FORTIETH DAY
(Thursday, May 15, 2025)
The Senate met at 11:28 a.m. pursuant to adjournment and was called to order by Senator Flores.
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 Presiding Officer announced that a quorum of the Senate was present.
Pastor Peter Hill, First Baptist Church, Canyon Lake, offered the invocation as follows:
Heavenly Father, our creator and sustainer, we praise and thank You today for Your abundant offerings of mercy, grace, and forgiveness. I ask You to give to each distinguished representative here today and anyone within the hearing of my voice the wisdom of King Solomon to rightly judge what and who comes before them today and every day. I join the Apostle Paul, in his book to the Philippians, praying that each Senator will discern what is best for our great State of Texas and its wonderful people, that they will make decisions and cast votes based on principles that are eternal and life-giving that will promote the good of all Texans. I thank You for these men and women and their willingness to serve and ask that You would protect each of them, their families, and their staff from all attacks, whether verbal, physical, social media, et cetera, that might come their way. I pray blessings over this Chamber that business may be conducted in a calm, respectful, peaceful, and orderly fashion. I ask all the things in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 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
Thursday, May 15, 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 coverage for mental health conditions and substance use disorders under certain governmental health benefit plans.
Relating to the system for appraising property for ad valorem tax purposes.
Relating to a matching grant program for technological enhancements at hospitals providing mental health care services.
Relating to fireworks sales to the public by retail fireworks permit holders in certain counties.
Relating to the participation of an advanced practice registered nurse as a participating or preferred provider for health maintenance organizations and preferred provider benefit plans.
Relating to the right to repurchase from a condemning entity certain real property for which ad valorem taxes are delinquent.
Relating to regulation by certain counties of roadside or parking lot vendors and solicitors.
Relating to a study by the Texas Veterans Commission regarding the provision of veterans benefits in this state.
Relating to policy-making authority of constables for the purpose of a federal civil rights action.
Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use certain tax revenue derived from a hotel and convention center project.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Commission on Border Security and Illegal Immigration.
Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use certain tax revenue for certain qualified projects.
Relating to the video recording of a deposition taken of the testimony of certain elderly or disabled persons in a criminal case.
Relating to the authority of a municipality to regulate a home-based business.
Relating to the carrying of a handgun by a county commissioner in certain locations.
Relating to restrictions on political contributions by out-of-state contributors; providing a civil penalty.
Relating to the operations of municipal hospital authorities.
Relating to taxes imposed on vinous liquor.
Relating to prohibiting organ transplant recipient discrimination on the basis of vaccination status.
Relating to liability of public schools and professional school employees for certain acts or omissions involving students.
Relating to motor fuel measuring, quality, and testing standards.
Relating to the remote participation of certain persons in a proceeding for the issuance or modification of a protective order.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that a political subdivision other than a school district, county, municipality, or junior college district may impose on the residence homesteads of certain low-income persons who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.
Respectfully,
/s/Stephen Brown,
Chief Clerk
House of Representatives
MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR
The following Message from the Governor was read and was referred to the Committee on Nominations:
May 15, 2025
Austin, Texas
TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:
On April 17, 2025, I submitted the name of Antonio L. Santana for appointment to the Coastal Water Authority Board of Directors for a term to expire April 1, 2027.
Because he resigned, I hereby withdraw his nomination.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/Greg Abbott
Governor
PHYSICIAN OF THE DAY
Senator Campbell was recognized and presented Dr. Michael Hindman of New Braunfels as the Physician of the Day.
The Senate welcomed Dr. Hindman and thanked him for his participation in the Physician of the Day program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.
SENATE RESOLUTION 360
Senator Gutierrez offered the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day is taking place on May 15, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Established in 2012, the observance promotes better understanding of hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of nausea and vomiting that occurs during pregnancy; patients with the condition may experience significant weight loss, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and debility and are at an increased risk for preterm labor; moreover, affected newborns may suffer from low birth weight and neurodevelopmental issues; and
WHEREAS, It is vital that patients with hyperemesis gravidarum receive tailored care as soon as they experience symptoms, which may begin as early as the fourth week of their pregnancy; and
WHEREAS, HG is an underdiagnosed condition that affects nearly 6 million women worldwide, and in 2023, some 900 patients in Texas received treatment for the disorder; it is the number one cause of hospitalization in early pregnancy as well as the number two cause of hospitalization overall in pregnancy, resulting in an annual national cost of $3 billion; and
WHEREAS, Hyperemesis gravidarum poses a serious risk to expectant mothers and their developing babies, and Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day serves as a means of educating the public about the condition, calling attention to the need for more research, and uniting Texans in their commitment to improving outcomes for patients; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby recognize May 15, 2025, as Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day and urge all Texans to learn more about the condition.
SR 360 was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Gutierrez was recognized and introduced to the Senate a Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day delegation including Texas Medical Association Healthcare Quality Director Kathryn Clarke.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTION 522
Senator Menéndez offered the following resolution:
SR 522, Recognizing the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Latina Leadership Institute.
MENÉNDEZ
CAMPBELL
GUTIERREZ
ZAFFIRINI
The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.
GUESTS PRESENTED
Senator Menéndez was recognized and introduced to the Senate a San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Latina Leadership Institute delegation including Luis Rodriguez, Juan A. Flores, Lily Garcia, Laura Mayes, and Estrellita Garcia-Diaz.
The Senate welcomed its guests.
