorem taxes.

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.

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 CSSB 32 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Gutierrez was recognized and introduced to the Senate students from East Central High School including Marshall Cavazos, Jayden Campos, and Belinda Rivera, accompanied by Theresa Tillotson.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SJR 81 at this time on its second reading:

SJR 81, Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of the market value of tangible personal property a person owns that is held or used for the production of income.

The resolution 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.

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 SJR 81 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  King.

The resolution was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Alvarado moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 1267 at this time on its second reading:

SB 1267, Relating to certificates of number and certificates of title issued by and records kept by the Parks and Wildlife Department; creating a criminal offense.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 26, Nays 4.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hughes.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 26, Nays 4. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Alvarado moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 1267 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 26, Nays 4.

Yeas:  Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.

Nays:  Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hughes.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 26, Nays 4. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Middleton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 779 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 779, Relating to common law public nuisance claims.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 17, Nays 12, Present-not voting 1.

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

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

Present-not voting:  Perry.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 17, Nays 12, Present-not voting 1. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Hughes moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 1470 at this time on its second reading:

SB 1470, Relating to requiring the Department of Public Safety to share data for the purpose of maintaining the statewide voter registration list.

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, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.

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

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 21, Nays 9. (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 2406 at this time on its second reading:

SB 2406, Relating to the Sabine River Authority of Texas, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission; specifying grounds for the removal of a member of the board of directors.

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.

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 2406 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, 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 2407 at this time on its second reading:

SB 2407, Relating to the Lower Neches Valley Authority, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission; specifying grounds for the removal of a member of the board of directors.

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.

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 2407 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Paxton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 609 at this time on its third reading and final passage:

SB 609, Relating to requiring independent school districts, home-rule school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools to comply with legally required policies.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 23, Nays 7.

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

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

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 23, Nays 7. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Sparks moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 921 at this time on its third reading and final passage:

CSSB 921, Relating to conducting an ex parte renewal of a recipient's Medicaid eligibility.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 19, Nays 11.

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

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

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 19, Nays 11. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Hancock, on behalf of Senator King, moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 2320 at this time on its second reading:

SB 2320, Relating to increasing the criminal punishment for certain driving while intoxicated offenses.

The motion prevailed.

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

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:

Nays:  Cook, Eckhardt.

Absent-excused:  King.

Senator Hancock, on behalf of 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 2320 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 2.

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

Nays:  Cook, Eckhardt.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Cook submitted the following statement regarding SB 2320:

I would like to thank Senator King for his attention to this painful issue that takes the lives of hundreds of Texans each year. While I share the deep grief for victims of this devastating crime and concern for public safety that motivated SB 2320, I respectfully voted no. Data shows we can save lives through proven road safety and public health investments rather than increased criminal penalties. 

Texas recorded over 1,000 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 2023, representing more than 1 in 4 roadway deaths. Despite having some of the nation's harshest DWI penalties, our traffic fatality rate remains 40% higher than the national average. A 2023 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that states investing in infrastructure and transportation alternatives achieved 15-28% reductions. Counties with robust late-night transit options experience fewer DWI arrests. Currently, only 3% of Texans have access to public transit after 10pm. The fiscal impact of this is also compelling. According to the AAA Foundation's 2017 Safety Benefits of Infrastructure Improvement Report, each dollar invested in road safety infrastructure returns $8 in crash reduction savings. By increasing penalties, SB 2320 could cost taxpayers approximately $59 million annually for incarceration—funds that could instead finance roundabouts that reduce road fatalities, expand transit options, or implement comprehensive alcohol education programs in every Texas school district. 

I firmly believe in holding individuals accountable for dangerous decisions that put others at risk. We must work towards a balance that maintains appropriate penalties while investing in prevention, treatment, and infrastructure solutions that demonstrably reduce impaired driving deaths. 

