THIRTY-SEVENTH DAY
(Continued)
(Friday, May 9, 2025)
AFTER RECESS
The Senate met at 9:18 a.m. and was called to order by President Pro Tempore Creighton.
Pastor Danny Hartmann, Lakeway Church, Lakeway, offered the invocation as follows:
Almighty God, thank You for the privilege of gathering here today to serve the people of Texas. We're grateful for this Chamber, for our state, and for the freedom to lead with integrity and conviction. Grant these leaders wisdom beyond their own, clarity in decision-making, and courage to pursue justice and truth in a spirit of love. In the midst of differing opinions, guide them toward unity and the common good. As they navigate complex challenges, bless them with discernment. May every decision made in this place be a blessing to the people of Texas, from the Hill Country to the coast, from rural towns to big cities, from the Panhandle to the Rio Grande Valley. Please bless and encourage all who serve both in the public eye and behind the scenes here at the Capitol. Sustain and strengthen their families as they give their valuable time in service to our great state. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
HOUSE CHAMBER
Austin, Texas
Friday, May 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:
Relating to the creation of the Puerto Verde Port Authority District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes; granting a limited power of eminent domain.
Relating to establishing optional certifications for child-care providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program and establishing a grant program for those providers.
Relating to the provision of direct patient care by physicians and health care practitioners.
Relating to civil liability for online impersonation.
Relating to the release of a balloon and associated littering; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the jurisdiction of a court in a suit to divide certain property not divided or awarded on the dissolution of a marriage.
Relating to a duty to contract for election services furnished for an election held on the first Saturday in May in an even-numbered year.
Relating to increasing the criminal penalties for certain misuse of official information, including misuse of official information that results in certain net pecuniary gains.
Relating to methods to improve health profession-related career and technology education and dual credit programs offered by public schools.
Relating to the expunction of arrest records and files by a statutory county court.
Relating to the processing of an application for an authorization to use a standard permit for a rock or concrete crushing facility.
HB 3358
Garcia Hernandez, Cassandra
|
Relating to the definition of an emergency service provider for purposes of critical incident stress management and crisis response services.
Relating to late applications for the appraisal of land for ad valorem tax purposes as qualified timber land following the death of the owner of the land.
Relating to the recovery of certain state border security expenditures from the federal government.
Relating to prohibitions on certain employment for sex offenders.
Relating to the expunction of all records and files related to a finding of criminal contempt by a court.
Relating to the authority of a special utility district to issue a public security.
Relating to a reduction in the amount of sales and use tax collections that the owners of restaurants that purchase Texas farm-raised oysters are required to remit to the comptroller of public accounts.
Relating to a reduction in the amount of sales and use tax collections that the owners of restaurants that participate in an oyster shell recycling program are required to remit to the comptroller of public accounts.
Relating to the text on an application for a ballot to be voted by mail and other balloting materials.
Relating to crime victims' compensation.
Relating to the use of a wireless communication device at a polling place.
Relating to transportation planning by metropolitan planning organizations.
Relating to the use of videography in certain court proceedings.
Relating to certain residential property interests controlled by certain entities.
Relating to the accrual of interest on overdue child support.
Relating to an exemption from the taxes imposed on the sale, use, or rental of a motor vehicle for a vehicle purchased, used, or rented by a nonprofit food bank.
Relating to the employment practices of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and to the eligibility of a person to be appointed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department's release review panel and the authority of a panel member.
Relating to the eligibility of the American Performance Horseman and the American Rodeo for funding under the major events reimbursement program.
Relating to permits issued by the Railroad Commission of Texas for commercial surface disposal facilities.
Relating to a requirement that the Department of Information Resources implement and develop a system and database to authenticate and track certain digital content.
Relating to authorized activities of a brewer's or nonresident brewer's license holder; authorizing a fee increase.
Relating to directing payment, after approval, of certain miscellaneous claims and judgments against the state out of funds designated by this Act; making appropriations.
Relating to the voluntary relinquishment of parental rights, adoption, and the regulation of child-placing agencies.
Relating to rural development funds and insurance tax credits for certain investments in those funds; authorizing fees.
Relating to the issuance of a single license for a hospital and a mobile stroke unit of the hospital.