SENATE RESOLUTIONS
The following resolutions were offered:
SR 524 by Blanco, Recognizing the revitalization efforts at Rio Vista Farm on the occasion of Preservation Month 2025.
SR 525 by J. Hinojosa, Recognizing Jose Noe Mendez on the occasion of his 100th birthday.
SR 526 by Johnson, Hall, Parker, and West, Recognizing Berna Dean Steptoe on the occasion of her retirement.
SR 527 by Johnson, Recognizing Wayne R. Maynard for receiving the Governor's Lifetime Achievement Award.
SR 528 by Zaffirini, Recognizing Mary Help of Christians School on the occasion of its 90th anniversary.
SR 529 by Hancock, Recognizing Kay Granger for being named Fort Worth Inc. Person of the Year.
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.
INTRODUCTION OF
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS POSTPONED
The Presiding Officer 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 Presiding Officer at 12:01 p.m. announced the conclusion of morning call.
HOUSE BILL 630 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Zaffirini and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 630 at this time on its second reading:
HB 630, Relating to certificates of title for certain outboard motors.
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 630 ON THIRD READING
Senator Zaffirini moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 630 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 1593 ON SECOND READING
Senator Middleton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 1593 at this time on its second reading:
HB 1593, Relating to an advisory committee to study suicide prevention and peer support programs in fire departments in this state.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Hall 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: Hall.
HOUSE BILL 1593 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 HB 1593 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Hall.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 879 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 879 at this time on its second reading:
HB 879, Relating to the licensing of certain military veterans as health care providers.
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 879 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 879 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 3012 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Nichols and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 3012 at this time on its second reading:
HB 3012, Relating to the fee for a driving safety course.
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 3012 ON THIRD READING
Senator Nichols moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 3012 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 30 ON SECOND READING
Senator Bettencourt moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 30 at this time on its second reading:
HB 30, Relating to the effect of a disaster and associated costs on the calculation of certain tax rates and the procedure for adoption of a tax rate by a taxing unit.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2696 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Campbell and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 2696 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 2696, Relating to the regulation of the performance of cosmetic injections; requiring an occupational certificate; authorizing fees.
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.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2696 ON THIRD READING
Senator Campbell moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 2696 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Middleton.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 30 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 30 be placed on its third reading and final passage:
HB 30, Relating to the effect of a disaster and associated costs on the calculation of certain tax rates and the procedure for adoption of a tax rate by a taxing unit.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Miles.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
SENATE BILL 2043 ON THIRD READING
Senator Hughes moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 2043 at this time on its third reading and final passage:
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 third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 2308 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS
Senator Parker called SB 2308 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 2308 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
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.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle C, Title 6, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Chapter 491 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 491. GRANT PROGRAM FOR DRUG DEVELOPMENT OF IBOGAINE TREATMENT
Sec. 491.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Commission" means the Health and Human Services Commission.
(2) "Executive commissioner" means the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission.
Sec. 491.002. RULES. The executive commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to administer this chapter.
Sec. 491.003. ESTABLISHMENT OF GRANT PROGRAM. The commission shall establish and administer a grant program to fund a public-private partnership program that will pay for the costs of the United States Food and Drug Administration's drug development trials with ibogaine to secure 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.
Sec. 491.004. APPLICATION. (a) The commission shall prepare and issue a notice of funding opportunity to solicit applications for the grant program established under this chapter.
(b) An applicant may apply to the commission in the form and manner prescribed by the commission for a grant under this chapter. To be eligible for a grant, an applicant must:
(1) be a for-profit, nonprofit, or public benefit corporate entity that has the requisite organizational and financial capacity to:
(A) conduct the United States Food and Drug Administration's drug development trials with ibogaine to secure 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;
(B) as a result of the data obtained from the drug development trial described by Paragraph (A), seek United States Food and Drug Administration approval of ibogaine; and
(C) conduct future drug development trials of ibogaine 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; and
(2) provide:
(A) a detailed description of the planned strategy for obtaining approval for the drug development trial from the United States Food and Drug Administration;
(B) a detailed drug development trial design that includes:
(i) a description of the composition of the applicant's drug development trial team and the expertise of the team members;
(ii) a drug development trial participant recruitment plan;
(iii) detailed patient screening criteria and cardiac safety protocols;
(iv) administration protocols;
(v) an aftercare and post-acute treatment support plan; and
(vi) a data integrity plan;
(C) a proposal to recognize this state's commercial interest in all patentable intellectual property that may be generated over the course of the drug development trials, including:
(i) the treatment that is the subject of the trials;
(ii) administration protocols;
(iii) treatment models or techniques; and
(iv) technology used in the trials;
(D) a plan to establish a corporate presence in this state and to promote and maintain ibogaine-related biomedical research, development, treatment, manufacturing, and distribution in this state;
(E) a plan to secure third-party payor approval for ibogaine treatment following approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration through:
(i) private insurers;
(ii) Medicare;
(iii) Medicaid; and
(iv) the TRICARE program of the United States Department of Defense;
(F) a plan to ensure ibogaine treatment access to uninsured individuals following approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration;
(G) a plan to train and credential medical providers to administer ibogaine treatment according to developed clinical standards; and
(H) financial disclosures that verify the applicant's capacity to fully match state funding.
(c) The commission shall:
(1) make available the application required under this section; and
(2) announce a period of not less than 90 days during which applicants may submit an application under this chapter.
Sec. 491.005. SELECTION COMMITTEE. (a) The commission shall create a selection committee and select the number of members. The committee must be composed of:
(1) subject matter experts;
(2) philanthropic partners; and
(3) legislative designees.
