Tuesday, May 20, 2025

FORTY-SECOND DAY

(Tuesday, May 20, 2025)

The Senate met at 11:35 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 Robin Steele, PromiseLand Church, San Marcos, offered the invocation as follows:

Heavenly Father, we pause in Austin, Texas, today not simply as lawmakers or leaders, but as Your children, fully dependent on Your mercy, wisdom, and strength. Today, Lord, we approach You with both gratitude and humility. We thank You for the breath in our lungs, the families we represent, the freedom to assemble, and the calling to serve. In a time when our culture is divided and the weight of leadership feels heavier than ever, we lift our eyes to You, the author of wisdom, the defender of justice, and the provider of peace. Guide every conversation, every vote, and every decision with Your truth and grace. Where there is complexity, grant clarity. Where there is division, bring unity. Where there is pressure, let peace rule. Lord, protect these Senators and their families. Provide for them, not just resources, but also rest, resilience, and renewal. In a legislative session filled with consequential decisions, whether on education, economics, healthcare, or human dignity, we ask for discernment that is not swayed by popularity, fear, or party line, but instead rooted in what is right and good in Your eyes. Let Texas be a place where truth is spoken in love, where integrity leads, and where the vulnerable are remembered. I ask all of this in the mighty and merciful name of Jesus Christ. 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

Tuesday, May 20, 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:

HCR 9

Morales, Christina

Designating the first Saturday of every month as Small Business Saturday for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

HCR 10

Cortez

Designating May 23 as Family Abduction Awareness Day for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

HCR 40

Gerdes

Urging Congress to reimburse the State of Texas for border security costs incurred under Operation Lone Star.

HCR 46

Bumgarner

Designating January 12 as Nathan Gage Ingram Day for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

HCR 59

Isaac

Designating April as Promise Month for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

HCR 76

Louderback

Urging the federal government to curb the mass importation of foreign shrimp into the United States.

HCR 118

Dorazio

Expressing support for the expansion of the warship manufacturing industry in Texas.

HCR 127

Lujan

Expressing support for the strengthening of our partnership with Taiwan.

HCR 135

Tepper

Designating Slaton as the official Banana Pudding Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

HCR 141

Paul

Urging Congress to move NASA's headquarters to Houston.

HCR 144

Cortez

Paying tribute to the U.S. service members killed in action who are being honored as part of the 2025 Fallen Heroes Memorial Service.

SCR 25

Alvarado

Sponsor: Perez, Mary Ann

Urging the Houston City Council to construct a memorial pedestrian bridge in honor of Sergio Ivan Rodriguez.

SJR 5

Huffman

Sponsor: Smithee

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail under certain circumstances to persons accused of certain offenses punishable as a felony.

(Committee Substitute/Amended)

THE HOUSE HAS CONCURRED IN THE SENATE AMENDMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:

HB 9 (110 Yeas, 15 Nays, 1 Present, not voting)

HB 29 (129 Yeas, 0 Nays, 1 Present, not voting)

HB 140 (117 Yeas, 7 Nays, 1 Present, not voting)

HB 142 (123 Yeas, 1 Nays, 1 Present, not voting)

HB 451 (129 Yeas, 0 Nays, 1 Present, not voting)

HB 1130 (112 Yeas, 10 Nays, 3 Present, not voting)

HB 3307 (126 Yeas, 0 Nays, 1 Present, not voting)

HB 3809 (128 Yeas, 0 Nays, 1 Present, not voting)

HJR 1 (112 Yeas, 13 Nays, 2 Present, not voting)

THE HOUSE HAS REFUSED TO CONCUR IN THE SENATE AMENDMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING MEASURES AND REQUESTS THE APPOINTMENT OF A CONFERENCE COMMITTEE TO ADJUST THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO HOUSES:

HB 2525

House Conferees: Darby - Chair/Craddick/Meyer/Perez, Vincent/Turner

THE HOUSE HAS GRANTED THE REQUEST OF THE SENATE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:

SB 17

House Conferees: Hefner - Chair/Little/Raymond/Shaheen/Spiller

SB 260

House Conferees: Bonnen - Chair/Bernal/Buckley/Dutton/Harris

SB 509

House Conferees: Schofield - Chair/Bucy/Isaac/Shaheen/Swanson

SB 1506

House Conferees: Harless - Chair/Allen/Leach/Moody/Wharton

SB 1637

House Conferees: Hefner - Chair/Anchía/Dorazio/Louderback/McLaughlin

Respectfully,

/s/Stephen Brown,

Chief Clerk

House of Representatives

PHYSICIAN OF THE DAY

Senator Middleton was recognized and presented Dr. Namita Bhardwaj of Friendswood as the Physician of the Day.