Relating to the eligibility of certain charitable organizations to receive an exemption from ad valorem taxation.
Relating to the scheduling of certain controlled substances in response to certain actions by the United States Food and Drug Administration with respect to those substances.
Relating to the authority of this state to implement a motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program.
Relating to exclusive contracts for municipal solid waste management services.
Relating to the continuation of the maternal opioid misuse model of care for certain Medicaid recipients.
Relating to modernization of state agency Internet websites and digital services.
Relating to telework for state employees.
Relating to the designation of certain natural gas facilities as seasonally critical.
Relating to the establishment by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of a grant program to support the study of regenerative agriculture at public institutions of higher education.
SCR 4
Eckhardt
Sponsor: Cole
|
Designating Pflugerville as the official Trail Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
Respectfully,
/s/Stephen Brown,
Chief Clerk
House of Representatives
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Senator Hancock acknowledged the Fort Worth Police Department and Unbound Now North Texas for rescuing victims of human trafficking.
PHYSICIAN OF THE DAY
Senator King was recognized and presented Dr. Richard Young of Fort Worth as the Physician of the Day.
The Senate welcomed Dr. Young and thanked him for his participation in the Physician of the Day program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.
MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR
The following Message from the Governor was read and was referred to the Committee on Nominations:
May 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 Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board for terms to expire January 31, 2031:
Tony M. "Mark" Luna, Jr.
Lubbock, Texas
(replacing Sara Jones Oates of Austin whose term expired)
Clayton A. Ripley
Austin, Texas
(replacing Lisa H. Sprinkle of El Paso whose term expired)
Stephanie L. Robinson, Ph.D.
McKinney, Texas
(Dr. Robinson is being reappointed)
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Greg Abbott
Governor
MOTION IN WRITING
Senator Zaffirini offered the following Motion In Writing:
Mr. President:
I move suspension of Senate Rule 7.12, the printing rule, to permit the consideration of the following bills during today's session:
HB 140 by Kolkhorst, Relating to advisory bodies for the Department of Family and Protective Services, including the creation of the child protective investigations advisory committee and the abolition of the Family and Protective Services Council.
HB 1089 by Alvarado, Relating to creation of the gulf coast protection account to be administered by the General Land Office.
HB 2198 by Hall, Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 34 in Kaufman County as the Officer Jacob Candanoza Memorial Highway.
HB 2457 by Parker, Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 287 in Wilbarger County as the Molly Mullens Mile.
HB 2523 by A. Hinojosa, Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 48 in Cameron County as the Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia Memorial Highway.
ZAFFIRINI
The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.
HOUSE BILL 1244 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 1244 at this time on its second reading:
HB 1244, Relating to the eligibility of land to continue to be appraised for ad valorem tax purposes as qualified open-space land following a transfer to a person who uses the land in materially the same way as the former owner and to late applications for such appraisal filed by the new owner of the land.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 1244 ON THIRD READING
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 HB 1244 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.
(President in Chair)
HOUSE BILL 767 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 767 at this time on its second reading:
HB 767, Relating to the designation of the portion of State Highway 249 in Montgomery County as the Paul P. Mendes Memorial Parkway.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 767 ON THIRD READING
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 HB 767 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.
HOUSE BILL 166 ON SECOND READING
Senator Hancock moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 166 at this time on its second reading:
HB 166, Relating to committing the criminal offense of endangering a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual by engaging in certain conduct involving a controlled substance listed in Penalty Group 1-B of the Texas Controlled Substances Act.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Cook 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 third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:
Nays: Cook.
HOUSE BILL 166 ON THIRD READING
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 HB 166 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Cook.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)
(Senator Flores in Chair)
HOUSE BILL 1708 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Sparks and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 1708 at this time on its second reading:
HB 1708, Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 302 in Ector County as the Trooper Kevin Ramirez Vasquez Memorial Highway.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 1708 ON THIRD READING
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 HB 1708 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.
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 99 ON SECOND READING
Senator Nichols moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HJR 99 at this time on its second reading:
HJR 99, Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Eckhardt asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The resolution was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:
Nays: Eckhardt.
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 99 ON THIRD READING
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 HJR 99 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Eckhardt.