(b) The selection committee shall review applications, communicate supplemental inquiries to applicants, and recommend to the commission the best applicants to conduct the drug development trials.
(c) The commission shall consider the recommendations of the selection committee in selecting the applicant to conduct the ibogaine drug development trial.
Sec. 491.006. INVESTIGATIONAL NEW DRUG APPLICATION. On notification from the commission that the applicant was selected to conduct the ibogaine drug development trial, the applicant shall, as soon as practicable:
(1) submit an investigational new drug (IND) application with the United States Food and Drug Administration in accordance with 21 C.F.R. Part 312; and
(2) seek a breakthrough therapy designation for ibogaine from the United States Food and Drug Administration under 21 U.S.C. Section 356.
Sec. 491.007. ESTABLISHMENT OF DRUG DEVELOPMENT TRIAL SITES. On approval of the applicant's investigational new drug application by the United States Food and Drug Administration, the commission shall, in consultation with the applicant, establish drug development trial sites that must be equipped and staffed to provide cardiac intensive care services to patients.
Sec. 491.008. CONDUCTING DRUG DEVELOPMENT TRIAL. (a) As soon as practicable after drug development trial sites are established under Section 491.007, the applicant shall begin a drug development trial to administer treatment with ibogaine.
(b) The commission, in consultation with the selection committee under Section 491.005, shall select an institutional review board with a presence in this state to oversee and verify the drug development trial research activity for scientific validation and authentication under the requirements of the United States Food and Drug Administration.
(c) The applicant shall request the designation under 21 U.S.C. Section 356 during the drug development trial if the ibogaine treatment is demonstrating efficacy.
Sec. 491.009. FUNDING. (a) The commission may use money appropriated to the commission and money received as a gift, grant, or donation to pay for a grant under this chapter. The commission may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations of any kind and from any source for purposes of this section.
(b) An applicant selected to perform a drug development trial under this chapter shall contribute toward the cost of developing the ibogaine treatment an amount of money that is at least equal to the amount of money that the applicant received in the form of a grant from the commission.
SECTION 2. If before implementing any provision of this Act a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision, the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the waiver or authorization is granted.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 2308 (house committee report) on page 1, between lines 17 and 18, by inserting the following:
(3) "Ibogaine" means ibogaine and ibogaine-based therapeutics, including ibogaine analogs.
The amendments were read.
Senator Parker 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 2308 before appointment.
There were no motions offered.
The Presiding Officer announced the appointment of the following conferees on the part of the Senate: Senators Parker, Chair; Kolkhorst, Creighton, Blanco, and King.
SENATE BILL 2309 ON SECOND READING
Senator Hughes moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 2309 at this time on its second reading:
SB 2309, Relating to election integrity and security of ballot boxes, including by preventing fraud in the conduct of elections in this state; authorizing a 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)
SENATE BILL 2850 ON SECOND READING
Senator Menéndez moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 2850 at this time on its second reading:
SB 2850, Relating to the task force on pollinator health.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Hall, Hughes, and Middleton asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Menéndez offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 2850 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In the recital to SECTION 1 of the bill, adding Section 131.011, Agriculture Code (page 1, lines 21 and 22), strike "Subchapter A, Chapter 131, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Section 131.011" and substitute "Subchapter B, Chapter 11, Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended by adding Section 11.0301".
(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in the heading to added Section 131.011, Agriculture Code (page 1, line 23), strike "131.011" and substitute "11.0301".
(3) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 131.011(a), Agriculture Code (page 1, line 25), strike "governor" and substitute "director".
(4) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 131.011(b), Agriculture Code (page 1, line 28), strike "governor" and substitute "director".
(5) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 131.011(b)(8), Agriculture Code (page 1, lines 44 and 45), strike "Parks and Wildlife Department" and substitute "department".
(6) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 131.011(h), Agriculture Code (page 2, line 7), strike "governor" and substitute "director".
(7) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 131.011(k), Agriculture Code (page 2, line 17), strike "agriculture" and substitute "wildlife".
(8) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 131.011(l), Agriculture Code (page 2, line 20), strike "governor" and substitute "department".
(9) In SECTION 2 of the bill, in the transition language (page 2, line 36), strike "governor" and substitute "executive director of the Parks and Wildlife Department".
(10) In SECTION 2 of the bill, in the transition language (page 2, line 38), strike "131.011(b), Agriculture Code" and substitute "11.0301(b), Parks and Wildlife Code".
The amendment to SB 2850 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
SB 2850 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: Hall, Hughes, Middleton.
SENATE BILL 2850 ON THIRD READING
Senator Menéndez moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 2850 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hall, Hughes, Middleton.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)
AT EASE
The Presiding Officer at 12:59 p.m. announced the Senate would stand At Ease subject to the call of the Chair.
IN LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The President at 2:04 p.m. called the Senate to order as In Legislative Session.
PRESENTATION OF GAVEL
The President presented an honorary gavel to Dean Zaffirini for casting her 75,000th vote.
BILLS SIGNED
The President announced the signing of the following enrolled bills in the presence of the Senate after the captions had been read:
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.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2639 ON SECOND READING
Senator Bettencourt moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 2639 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 2639, Relating to the designation of a property as a historic landmark and the inclusion of a property in a historic district or similar preservation district by certain municipalities.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2639 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 CSSB 2639 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1705 ON SECOND READING
Senator Parker moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1705 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 1705, Relating to the regulation of virtual currency kiosks; providing an administrative penalty.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hancock, Hughes, Middleton.
