THIRTY-NINTH DAY
(Wednesday, May 14, 2025)
The Senate met at 11:31 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, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
The President Pro Tempore announced that a quorum of the Senate was present.
Pastor Matthew Paul, Summit Worship Center, Austin, offered the invocation as follows:
O sovereign God, God most holy, the source of our strength, You call these leaders in this session today to serve the public, promote justice, and establish peace in our land. I lift before You all who serve the State of Texas through this body, its Senators and its staff represented here today. Give to those whom we entrust with authority, discernment and understanding, a spirit of knowledge and of resolve. As they gather today to make decisions that affect Your people, I pray You would give them ears to hear and a heart to understand the needs of those in which they serve. You remind us that a house which is divided cannot stand. So, I ask that You will give to them a spirit of unity to work together to put differences aside for the good of those You have entrusted them to govern. Grace them with Your presence, not only today but as long as they live. May what is done here today lay the foundation for a better future tomorrow. I pray this through Your holy name. Amen.
Senator Zaffirini moved that the reading of the Journal of the proceedings of the previous day be dispensed with and the Journal be approved as printed.
The motion prevailed without objection.
MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
HOUSE CHAMBER
Austin, Texas
Wednesday, May 14, 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 public school accountability, including the implementation of an instructionally supportive assessment program and the adoption and administration of assessment instruments in public schools, indicators of achievement and public school performance ratings under the public school accountability system, a grant program for school district local accountability plans, and actions challenging Texas Education Agency decisions related to public school accountability.
Relating to the business court.
Relating to the medical use of low-THC cannabis under and the administration of the Texas Compassionate-Use Program; requiring registration.
Relating to creating the Texas State Guard Professionalization Task Force.
Relating to the creation and operation of a science park district in certain counties.
Relating to the required approval by the State Preservation Board of certain traffic changes near the State Capitol.
Relating to civil liability arising out of justified uses of or threats to use force or deadly force.
Relating to the prosecution of certain criminal offenses regarding the acquisition of firearms, firearm and ammunition smuggling, and terrorism.
Relating to the time period for conducting pretrial hearings after a criminal defendant has been restored to competency.
Relating to the release of certain defendants detained in jail pending trial.
Relating to ineligibility to serve as a poll watcher.
Relating to accommodating voters with a disability; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the availability and use of airway clearance devices at public school campuses.
Relating to address information contained on reports of political contributions and expenditures made available on the Internet by the Texas Ethics Commission.
Relating to the enforcement of an order to pay child support by contempt and the accrual of interest on certain child support arrearages.
Relating to the positions designated as exempt from sheriff's department civil service systems in certain counties.
Relating to the disclosure of total loss evaluation materials by automobile insurers.
Relating to the inclusion of civics instruction in public school government curriculum requirements for high school students.
Relating to a study and report on burying power lines in the Gulf Coast region.
HB 854
Garcia Hernandez, Cassandra
|
Relating to payment of the replacement cost of lost or damaged property under a homeowner's, renter's, or condominium owner's insurance policy.
Relating to the use of hotel occupancy tax revenue by certain municipalities and the authority of certain counties to impose a hotel occupancy tax; authorizing the imposition of a tax.
Relating to health benefit plan coverage of telemedicine, teledentistry, and telehealth appointments with an originating site or distant site located outside this state.
Relating to placement on the minimum salary schedule and service credit in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas for certain public school career or technology education teachers.
Relating to a notification requirement if a public school does not have a nurse, school counselor, or librarian assigned to the school during all instructional hours.
Relating to the collection and confidentiality of information regarding firearms in agency foster homes; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to a restriction on the authorization by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of the use of a Class V injection well for certain aquifer storage and recovery projects.
Relating to public school bilingual education programs, dual language immersion programs, and special language programs.
Relating to measures to assist students enrolled at public institutions of higher education who are homeless or who are or were in foster care.
Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns by handgun license holders on the premises of certain polling places on the day of an election or while early voting is in progress.
Relating to a mental health leave policy for certain public safety employees.
Relating to the carrying or possession of a handgun by certain retired attorneys representing the state.
Relating to the home production of certain alcoholic beverages.
Relating to a defense to prosecution for the offense of aggravated assault.
Relating to the annual state salary supplement for certain county judges.
Relating to special appointments in suits affecting the parent-child relationship.
Relating to prohibiting the regulation of home school programs.
Relating to the repeal of a municipal civil service system for firefighters and police officers in certain municipalities.
Relating to municipal and county hotel occupancy taxes and the authority of certain municipalities to receive certain tax revenue derived from a hotel and convention center project and to pledge certain tax revenue for the payment of obligations related to the project; authorizing the imposition of taxes.
Relating to the application of direct primary care fees to insurance deductibles in certain state health benefit plans.
Relating to municipal and county firearm buyback programs.
Relating to school marshals, including eligibility for appointment as a school marshal, and licensure and training requirements.
Relating to expedited credentialing of certain federally qualified health center providers by Medicaid managed care organizations.
Relating to county and hospital district disease control pilot programs to reduce the risk of certain infectious and communicable diseases; authorizing fees.
Relating to the contents of a request for disclosure in a civil action brought under the Family Code.
Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to receive certain tax revenue derived from a hotel and convention center project and to pledge certain tax revenue for the payment of obligations related to the project.
Relating to certain employer contributions to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
Relating to the creation of the Maverick County Regional Mobility Authority; authorizing a fee.
Relating to identifying an individual with veteran's status and providing notice to the Texas Veterans Commission.
Relating to the height of a structure near certain airspace designated for use by Department of Defense contractors.
Relating to the authority of certain counties to consider a prospective contractor's principal place of business when awarding certain contracts.
Relating to a requirement that a student's postsecondary transcript include the average or median grade awarded in each class.
Relating to the delivery of unclaimed property to certain urban scholarship funds; authorizing administrative penalties.
Relating to the creation of industrial development districts in certain counties; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, or taxes.
Relating to mass balance attribution of renewable biomass feedstocks used to produce renewable chemicals.
Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of property owned by certain nonprofit corporations and used to promote agriculture, support youth, and provide educational support in the community.
Relating to the regulation of service contracts and service contract providers and administrators.
Relating to the eligibility of a person to serve as an arbitrator in a binding arbitration of an appeal of an appraisal review board order.
Relating to a study by the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office regarding the creation of the Department of Marketing Services.
Relating to the carrying of handguns by tactical medical professionals while on duty providing support to tactical units of law enforcement agencies.
Relating to the Joint Admission Medical Program Council.
Relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board of the water resources in certain counties.
Relating to the accessibility of results from the state assessment.
Relating to parole guidelines and procedures for inmates convicted of an offense committed when younger than 18 years of age.
SB 529
Sparks
Sponsor: Craddick
|
Relating to the entitlement of certain municipalities to receive tax revenue from certain establishments located near a hotel and convention center project.
(Amended)
SB 541
Kolkhorst
Sponsor: Hull
|
Relating to cottage food production operations.
(Committee Substitute/Amended)
SB 693
West
Sponsor: Anchía
|
Relating to notaries public; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a fee.
(Committee Substitute)
SB 1012
Kolkhorst
Sponsor: Howard
|
Relating to authorizing the sale or lease by the State of Texas of certain real property located in Austin, Texas.
SB 1236
Hughes
Sponsor: Hefner
|
Relating to the relationship between pharmacists or pharmacies and health benefit plan issuers or pharmacy benefit managers.
SB 1886
Sparks
Sponsor: Louderback
|
Relating to the execution of a search warrant for taking a blood specimen from certain persons in certain intoxication offenses.
SB 2004
King
Sponsor: Geren
|
Relating to the eligibility of the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington for funding under the major events reimbursement program.
SB 2269
Perry
Sponsor: Manuel
|
Relating to dispute resolution for and enforcement actions against certain long-term care facilities.
SB 2308
Parker
Sponsor: Harris
|
Relating to the establishment of a grant program to fund the United States Food and Drug Administration's drug development trials with ibogaine for the purpose of securing the administration's approval as a medication for treatment of opioid use disorder, co-occurring substance use disorder, and any other neurological or mental health conditions for which ibogaine demonstrates efficacy.
(Committee Substitute/Amended)
Respectfully,
/s/Stephen Brown,
Chief Clerk
House of Representatives
PHYSICIAN OF THE DAY
Senator Middleton was recognized and presented Dr. Bhavana Mocherla of Pearland as the Physician of the Day.
The Senate welcomed Dr. Mocherla, accompanied by her son, Anuj Mocherla, and thanked her for her participation in the Physician of the Day program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.
SENATE RESOLUTION 520
Senator Hall offered the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Rosser Coke Newton Sr. of Dallas has published an important biography of our state's 15th governor, Richard Coke: Texan; and
WHEREAS, An indirect descendant of Governor Coke, Mr. Newton recognized that the politician's life and the post-Reconstruction era had been largely unexplored; Governor Coke led the state in its recovery from the upheaval of the Civil War, quelled lawlessness at the border, and oversaw the drafting and ratification of the Texas Constitution, which endures as the state's governing document; elected in 1874, he was a fierce proponent of states' rights and a critic of federal intervention, and he went on to serve as a U.S. senator; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Newton conducted extensive research in a wide range of sources, including first-person accounts, correspondence, family records, and documentation of debates during constitutional conventions, the Secession Convention, and legislative sessions; his book was published in November 2024 by Stoney Creek Publishing Group, part of the Texas Book Consortium, which is affiliated with Texas A&M University Press; and
WHEREAS, By profession a prominent businessman, Mr. Newton collects Texas memorabilia and serves as a trustee for the Dallas Historical Society; he is a cofounder and co-chair of the Alamo Letter Society, which places bronze plaques engraved with William B. Travis's historic "Victory or Death" missive in county courthouses around the state; and
WHEREAS, Rosser Newton has demonstrated an admirable commitment to expanding knowledge of our state's fascinating history, and his work is sure to be appreciated by future generations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby honor Rosser Coke Newton Sr. for his biography of former Texas governor Richard Coke and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success in his scholarly endeavors; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Newton as an expression of high regard by the Texas Senate.
SR 520 was read.
On motion of Senator Kolkhorst and by unanimous consent, the names of the Lieutenant Governor and Senators were added to the resolution as signers thereof.
On motion of Senator Hall, the resolution was adopted without objection.
GUEST PRESENTED
Senator Hall was recognized and introduced to the Senate Rosser Coke Newton Sr.
The Senate welcomed its guest.
SENATE RESOLUTION 518
Senator Hancock offered the following resolution:
SR 518, Recognizing May 14, 2025, as Texas Moral Injury Awareness Day.
The resolution was read.
On motion of Senator Birdwell and by unanimous consent, the names of the Lieutenant Governor and Senators were added to the resolution as signers thereof.