The resolution was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 1399 ON SECOND READING
Senator Nichols moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 1399 at this time on its second reading:
HB 1399, Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail.
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 third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:
Nays: Eckhardt.
HOUSE BILL 1399 ON THIRD READING
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 HB 1399 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)
HOUSE BILL 2415 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Eckhardt and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 2415 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2415, Relating to the designation of a portion of Farm-to-Market Road 969 in Travis County as the Senior Police Officer Lewis "Andy" Traylor Memorial Highway.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 2415 ON THIRD READING
Senator Eckhardt moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 2415 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.
HOUSE BILL 2143 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Creighton and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 2143 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2143, Relating to the designation of a portion of Farm-to-Market Road 1097 in Montgomery County as the Army Specialist Joey Lenz Memorial Highway.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 2143 ON THIRD READING
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 HB 2143 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.
HOUSE BILL 1672 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Menéndez and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 1672 at this time on its second reading:
HB 1672, Relating to the appeal of certain actions by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles related to motor carriers.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 1672 ON THIRD READING
Senator Menéndez moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 1672 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.
HOUSE BILL 2457 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Parker and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 2457 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2457, Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 287 in Wilbarger County as the Molly Mullens Mile.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 2457 ON THIRD READING
Senator Parker moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 2457 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.
HOUSE BILL 2018 ON SECOND READING
Senator A. Hinojosa moved to suspend the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 to take up for consideration HB 2018 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2018, Relating to the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Nichols 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 third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:
Nays: Nichols.
HOUSE BILL 2018 ON THIRD READING
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 HB 2018 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Nichols.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 140 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Kolkhorst and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration CSHB 140 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 140, Relating to advisory bodies for the Department of Family and Protective Services, including the creation of the child protective investigations advisory committee and the abolition of the Family and Protective Services Council.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 140 ON THIRD READING
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 CSHB 140 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.
HOUSE BILL 467 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Nichols and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 467 at this time on its second reading:
HB 467, Relating to the procedure for the dissolution of the Cedar Creek Hospital District and the disposition of district money.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 467 ON THIRD READING
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 HB 467 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.
HOUSE BILL 2763 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Menéndez, on behalf of Senator Zaffirini, and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 2763 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2763, Relating to the designation of a Texas Department of Transportation building in Starr County as the Eduardo "Eddie" Gracia, Jr., P.E., Area Engineer and Maintenance Facility.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 2763 ON THIRD READING
Senator Menéndez, on behalf of 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 HB 2763 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.
HOUSE BILL 2000 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Nichols and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 2000 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2000, Relating to the applicability of sex offender registration requirements to the offense of child grooming.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 2000 ON THIRD READING
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 HB 2000 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.
HOUSE BILL 331 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Hancock, on behalf of Senator West, and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 331 at this time on its second reading:
HB 331, Relating to certain presumptions applicable to claims for benefits or compensation for certain medical conditions brought by certain first responders.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 331 ON THIRD READING
Senator Hancock, on behalf of 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 HB 331 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.
HOUSE BILL 2198 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Hall and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 2198 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2198, Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 34 in Kaufman County as the Officer Jacob Candanoza Memorial Highway.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 2198 ON THIRD READING
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 HB 2198 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.
HOUSE BILL 3513 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Sparks and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 3513 at this time on its second reading:
HB 3513, Relating to the composition, duties, and personnel of the Moore County Juvenile Board.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 3513 ON THIRD READING
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 HB 3513 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.
HOUSE BILL 3135 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Menéndez, on behalf of Senator Zaffirini, and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 3135 at this time on its second reading:
HB 3135, Relating to the issuance of specialty license plates for retired firefighters.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 3135 ON THIRD READING
Senator Menéndez, on behalf of 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 HB 3135 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.
HOUSE BILL 1089 ON SECOND READING
Senator Eckhardt, on behalf of Senator Alvarado, moved to suspend the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 to take up for consideration HB 1089 at this time on its second reading:
HB 1089, Relating to creation of the gulf coast protection account to be administered by the General Land Office.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hall, Hughes, Nichols.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 1089 ON THIRD READING
Senator Eckhardt, on behalf of 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 HB 1089 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, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hall, Hughes, Nichols.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 2523 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator A. Hinojosa and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 2523 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2523, Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 48 in Cameron County as the Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia Memorial Highway.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 2523 ON THIRD READING
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 HB 2523 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.