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 1705 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 1705 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, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hancock, Hughes, Middleton.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 2703 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Hall and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 2703 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2703, Relating to designating July as American Patriotism Month.
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 2703 ON THIRD READING
Senator Hall moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 2703 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 A. Hinojosa in Chair)
HOUSE BILL 3526 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 3526 at this time on its second reading:
HB 3526, Relating to fiscal transparency for bonds issued by local governmental entities.
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 3526 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 3526 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
SENATE BILL 2215 ON SECOND READING
Senator Campbell moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 2215 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 2215, Relating to the enforcement against violations by a municipality of certain zoning laws.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 835 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Paxton and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business, Senate Rule 5.14, and Senate Rule 7.12 were suspended to take up for consideration CSSB 835 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 835, Relating to the enforceability of certain nondisclosure or confidentiality provisions with respect to an act of sexual abuse.
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.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 835 ON THIRD READING
Senator Paxton moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 835 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
SENATE BILL 2215 ON THIRD READING
Senator Campbell moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 2215 be placed on its third reading and final passage:
CSSB 2215, Relating to the enforcement against violations by a municipality of certain zoning laws.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
RECESS
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, the Senate at 3:28 p.m. recessed until 3:50 p.m. today.
AFTER RECESS
The Senate met at 4:30 p.m. and was called to order by Senator Flores.
SENATE BILL 1897 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Hughes and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration SB 1897 at this time on its second reading:
SB 1897, Relating to advanced communications infrastructure security; authorizing a fee; providing administrative penalties.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Hughes offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 1897 (senate committee printing) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 67.001, Utilities Code (page 1, line 29), between "physical" and "infrastructure", insert "ground-based".
(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 67.003(b)(2)(B), Utilities Code (page 2, line 23), strike "and".
(3) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 67.003(b)(2)(C), Utilities Code (page 2, line 26), strike the underlined period and substitute "; and".
(4) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 67.003(b)(2), Utilities Code (page 2, between lines 26 and 27), insert the following:
(D) any other information required by the commission.
(5) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 67.004, Utilities Code (page 2, line 37), strike "on" and substitute "that includes any information required by the commission regarding".
(6) In SECTION 2 of the bill, (page 3, line 5) strike "January 1, 2026" and substitute "January 1, 2027".
The amendment to SB 1897 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
SB 1897 as amended was passed to engrossment without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
SENATE BILL 1897 ON THIRD READING
Senator Hughes moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 1897 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.
MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
HOUSE CHAMBER
Austin, Texas
Thursday, May 15, 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 postconviction applications for a writ of habeas corpus.
Relating to measures to protect public institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of theft of trade secrets; providing civil penalties; increasing a criminal penalty.
Relating to change order limits for certain construction contracts.
Relating to the consideration of the proportion of long-term debt and equity capitalization in establishing the rates of certain electric utilities.
Relating to the entitlement of certain municipalities to certain tax revenue associated with hotel and convention center projects.
Relating to a severance tax exemption for oil and gas produced from certain previously inactive restimulation wells; providing a civil penalty.
Relating to prohibiting certain personal services performed by school district administrators; providing a civil penalty.
Relating to the ad valorem taxation of certain dealer's heavy equipment inventory.
Relating to the designation of portions of the state highway system as memorial highways and bridges, to certain memorial markers and designations on certain highways, and to highway signs for certain cultural attractions.
Relating to the construction of bridges in Harris County.
Relating to the form of a claim payment to a health care provider by a health maintenance organization, preferred provider benefit plan, or managed care organization.
Relating to information on local regulations governing the placement of political signs in a municipality.
Relating to the waiver of license renewal fees for certain instructors in high-demand fields at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 83 in Mission as the Corporal Speedy Espericueta Memorial Highway.
Relating to supplemental benefits for retired firefighters and peace officers diagnosed with certain diseases or illnesses.
Relating to the establishment, administration, and use of the Texas land, water, and wildlife conservation account.
Relating to wrongful death actions for the benefit of siblings of the decedent.
Relating to the formation of decentralized unincorporated nonprofit associations and the use of distributed ledger or blockchain technology for certain business purposes; authorizing fees.
Relating to requirements for certain funding of aviation facilities and projects.
Relating to COVID-19 vaccine administration requirements.
Relating to the role of the members of the board of an appraisal district.
Relating to the transfer of certain malt beverages between two or more licensed premises operating under the same general ownership or management and the sale of those malt beverages.
Relating to the creation of a grant program to assist local law enforcement agencies in testing certain substances suspected of containing delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol.
Relating to the sale of fireworks on and before the Lunar New Year holiday.
Relating to the penalty for the crime of election fraud; increasing a criminal penalty.
Relating to the collection of certain incident-based data reported to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Relating to the exclusion of at-large and mayoral seats from the requirement of re-election following apportionment.
Relating to restrictions on freight and shipping costs included in the price of instructional materials for public schools.
Relating to the electronic posting of notices and agendas for meetings of the commissioners court of a county.
Relating to the procedural requirements applicable to certain water-related transactions involving the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District.
Relating to the creation of the Rivers Market Place Municipal Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes; granting a limited power of eminent domain.
SB 296
Perry
Sponsor: Canales
|
Relating to driving safety or motorcycle operator training course dismissal.