On motion of Senator Hancock, the resolution was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Hancock, joined by Senators King, Birdwell, and Paxton, was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Texas Moral Injury Awareness Day delegation including American Warrior Association members from Tarrant County and Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 395
Senator King offered the following resolution:
SR 395, Recognizing the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements Jr. Scholars.
The resolution was read.
On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the names of the Lieutenant Governor and Senators were added to the resolution as signers thereof.
On motion of Senator King, the resolution was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator King, joined by Senators Paxton, Kolkhorst, Hancock, Middleton, Bettencourt, and Hall, was recognized and introduced to the Senate the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements Jr. Scholars including Nicole Chen, Gabrielle Diedrick, Kirbie Faour, Santiago Gotera, Aiden Hunter, Katelynn Johnson, Jace Jones, Madison Koehn, Chloe Laws, Owen Lowe, Madelyn Miller, Lindy Ochoa, Julia Patterson, Ryan Petersburg, Clayton Quinn, Tristen Shewmake, Caitlyn Stearns, Meadow Votis, and Ethridge Zachary.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTIONS
The following resolutions were offered:
SR 480 by Eckhardt, Recognizing Bhavana Mocherla for her participation in the Physician of the Day program.
SR 515 by Campbell, Recognizing June 10, 2025, as FSGS Awareness Day.
SR 516 by Gutierrez, Recognizing Ibrahima Kande for his service to the office of State Senator Roland Gutierrez.
SR 517 by Gutierrez, Recognizing Maria Yuliana Soria Chavez for her service to the office of State Senator Roland Gutierrez.
SR 519 by Perry, Congratulating Chris Kemp on his retirement.
SR 521 by Birdwell, In memory of Victor Valencia.
The resolutions were read and were adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of the resolutions.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Flores was recognized and introduced to the Senate an Edward Jones delegation.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
INTRODUCTION OF
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS POSTPONED
The President Pro Tempore announced that the introduction of bills and resolutions on first reading would be postponed until the end of today's calendar.
There was no objection.
CONCLUSION OF MORNING CALL
The President Pro Tempore at 12:28 p.m. announced the conclusion of morning call.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 3307 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator A. Hinojosa and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSHB 3307 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 3307, Relating to the continuing education required in order for a person to renew the person's agreement with the comptroller of public accounts to serve as an arbitrator in an appeal through binding arbitration of an appraisal review board order determining a protest.
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 3307 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 CSHB 3307 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 913 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Hagenbuch and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 913 at this time on its second reading:
HB 913, Relating to certain state hospital names and the management of state hospitals.
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 913 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 913 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.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 2970 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Middleton and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSHB 2970 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 2970, Relating to the management and operation of the Gulf Coast Protection District.
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 2970 ON THIRD READING
Senator Middleton moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 2970 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)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSHJR 1 at this time on its second reading:
CSHJR 1, 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.
Senator Bettencourt offered the following amendment to the resolution:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSHJR 1 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 1 of the joint resolution, in amended Section 1(g), Article VIII, Texas Constitution (page 1, line 27), by striking "a person owns".
The amendment to CSHJR 1 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSHJR 1 as amended was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1 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 CSHJR 1 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The resolution was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 9 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSHB 9 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 9, 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.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Bettencourt offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSHB 9 (senate committee printing) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in amended Section 11.145, Tax Code, between Subsections (d) and (e) of the section (page 1, between lines 59 and 60), insert the following:
(d-1) Notwithstanding Subsections (b) and (d), a person is entitled to an exemption from taxation by a taxing unit of $125,000 of the total appraised value of all the tangible personal property the person owns that is held or used for the production of income in the taxing unit if the property has taxable situs within the taxing unit at any location that is not owned or leased by the owner, regardless of where the property is located within the taxing unit.
(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 11.145(e), Tax Code (page 1, line 60), strike "The exemption provided by Subsection (d) applies" and substitute "The exemptions provided by Subsections (d) and (d-1) apply".
(3) In SECTION 2 of the bill, in added Section 22.01(j-1)(2), Tax Code, between "11.145(d)" and the underlined period (page 2, line 36), insert "or (d-1), as applicable".
(4) In SECTION 2 of the bill, in added Section 22.01(j-3), Tax Code (page 2, line 47), strike "11.145(b) or (d)" and substitute "11.145(b), (d), or (d-1)".
(5) In SECTION 3 of the bill, in amended Section 22.24(c), Tax Code (page 3, line 8), strike "11.145(b) or (d)" and substitute "11.145(b), (d), or (d-1)".
The amendment to CSHB 9 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSHB 9 as amended 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 9 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 CSHB 9 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)
HOUSE BILL 1151 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator West and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 1151 at this time on its second reading:
HB 1151, Relating to neglect of a child and the grounds for termination of the parent-child relationship and possession of a child by the Department of Family and Protective Services.
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 1151 ON THIRD READING
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 1151 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.
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 87 ON SECOND READING
Senator Huffman moved to suspend the regular order of business, Senate Rule 5.14, and Senate Rule 7.12(a) to take up for consideration SJR 87 at this time on its second reading:
SJR 87, Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail to persons accused of certain offenses punishable as a felony who have previously been convicted of certain offenses punishable as a felony or who were released on bail for certain offenses punishable as a felony at the time of the instant offense.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Cook and Eckhardt asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The resolution was read second time.
Senator Huffman offered the following amendment to the resolution:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SJR 87 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the joint resolution, in added Section 11f(b)(1), Article I, Texas Constitution, strike "the conduct constituting the instant offense" and substitute "conduct constituting an offense described by Subsection (a) of this section".
(2) In SECTION 1 of the joint resolution, in added Section 11f(b)(2)(B), Article I, Texas Constitution, strike "instant" and substitute "new".
(3) In SECTION 2 of the joint resolution, in the ballot language, strike "previously been convicted of certain offenses punishable as a felony or who" and substitute "previously been convicted of or who".
(4) In SECTION 2 of the joint resolution, in the ballot language, strike "instant" and substitute "new".
The amendment to SJR 87 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
Senator Alvarado offered the following amendment to the resolution:
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend SJR 87 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the joint resolution, in added Section 11f (b), Article I, Texas Constitution, add the following between "that" and ":" on page 1, line 48: the attorney representing the state demonstrates.
(2) In SECTION 1 of the joint resolution, in added Section 11f, Article I, Texas Constitution, add new subsection (c):
(c) At a hearing described by this section, a person is entitled to be represented by counsel.
The amendment to SJR 87 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2.
SJR 87 as amended was passed to engrossment without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment except as follows:
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt.
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 87 ON THIRD READING
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 SJR 87 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 resolution was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 3073 ON SECOND READING
Senator Huffman moved to suspend the regular order of business, Senate Rule 5.14, and Senate Rule 7.12(a) to take up for consideration SB 3073 at this time on its second reading:
SB 3073, Relating to the duty of a magistrate to make written findings in certain criminal proceedings.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Cook and Miles 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 without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment except as follows:
Nays: Cook, Miles.
SENATE BILL 3073 ON THIRD READING
Senator Huffman moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 3073 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, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Cook, Miles.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 1899 ON SECOND READING
Senator A. Hinojosa moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 1899 at this time on its second reading:
HB 1899, Relating to the required age for a license or permit relating to the conduct of a public fireworks display.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Cook and 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: Cook, Nichols.
HOUSE BILL 1899 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 1899 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, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Cook, Nichols.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 116 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Kolkhorst and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 116 at this time on its second reading:
HB 116, Relating to grounds for the involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship.
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 116 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 HB 116 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.
SENATE BILL 128 ON SECOND READING
Senator Hall moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 128 at this time on its second reading:
SB 128, Relating to hospital reporting requirements regarding suspected child abuse, exploitation, or neglect; authorizing an administrative penalty.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1285 ON SECOND READING
Senator Eckhardt moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1285 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 1285, Relating to the protection of bats.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Middleton, Nichols, Schwertner.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Eckhardt offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 1285 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) Strike the recital to SECTION 1 of the bill (page 1, lines 23-25) and substitute the following:
SECTION 1. Sections 63.101(a) and (c), Parks and Wildlife Code, are amended to read as follows:
(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 63.101(b-1), Parks and Wildlife Code (page 1, lines 31-36).
The amendment to CSSB 1285 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSSB 1285 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Middleton, Nichols, Schwertner.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1285 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 CSSB 1285 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hall, Hancock, Middleton, Nichols, Schwertner.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 2847 ON THIRD READING
Senator Hagenbuch moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 2847 at this time on its third reading and final passage:
SB 2847, Relating to innovations in core curriculum to accelerate the award of bachelor's degrees.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, Zaffirini.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2619 ON THIRD READING
Senator Creighton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 2619 at this time on its third reading and final passage:
CSSB 2619, Relating to certain accountability-related policies and procedures related to public schools, the availability of information regarding a board of trustees of a school district or governing body of an open-enrollment charter school, and the approval by the Texas Education Agency of training provided to a member of a board of trustees of a school district.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Menéndez, Miles, Zaffirini.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8. (Same as previous roll call)
(President in Chair)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2972 ON THIRD READING
Senator Creighton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 2972 at this time on its third reading and final passage:
CSSB 2972, Relating to expressive activities at public institutions of higher education.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE RESOLUTION 511
Senator Alvarado offered the following resolution:
SR 511, In memory of Marcelo Garcia III.
The resolution was read.
On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the names of the Lieutenant Governor and Senators were added to the resolution as signers thereof.
On motion of Senator Alvarado, the resolution was adopted by a rising vote of the Senate.
In honor of the memory of Marcelo Garcia III, the text of the SR 511 will be printed in the Senate Journal upon adjournment of this legislative day.
Senator Alvarado was recognized and introduced to the Senate family members of Marcelo Garcia including Rosa Giannukos, Marcelo Garcia Jr., Erica Garcia, and Lily and Jordi Bou; Station 23 firefighters Jason Cano, Omar Montemayor, Dan Banda, Leroy Rosales, Richard Gutierrez, and Marco Ramirez; Joaquin Martinez; and Marty Lancton and members of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association executive board.
The Senate welcomed its guests and extended its sympathy.
(Senator Birdwell in Chair)
HOUSE BILL 21 ON SECOND READING
Senator Bettencourt moved to suspend the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 to take up for consideration HB 21 at this time on its second reading:
HB 21, Relating to housing finance corporations; authorizing a fee.
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 21 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 21 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)
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS SIGNED
The Presiding Officer announced the signing of the following enrolled bills and resolutions in the presence of the Senate after the captions had been read:
HB 206, HB 517, HB 2756, HB 3204, HCR 66, HJR 2.
HB 334, HB 554, HB 1109, HB 2081.