HOUSE BILL 2730 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Parker and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 2730 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2730, Relating to the authority of the chief appraiser of an appraisal district to require a person allowed an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a residence homestead to file a new application or confirm the person's current qualification for the exemption.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 2730 ON THIRD READING
Senator Parker moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 2730 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.
HOUSE BILL 2723 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Eckhardt, on behalf of Senator West, and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 2723 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2723, Relating to the requirement that a person submit an application for an exemption from ad valorem taxation for certain property used for human burial.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 2723 ON THIRD READING
Senator Eckhardt, on behalf of 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 HB 2723 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.
HOUSE BILL 353 ON SECOND READING
Senator Hagenbuch moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 353 at this time on its second reading:
HB 353, Relating to creating the criminal offense of trespass on or near school or day-care center property.
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 third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt.
HOUSE BILL 353 ON THIRD READING
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 HB 353 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)
BILLS SIGNED
The Presiding Officer announced the signing of the following enrolled bills in the presence of the Senate after the captions had been read:
SB 703, SB 855, SB 906, SB 929, SB 1119, SB 1229, SB 1316, SB 1364, SB 1744, SB 1877, SB 1998, SB 2231.
(Senator Menéndez in Chair)
HOUSE BILL 3248 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Flores and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 were suspended to take up for consideration HB 3248 at this time on its second reading:
HB 3248, Relating to the authority of a defense base development authority to employ and commission peace officers.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 3248 ON THIRD READING
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 HB 3248 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 Flores in Chair)
AT EASE
The Presiding Officer at 11:36 a.m. announced the Senate would stand At Ease subject to the call of the Chair.
IN LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Senator Kolkhorst at 11:52 a.m. called the Senate to order as In Legislative Session.
SESSION HELD FOR
LOCAL AND UNCONTESTED CALENDAR
The Presiding Officer announced that the time had arrived to consider bills and resolutions placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
Pursuant to Senate Rule 9.03(d), the following bills and resolutions were laid before the Senate in the order listed, read second time, amended where applicable, passed to engrossment or third reading, read third time, and passed. The votes on passage to engrossment or third reading, suspension of the Constitutional Three-day Rule, and final passage are indicated after each caption. All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on viva voce votes unless otherwise indicated.
SCR 48 (Middleton)
Urging the Gulf Coast Protection District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to not compromise navigation safety or two-way traffic vessel movement when implementing a project.
(31-0)
SB 375 (Miles)
Relating to the continuation of a health care provider participation program by the Harris County Hospital District.
(viva voce vote) (29-2) "Nays" Hughes, Sparks (29-2) "Nays" Hughes, Sparks
CSSB 410 (Middleton)
Relating to the management and operation of the Gulf Coast Protection District.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSSB 672 (Hughes)
Relating to a requirement that certain hospitals submit a summary of parts of their emergency operations plans to the Health and Human Services Commission.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSSB 777 (Hughes)
Relating to compensation and employment condition standards by municipal charter or collective bargaining agreement and to impasse resolution in collective bargaining with certain political subdivisions.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSSB 1373 (J. Hinojosa)
Relating to a hospital's determination to grant, deny, renew, or modify medical staff privileges.
(viva voce vote) (30-1) "Nay" Hughes (30-1) "Nay" Hughes
CSSB 1454 (Bettencourt)
Relating to the area of operations of and certain tax exemptions available to housing authorities.
(viva voce vote) (30-1) "Nay" Eckhardt (30-1) "Nay" Eckhardt
CSSB 1586 (Schwertner)
Relating to the issuance by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of permits for certain wastewater treatment facilities.