SB 462
Kolkhorst
Sponsor: Harris Davila
|
Relating to establishing a child-care services waiting list priority for the children of certain child-care workers.
SB 480
Perry
Sponsor: Canales
|
Relating to the authority of a local government to enter into an interlocal contract with certain governmental entities to participate in water research or planning activities.
SB 682
Hughes
Sponsor: Alders
|
Relating to the designation of a portion of Farm-to-Market Road 2493 in Smith County as the Captain Kevin Williams and Firefighter Austin Cheek Memorial Highway.
SB 1146
Birdwell
Sponsor: Darby
|
Relating to the plugging or replugging of certain inactive wells subject to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas.
SB 1173
Perry
Sponsor: Spiller
|
Relating to the amount of an expenditure made by certain political subdivisions for which a competitive procurement method may be required.
(Amended)
SB 1265
Alvarado
Sponsor: Harris Davila
|
Relating to certain duties of the Texas Workforce Commission with respect to child-care resources.
SB 1646
King
Sponsor: Hefner
|
Relating to criminal conduct involving the theft, damage, or destruction of copper or brass or involving the unauthorized possession of certain copper or brass material, to transactions of metal recycling entities involving certain copper or brass material, to training on identifying certain copper or brass material, and to studying the effect of certain regulations on incidents of theft of copper or brass material; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties; providing an administrative penalty.
(Committee Substitute/Amended)
SB 1666
Zaffirini
Sponsor: Metcalf
|
Relating to the payment of restitution.
SB 1734
West
Sponsor: Bhojani
|
Relating to status of certain documents or instruments purporting to convey title to or an interest in real property.
(Amended)
SB 1833
Parker
Sponsor: Anchía
|
Relating to the use of a social media platform in furtherance of an offense involving the delivery of a controlled substance; increasing criminal penalties.
(Amended)
SB 1844
Paxton
Sponsor: Craddick
|
Relating to disannexation of certain areas of a municipality for failure to provide services.
SB 1921
West
Sponsor: Anchía
|
Relating to a common characteristic or use project in a public improvement district in certain municipalities.
SB 2039
Hancock
Sponsor: Paul
|
Relating to the applicability of certain pedestrian laws to certain sidewalk users.
SB 2052
Birdwell
Sponsor: Vasut
|
Relating to suits affecting the parent-child relationship between a parent and a nonparent.
SB 2173
Parker
Sponsor: Darby
|
Relating to the effect of a tax certificate accompanying a transfer of certain property.
SB 2284
Hinojosa, Adam
Sponsor: Lopez, Janie
|
Relating to the authority of a municipality or county to regulate certain matters related to firearms, air guns, archery equipment, and other weapons and related supplies.
SB 2925
Blanco
Sponsor: Ordaz
|
Relating to the establishment of the Task Force on Modernizing Manufacturing.
Respectfully,
/s/Stephen Brown
Chief Clerk
House of Representatives
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2994 ON SECOND READING
Senator Johnson moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 2994 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 2994, Relating to energy efficiency goals and programs, public information regarding energy efficiency programs, and the participation of loads in certain energy markets.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Johnson offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 2994 (senate committee printing) in SECTION 1 of the bill, in amended Section 39.905(b), Utilities Code, as follows:
(1) In Subsection (b)(3)(B)(i) (page 3, line 55), after the underlined semicolon, add "and".
(2) In Subsection (b)(3)(B)(ii) (page 3, lines 60 and 61), strike "25 percent of the utility's total net benefits; and" and substitute the following:
20 percent of the utility's total net benefits, except that the commission will establish a secondary ceiling of up to 30 percent of the utility's overall spending on program costs, evaluation, measurement, and verification costs, and calculated performance bonus and rate case costs.
(3) Strike Subsection (b)(3)(B)(iii) (page 3, lines 62 through 64).
(4) In Subsection (b)(5) (page 4, lines 6 and 7), strike "and any shareholder incentive [bonus] awarded" and substitute "[and any shareholder bonus awarded]".
(5) Strike Subsection (b)(6) (page 4, lines 9 through 15) and substitute the following:
(6) establishing cost ceilings that allow electric utilities to meet the goals of this section.
The amendment to CSSB 2994 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSSB 2994 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2994 ON THIRD READING
Senator Johnson moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSSB 2994 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, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6. (Same as previous roll call)
SENATE BILL 1861 ON SECOND READING
Senator Hughes moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 1861 at this time on its second reading:
SB 1861, Relating to the appointment of a special prosecutor by the court of criminal appeals for certain criminal cases.
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 2617 ON SECOND READING
Senator Creighton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 2617 at this time on its second reading:
CSSB 2617, Relating to a policy adopted by a school district or open-enrollment charter school regarding the expression of dates.
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 second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9. (Same as previous roll call)
MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
HOUSE CHAMBER
Austin, Texas
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 3
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 rights of victims of sexual assault and other sex offenses, the offense of continuous sexual abuse, and the prosecution, punishment, and collateral consequences of certain sex offenses; creating a criminal offense; increasing criminal penalties; changing the eligibility for community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole for persons convicted of certain sex offenses.
Relating to the consideration of water conservation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality when determining whether to grant or deny a petition for the creation of certain municipal utility districts.
Relating to the required approval of certain hospital visits as a condition of release on parole or to mandatory supervision for certain releasees and to the hospital's liability for damages resulting from those visits.
Relating to a restriction on permits authorizing direct discharges of waste or pollutants into water in certain stream segments, stream assessment units, and drainage areas.