SB 72, SB 1080, SB 1143, SB 1245, SB 1267, SB 1271, SB 1273, SB 1355, SB 1422, SB 1759, SB 1786, SB 2361, SJR 3, SJR 37.
SENATE BILL 2043 ON SECOND READING
Senator Hughes moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 2043 at this time on its second reading:
SB 2043, Relating to prohibited retaliation against a physician or health care provider for reporting certain violations or taking certain actions with respect to the provision of health care services; providing a civil remedy.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10. (Same as previous roll call)
MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
HOUSE CHAMBER
Austin, Texas
Wednesday, May 14, 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 age at which a person in this state may marry and to certain rights of a party to a void marriage entered into when the party was a minor.
Relating to a requirement that certain water districts make audio and video recordings of open meetings available on the Internet.
Relating to the office hours of an election authority during an election period.
Relating to the establishment of certain information sharing and analysis organizations by the Department of Information Resources.
Relating to the definitions of child abuse and neglect.
Relating to an exemption from required immunizations for school enrollment.
Relating to the required number of minutes of instructional time to be provided by a juvenile justice alternative education program.
Relating to the capacity of a minor to consent to certain treatment for the minor or the minor's child.
Relating to the authority to cancel certain elections on a measure to authorize the issuance of bonds.
Relating to the delegation of certain authority of a county judge in certain counties.
Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use hotel occupancy tax revenue for certain venue projects.
Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the failure of certain sex offenders to comply with sex offender registration requirements.
Relating to the establishment of the Rural Workforce Training Grant Program.
Relating to the frequency with which certain appraisal districts are required to reappraise property for ad valorem tax purposes and to a limitation on the authority of an appraisal district to increase the appraised value of property.
Relating to the award of attorney's fees in an action involving the exercise of certain constitutional rights.
Relating to hiring and employment requirements for persons in direct contact with children at certain facilities.
Relating to the authority of certain counties to impose a hotel occupancy tax.
Relating to the creation of the Texas Commission on Marriage and Family.
Relating to certain mental health policies and services for peace officers, fire fighters, and telecommunicators.
Relating to the reimbursement of expenses to certain counsel appointed to represent a defendant in a criminal proceeding.
Relating to the authority of a county commissioners court to adopt an exemption from ad valorem taxation by each taxing unit that taxes the property of the portion of the appraised value of a person's property that is attributable to the installation in or on the property of certain water conservation systems.
Relating to the sale, design, and manufacture of orthodontic devices.
Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use certain tax revenue for hotel and convention center projects.
Relating to allowing certain inmates to apply for benefits under certain public benefits programs to be provided at the time of discharge or release.
Relating to a civil cause of action for fraudulent crowdfunding.
Relating to a special right of access under the public information law for a member of a governing board.
Relating to the projects undertaken by a public improvement district, municipal management district, water control and improvement district, fresh water supply district, or municipal utility district.
Relating to the use of hotel occupancy tax revenue for certain public improvement projects by certain municipalities.
Relating to available resources of certain state agencies to support and sustain peer-recovery organizations in this state.
Relating to restrictions on covenants not to compete for physicians and certain health care practitioners.
Relating to certain voluntary registries in relation to the adoption of or the termination of parental rights regarding a child.
Relating to the applicability of certain immunity and liability laws to certain charter school campuses or programs.
Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use hotel occupancy tax revenue for certain venue projects.
Relating to the authority of an owner of property that qualifies for an exemption as a historic or archaeological site to protest the allocation of the appraised value of the property between the land and the improvements to the land.
Relating to the eligibility of the South by Southwest Conference and Festivals for funding under the Major Events Reimbursement Program.
Relating to authorizing certain counties to impose a hotel occupancy tax and the use of revenue from that tax.
Relating to the protection of personal identifying information of certain persons in the judicial system; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the use of municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue in certain municipalities.
Relating to certain authorities of the adjutant general for procurement and construction.
Relating to an exception to the titling requirement for certain motor vehicles; creating a criminal offense; providing for a fee.
SB 250
Flores
Sponsor: Hickland
|
Relating to municipal annexation of an area adjacent to contiguous or connecting railroad rights-of-way.
SB 617
Schwertner
Sponsor: Harris Davila
|
Relating to hearing and public notice requirements regarding the conversion by a municipality of certain properties to house homeless individuals.
SB 2306
Parker
Sponsor: Schatzline
|
Relating to the provision of adoption cost information by a licensed child-placing agency.
SB 2411
Schwertner
Sponsor: Longoria
|
Relating to business organizations.
SB 2929
Creighton
Sponsor: Louderback
|
Relating to the removal of a spectator of certain school extracurricular athletic activities or competitions.
SJR 34
Hughes
Sponsor: Frank
|
Proposing a constitutional amendment affirming the rights and responsibilities of parents.
(Committee Substitute)
Respectfully,
/s/Stephen Brown,
Chief Clerk
House of Representatives
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2532 ON THIRD READING
Senator Middleton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 2532 at this time on its third reading and final passage:
CSSB 2532, Relating to the calculation of the voter-approval tax rate for certain municipalities that receive municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue and other money from a local park board of trustees.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, Zaffirini.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 1073 ON THIRD READING
Senator Hughes moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 1073 at this time on its third reading and final passage:
SB 1073, Relating to discrimination against or burdening certain constitutional rights of an applicant for or holder of a license to practice law in this state.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, Zaffirini.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1359 ON SECOND READING
Senator Parker moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1359 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 1359, Relating to the creation, powers, duties, and financing of the Wise Regional Water District; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees; creating a criminal offense.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Alvarado, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Hughes, Middleton.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Parker offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 1359 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill as follows:
(1) In added Section 11021.0101(3), Special District Local Laws Code (page 1, line 37), between "governmental" and "entity", insert "or private".
(2) In added Section 11021.0101(7), Special District Local Laws Code (page 1, line 55), between "governmental" and "entity", insert "or private ".
(3) In added Section 11021.0105(a), Special District Local Laws Code (page 2, line 33), between "(a)" and "The", insert the following:
The territory of the district may be expanded to include the territory or service area of a governmental or private entity in the manner provided by Section 11021.0106.
(b)
(4) In added Section 11021.0105, Special District Local Laws Code (page 2, line 36), between "if" and "the" by inserting ", in addition to the requirements of Section 11021.0106,".
(5) In added Section 11021.0105, Special District Local Laws Code (page 2, line 40), strike "(b)".
(6) Immediately following added Section 11021.0105, Special District Local Laws Code (page 2, between lines 46 and 47), insert the following:
Sec. 11021.0106. METHOD OF ADDING PARTICIPANT OR CONTRACT MEMBER. (a) A governmental or private entity may petition the board to add that governmental or private entity as a participant or contract member.
(b) A petition under Subsection (a) must be submitted:
(1) in the manner and form required by board rule; and
(2) not later than a date that allows sufficient time to comply with the requirements of this section before the end of the second year after the effective date of the Act enacting this chapter.
(c) On receipt of a petition under Subsection (a), the board shall set a hearing on the petition and provide notice of the date, time, place, and purpose of the hearing to:
(1) entities that are participants and contract members on the date the petition is received; and
(2) the petitioning governmental or private entity.
(d) At the hearing, the board shall determine whether:
(1) the governmental or private entity will benefit from being added to the district as a participant or contract member;
(2) it is in the best interest of the district to add the governmental or private entity to the district as a participant or contract member; and
(3) the district has access to sufficient water to provide the governmental or private entity with water service.
(e) If, after a hearing on the petition, the board determines that the governmental or private entity should be added to the district as a participant or contract member, the board shall issue an order:
(1) approving the addition of the government or private entity as a participant or contract member;
(2) adding the governmental or private entity's territory or service area to the territory of the district;
(3) making the governmental or private entity's territory or service area subject to the privileges, duties, assets, and financial obligations of the district to the same degree as other participants or contract members already included in the district; and
(4) stating the effective date of the order.
(f) If the subject of the order is a governmental entity, the effective date of the order must allow enough time for the governmental entity to comply with Subsection (g).
(g) A governmental entity that is the subject of an order issued under Subsection (e) shall publish notice of the district's proposal to add the governmental entity to the district as a participant or contract member. The notice must:
(1) be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the governmental entity is located;
(2) be published at least once per week for two consecutive weeks and with the first publication appearing on or before the 14th day before the effective date of the order; and
(3) state the effective date of the order.
Sec. 11021.0107. METHOD OF REMOVING PARTICIPANT OR CONTRACT MEMBER. (a) The governing body of a participant or contract member may petition the board to remove the entity from the district as a participant or contract member.
(b) A petition must be submitted in the manner and form required by board rule.
(c) After receiving a petition under Subsection (a), the board shall:
(1) decide whether the petitioner should be removed from the district as a participant or contract member; and
(2) by order approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the petition.
(d) The board may not approve a petition submitted under this section if that action would impair or violate or conflict with the terms of any outstanding bonds, notes, or other obligations of the district.
(e) An order issued under Subsection (c) that approves or conditionally approves a participant's or contract member's petition to be removed from the district must address:
(1) all matters related to the removal as determined by the board, including the removal of the territory or service area of the participant or contract member and, if applicable, territory located in the service area of the participant or contract member as provided by the contract member's or participant's certificate of convenience and necessity; and
(2) if applicable, any conditions imposed by the board that the petitioning participant or contract member must satisfy before the board approve the petition, which may include:
(A) payment by the petitioner of all bonds, notes, or other obligations issued by the district on behalf of the petitioner;
(B) payment by the petitioner of the petitioner's pro rata share of any bond, note, or other obligation issued by the district, other than the bonds, notes, or other obligations described by Paragraph (A), if the payment is allowed under the terms of the bond, note, or other obligation;
(C) conditions related to the ownership or transfer of ownership of real property, facilities, equipment, personnel, and supplies; and
(D) conditions the district considers necessary for the winding up of activities in connection with the removal of the petitioner as a participant or contract member from the district.
(f) If the board by order issued under Subsection (c) conditionally approves a participant's or contract member's petition, the petitioner remains a participant or contract member and shall make all payments owed to the district when due and satisfy all conditions included in the order. The board shall approve the petition immediately after all required payments to the district are received and all conditions included in the order are satisfied as determined by the board.
(g) The removal of a participant or contract member from the district under this section does not prohibit the former participant or contract member from contracting with the district for the provision of water supply, wastewater treatment, or other services provided by the district.
(7) In added Section 11021.02015(a)(1), Special District Local Laws Code (page 2, line 63), strike "one director; and" and substitute "two directors;".
(8) In added Section 11021.02015(a)(2)(K), Special District Local Laws Code (page 3, line 8), strike the underlined period and substitute an underlined semicolon.