(viva voce vote) (29-2) "Nays" Creighton, Hughes (29-2) "Nays" Creighton, Hughes
CSSB 1704 (Parker, Huffman)
Relating to certain rights of crime victims and witnesses and associated persons and to victim impact statements.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSSB 1856 (Creighton)
Relating to a capacity cost recovery rider for certain electric utilities.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSSB 2165 (Parker)
Relating to prohibiting the dismissal of certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship involving the Department of Family and Protective Services.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
SB 2342 (Zaffirini)
Relating to the application for appointment of a guardian and to requiring criminal history record information and other information in connection with the guardianship of a ward or the ward's estate.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
SB 2367 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to the authority of certain counties to enact certain park use rules.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSSB 2452 (Hancock)
Relating to the compensation of the chief appraiser of an appraisal district.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSSB 2501 (Zaffirini)
Relating to selection of an attorney by an indigent parent as attorney ad litem for the parent in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSSB 2520 (Bettencourt)
Relating to the calculation of the limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes imposed by a school district on the residence homestead of an individual who is elderly or disabled.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
SB 2521 (Bettencourt)
Relating to notification of the chief appraiser of an appraisal district of the death of a resident of the county in which the district is located and the determination by the chief appraiser of the effect of the decedent's death on the continued eligibility of any property in the county previously owned by the decedent for any exemption allowed for the property.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
SB 2538 (Bettencourt)
Relating to the plan required to be adopted by the board of directors of an appraisal district for periodically conducting certain reappraisal activities.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
SB 2539 (Bettencourt)
Relating to the adoption of an ordinance issuing a tax increment bond by certain municipalities that have designated a tax increment reinvestment zone.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
SB 2703 (Creighton)
Relating to the authority of a municipality or county to regulate condominiums.
(viva voce vote) (26-5) "Nays" Alvarado, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Menéndez, Miles (26-5) "Nays" Alvarado, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Menéndez, Miles
CSSB 2835 (Johnson)
Relating to municipal regulation of stairway requirements in certain apartment buildings.
(viva voce vote) (29-2) "Nays" Hughes, Perry (29-2) "Nays" Hughes, Perry
CSSB 2903 (Zaffirini)
Relating to supporting vouchers and other documents attached to annual accounts filed by guardians of the estate.
(viva voce vote) (29-2) "Nays" Hughes, Sparks (29-2) "Nays" Hughes, Sparks
SB 2959 (Menéndez)
Relating to designating August as Firearm Safety Awareness Month.
(viva voce vote) (30-1) "Nay" Hughes (30-1) "Nay" Hughes
SB 2965 (Creighton)
Relating to territory in an emergency services district that is annexed by a municipality.
(viva voce vote) (30-1) "Nay" Eckhardt (30-1) "Nay" Eckhardt
SB 3029 (Parker)
Relating to the powers and duties of the Far North Fort Worth Municipal Utility District No. 1 of Tarrant and Wise Counties; providing authority to establish defined areas and to impose a tax and issue bonds.
(viva voce vote) (29-2) "Nays" Hughes, Sparks (29-2) "Nays" Hughes, Sparks
HB 22 (A. Hinojosa)
Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of intangible personal property.
(viva voce vote) (30-1) "Nay" Eckhardt (30-1) "Nay" Eckhardt
HB 1392 (Bettencourt)
Relating to the postponement of the delinquency date for a payment of ad valorem taxes imposed by a taxing unit if the office of the collector for the taxing unit is closed on the delinquency date.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 3093 (J. Hinojosa)
Relating to the calculation of certain ad valorem tax rates of a taxing unit for a year in which a property owner provides notice that the owner intends to appeal an order of an appraisal review board determining a protest by the owner regarding the appraisal of the owner's property.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 3096 (Hall)
Relating to designating March 17 as Profound Autism Awareness Day.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HCR 6 (Middleton)
Designating Galveston as the official Juneteenth Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 12 (Hall)
Designating September as Deaf Awareness Month for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 29 (Zaffirini)
Designating April as Counseling Awareness Month for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 50 (Middleton)
Designating Galveston as the official Mardi Gras Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 55 (Hall)
Redesignating Poteet as the official Strawberry Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 56 (Hall)
Designating May as Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Breastfeeding Awareness Month for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 58 (Campbell)
Redesignating Dripping Springs as the official Wedding Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 70 (Zaffirini)
Redesignating Jim Hogg County as the official Vaquero Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 71 (Zaffirini)
Designating La Salle County as the official Wild Hog Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 74 (Hughes)
Designating Carthage as the official Country Music Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 78 (A. Hinojosa)
Designating September 16 as Lone Star Santas Charities Day for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 80 (Kolkhorst)
Designating Brenham as the official Ice Cream Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 107 (Middleton)
Designating the Texas Almanac as the official State Book of Texas.