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

(President in Chair)

SENATE RESOLUTION 554

Senator Middleton offered the following resolution:

SR 554, In memory of Christopher Jake Stone.

The resolution was read.

On motion of Senator Middleton, the resolution was adopted by a rising vote of the Senate.

In honor of the memory of Christopher Jake Stone, the text of SR 554 will be printed in the Senate Journal upon adjournment of this legislative day.

Senator Middleton was recognized and introduced to the Senate the mother of Christopher Jake Stone, Rosie Stone.

The Senate welcomed its guest and extended its sympathy.

BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS SIGNED

The President announced the signing of the following enrolled bills and resolutions in the presence of the Senate after the captions had been read:

SB 434, SB 746, SB 901, SB 1079, SB 1177, SB 1214, SB 1351, SB 1895, SB 1931, SB 2141, SB 3037, SB 3044, SCR 1, SCR 6, SCR 22, SCR 37.

SENATE RESOLUTION 533

Senator Miles offered the following resolution:

SR 533, Recognizing the Texas Legislative Internship Program Class of the 89th Legislature.

MILES

MENÉNDEZ

COOK

NICHOLS

ECKHARDT

WEST

GUTIERREZ

ZAFFIRINI

A. HINOJOSA

(Senator Flores in Chair)

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

GUESTS PRESENTED

Senator Miles, joined by Senators Cook, Eckhardt, Menéndez, A. Hinojosa, Zaffirini, West, and Gutierrez, was recognized and introduced to the Senate the Texas Legislative Internship Program Class of the 89th Legislature including Joshua Thomas, Sean Gilmore, Aylin Murillo Valle, Anuj Mocherla, Meredith L. Sanchez, Alexis Bryanna Williams, Anthony Gabriel Hernandez Escobar, Carlos G. Garth, and Maria Yuliana Soria Chavez, accompanied by Jesha Magee.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

BILLS AND RESOLUTION SIGNED

The Presiding Officer announced the signing of the following enrolled bills and resolution in the presence of the Senate after the captions had been read:

HB 29, HB 48, HB 142, HB 198, HB 431, HB 451, HB 1022, HB 1130, HB 1242, HB 1729, HB 1950, HB 2003, HB 2027, HB 2029, HB 2663, HB 2768, HB 3229, HB 3307, HB 3474, HB 3560, HB 3594, HB 3611, HB 3698, HB 3700, HB 3809, HB 4739, HJR 1.

MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE

HOUSE CHAMBER

Austin, Texas

Tuesday, May 20, 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:

SB 9

Huffman

Sponsor: Smithee

Relating to the confinement or release of defendants before trial or sentencing, including regulating charitable bail organizations, and the conditions of and procedures for setting bail and reviewing bail decisions.

(Committee Substitute/Amended)

SB 27

Creighton

Sponsor: Buckley

Relating to the rights of public school educators and financial and other assistance provided to educators and to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators.

(Amended)

SB 40

Huffman

Sponsor: Smithee

Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds to pay bail bonds; authorizing injunctive relief.

(Committee Substitute)

SB 207

Paxton

Sponsor: Leo Wilson

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

SB 378

Schwertner

Sponsor: Phelan

Relating to certain prohibited practices by a barber or cosmetologist.

SB 402

Paxton

Sponsor: Little

Relating to the payment of certain ad valorem tax refunds.

SB 458

Schwertner

Sponsor: Dean

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

(Committee Substitute)

SB 482

Alvarado

Sponsor: Harless

Relating to increasing the criminal penalties for the offenses of assault and harassment committed against certain employees or agents of a utility.

(Committee Substitute/Amended)

SB 493

Kolkhorst

Sponsor: Wharton

Relating to protection of certain disclosures and communications by pharmacists and pharmacies regarding prescription drug benefits.

(Committee Substitute)

SB 651

West

Sponsor: Lopez, Ray

Relating to the requirement that a veterans county service office report to the commissioners court or a designated county executive official.

SB 664

Huffman

Sponsor: Cook

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

SB 687

Hughes

Sponsor: Bumgarner

Relating to liability for land surveying services in or in connection with certain construction or services contracts.