COOK

Senator Johnson moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1822 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1822, Relating to the use of artificial intelligence-based algorithms in utilization review conducted for certain health benefit plans.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 24, Nays 6.

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

Nays:  Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 24, Nays 6. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Johnson moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 1822 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 24, Nays 6.

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

Nays:  Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 24, Nays 6. (Same as previous roll call)

The Presiding Officer acknowledged the presence of Harrison Dillingham, serving today as an Honorary Senate Page.

The Senate welcomed Harrison.

Senator West moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 693 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 693, Relating to notaries public; creating a criminal offense.

The motion prevailed.

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

The bill was read second time.

Senator West offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 693 (senate committee report) in SECTION 6 of the bill, in added Section 406.023(d)(2), Government Code (page 2, lines 35 and 36), by striking "for a reasonable price" and substituting "and allow the secretary of state to charge a reasonable price for each course".

The amendment to CSSB 693 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.

CSSB 693 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:  Hancock.

Absent-excused:  King.

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 693 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1.

Nays:  Hancock.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Huffman and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 664 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 664, Relating to qualifications, training, removal, and supervision of certain masters, magistrates, referees, associate judges, and hearing officers.

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.

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 CSSB 664 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Middleton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1008 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1008, Relating to state and local authority to regulate the food service industry.

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 Middleton offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 1008 (senate committee report) in SECTION 9 of the bill as follows:

(1)  In added Section 437.0126(a), Health and Safety Code (page 3, line 9), strike "the fee the" and substitute "the maximum fee a".

(2)  Immediately following added Section 437.0126(a), Health and Safety Code (page 3, between lines 13 and 14), insert the following:

(3)  Strike added Sections 437.0126(d)(2) and (3), Health and Safety Code (page 3, lines 43 through 46) and substitute the following:

(4)  Immediately following added Section 437.030(b), Health and Safety Code (page 4, between lines 62 and 63), insert the following:

The amendment to CSSB 1008 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.

CSSB 1008 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.

Absent-excused:  King.

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 CSSB 1008 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1.

Nays:  Eckhardt.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)

HOUSE CHAMBER

Austin, Texas

Wednesday, April 9, 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:

Relating to the review and audit of certain state agency operations.

Relating to the total annual salary from state and county sources for certain state prosecutors.

Relating to compliance with the public information law by governmental bodies and the imposition of charges for providing copies of public information under that law; providing a civil penalty.

Relating to the enforceability of certain nondisclosure or confidentiality provisions with respect to an act of sexual abuse.

Relating to the compensation of a distributed renewable generation owner in certain areas outside of ERCOT.

Relating to notice of a meeting held under the open meetings law.

Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the American Declaration of Independence.

Designating May 6, 2025, as Alzheimer's Advocacy Day.

Respectfully,

/s/Stephen Brown,

Chief Clerk

House of Representatives

Senator Huffman, on behalf of Senator King, moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1637 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1637, Relating to the prosecution of the offense of deadly conduct.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 23, Nays 7.

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

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

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Alvarado offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 1637 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill as follows:

(1)  In amended Section 22.05(c), Penal Code (page 1, line 29), strike "actual discharge" and substitute "lawful discharge".

(2)  In added Section 22.05(f), Penal Code (page 1, line 31), strike "actual discharge" and substitute "lawful discharge".

ALVARADO

KING

The amendment to CSSB 1637 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.

CSSB 1637 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 27, Nays 3.

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

Nays:  Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez.

Absent-excused:  King.

Senator Huffman, on behalf of 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 CSSB 1637 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 27, Nays 3.

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

Nays:  Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 27, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Schwertner moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 458 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 458, Relating to an appraisal process for disputed losses under personal automobile or residential property insurance policies.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Miles asked to be recorded as "Present-not voting" on suspension of the regular order of business.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Gutierrez offered the following amendment to the bill:

Amend CSSB 458 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill, adding Chapter 1813, Insurance Code, as follows:

(1)  In Section 1813.002(a)(1) (page 1, line 51), strike "and".