(31-0)
HCR 116 (A. Hinojosa)
Redesignating Brownsville as the official Bicycling Capital of the Rio Grande Valley for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 117 (A. Hinojosa)
Designating Port Aransas as the official Fishing Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
BILLS REMOVED FROM
LOCAL AND UNCONTESTED CALENDAR
Senator West and Senator Kolkhorst requested in writing that SB 1854 be removed from the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
Senator Birdwell and Senator Hall requested in writing that SB 2203 be removed from the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
Senator Zaffirini and Senator Kolkhorst requested in writing that SB 2926 be removed from the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
SESSION CONCLUDED FOR
LOCAL AND UNCONTESTED CALENDAR
Senator Kolkhorst announced that the session to consider bills and resolutions placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar was concluded.
HOUSE BILLS AND RESOLUTION ON FIRST READING
The following bills and resolution received from the House were read first time and referred to the committees indicated:
HB 129 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 721 to Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 851 to Committee on Local Government.
HB 1268 to Committee on Economic Development.
HB 1871 to Committee on Criminal Justice.
HB 2243 to Committee on Education K-16.
HB 2310 to Committee on Education K-16.
HB 2524 to Committee on Jurisprudence.
HB 2594 to Committee on Criminal Justice.
HB 2697 to Committee on Criminal Justice.
HB 2820 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 3071 to Committee on Natural Resources.
HB 3223 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 3395 to Committee on Jurisprudence.
HB 3466 to Committee on Business and Commerce.
HB 3469 to Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
HB 3594 to Committee on Finance.
HB 3627 to Committee on Education K-16.
HB 3896 to Committee on Business and Commerce.
HB 3963 to Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 4384 to Committee on Natural Resources.
HB 4530 to Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
HB 4638 to Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 5247 to Committee on Business and Commerce.
HB 5331 to Committee on Business and Commerce.
HB 5435 to Committee on Business and Commerce.
HB 5560 to Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
HB 5646 to Committee on Veteran Affairs.
HB 5652 to Committee on Local Government.
HCR 90 to Committee on Economic Development.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 317
On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator King will be shown as Co-author of SB 317.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1903
On motion of Senator Campbell, Senator Parker will be shown as Co-author of SB 1903.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 2452
On motion of Senator Hancock, Senator King will be shown as Co-author of SB 2452.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 2926
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 2926.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 130
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 130.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 140
On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senator West will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 140.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 767
On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 767.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 1188
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Menéndez will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 1188.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 2000
On motion of Senator Nichols, Senator A. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 2000.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 2730
On motion of Senator Parker, Senators Kolkhorst and Menéndez will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 2730.
RECESS
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, the Senate at 12:27 p.m. recessed until 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2025.
APPENDIX
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following committee reports were received by the Secretary of the Senate in the order listed:
May 9, 2025
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE — SB 2566, SB 2344
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES — HB 37
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE — SB 1897, CSSB 1749, CSSB 1361, HB 1899, CSHB 3809
LOCAL GOVERNMENT — HB 334, HB 554, HB 1593, HB 2607, HB 3526, HB 3810, HB 5092
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES — HB 388, HB 2809, HB 1151, HB 913
LOCAL GOVERNMENT — CSSB 2549, CSSB 2553
BILLS ENGROSSED
May 9, 2025
SB 375, SB 410, SB 672, SB 777, SB 1373, SB 1454, SB 1586, SB 1704, SB 1856, SB 2165, SB 2342, SB 2367, SB 2452, SB 2501, SB 2520, SB 2521, SB 2538, SB 2539, SB 2703, SB 2835, SB 2903, SB 2959, SB 2965, SB 3029
RESOLUTION ENROLLED
May 9, 2025
SCR 4
SENT TO GOVERNOR
May 9, 2025
SB 703, SB 855, SB 906, SB 929, SB 1119, SB 1229, SB 1316, SB 1364, SB 1744, SB 1877, SB 1998, SB 2231