(9) Immediately following added Section 11021.02015(a)(2)(K), Special District Local Laws Code (page 3, between lines 8 and 9), insert the following:
(3) the board of directors of the of the Rolling V Ranch Water Control and Improvement District No. 3 of Wise County shall appoint one director who must be a qualified voter who resides in:
(A) Rolling V Ranch Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 of Wise County;
(B) Rolling V Ranch Water Control and Improvement District No. 2 of Wise County;
(C) Rolling V Ranch Water Control and Improvement District No. 3 of Wise County; or
(D) Rolling V Ranch Water Control and Improvement District No. 4 of Wise County; and
(4) the board of directors of the of the New Fairview Municipal Utility District No. 1 shall appoint one director who must be a qualified voter who resides in that district.
(10) In amended Section 11021.02015(c), Special District Local Laws Code (page 3, line 11), between "(c)" and "This" insert the following:
The initial board may not take any action unless at least 65 percent of the initial directors vote in favor of the action.
(d)
(11) In added Section 11021.0401(a), Special District Local Laws Code (page 7, line 64), after the underlined period, insert "The district may not impose a rate or charge in the territory or service area of a participant or contract member unless the district imposes the same rate or charge in the territory or service area of all participants and contract members.".
The amendment to CSSB 1359 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSSB 1359 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Alvarado, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Hughes, Middleton.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1359 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 CSSB 1359 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Alvarado, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Hughes, Middleton.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 314 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Hughes called SB 314 from the President's table for consideration of the House amendment to the bill.
The Presiding Officer laid the bill and the House amendment before the Senate.
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 314 (house committee report) on page 2 by striking lines 8 through 11 and substituting the following:
(13) citrus red 3 (CAS 6358-53-8);
(14) orange B (CAS 15139-76-1);
(15) INS No. 150c/ammonia caramel (Class III);
(16) INS No. 150d/sulfite ammonia caramel (Class IV);
(17) titanium dioxide; or
(18) any additive that is substantially similar to an additive specified in Subdivisions (1) through (17).
The amendment was read.
Senator Hughes moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 314.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 761 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS
Senator J. Hinojosa called SB 761 from the President's table for consideration of the House amendments to the bill.
The Presiding Officer laid the bill and the House amendments before the Senate.
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 761 as follows:
(1) On page 1, lines 15-17, strike ", at least five business days before the date of the presentation of the agreement to the court or otherwise as soon as reasonably practicable,".
(2) On page 6, lines 4 and 5, strike "(f), (g), (h), and (i)" and substitute "(f) and (g)".
(3) Strike page 6, line 21 through page 7, line 9.
(4) On page 7, line 10, strike "(i)" and substitute "(g)".
(5) On page 11, strike lines 3-5, and substitute "bargain agreement.".
(6) On page 11, lines 24-27, strike "at least five business days before the date of the presentation of a plea bargain agreement to the court or otherwise as soon [far] as reasonably practicable [practical]" and substitute "as far as reasonably practical".
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend SB 761 (house committee report) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumbering the SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Section 22.011(c), Penal Code, is amended by adding Subdivision (1-a) to read as follows:
(1-a) "Consent" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.07.
The amendments were read.
Senator J. Hinojosa moved to concur in the House amendments to SB 761.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 2122 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Zaffirini called SB 2122 from the President's table for consideration of the House amendment to the bill.
The Presiding Officer laid the bill and the House amendment before the Senate.
Amendment
Amend SB 2122 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to imposition of application fees for certain permits and permit amendments for the disposal of oil and gas waste.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 91.1013, Natural Resources Code, is amended by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
(a) [With each application for a fluid injection well permit, the applicant shall submit to the commission a nonrefundable fee of $200.] In this section:
(1) "Commercial oil and gas waste separation facility" means a facility that manages but does not dispose of oil and gas waste on site and that is managed by an owner or operator whose primary business is to provide oil field fluid or oil and gas waste management services for compensation.
(2) "Commercial surface oil and gas waste disposal facility" means a facility that disposes of oil and gas waste on site and that is managed by an owner or operator whose primary business is to provide oil field fluid or oil and gas waste disposal services for compensation.
(3) "Fluid[, "fluid] injection well" means any well used to inject fluid or gas into the ground in connection with the exploration or production of oil or gas other than an oil and gas waste disposal well regulated by the commission pursuant to Chapter 27, Water Code.
(4) "Land application permit" means a permit authorizing the covering of a controlled area with gas plant effluent or low-chloride produced water through the use of a sprinkler or other irrigation system.
(5) "Landfarm permit" means a permit authorizing the disposal of low-chloride, water-based oil and gas waste, including drilling fluid, by mixing or tilling the fluid or waste into the natural soil so that the waste will not migrate from the area covered by the landfarm permit.
(6) "Landtreatment permit" means a permit authorizing the disposal of oil-based oil and gas waste, including oil-based drilling fluid, oil-impacted soil, or other oil and gas waste, by mixing or tilling the fluid, soil, or waste into the natural soil to degrade the fluid, impacted soil, or waste so that the fluid, impacted soil, or waste will not migrate from the area covered by the landtreatment permit.
(a-1) With each application for a fluid injection well permit, the applicant shall submit to the commission a nonrefundable fee of $200.
(b) An applicant [With each application] for a permit to store, treat, or dispose of certain oil and gas waste [discharge to surface water under this chapter and commission rules, other than a permit for a discharge that meets National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System requirements for agricultural or wildlife use, the applicant] shall submit to the commission a nonrefundable fee for that application as follows:
(1) $500 for an application for a landfarm, landtreatment, or land application permit or permit amendment;
(2) $2,000 for an application for a commercial oil and gas waste separation facility permit;
(3) $1,000 for an application for an amendment to a commercial oil and gas waste separation facility permit;
(4) $3,000 for an application for a commercial surface oil and gas waste disposal facility permit; and
(5) $1,000 for an application for an amendment to a commercial surface oil and gas waste disposal facility permit [of $300].
SECTION 2. Section 91.1013, Natural Resources Code, as amended by this Act, applies only to an application for the issuance or amendment of a permit that is filed with the Railroad Commission of Texas on or after the effective date of this Act. An application for a permit filed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date of the filing, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The amendment was read.
Senator Zaffirini moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 2122.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Alvarado, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, King, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Creighton, Hancock, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Perry.
SENATE BILL 455 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Middleton called SB 455 from the President's table for consideration of the House amendment to the bill.
The Presiding Officer laid the bill and the House amendment before the Senate.
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 455 (house committee report) as follows:
(1) On page 1, line 6, strike "Subsection (d)" and substitute "Subsections (d) and (e)".
(2) On page 1, strike lines 11-17 and substitute the following:
(A) conducted in this state; and
(3) On page 1, line 20, strike the underlined period and substitute the following:
unless:
(A) the insurer and policyholder agree to a different venue after the insurer provides written notice to the policyholder of the insurer's request for a different venue; and
(B) the insurer provides the policyholder with a premium credit for the costs incurred by the policyholder as a result of the change in venue.
(e) Notwithstanding Subsection (d), for surplus lines insurance contracts for over $2 million in insured value, the insurer and policyholder may agree by mutual consent to a different arbitration venue and governance under another state's laws, provided the agreement is in a form.
(4) On page 1, line 21, strike "Section 981.101(d)" and substitute "Sections 981.101(d) and (e)".
(5) On page 1, line 22, strike "applies" and substitute "apply".
The amendment was read.
Senator Middleton moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 455.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 2420 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS
Senator Paxton called SB 2420 from the President's table for consideration of the House amendments to the bill.
The Presiding Officer laid the bill and the House amendments before the Senate.
Amendment
Amend SB 2420 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the regulation of platforms for the sale and distribution of software applications for mobile devices.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle C, Title 5, Business & Commerce Code, is amended by adding Chapter 121 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 121. SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 121.001. SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the App Store Accountability Act.
Sec. 121.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Age category" means information collected by the owner of an app store to designate a user based on the age categories described by Section 121.021(b).
(2) "App store" means a publicly available Internet website, software application, or other electronic service that distributes software applications from the owner or developer of a software application to the user of a mobile device.
(3) "Minor" means a child who is younger than 18 years of age who has not had the disabilities of minority removed for general purposes.
(4) "Mobile device" means a portable, wireless electronic device, including a tablet or smartphone, capable of transmitting, receiving, processing, and storing information wirelessly that runs an operating system designed to manage hardware resources and perform common services for software applications on handheld electronic devices.
(5) "Personal data" means any information, including sensitive data, that is linked or reasonably linkable to an identified or identifiable individual. The term includes pseudonymous data when the data is used by a person who processes or determines the purpose and means of processing the data in conjunction with additional information that reasonably links the data to an identified or identifiable individual. The term does not include deidentified data or publicly available information.
SUBCHAPTER B. DUTIES OF APP STORES
Sec. 121.021. DUTY TO VERIFY AGE OF USER; AGE CATEGORIES. (a) When an individual in this state creates an account with an app store, the owner of the app store shall use a commercially reasonable method of verification to verify the individual's age category under Subsection (b).
(b) The owner of an app store shall use the following age categories for assigning a designation:
(1) an individual who is younger than 13 years of age is considered a "child";
(2) an individual who is at least 13 years of age but younger than 16 years of age is considered a "younger teenager";
(3) an individual who is at least 16 years of age but younger than 18 years of age is considered an "older teenager"; and
(4) an individual who is at least 18 years of age is considered an "adult."
Sec. 121.022. PARENTAL CONSENT REQUIRED. (a) If the owner of the app store determines under Section 121.021 that an individual is a minor who belongs to an age category that is not "adult," the owner shall require that the minor's account be affiliated with a parent account belonging to the minor's parent or guardian.
(b) For an account to be affiliated with a minor's account as a parent account, the owner of an app store must use a commercially reasonable method to verify that the account belongs to an individual who:
(1) the owner of the app store has verified belongs to the age category of "adult" under Section 121.021; and
(2) has legal authority to make a decision on behalf of the minor with whose account the individual is seeking affiliation.
(c) A parent account may be affiliated with multiple minors' accounts.
(d) Except as provided by this section, the owner of an app store must obtain consent from the minor's parent or guardian through the parent account affiliated with the minor's account before allowing the minor to:
(1) download a software application;
(2) purchase a software application; or
(3) make a purchase in or using a software application.
(e) The owner of an app store must:
(1) obtain consent for each individual download or purchase sought by the minor; and
(2) notify the developer of each applicable software application if a minor's parent or guardian revokes consent through a parent account.
(f) To obtain consent from a minor's parent or guardian under Subsection (d), the owner of an app store may use any reasonable means to:
(1) disclose to the parent or guardian:
(A) the specific software application or purchase for which consent is sought;
(B) the rating under Section 121.052 assigned to the software application or purchase;
(C) the specific content or other elements that led to the rating assigned under Section 121.052;
(D) the nature of any collection, use, or distribution of personal data that would occur because of the software application or purchase; and
(E) any measures taken by the developer of the software application or purchase to protect the personal data of users;
(2) give the parent or guardian a clear choice to give or withhold consent for the download or purchase; and
(3) ensure that the consent is given:
(A) by the parent or guardian; and
(B) through the account affiliated with a minor's account under Subsection (a).