(2)  In Section 1813.002(a)(2) (page 1, line 53), strike the underlined period and substitute an underlined semicolon.

(3)  Immediately after Section 1813.002(a) (page 1, between lines 53 and 54), insert the following:

(4)  Immediately after Section 1813.004 (page 2, between lines 13 and 14), insert the following:

The amendment to CSSB 458 was read and failed of adoption by the following vote:  Yeas 11, Nays 19.

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, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.

Absent-excused:  King.

CSSB 458 was passed to engrossment by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 0, Present-not voting 1.

Present-not voting:  Miles.

Absent-excused:  King.

Senator Schwertner moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 458 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 0, Present-not voting 1.

Present-not voting:  Miles.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 29, Nays 0, Present-not voting 1. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Blanco was recognized and, on behalf of the Senate, extended birthday greetings to Senator Hagenbuch.

On motion of Senator Hagenbuch, on behalf of Senator Cook, and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 1307 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1307, Relating to a biennial health coverage reference guide developed by the Texas Department of Insurance.

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.

Senator Hagenbuch, on behalf of Senator Cook, moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 1307 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

On motion of Senator Cook, on behalf of Senator Hagenbuch, and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 1321 at this time on its second reading:

SB 1321, Relating to compensation and leave for certain peace officers.

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.

Senator Cook, on behalf of Senator Hagenbuch, moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 1321 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.

Absent-excused:  King.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0. (Same as previous roll call)

Senator Hughes submitted the following Motion In Writing:

Mr. President:

The following members hereby request to suspend Senate Rule 7.07(b) to permit the introduction of bills and resolutions as follows:

SB 3042 by Hughes, Relating to the resumption of employment by certain retirees under the Texas Municipal Retirement System.

The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.

Senator J. Hinojosa submitted a Motion In Writing requesting that SB 440 be withdrawn from the Committee on Business and Commerce and rereferred to the Committee on Finance.

The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.

Senator Hughes submitted a Motion In Writing requesting that SB 2876 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.

The following bill was introduced, read first time, and referred to the committee indicated:

SB 3042 by Hughes

Relating to the resumption of employment by certain retirees under the Texas Municipal Retirement System.

To Committee on Finance.

Senator Hall announced that a Local and Uncontested Calendar had been furnished to each Member of the Senate. He then gave notice that the Local and Uncontested Calendar Session would be held at 12:00 p.m. tomorrow and that all bills and resolutions would be considered on second and third reading in the order in which they were listed.

On motion of Senator Birdwell and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 11.10(a) and Senate Rule 11.18(a) were suspended in order that the Committee on Natural Resources might meet and consider the following bills upon adjournment today at his desk:  SB 1150, SB 2122, SB 1757, SB 2050.

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 upon adjournment today at Desk 1.

On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senators Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Kolkhorst, and Schwertner will be shown as Co-authors of SB 32.

On motion of Senator Parker, Senators Campbell and Creighton will be shown as Co-authors of SB 36.

On motion of Senator West, Senator Miles will be shown as Co-author of SB 209.

On motion of Senator West, Senator Miles will be shown as Co-author of SB 217.

On motion of Senator West, Senator Menéndez will be shown as Co-author of SB 226.

On motion of Senator Cook, Senator Bettencourt will be shown as Co-author of SB 270.

On motion of Senator Schwertner, Senator Hall will be shown as Co-author of SB 291.

On motion of Senator Perry, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 296.

On motion of Senator Perry, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 305.

On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Middleton will be shown as Co-author of SB 324.

On motion of Senator Middleton, Senator Eckhardt will be shown as Co-author of SB 455.

On motion of Senator Schwertner, Senators Blanco and Hughes will be shown as Co-authors of SB 458.

On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 532.

On motion of Senator West, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 583.

On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 711.

On motion of Senator Menéndez, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 783.

On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senator A. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-author of SB 867.