Relating to the prosecution of certain criminal offenses involving the unlawful disclosure of a residence address or telephone number.
Relating to the establishment of a public law school in El Paso County.
Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 6 in Brazos County as the Sergeant Mark Butler Memorial Highway.
Relating to the operation of a program by the Texas Department of Transportation to allow a real property owner to plant or replace vegetation in a right-of-way.
Relating to the regulation of pharmacists and the practice of pharmacy, including the administration of a medication and the ordering and administration of an immunization or vaccination by a pharmacist.
Relating to establishment of the Texas Rare Disease Advisory Council.
Relating to authorizing certain counties to impose a hotel occupancy tax.
Relating to the filing of a campaign treasurer appointment and an application for a place on the ballot by a candidate for the board of directors of an appraisal district.
Relating to prohibiting a person required to register as a sex offender from serving as a member of the board of trustees of an independent school district.
Relating to the authority of counties to regulate noise levels in residential areas; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use certain tax revenue for hotel and convention center projects.
Relating to health benefit plan preauthorization requirements for certain health care services and the direction of utilization review by physicians.
Relating to the program categories in the unified transportation program.
Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use certain tax revenue derived from a hotel and convention center project.
HB 3966
Morales, Christina
|
Relating to requiring owners or operators of commercial passenger bus services to provide certain notifications to residents concerning operations.
Relating to requirements for certain orders and judgments rendered in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.
Relating to authorizing certain counties to impose a hotel occupancy tax, the applicability and rates of that tax in certain counties, and the use of revenue from that tax.
Relating to reporting and auditing requirements for digital asset service providers.
Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of property of a charitable organization that provides financial support for medical care at certain institutions of higher education.
Relating to public meetings held by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on requests for authorization to operate a composting facility.
Relating to the omission or redaction of certain personal information from certain real property records.
HB 4398
Garcia Hernandez, Cassandra
|
Relating to municipal permitting requirements for certain development projects supported with low income housing tax credit allocations.
Relating to the establishment by the Texas Workforce Commission of a pilot program to train workers for careers in energy-efficient technologies.
Relating to restrictions on the fee assessed for issuance of certain birth records.
Relating to a study by the Texas Department of Transportation of the construction and maintenance of certain county road systems in this state.
Relating to the dispensing of certain drugs by physicians specializing in ophthalmology.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of state correctional officers and the employment of those officers; requiring an occupational license.
Relating to the return of a completed marriage license to a county clerk after the marriage ceremony.
Relating to state recognition of and prohibited gaming activities by the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas.
Relating to the ability of a school district to request an appraisal of property by the appraisal district.
Relating to the regulation of code enforcement officers and code enforcement officers in training.
Relating to the regulation of sanitarians and sanitarians in training.
Relating to the lease of certain state property from the Health and Human Services Commission to Travis County.
Relating to the requirements for interlocal contracts.
Relating to the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children and other protections for certain military dependents enrolled in a public school.
Relating to the requirements for appointment as a medical examiner or employment as an assistant or deputy medical examiner.
Relating to the authority of the Wood County Central Hospital District of Wood County, Texas, to provide brain and memory care services to residents of the hospital district through the creation and operation of brain and memory health care services districts.
Relating to the powers of the Westwood Magnolia Parkway Improvement District.
Relating to the creation of the Montgomery County Management District No. 3; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Respectfully,
/s/Stephen Brown,
Chief Clerk
House of Representatives
SENATE BILL 3070 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Hall and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business, Senate Rule 5.14, and Senate Rule 7.12 were suspended to take up for consideration SB 3070 at this time on its second reading:
SB 3070, Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Lottery Commission and the transfer of the administration of the state lottery and the licensing and regulation of charitable bingo to the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation; creating a criminal offense.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Hall offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 3070 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In the recital to SECTION 7 of the bill (page 2, line 38), strike "Section 466.015(b), Government Code, is amended" and substitute "Section 466.015, Government Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (d)".
(2) In SECTION 7 of the bill, immediately following amended Section 466.015(b), Government Code (page 2, between lines 52 and 53), insert the following:
(d) The commission may not adopt a rule under this section that is inconsistent with any provision of state law.
(3) In the recital to SECTION 30 of the bill (page 9, line 53), strike "Section 466.255" and substitute "Sections 466.255, 466.257, and 466.258".
(4) In SECTION 30 of the bill, immediately following added Section 466.255, Government Code (page 9, between lines 56 and 57), insert the following:
Sec. 466.257. METHOD, LOCATION, AND HOURS FOR PURCHASE OF TICKET. A person may only purchase a ticket:
(1) in person;
(2) at the location of a licensed sales agency; and
(3) during the normal business hours of the licensed sales agency.
Sec. 466.258. REQUIRED AGE VERIFICATION OF TICKET PURCHASER; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a) A licensed sales agent or an employee of a sales agent shall use an age verification process prescribed by commission rule to verify the age of each ticket purchaser at the point of sale.
(b) A person who violates Subsection (a) commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a Class B misdemeanor.
(5) In SECTION 55 of the bill, in added Section 51.217, Occupations Code (page 18, between lines 12 and 13), insert the following appropriately lettered subsection and reletter subsequent subsections of Section 51.217 and cross-references to those subsections accordingly:
( ) In appointing advisory committee members under Subsection (a), the commission shall appoint:
(1) one member with experience in lottery law enforcement;
(2) one member with experience in lottery legal matters; and
(3) one member with experience in lottery finance.