(g) If a software developer provides the owner of an app store with notice of a change under Section 121.053, the owner of the app store shall:
(1) notify any individual who has given consent under this section for a minor's use or purchase relating to a previous version of the changed software application; and
(2) obtain consent from the individual for the minor's continued use or purchase of the software application.
(h) The owner of an app store is not required to obtain consent from a minor's parent or guardian for:
(1) the download of a software application that:
(A) provides a user with direct access to emergency services, including:
(i) 9-1-1 emergency services;
(ii) a crisis hotline; or
(iii) an emergency assistance service that is legally available to a minor;
(B) limits data collection to information:
(i) collected in compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (15 U.S.C. Section 6501 et seq.); and
(ii) necessary for the provision of emergency services;
(C) allows a user to access and use the software application without requiring the user to create an account with the software application; and
(D) is operated by or in partnership with:
(i) a governmental entity;
(ii) a nonprofit organization; or
(iii) an authorized emergency service provider; or
(2) the purchase or download of a software application that is operated by or in partnership with a nonprofit organization that:
(A) develops, sponsors, or administers a standardized test used for purposes of admission to or class placement in a postsecondary educational institution or a program within a postsecondary educational institution; and
(B) is subject to Subchapter D, Chapter 32, Education Code.
Sec. 121.023. DISPLAY OF AGE RATING FOR SOFTWARE APPLICATION. (a) If the owner of an app store that operates in this state has a mechanism for displaying an age rating or other content notice, the owner shall:
(1) make available to users an explanation of the mechanism; and
(2) display for each software application available for download and purchase on the app store the age rating and other content notice.
(b) If the owner of an app store that operates in this state does not have a mechanism for displaying an age rating or other content notice, the owner shall display for each software application available for download and purchase on the app store:
(1) the rating under Section 121.052 assigned to the software application; and
(2) the specific content or other elements that led to the rating assigned under Section 121.052.
(c) The information displayed under this section must be clear, accurate, and conspicuous.
Sec. 121.024. INFORMATION FOR SOFTWARE APPLICATION DEVELOPERS. The owner of an app store that operates in this state shall, using a commercially available method, allow the developer of a software application to access current information related to:
(1) the age category assigned to each user under Section 121.021(b); and
(2) whether consent has been obtained for each minor user under Section 121.022.
Sec. 121.025. PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA. The owner of an app store that operates in this state shall protect the personal data of users by:
(1) limiting the collection and processing of personal data to the minimum amount necessary for:
(A) verifying the age of an individual;
(B) obtaining consent under Section 121.022; and
(C) maintaining compliance records; and
(2) transmitting personal data using industry-standard encryption protocols that ensure data integrity and confidentiality.
Sec. 121.026. VIOLATION. (a) The owner of an app store that operates in this state violates this subchapter if the owner:
(1) enforces a contract or a provision of a terms of service agreement against a minor that the minor entered into or agreed to without consent under Section 121.022;
(2) knowingly misrepresents information disclosed under Section 121.022(f)(1);
(3) obtains a blanket consent to authorize multiple downloads or purchases; or
(4) shares or discloses personal data obtained for purposes of Section 121.021, except as required by Section 121.024 or other law.
(b) The owner of an app store is not liable for a violation of Section 121.021 or 121.022 if the owner of the app store:
(1) uses widely adopted industry standards to:
(A) verify the age of each user as required by Section 121.021; and
(B) obtain parental consent as required by Section 121.022; and
(2) applies those standards consistently and in good faith.
Sec. 121.027. CONSTRUCTION OF SUBCHAPTER. Nothing in this subchapter may be construed to:
(1) prevent the owner of an app store that operates in this state from taking reasonable measures to block, detect, or prevent the distribution of:
(A) obscene material, as that term is defined by Section 43.21, Penal Code; or
(B) other material that may be harmful to minors;
(2) require the owner of an app store that operates in this state to disclose a user's personal data to the developer of a software application except as provided by this subchapter;
(3) allow the owner of an app store that operates in this state to use a measure required by this chapter in a manner that is arbitrary, capricious, anticompetitive, or unlawful;
(4) block or filter spam;
(5) prevent criminal activity; or
(6) protect the security of an app store or software application.
SUBCHAPTER C. DUTIES OF SOFTWARE APPLICATION DEVELOPERS
Sec. 121.051. APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter applies only to the developer of a software application that the developer makes available to users in this state through an app store.
Sec. 121.052. DESIGNATION OF AGE RATING. (a) The developer of a software application shall assign to each software application and to each purchase that can be made through the software application an age rating based on the age categories described by Section 121.021(b).
(b) The developer of a software application shall provide to each app store through which the developer makes the software application available:
(1) each rating assigned under Subsection (a); and
(2) the specific content or other elements that led to each rating provided under Subdivision (1).
Sec. 121.053. CHANGES TO SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS. (a) The developer of a software application shall provide notice to each app store through which the developer makes the software application available before making any significant change to the terms of service or privacy policy of the software application.
(b) For purposes of this section, a change is significant if it:
(1) changes the type or category of personal data collected, stored, or shared by the developer;
(2) affects or changes the rating assigned to the software application under Section 121.052 or the content or elements that led to that rating;
(3) adds new monetization features to the software application, including:
(A) new opportunities to make a purchase in or using the software application; or
(B) new advertisements in the software application; or
(4) materially changes the functionality or user experience of the software application.
Sec. 121.054. AGE VERIFICATION. (a) The developer of a software application shall create and implement a system to use information received under Section 121.024 to verify:
(1) for each user of the software application, the age category assigned to that user under Section 121.021(b); and
(2) for each minor user of the software application, whether consent has been obtained under Section 121.022.
(b) The developer of a software application shall use information received from the owner of an app store under Section 121.024 to perform the verification required by this section.
Sec. 121.055. USE OF PERSONAL DATA. (a) The developer of a software application may use personal data provided to the developer under Section 121.024 only to:
(1) enforce restrictions and protections on the software application related to age;
(2) ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and
(3) implement safety-related features and default settings.
(b) The developer of a software application shall delete personal data provided by the owner of an app store under Section 121.024 on completion of the verification required by Section 121.054.
Sec. 121.056. VIOLATION. (a) Except as provided by this section, the developer of a software application violates this subchapter if the developer:
(1) enforces a contract or a provision of a terms of service agreement against a minor that the minor entered into or agreed to without consent under Section 121.054;
(2) knowingly misrepresents an age rating or reason for that rating under Section 121.052; or
(3) shares or discloses the personal data of a user that was acquired under this subchapter.
(b) The developer of a software application is not liable for a violation of Section 121.052 if the software developer:
(1) uses widely adopted industry standards to determine the rating and specific content required by this section; and
(2) applies those standards consistently and in good faith.
(c) The developer of a software application is not liable for a violation of Section 121.054 if the software developer:
(1) relied in good faith on age category and consent information received from the owner of an app store; and
(2) otherwise complied with the requirements of this section.
SUBCHAPTER D. ENFORCEMENT
Sec. 121.101. DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICE. A violation of this chapter constitutes a deceptive trade practice in addition to the practices described by Subchapter E, Chapter 17, and is actionable under that subchapter.
Sec. 121.102. CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. The remedies provided by this chapter are not exclusive and are in addition to any other action or remedy provided by law.
SECTION 2. It is the intent of the legislature that every provision, section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word in this Act, and every application of the provisions in this Act to every person, group of persons, or circumstances, is severable from each other. If any application of any provision in this Act to any person, group of persons, or circumstances is found by a court to be invalid for any reason, the remaining applications of that provision to all other persons and circumstances shall be severed and may not be affected.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect January 1, 2026.
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend CSSB 2420 (committee printing) on page 11, after line 12, by adding a new Subsection (c) to read as follows:
(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), nothing in this chapter relieves a social media platform from doing age verification as required by law.
The amendments were read.
Senator Paxton moved to concur in the House amendments to SB 2420.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Eckhardt.
SENATE BILL 1023 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Bettencourt called SB 1023 from the President's table for consideration of the House amendment to the bill.
The Presiding Officer laid the bill and the House amendment before the Senate.
Floor Amendment No. 1 on Third Reading
Amend SB 1023 on third reading as follows:
(1) Strike added Section 5.07(g)(4), Tax Code, and substitute the following:
(4) be capable of including a hyperlink to a document that evidences the accuracy of each entry included in the form, other than an entry making a mathematical calculation
(2) In amended Section 26.04(d-1), Tax Code, strike "for each entry on the form, other than an entry making a mathematical calculation" and substitute "on the form".
The amendment was read.
Senator Bettencourt moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 1023.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 2371 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Nichols called SB 2371 from the President's table for consideration of the House amendment to the bill.
The Presiding Officer laid the bill and the House amendment before the Senate.
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 2371 (house committee report) as follows:
(1) On page 2, line 24, strike "center" and substitute "Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation".
(2) On page 2, line 25, strike "center" and substitute "Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation".
(3) On page 4, line 5, strike "directly or".
The amendment was read.
Senator Nichols moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 2371.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 17 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS
Senator Kolkhorst called SB 17 from the President's table for consideration of the House amendments to the bill.
The Presiding Officer laid the bill and the House amendments before the Senate.
Amendment
Amend SB 17 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the purchase or acquisition of an interest in real property by certain aliens or foreign entities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 64.001(a), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) A court of competent jurisdiction may appoint a receiver:
(1) in an action by a vendor to vacate a fraudulent purchase of property;
(2) in an action by a creditor to subject any property or fund to the creditor's [his] claim;
(3) in an action between partners or others jointly owning or interested in any property or fund;
(4) in an action by a mortgagee for the foreclosure of the mortgage and sale of the mortgaged property;
(5) for a corporation that is insolvent, is in imminent danger of insolvency, has been dissolved, or has forfeited its corporate rights; [or]
(6) in an action by the attorney general under Subchapter H, Chapter 5, Property Code; or
(7) in any other case in which a receiver may be appointed under the rules of equity.
SECTION 2. Section 5.005, Property Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 5.005. ALIENS. Except as provided by Subchapter H, an [An] alien has the same real and personal property rights as a United States citizen.
SECTION 3. Chapter 5, Property Code, is amended by adding Subchapter H to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER H. PURCHASE OR ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY BY CERTAIN FOREIGN INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES
Sec. 5.251. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1) "Agricultural land" means land that is located in this state and that is suitable for:
(A) use in production of plants and fruits grown for human or animal consumption, or plants grown for the production of fibers, floriculture, silviculture, viticulture, horticulture, or planting seed; or
(B) domestic or native farm or ranch animals kept for use or profit.