On motion of Senator Sparks, Senators Campbell and Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-authors of SB 868.

On motion of Senator Birdwell, Senator Hall will be shown as Co-author of SB 870.

On motion of Senator Blanco, Senator Eckhardt will be shown as Co-author of SB 897.

On motion of Senator Hancock, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 927.

On motion of Senator Middleton, Senators Creighton and A. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1008.

On motion of Senator Flores, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 1101.

On motion of Senator Perry, Senator Eckhardt will be shown as Co-author of SB 1173.

On motion of Senator Flores, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 1227.

On motion of Senator Middleton, Senators Hagenbuch, A. Hinojosa, and Parker will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1241.

On motion of Senator Hughes, Senators Hall and Sparks will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1257.

On motion of Senator Cook, Senator Menéndez will be shown as Co-author of SB 1307.

On motion of Senator Cook, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 1313.

On motion of Senator Cook, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 1316.

On motion of Senator Hagenbuch, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 1321.

On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 1350.

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

On motion of Senator Hughes, Senators Creighton and Parker will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1470.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 1537.

On motion of Senator Hancock, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 1589.

On motion of Senator Campbell, Senator Johnson will be shown as Co-author of SB 1608.

On motion of Senator Miles, Senator Gutierrez will be shown as Co-author of SB 1725.

On motion of Senator Flores, Senators Bettencourt and Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1809.

On motion of Senator Perry, Senators Kolkhorst and Parker will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1871.

On motion of Senator West, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-author of SB 1923.

On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator Parker will be shown as Co-author of SB 2037.

On motion of Senator Perry, Senators Bettencourt, Blanco, Cook, Flores, Gutierrez, and Sparks will be shown as Co-authors of SB 2064.

On motion of Senator A. Hinojosa, Senator Middleton will be shown as Co-author of SB 2283.

On motion of Senator Paxton, Senator Perry will be shown as Co-author of SB 2406.

On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator Perry will be shown as Co-author of SB 2407.

On motion of Senator Paxton, Senators Hall and Sparks will be shown as Co-authors of SB 2420.

On motion of Senator Parker, Senator Hagenbuch will be shown as Co-author of SB 2434.

On motion of Senator Middleton, Senator A. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-author of SB 2976.

On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator Hall will be shown as Co-author of SCR 38.

On motion of Senator Blanco, Senator J. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-author of SCR 41.

On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senator Creighton will be shown as Co-author of SJR 81.

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, the Senate at 3:02 p.m. recessed until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

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

ADMINISTRATION — SB 2232, SCR 1, SCR 27, SCR 32

BUSINESS AND COMMERCE — CSSB 819

STATE AFFAIRS — CSSJR 39, SCR 42

ADMINISTRATION — CSSCR 6

WATER, AGRICULTURE, AND RURAL AFFAIRS — CSSB 2078

EDUCATION K-16 — CSSB 2252, CSSB 1962, CSSB 2253

BORDER SECURITY — CSSB 825

STATE AFFAIRS — SB 1577, SB 1184

FINANCE — SB 2018, SB 2206, SB 1901, SB 1030

BUSINESS AND COMMERCE — CSSB 2368, SB 1963, SB 1960, CSSB 1643, SB 1625, SB 1299, SB 841, SB 668, SB 584, CSSB 231, CSSB 2411

EDUCATION K-16 — SB 1085, SB 2431, SB 2231, SB 1490, SB 530

WATER, AGRICULTURE, AND RURAL AFFAIRS — CSSB 34, CSSB 1261

SB 32, SB 458, SB 609, SB 660, SB 664, SB 693, SB 868, SB 921, SB 1008, SB 1267, SB 1307, SB 1321, SB 1484, SB 1637, SB 1809, SB 1822, SB 2064, SB 2112, SB 2320, SB 2406, SB 2407, SJR 81

SB 14, SR 380, SR 382, SR 387, SR 388