SB 745

Kolkhorst

Sponsor: Gerdes

Relating to enhancing the criminal penalty for the offense of intoxication manslaughter in certain circumstances.

SB 841

Hughes

Sponsor: Harless

Relating to the beneficiaries of trust funds paid or received in connection with an improvement on specific real property.

(Committee Substitute)

SB 843

Kolkhorst

Sponsor: Buckley

Relating to a Texas Education Agency database of school district and open-enrollment charter school bonds, taxes, and bond-related projects.

(Amended)

SB 912

Blanco

Sponsor: Guillen

Relating to the verification of health care practitioner continuing education compliance through the establishment of continuing education tracking systems.

(Committee Substitute)

SB 920

Sparks

Sponsor: Howard

Relating to the administration of nonprescription medications to certain public and private school students.

SB 927

Hancock

Sponsor: McQueeney

Relating to the issuance of Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal specialty license plates.

SB 958

Parker

Sponsor: Thompson

Relating to the eligibility of certain victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information.

SB 984

Bettencourt

Sponsor: King

Relating to access to individualized investigational treatments for patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses.

SB 992

Nichols

Sponsor: King

Relating to the procedure by which the attorney general approves or denies approval of a state agency contract for outside legal services.

SB 1018

Huffman

Sponsor: Bonnen

Relating to distribution of state traffic fine revenue received by the comptroller.

SB 1020

Huffman

Sponsor: Louderback

Relating to personal bond offices, to the notification provided to a judge regarding tampering with an electronic monitoring device while released on bond or community supervision, and to the availability of certain information regarding a person required to submit to an electronic monitoring program or being supervised by a community supervision and corrections department.

SB 1227

Flores

Sponsor: Lopez, Ray

Relating to fees for the issuance of certain military specialty license plates.

SB 1239

Middleton

Sponsor: Lambert

Relating to choice of law and assignment or acquisition of claims and demands in connection with certificated and uncertificated securities.

SB 1247

Perry

Sponsor: Metcalf

Relating to consolidating certain nonresident hunting licenses.

SB 1248

Perry

Sponsor: Orr

Relating to the disclosure of certain harvest report information submitted to the Parks and Wildlife Department.

SB 1321

Hagenbuch

Sponsor: DeAyala

Relating to compensation and leave for certain peace officers.

SB 1332

Hancock

Sponsor: Hull

Relating to a group health benefit plan policy or contract holder's obligation to pay premiums on behalf of an individual after the individual's eligibility for group coverage terminates.

SB 1350

Hughes

Sponsor: Leach

Relating to a commission to coordinate celebrations of the bicentennial anniversary of Texas' independence.

(Amended)

SB 1388

Kolkhorst

Sponsor: Frank

Relating to family support services provided under a Health and Human Services Commission program.

(Amended)

SB 1497

Nichols

Sponsor: Perez, Mary Ann

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

SB 1537

Zaffirini

Sponsor: Smithee

Relating to the appointment of an interpreter in a criminal proceeding.

SB 1620

Huffman

Sponsor: Bonnen

Relating to the establishment of the Texas forensic analyst apprenticeship pilot program.

SB 1662

Zaffirini

Sponsor: Guillen

Relating to notice provided to certain public drinking water supply systems before water quality testing.

SB 1789

Schwertner

Sponsor: McQueeney

Relating to electric service quality and reliability.

(Committee Substitute/Amended)

SB 1901

Huffman

Sponsor: Bonnen

Relating to the administration of the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council and Texas Opioid Abatement Trust Fund.

SB 1951

Paxton

Sponsor: Button

Relating to the imposition of a penalty for failure to timely file a rendition statement or property report with the chief appraiser of an appraisal district.

(Amended)

SB 2053

Birdwell

Sponsor: Metcalf

Relating to creating the Governor's Medal of Service award to recognize service to the people of Texas.

SB 2112

Kolkhorst

Sponsor: Villalobos

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

SB 2124

Zaffirini

Sponsor: Barry

Relating to publication of the Texas Groundwater Protection Committee's annual report.

SB 2143

Perry

Sponsor: Lopez, Ray

Relating to the authority of a county to commission certain individuals as peace officers and establish certain law enforcement agencies and to certification requirements for fire marshals.

(Amended)

SB 2145

Perry

Sponsor: Tepper

Relating to the authority of the advisory body of a public improvement district and the board of directors of a reinvestment zone to hold a meeting by a telecommunication device.