(2) "Company" means a sole proprietorship, organization, association, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, or limited liability company, including a wholly owned subsidiary, majority-owned subsidiary, parent company, or affiliate of those entities or business associations, that exists to make a profit.
(3) "Designated country" means a country identified by the United States Director of National Intelligence as a country that poses a risk to the national security of the United States in at least one of the three most recent Annual Threat Assessments of the U.S. Intelligence Community issued pursuant to Section 108B, National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. Section 3043b).
(4) "Domiciled" means having established a place as an individual's true, fixed, and permanent home and principal residence to which the individual intends to return whenever absent.
(5) "Organization" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.002, Business Organizations Code.
(6) "Real property" includes:
(A) agricultural land;
(B) an improvement located on agricultural land;
(C) commercial property;
(D) industrial property;
(E) groundwater;
(F) residential property;
(G) a mine or quarry;
(H) a mineral in place;
(I) standing timber; or
(J) water rights.
Sec. 5.252. EXCEPTIONS: UNITED STATES CITIZENS AND LAWFUL RESIDENTS; CERTAIN ENTITIES OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY UNITED STATES CITIZENS OR LAWFUL RESIDENTS; LEASEHOLD. This subchapter does not apply to:
(1) an individual who is a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States;
(2) a company or organization that is owned by or under the control of:
(A) one or more individuals described by Subdivision (1); and
(B) no individual described by Section 5.253; or
(3) a leasehold interest in land or improvements constructed on a leasehold if the duration of the interest is less than 100 years.
Sec. 5.253. PROHIBITION ON PURCHASE OR ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY. Notwithstanding any other law, the following may not purchase or otherwise acquire an interest in real property in this state:
(1) a governmental entity of a designated country;
(2) a company or organization that is:
(A) headquartered in a designated country;
(B) directly or indirectly held or controlled by the government of a designated country; or
(C) owned by or the majority of stock or other ownership interest of which is held or controlled by individuals described by Subdivision (4);
(3) a company or organization that is owned by or the majority of stock or other ownership interest of which is held or controlled by a company or organization described by Subdivision (2); or
(4) an individual who:
(A) is domiciled in a designated country;
(B) is a citizen of a designated country who is domiciled outside of the United States in a country:
(i) other than a designated country; and
(ii) for which the individual has not completed the naturalization process for becoming a citizen of that country;
(C) is a citizen of a designated country who is unlawfully present in the United States; or
(D) is:
(i) a citizen of a country other than the United States; and
(ii) acting as an agent or on behalf of a designated country.
Sec. 5.254. INVESTIGATION AND ENFORCEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL; LAW ENFORCEMENT REFERRAL. (a) The attorney general shall establish procedures to examine a purchase or acquisition of an interest in real property and determine whether an investigation of a possible violation of this subchapter is warranted.
(b) If the attorney general determines that an investigation of a purchase or acquisition of an interest in real property is warranted under this section, the attorney general shall investigate the purchase or acquisition of an interest in real property and determine whether a violation of this subchapter occurred.
(c) If the attorney general determines that a violation of this subchapter occurred, the attorney general:
(1) may bring an in rem action against real property to enforce this subchapter in a district court in the county where all or part of the real property that is the subject of the violation is located; and
(2) may refer the matter to the appropriate local, state, or federal law enforcement agency.
(d) The attorney general shall record notice of an action brought under Subsection (c) in the real property records of each county where any part of the real property subject to the action is located.
(e) Except for an acquisition of a leasehold interest, a purchase or acquisition of an interest in real property in violation of Section 5.253 is not void because of the violation, and the validity or enforceability by any person of a purchase contract for or the conveyance of an interest in the real property is not otherwise affected by the violation.
Sec. 5.255. ATTORNEY GENERAL INVESTIGATION AND DISCOVERY; SECRETARY OF STATE INTERROGATORIES AND RECORDS. (a) The attorney general may conduct discovery to investigate a potential action under Section 5.254 or in an action brought under Section 5.254, including by:
(1) petitioning for an order authorizing the taking of a deposition under Rule 202, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure; or
(2) if the attorney general has reason to believe that a person may be in possession, custody, or control of any documentary material or other evidence or may have any information relevant to an investigation of a suspected violation of Section 5.253, issuing in writing and serving on the person a civil investigative demand requiring the person to:
(A) produce any of the documentary material for inspection and copying;
(B) answer in writing any written interrogatories;
(C) give oral testimony; or
(D) provide any combination of civil investigative demands under Paragraph (A), (B), or (C).
(b) The secretary of state shall on request by the attorney general:
(1) serve interrogatories on an individual or entity as necessary to determine the ownership or control of an organization that is the subject of an action by the attorney general under Section 5.254; and
(2) provide to the attorney general all records held by the secretary relating to the ownership or control of an organization that is the subject of an action by the attorney general under Section 5.254.
Sec. 5.256. DIVESTITURE; APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVER; DISTRIBUTION OF SALE PROCEEDS. (a) If the district court finds that the real property subject to an action brought under Section 5.254 was purchased or an interest in the real property was otherwise acquired in violation of Section 5.253, the court shall:
(1) enter an order that:
(A) states the court's finding;
(B) orders the divestment of the individual's or entity's interest in the real property; and
(C) appoints a receiver to:
(i) divest the individual's or entity's interest in the real property through sale, termination of a leasehold, or other disposition of the interest; and
(ii) manage and control the real property pending the sale or other disposition of the interest in the real property; and
(2) refer the matter to the appropriate prosecuting attorney for criminal prosecution of any appropriate criminal offense in connection with the transaction.
(b) On appointment and qualification, a receiver appointed under this section has the powers and duties of a receiver under Chapter 64, Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
(c) Proceeds from the sale or other disposition of an interest in real property under an order described by Subsection (a) shall be applied first to satisfy any existing liens on the property and then to pay the reasonable costs incurred by the state in enforcing this subchapter. The remaining proceeds shall be remitted to the individual or entity that purchased or otherwise acquired the interest in violation of this subchapter.
SECTION 4. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the attorney general shall adopt rules for the implementation of Subchapter H, Chapter 5, Property Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 5. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to the purchase or acquisition of an interest in real property on or after the effective date of this Act. The purchase or acquisition of an interest in real property before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect immediately before the effective date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 6. It is the intent of the legislature that every provision, section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word in this Act, and every application of the provisions in this Act to each person or entity, is severable from each other. If any application of any provision in this Act to any person, group of persons, or circumstances is found by a court to be invalid for any reason, the remaining applications of that provision to all other persons and circumstances shall be severed and may not be affected. If a court finds invalid, for any reason, a prohibition under this Act on the purchase or acquisition of an interest in real property in this state by an individual described by Section 5.253(4), Property Code, as added by this Act, the court shall, notwithstanding the finding, construe this Act to prohibit the purchase or acquisition of an interest in real property in this state by an individual who is a citizen of a country other than the United States and is domiciled in a designated country described by Section 5.251(3), Property Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 7. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 17 (house committee report) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. (a) The legislature finds the following as informed by the determination of the United States Director of National Intelligence in the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community issued pursuant to Section 108B, National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. Section 3043b):
(1) with respect to China:
(A) China's dominance in the mining and processing of critical materials is a particular threat, providing it with the ability to restrict quantities and affect global prices. Beijing has shown a willingness to restrict global access to its mineral resources;
(B) China is using an aggressive whole-of-government approach, combined with state direction of the private sector, to become a global science and technology superpower. It wishes to surpass the United States and achieve further economic, political, and military gain;
(C) China is accelerating its progress by using illicit means;
(D) China has stolen hundreds of gigabytes of intellectual property from companies across the world, including from the United States;
(E) China is heavily investing in collecting health and genetic data;
(F) China poses health risks to the world;
(G) Beijing will continue to expand its coercive, subversive, and malignant influence activities to weaken the United States. It seeks to suppress critical views of China within the United States; and
(H) China has increased its capabilities to conduct covert influence operations and disseminate disinformation;
(2) with respect to Russia:
(A) Russia's advanced cyber capabilities, its repeated success compromising sensitive targets for intelligence collection, and its past attempts to access United States critical infrastructure make it a persistent counterintelligence and cyber attack threat; and
(B) Russia intentionally stokes political discord in the West including by amplifying preferred Russian narratives. Russia discretely engages Americans in these processes while hiding Russia's involvement;
(3) with respect to Iran:
(A) Iran's growing expertise and willingness to conduct aggressive cyber operations make it a major threat to the security of the United States. Guidance from Iranian leaders has incentivized cyber actors to become more aggressive in developing capabilities to conduct cyberattacks;
(B) Iran remains committed to its longstanding efforts to develop surrogate networks inside the United States; and
(C) Iran has previously tried to conduct lethal operations in the United States; and
(4) With respect to North Korea:
(A) North Korea may expand its ongoing cyber espionage operations;
(B) North Korea continues to pursue military capabilities that threaten the United States and enable the North to undermine the United States;
(C) cooperation among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea has grown rapidly in recent years, reinforcing threats from each. Such cooperation has strengthened their abilities to harm the United States; and
(D) North Korea will continue to defy international sanctions and engage in illicit activities, including stealing cryptocurrency, sending labor overseas, and trading UN-proscribed goods to resource and fund the North's priorities.
(b) The legislature finds it necessary to exercise the police power of this state as provided in this legislation.
Floor Amendment No. 4
Amend CSSB 17 (house committee report) on page 4, line 24, between "country" and the underlined semicolon, by inserting "and is not lawfully present and residing in the United States at the time the individual purchases, acquires, or holds the interest".
Floor Amendment No. 6
Amend CSSB 17 (house committee report) on page 4, line 6, by striking "100" and substituting "two".
Floor Amendment No. 7
Amend Amendment No. 6 by Little to CSSB 17 on page 1, by striking line 2 of the amendment and substituting "line 6, by striking "100 years" and substituting "one year"".
Floor Amendment No. 9
Amend CSSB 17 (house committee report) on page 5 as follows:
(1) On line 5, strike "or".
(2) On line 10, strike the underlined period and substitute "; or".
(3) Between lines 10 and 11, insert the following:
(E) is a member of the ruling political party or any subdivision of the ruling political party in a designated country.
Floor Amendment No. 14
Amend CSSB 17 (house committee report) as follows:
(1) On page 2, line 24, strike "means a country" and substitute the following:
means:
(1) a country
(2) On page 3, line 2, strike the underlined period and substitute the following:
; or
(B) a country designated by the governor under Section 5.254.