(6) In SECTION 72 of the bill, in the transition language providing for the transfer of the state lottery and the regulation of bingo from the Texas Lottery Commission to the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, strike added Subsection (b) (page 24, lines 11 through 21) and reletter subsequent subsections of that section and cross-references to those subsections accordingly.
(7) Add the followingly appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumber subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Section 2054.007(a), Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) The lottery program [division] of the Texas [Lottery] Commission of Licensing and Regulation is not subject to the planning and procurement requirements of this chapter.
The amendment to SB 3070 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
Senator Hall offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend SB 3070 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 29 of the bill, in amended Section 466.254, Government Code (page 9, line 36), strike "PERSONS." and substitute "PERSONS; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a)".
(2) In SECTION 29 of the bill, in amended Section 466.254, Government Code (page 9, between lines 51 and 52), insert the following:
(b) A person commits an offense if the person violates Subsection (a). An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
(3) In SECTION 30 of the bill, in added Section 466.255, Government Code (page 9, line 55), strike "TRANSACTION." and substitute "TRANSACTION; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a)".
(4) In SECTION 30 of the bill, in added Section 466.255, Government Code (page 9, between lines 56 and 57), insert the following:
(b) A person commits an offense if the person violates Subsection (a). An offense under this subsection is a Class B misdemeanor.
(5) In SECTION 35 of the bill, in added Section 466.318(c), Government Code (page 10, line 46), strike "Class C" and substitute "Class A".
The amendment to SB 3070 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2 except as follows:
Nays: Cook.
Senator Hall offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 3
Amend SB 3070 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 55 of the bill, in added Section 51.217, Occupations Code (page 18, between lines 48 and 49), insert the following:
(h) Each meeting of the lottery advisory committee shall be open to the public.
(2) Add the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumber subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ___. Subchapter B, Chapter 466, Government Code, is amended by adding Sections 466.029, 466.030, and 466.031 to read as follows:
Sec. 466.029. PROHIBITED USE OF CERTAIN SOFTWARE PROGRAMS. The department may not use any e-mail program or document management software that automatically deletes an e-mail or other document on expiration of a specified period.
Sec. 466.030. PRESERVATION OF LOTTERY-RELATED DOCUMENTS. Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall preserve all department documentation, including e-mails, relating to the operation of the state lottery for at least 18 months from the last date the document is modified.
Sec. 466.031. (a) The department shall post on the department's Internet website for each informal or formal meeting between department employees related to contracting, procurement, or policymaking for the state lottery, at a minimum the following information:
(1) the purpose of the meeting;
(2) the minutes of the meeting; and
(3) the name of each individual who attends the meeting, including the name of any business with which the individual is associated.
(b) The department shall maintain the information described by Subsection (a) until at least the fifth anniversary of the meeting date.
The amendment to SB 3070 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 3.
Senator Hall offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 4
Amend SB 3070 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 77 of the bill, adding an effective date (page 25, line 19), strike "This Act takes effect September 1, 2025." and substitute "This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025."
(2) Add the following appropriately numbered SECTIONS to the bill and renumber subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION __ . Subchapter B, Chapter 466, Government Code, is amended by adding Sections 466.0171 and 466.0185 to read as follows:
Sec. 466.0171. ANNUAL AUDIT. (a) The state auditor shall annually conduct a comprehensive audit of the department's state lottery program, including any department action taken relating to the program.
(b) Each audit required by Subsection (a) must specifically identify any lottery program action or activity that varies from a lottery program action or activity identified in a preceding audit conducted by the state auditor.
Sec. 466.0185. AUTHORIZED INSPECTION OF SALES AGENTS BY CERTAIN STATE OFFICIALS. The governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and attorney general are department approved inspectors and are entitled to inspect the operations of any lottery operator or sales agent.
SECTION __. Subchapter C, Chapter 466, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 466.111 to read as follows:
Sec. 466.111. AUTOMATIC RENEWAL OF CERTAIN CONTRACTS PROHIBITED. The department may not automatically renew or extend a contract for goods or services relating to the operation, implementation, and administration of the lottery under this chapter that was entered into on or before September 1, 2025.
SECTION __. Subchapter F, Chapter 466, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 466.257 to read as follows:
Sec. 466.257. LIMITATION ON PROVISION OF CERTAIN LOTTERY EQUIPMENT. The department may not provide to a licensed location of a sales agent more than five of the following:
(1) lottery vending machines;
(2) lottery computer terminals; or
(3) other lottery equipment that prints tickets.
The amendment to SB 3070 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 4 except as follows:
Nays: Eckhardt.
SB 3070 as amended was passed to engrossment without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to engrossment.
SENATE BILL 3070 ON THIRD READING
Senator Hall moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that SB 3070 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 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 40 to Committee on Jurisprudence.
HB 121 to Committee on Education K-16.
HB 493 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 638 to Committee on Local Government.
HB 640 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 1523 to Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.
HB 1533 to Committee on Local Government.
HB 1896 to Committee on Criminal Justice.
HB 1942 to Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 2028 to Committee on Business and Commerce.
HB 2067 to Committee on Business and Commerce.
HB 2193 to Committee on Veteran Affairs.
HB 2253 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 2273 to Committee on Local Government.
HB 2348 to Committee on Criminal Justice.
HB 2407 to Committee on Criminal Justice.
HB 2464 to Committee on Local Government.
HB 2529 to Committee on Finance.
HB 2688 to Committee on Finance.
HB 2966 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 3153 to Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 3385 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 3449 to Committee on Criminal Justice.