(3) On page 3, between lines 19 and 20, insert the following appropriately numbered subdivision:
(____) "Transnational criminal organization" means two or more persons:
(A) who are citizens of or domiciled in a designated country;
(B) with an identifiable leadership who operate internationally; and
(C) who continuously or regularly associate to engage in corruption, violence, or the commission of other criminal activities.
(4) On page 4, line 15, strike "or".
(5) On page 4, line 18, immediately following the underlined semicolon, add the following:
or
(D) designated by the governor under Section 5.254;
(6) On page 5, between lines 10 and 11, insert the following:
Sec. 5.254. DESIGNATION OF COUNTRY OR ENTITY AS SUBJECT TO PROHIBITION ON PURCHASE OR ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY. (a) The governor, after consultation with the public safety director of the Department of Public Safety, may, for purposes of Section 5.253:
(1) determine whether the purchase or acquisition of an interest in real property in this state by an individual or entity poses a risk to the national security of the public; and
(2) based on a determination made under Subdivision (1):
(A) designate a country or a transnational criminal organization or other entity as subject to this subchapter; or
(B) remove a designation made under Paragraph (A).
(b) The governor shall consult the Homeland Security Council established under Subchapter B, Chapter 421, Government Code, for purposes of making or removing a designation under this section.
(c) The designation or removal of the designation of a country or entity under this section applies only to the purchase or acquisition of an interest in real property that occurs on or after the date the governor designates or removes the designation of the country or entity.
(7) On page 5, line 11, strike "5.254" and substitute "5.255".
(8) On page 6, line 13, strike "5.255" and substitute "5.256".
(9) On page 6, line 16, strike "5.254 or in an action brought under Section 5.254" and substitute "5.255 or in an action brought under Section 5.255".
(10) On page 7, line 11, strike "5.254" and substitute "5.255".
(11) On page 7, line 15, strike "5.254" and substitute "5.255".
(12) On page 7, line 16, strike "5.256" and substitute "5.257".
(13) On page 7, line 19, strike "5.254" and substitute "5.255".
Floor Amendment No. 15
Amend CSSB 17 (house committee report) on page 8, between lines 17 and 18, by adding the following appropriately numbered sections to added Subchapter H, Chapter 5, Property Code:
Sec. ____. OFFENSE; PENALTY. (a) A person commits an offense if the person:
(1) is an individual described by Section 5.253(4); and
(2) intentionally or knowingly purchases or otherwise acquires an interest in real property in this state in violation of this subchapter.
(b) An offense under Subsection (a) is a state jail felony.
Sec. ____. CIVIL PENALTY. (a) The attorney general may bring an action in the name of the state against a company or entity that violates this subchapter.
(b) A company or entity that a court determines in an action brought under this section to have violated this subchapter is liable to the state for a civil penalty equal to the greater of:
(1) $250,000; or
(2) 50 percent of the market value of the interest in real property that is the subject of the violation.
The amendments were read.
Senator Kolkhorst moved that the Senate do not concur in the House amendments, but that a conference committee be appointed to adjust the differences between the two Houses on the bill.
The motion prevailed without objection.
The Presiding Officer asked if there were any motions to instruct the conference committee on SB 17 before appointment.
There were no motions offered.
The Presiding Officer announced the appointment of the following conferees on the part of the Senate: Senators Kolkhorst, Chair; Hughes, Middleton, Hall, and J. Hinojosa.
SENATE BILL 509 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Bettencourt called SB 509 from the President's table for consideration of the House amendment to the bill.
The Presiding Officer laid the bill and the House amendment before the Senate.
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 509 as follows:
On page 1, strike lines 15-20, insert the following and renumber subsequent subsections accordingly:
(b) Before issuing injunctive relief, the court must afford the attorney general a reasonable opportunity to participate in the hearing and, at the attorney general's option, to intervene.
The amendment was read.
Senator Bettencourt moved that the Senate do not concur in the House amendment, but that a conference committee be appointed to adjust the differences between the two Houses on the bill.
The motion prevailed without objection.
The Presiding Officer asked if there were any motions to instruct the conference committee on SB 509 before appointment.
There were no motions offered.
The Presiding Officer announced the appointment of the following conferees on the part of the Senate: Senators Bettencourt, Chair; Birdwell, Hughes, Paxton, and Zaffirini.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1310 ON THIRD READING
Senator Cook moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1310 at this time on its third reading and final passage:
CSSB 1310, Relating to senior retirement communities.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hagenbuch, A. Hinojosa, Hughes, King, Middleton.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2857 ON SECOND READING
Senator Blanco moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 2857 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 2857, Relating to a prescription drug purchasing pool for certain health benefit plan issuers and employers.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hall, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2857 ON THIRD READING
Senator Blanco moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 2857 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hall, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 2294 REREFERRED
(Motion In Writing)
Senator Zaffirini submitted a Motion In Writing requesting that HB 2294 be withdrawn from the Committee on Economic Development and rereferred to the Committee on State Affairs.
The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.
SENATE RULE 11.13 SUSPENDED
(Consideration of Bills in Committees)
(Motion In Writing)
Senator Zaffirini submitted the following Motion In Writing:
Mr. President:
I move to suspend Senate Rule 11.13 to permit committees to meet during consideration of the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
ZAFFIRINI
The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.
(Senator Blanco in Chair)
SENATE RULES SUSPENDED
(Posting Rules)
On motion of Senator Hughes and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 11.10(a), Senate Rule 11.13, and Senate Rule 11.18(a) were suspended in order that the Committee on State Affairs might meet at 4:15 p.m. today at Desk 1.
SENATE RULES SUSPENDED
(Posting Rules)
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 at 4:15 p.m. today at Desk 22 and consider the following bills:
HB 1237, HB 2663, HB 4384.
SENATE RULES SUSPENDED
(Posting Rules)
On motion of Senator Kolkhorst and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 11.10(a) and Senate Rule 11.18(a) were suspended in order that the Committee on Business and Commerce might meet at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow in Room E1.012 and consider HB 2213.
SENATE RULES SUSPENDED
(Posting Rules)
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 at 4:17 p.m. today at Desk 1.
HOUSE BILL ON FIRST READING
The following bill received from the House was read first time and referred to the committee indicated:
HB 24 to Committee on Local Government.
SENATE RULES SUSPENDED
(Posting Rules)
On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 11.10(a) and Senate Rule 11.18(a) were suspended in order that the Committee on Local Government might meet at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow in the Betty King Committee Room, 2E.20, and consider the following bills: HB 24, HB 3687.
AT EASE
Senator Blanco at 4:15 p.m. announced the Senate would stand At Ease subject to the call of the Chair.
IN LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Senator Middleton at 4:38 p.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. Notice of consideration of the local calendar was given by Senator Hall yesterday.
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.
HB 37 (Huffman)
Relating to perinatal bereavement care provided by certain hospitals, a perinatal bereavement care initiative, and a perinatal bereavement care hospital recognition program.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSHB 109 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to the construction, expansion, and operation of certain inpatient mental health facilities and the designation of residential treatment facilities for certain juveniles.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 1130 (Campbell)
Relating to liability of a cavern entity for injuries arising from certain activities.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 1238 (Parker)
Relating to the inspection of the location of a proposed Class I injection well.
(viva voce vote) (29-2) "Nays" Cook, Eckhardt (29-2) "Nays" Cook, Eckhardt
HB 1327 (Miles)
Relating to the continuation of a health care provider participation program by the Harris County Hospital District.
(viva voce vote) (28-3) "Nays" Hughes, Middleton, Sparks (28-3) "Nays" Hughes, Middleton, Sparks
HB 1610 (Johnson)
Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, including conforming amendments.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 1615 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain local laws concerning water and wastewater special districts, including a conforming amendment.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 1620 (Johnson)
Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 88th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 1689 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to the use of certain groundwater export fees collected by a groundwater conservation district.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 2809 (Johnson)
Relating to required reporting by the Department of Family and Protective Services regarding youth in the managing conservatorship of the department who attempt suicide.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 2884 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to the required disclosure of certain financial relationships in civil actions regarding the activities of United States defense contractors.
(viva voce vote) (30-1) "Nay" Eckhardt (30-1) "Nay" Eckhardt
HB 2890 (Parker)
Relating to an interstate compact for the liquefied natural gas industry.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 4215 (Schwertner)
Relating to the regulation of delivery network companies; requiring an occupational permit; authorizing a fee.
(viva voce vote) (28-3) "Nays" Hughes, Middleton, Sparks (28-3) "Nays" Hughes, Middleton, Sparks
HB 5092 (Perry)
Relating to the operation and dissolution of the Lubbock Reese Redevelopment Authority and to agreements between Texas Tech University and the authority.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HCR 7 (Hall)
Designating September 29 as Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Day for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 75 (Nichols)
Designating Hemphill as the official Bass Fishing Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 86 (Parker)
Designating Denton as the official Halloween Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 92 (West)
Designating the fourth Thursday of March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 93 (Nichols)
Designating Nacogdoches as the official Garden Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 126 (Nichols)
Designating Corrigan as the official Timber Products Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
SB 644 (Johnson)
Relating to designating the second Saturday in October as Hospice and Palliative Care Day.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
SB 1230 (Hughes)
Relating to the designation of Farm-to-Market Road 10 in Panola County as the Deputy Sheriff Chris Dickerson Memorial Highway.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSSB 1361 (Alvarado)
Relating to a disaster recovery loan program for small and micro-businesses.
(viva voce vote) (30-1) "Nay" Sparks (30-1) "Nay" Sparks
SB 1778 (Miles)
Relating to the use of telemedicine services in the juvenile justice system.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSSB 1790 (Campbell)
Relating to the composition of the Comal County Juvenile Board.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
(Senator Eckhardt in Chair)
CSSB 2460 (Creighton)
Relating to rapid DNA analysis performed by certain law enforcement agencies and the content of certain DNA databases.
(viva voce vote) (30-1) "Nay" Cook (30-1) "Nay" Cook
SB 2515 (Hughes)
Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 64 in Smith County as the Fire Marshal Jimmy W. Seaton Memorial Highway.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSSB 2747 (Paxton)
Relating to limitations applicable to certain agreements providing for a rebate of municipal sales and use taxes or a grant or loan based on those taxes.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSSB 2751 (Paxton)
Relating to the inspection of residential and day placement facilities for special education students.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
SB 2790 (West)
Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 67 in Dallas and Ellis Counties as the Eddie Bernice Johnson Memorial Highway.
(viva voce vote) (30-0-1) "Present-not voting" Hagenbuch (30-0-1) "Present-not voting" Hagenbuch
SB 3048 (Birdwell)
Relating to the creation of the Bluebonnet Hills Municipal Management District No. 1; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes; granting a limited power of eminent domain.