HB 3592 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 3788 to Committee on Local Government.
HB 3970 to Committee on Business and Commerce.
HB 3993 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 4281 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 4308 to Committee on Local Government.
HB 4310 to Committee on Business and Commerce.
HB 4370 to Committee on Local Government.
HB 4504 to Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 4611 to Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 4668 to Committee on Business and Commerce.
HB 4690 to Committee on Business and Commerce.
HB 4809 to Committee on Local Government.
HB 4995 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 5081 to Committee on State Affairs.
HB 5308 to Committee on Veteran Affairs.
HB 5668 to Committee on Local Government.
HJR 73 to Committee on Local Government.
NOMINATIONS RETURNED
(Motions In Writing)
Senator Campbell submitted the following Motion In Writing:
Mr. President:
I move that the nomination of Mr. Antonio L. Santana to the Coastal Water Authority Board of Directors be withdrawn from the Committee on Nominations, and I further move that the nomination be returned to the Governor pursuant to his request.
CAMPBELL
The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.
Senator Campbell submitted the following Motion In Writing:
Mr. President:
I move that the nomination of the Honorable Jason E. Boatright to the Texas Racing Commission be withdrawn from the Committee on Nominations, and I further move that the nomination be returned to the Governor pursuant to his request.
CAMPBELL
The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.
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 Health and Human Services might meet at 6:20 p.m. today in the Senate Press Room, 2E.9.
SENATE RULES SUSPENDED
(Posting Rules)
On motion of Senator Hancock and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 11.10(a) and Senate Rule 11.18(a) were suspended in order that the Committee on Veteran Affairs might meet upon recess today at Desk 9.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 511
On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senator Creighton will be shown as Co-author of SB 511.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 835
On motion of Senator Paxton, Senators Alvarado, Bettencourt, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Hall, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, and Perry will be shown as Co-authors of SB 835.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1652
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator Hughes will be shown as Co-author of SB 1652.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1705
On motion of Senator Parker, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 1705.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1897
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Parker will be shown as Co-author of SB 1897.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 2850
On motion of Senator Menéndez, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 2850.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 2994
On motion of Senator Johnson, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 2994.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 3070
On motion of Senator Hall, Senators Alvarado, Bettencourt, Campbell, Creighton, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Parker, Paxton, and Sparks will be shown as Co-authors of SB 3070.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 12
On motion of Senator Parker, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 12.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 748
On motion of Senator Paxton, Senator Parker will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 748.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 824
On motion of Senator Middleton, Senator Campbell will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 824.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 879
On motion of Senator Hagenbuch, Senators J. Hinojosa and Sparks will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 879.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 2703
On motion of Senator Hall, Senators Bettencourt, Campbell, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Sparks, and Zaffirini will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 2703.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 3526
On motion of Senator West, Senator Creighton will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 3526.
RECESS
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, the Senate at 6:12 p.m. recessed until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.
APPENDIX
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following committee reports were received by the Secretary of the Senate in the order listed:
May 15, 2025
STATE AFFAIRS — SB 3070, CSSB 835, CSHB 34, HB 128, CSHB 130, HB 581, HB 668, HB 677, HB 766, HB 2259, HB 2960
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES — HB 2358
FINANCE — CSHB 2894, CSSB 524
BORDER SECURITY — HCR 98
NATURAL RESOURCES — HB 4384, HB 2663
EDUCATION K-16 — CSSB 2233, CSSB 2683
STATE AFFAIRS — HB 748, HB 793
JURISPRUDENCE — HB 1193, HB 1734, HB 2340, HB 2350, HB 3104
EDUCATION K-16 — HB 5180
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE — HB 4739, HB 1584, CSHB 4344, CSHB 4238, HB 4219, HB 3806, HB 3805, HB 3804, HB 3803, HB 3229, CSHB 3228, HB 1922, CSHB 1522, HB 431
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES — HB 3597, HB 1612, HB 4224, HB 754, HB 1314, HB 2254, HB 2789, HB 3560, HB 4643
NATURAL RESOURCES — CSHB 1237
BILLS ENGROSSED
May 15, 2025
SB 835, SB 1705, SB 1897, SB 2043, SB 2215, SB 2639, SB 2696, SB 2850, SB 2994, SB 3070
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ENROLLED
May 15, 2025
SB 296, SB 462, SB 480, SB 682, SB 1146, SB 1265, SB 1666, SB 1844, SB 1921, SB 2039, SB 2052, SB 2173, SB 2284, SB 2925, SR 360, SR 522, SR 524, SR 525, SR 526, SR 527, SR 528, SR 529
SENT TO SECRETARY OF STATE
May 15, 2025
SJR 3, SJR 37
SENT TO GOVERNOR
May 15, 2025
SB 72, SB 250, SB 314, SB 455, SB 617, SB 761, SB 1012, SB 1023, SB 1080, SB 1143, SB 1236, SB 1245, SB 1267, SB 1271, SB 1273, SB 1355, SB 1422, SB 1759, SB 1786, SB 1886, SB 2004, SB 2122, SB 2269, SB 2306, SB 2361, SB 2371, SB 2411, SB 2420, SB 2929
SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
May 15, 2025
SB 384, SB 599, SB 897, SB 1066, SB 1185, SB 1194, SB 1215, SB 1426, SB 1468, SB 1706, SB 1738, SB 1930, SB 2065, SCR 13
FILED WITHOUT SIGNATURE OF GOVERNOR
May 15, 2025
SB 304