(viva voce vote) (27-4) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks (27-4) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks
SB 3050 (Hughes)
Relating to the creation of the Fannin County Improvement District No. 1; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
(viva voce vote) (28-3) "Nays" Hall, Middleton, Sparks (28-3) "Nays" Hall, Middleton, Sparks
CSSB 3051 (Paxton)
Relating to the creation of the Grassland Municipal Utility District No. 1 of Collin County; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
(viva voce vote) (27-4) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks (27-4) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks
SB 3052 (Parker)
Relating to the powers and duties and validating certain acts and proceedings of the Cole Ranch Improvement District No. 1 of Denton County, Texas.
(viva voce vote) (28-3) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Middleton (28-3) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Middleton
SB 3053 (Parker)
Relating to the powers and duties and validating certain acts and proceedings of the Hunter Ranch Improvement District No. 1 of Denton County, Texas.
(viva voce vote) (28-3) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Middleton (28-3) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Middleton
SB 3056 (Hagenbuch)
Relating to the creation of the Alluvium Ranch Municipal Management District No. 1; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes; granting a limited power of eminent domain.
(viva voce vote) (27-4) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks (27-4) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks
CSSB 3058 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to certain improvements made and programs developed by the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District.
(viva voce vote) (28-3) "Nays" Eckhardt, Hughes, Middleton (28-3) "Nays" Eckhardt, Hughes, Middleton
SB 3061 (Creighton)
Relating to the eligibility of children of certain elected officials to participate in an education savings account program.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
BILLS REMOVED FROM
LOCAL AND UNCONTESTED CALENDAR
Senator Perry and Senator Hall requested in writing that SB 1086 be removed from the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
Senator Flores and Senator Hall requested in writing that SB 1553 be removed from the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
SESSION CONCLUDED FOR
LOCAL AND UNCONTESTED CALENDAR
Senator Eckhardt 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 4 to Committee on Education K-16.
HB 46 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 101 to Committee on Veteran Affairs.
HB 146 to Committee on Business and Commerce.
HB 170 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 214 to Committee on Border Security.
HB 305 to Committee on Criminal Justice.
HB 426 to Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 549 to Committee on Education K-16.
HB 551 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 594 to Committee on Local Government.
HB 722 to Committee on Business and Commerce.
HB 824 to Committee on Education K-16.
HB 1119 to Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 1579 to Committee on Education K-16.
HB 2215 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 2458 to Committee on Criminal Justice.
HB 2530 to Committee on Jurisprudence.
HB 2674 to Committee on Education K-16.
HB 2713 to Committee on Local Government.
HB 2974 to Committee on Economic Development.
HB 3015 to Committee on Finance.
HB 3151 to Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 3180 to Committee on Jurisprudence.
HB 3221 to Committee on Finance.
HB 3359 to Committee on Veteran Affairs.
HB 3556 to Committee on Natural Resources.
HB 4088 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 4211 to Committee on Business and Commerce.
HB 4396 to Committee on Economic Development.
HB 4413 to Committee on Natural Resources.
HB 4580 to Committee on Local Government.
HB 4609 to Committee on Finance.
HB 4864 to Committee on Local Government.
HB 5088 to Committee on Economic Development.
HB 5154 to Committee on Education K-16.
HB 5263 to Committee on Education K-16.
HJR 182 to Committee on Veteran Affairs.
CO-SPONSOR WITHDRAWN
The following letter was received by the Secretary of the Senate:
CAROL ALVARADO
STATE SENATOR
DISTRICT 6
May 14, 2025
Patsy Spaw
Secretary of the Senate
Texas Capitol, Room 2E.22
Austin, Texas 78701
Dear Ms. Spaw:
Please remove my name as a co-sponsor of House Bill 21. Thank you for your assistance, and please contact my office should you need any additional information.
Sincerely,
/s/Carol Alvarado
State Senator, District 6
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 128
On motion of Senator Hall, Senators Birdwell and King will be shown as Co-authors of SB 128.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 155
On motion of Senator Menéndez, Senator Gutierrez will be shown as Co-author of SB 155.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 451
On motion of Senator Middleton, Senator King will be shown as Co-author of SB 451.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 867
On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senators Alvarado, Eckhardt, and Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-authors of SB 867.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1073
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Huffman will be shown as Co-author of SB 1073.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1361
On motion of Senator Alvarado, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 1361.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1520
On motion of Senator Campbell, Senator Eckhardt will be shown as Co-author of SB 1520.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1778
On motion of Senator Miles, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 1778.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 2309
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-author of SB 2309.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 2420
On motion of Senator Paxton, Senator A. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-author of SB 2420.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 2639
On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-author of SB 2639.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 2790
On motion of Senator West, Senator Eckhardt will be shown as Co-author of SB 2790.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 2850
On motion of Senator Menéndez, Senator Gutierrez will be shown as Co-author of SB 2850.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 2857
On motion of Senator Blanco, Senators Campbell, J. Hinojosa, and Menéndez will be shown as Co-authors of SB 2857.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 2972
On motion of Senator Creighton, Senators King and Middleton will be shown as Co-authors of SB 2972.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 3073
On motion of Senator Huffman, Senators Birdwell, Campbell, King, and Middleton will be shown as Co-authors of SB 3073.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 87
On motion of Senator Huffman, Senators Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, King, and Middleton will be shown as Co-authors of SJR 87.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 9
On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senators Alvarado, Creighton, Gutierrez, A. Hinojosa, Hughes, King, Middleton, Paxton, Sparks, and West will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 9.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 21
On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senators Campbell, Flores, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Kolkhorst, Middleton, and West will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 21.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 30
On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senator Creighton will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 30.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 35
On motion of Senator West, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 35.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 37
On motion of Senator Huffman, Senators Blanco and West will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 37.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 116
On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 116.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 138
On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 138.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 334
On motion of Senator Blanco, Senator Alvarado will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 334.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 748
On motion of Senator Paxton, Senator Eckhardt will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 748.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 754
On motion of Senator Parker, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 754.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 1151
On motion of Senator West, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 1151.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 1188
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Eckhardt will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 1188.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 1314
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 1314.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 1612
On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 1612.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 1778
On motion of Senator Huffman, Senator J. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 1778.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 2254
On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 2254.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 2890
On motion of Senator Parker, Senator Creighton will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 2890.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 3348
On motion of Senator Parker, Senator Paxton will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 3348.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 3526
On motion of Senator West, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 3526.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 7
On motion of Senator Hall, Senator West will be shown as Co-sponsor of HCR 7.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1
On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senators Alvarado, Blanco, Creighton, Gutierrez, A. Hinojosa, Hughes, King, Middleton, Parker, Paxton, Sparks, and West will be shown as Co-sponsors of HJR 1.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, the Senate at 5:02 p.m. adjourned until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.
APPENDIX
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following committee reports were received by the Secretary of the Senate in the order listed:
May 14, 2025
CRIMINAL JUSTICE — HB 45, HB 48, HB 1261, HB 1465, HB 1778, HB 2596, HB 5238, SB 2969, CSHB 33
EDUCATION K-16 — HB 1188, HB 210, HB 1022, HB 1458
CRIMINAL JUSTICE — SJR 87, SB 3073
WATER, AGRICULTURE, AND RURAL AFFAIRS — CSSB 2497, CSHB 5560
EDUCATION K-16 — CSSB 1798
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT — HB 1240, HB 1950, HB 2027, HB 2768, HB 2788, HB 2791, HB 3146, HB 3698, HB 3699, SB 2603, SB 2607, HCR 90, HB 1893, HB 3700, CSHB 4850, CSHB 4187, CSHB 1397
CRIMINAL JUSTICE — CSSB 781, HB 4885
TRANSPORTATION — HB 4804, HB 3751, HB 3611, HB 2775, HB 2061, HB 2003, HB 1729, HB 1242, HB 791, HB 2029, HB 647, HB 2522
FINANCE — HB 4738, HB 3033, HB 3594, HB 3474
NATURAL RESOURCES — HB 2563
FINANCE — CSHB 2802
BILLS AND RESOLUTION ENGROSSED
May 14, 2025
SB 644, SB 1073, SB 1230, SB 1285, SB 1310, SB 1359, SB 1361, SB 1778, SB 1790, SB 2460, SB 2515, SB 2532, SB 2619, SB 2747, SB 2751, SB 2790, SB 2847, SB 2857, SB 2972, SB 3048, SB 3050, SB 3051, SB 3052, SB 3053, SB 3056, SB 3058, SB 3061, SB 3073, SJR 87
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ENROLLED
May 14, 2025
SB 250, SB 314, SB 455, SB 617, SB 761, SB 1012, SB 1023, SB 1236, SB 1886, SB 2004, SB 2122, SB 2269, SB 2306, SB 2371, SB 2411, SB 2420, SB 2929, SR 395, SR 480, SR 511, SR 515, SR 516, SR 517, SR 518, SR 519, SR 520, SR 521
SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
May 14, 2025
SB 29, SB 608
In Memory
of
Marcelo Garcia III
Senate Resolution 511
WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt at the loss of Houston firefighter Marcelo Garcia III, who tragically died in the line of duty on November 6, 2024, at the age of 42; and
WHEREAS, The son of Marcelo Garcia Jr. and Rosa Giannukos, Marcelo Garcia was born in Houston on June 24, 1982; an outstanding athlete, he played football for the Magnolia Park Sharks, and he excelled as a member of the baseball team at Milby High School; following his graduation in 2000, he attended Texas Southern University, where he majored in business administration and continued to compete in baseball; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Garcia embarked on his career with the Houston Fire Department in 2015; he proudly served at Houston Fire Station No. 23, earning a reputation for his work ethic and optimism and for going above and beyond to assist those in need; committed to giving back to the community at large, he mentored young athletes and volunteered with Angels in the Outfield and at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School; moreover, he lent a helping hand to his neighbors, assisting with such tasks as mowing yards or picking up trash; his generous efforts in behalf of his fellow residents have inspired an outpouring of sympathy and support, testifying to the positive role that he played in the lives of all who knew him; and
WHEREAS, Admired for his kindness, integrity, and unwavering dedication, Marcelo Garcia embodied the highest ideals of the firefighting profession, and he left behind a record of service that his loved ones can remember with pride; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Marcelo Garcia III and extend deepest condolences to the members of his family: to his father, Marcelo Garcia Jr., and his stepmother, Diana Garcia; to his mother, Rosa Giannukos, and his stepfather, Nalan Giannukos; to his sister, Erica Garcia, and her husband, Kenneth Bou; to his niece and nephew, Lily and Jordi Bou; to his grandparents, Esteban and Evangelina Ballesteros and Frances Garcia; to his girlfriend, Sylvia Ramos; and to his many other relatives and friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Marcelo Garcia.
BETTENCOURT
HANCOCK
NICHOLS
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BIRDWELL
A. HINOJOSA
PARKER
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