SB 2180

Hagenbuch

Sponsor: Isaac

Relating to requiring a certification for peace officers to conduct certain polygraph examinations.

SB 2332

Parker

Sponsor: Hefner

Relating to aircraft owned and operated by the Department of Public Safety.

SB 2448

Sparks

Sponsor: Ashby

Relating to the establishment of the Rural Workforce Development Grant Program.

SB 2662

Perry

Sponsor: Harris

Relating to the enforcement of drought contingency plans by water and sewer utilities and the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

SB 2938

Menéndez

Sponsor: Romero

Relating to the verification of the veteran status of inmates and prisoners.

SCR 19

Parker

Sponsor: Harris Davila

Authorizing the State Preservation Board to approve the construction of a Texas Life Monument at the State Capitol Complex.

Respectfully,

/s/Stephen Brown,

Chief Clerk

House of Representatives

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS

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

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

Presiding Judge, Sixth Administrative Judicial Region: Kirsten Barron Cohoon, Kendall County.

Member, Board for Lease of Texas Parks and Wildlife Lands: Clifton Earl Bickerstaff, Potter County.

Presiding Officer, Brazos County Regional Mobility Authority: Karl P. Mooney, Brazos County.

Members, Board of Directors, Coastal Water Authority: Hannah Elizabeth Kaplan, Harris County; Jon M. Sjolander, Liberty County.

Members, Council on Sex Offender Treatment: Elizabeth Lynn Cox, Bexar County; Jeffrey Kyle Fletcher, Collin County; Aaron Paul Pierce, Collin County; Grover Cleavon Rollins, Hidalgo County.

Members, Credit Union Commission: Becky Lynn Ames, Jefferson County; Karyn Carroll Brownlee, Dallas County; Cody Roy Huggins, Williamson County; James Lee Minge, Johnson County.

Commissioners, Jefferson and Orange County Board of Pilot Commissioners: Brandy Michelle Bergeron, Jefferson County; Charles Edward Holder, Jefferson County; Craig J. Sherlock, Jefferson County; Shawn Michael Sparrow, Jefferson County; Amy Michelle Townsend, Orange County.

Members, Board of Directors, Nueces River Authority: Jane Drought Bell, Nueces County; James Leroy Bendele, Dimmit County; Marshall Davidson, San Patricio County; William I. Dillard, Uvalde County; Shannon Tindol Freund, Bee County; Lisa Greenberg Molite, Nueces County; Debra Young Hatch, Nueces County; Jeb Allen Hogan, McMullen County; Olen Robert Hughs, Edwards County; Daniel Leon Kelley, Karnes County; William J. Schuchman, Atascosa County; Daniel Robert Suckley, Nueces County; Howard Anthony Wood, Jim Wells County.

Counsellor, Office of Public Utility Counsel: Benjamin Chet Barkley, Travis County.

Members, Parks and Wildlife Commission: Wiliam Leslie Doggett, Harris County; Robert L. Patton, Tarrant County; Timothy Theodor Timmerman, Travis County.

Members, Board of Directors, Red River Authority of Texas: Jerry Dan Davis, Collingsworth County; Michael Ray Sandefur, Bowie County; Joe Larry Ward, Fannin County.

Members, Risk Management Board: Jason Everett Boatright, Dallas County; Jason Eric Hartgraves, Denton County; Jeffrey Houston, Hays County; Elizabeth Maciejewski, Llano County.

Members, State Board for Educator Certification: Latisha Dawn Andrews, Harris County; Adam John Booth, Williamson County; Wanda H. Streepey, Dallas County; Tara Turk-Zaafran, Harris County.

Member, State Commission on Judicial Conduct: Sylvia Borunda Firth, El Paso County.

Members, State Employee Charitable Campaign Policy Committee: Daniel Eugene Bivens, Travis County; Brent Daniel Connett, Travis County; Vanessa Lee Cortez Tanner, Travis County.

Members, Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners: Shellie Lucille Gardner, Tarrant County; Michael Paul Henry, Travis County; Scott Dale Wofford, Taylor County.

Members, Texas Board of Medical Radiologic Technology: Jennifer Colleen Brandt, Parker County; Faraz Adil Khan, Harris County; Regan Leigh Robinson Landreth, Bell County; Melanie Lutz, Harris County; Lucia D Sisniega, Midland County; James Kenneth Stout, Lubbock County.

Members, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Catarina Gonzales, Travis County; Brooke Teresa Paup, Travis County.

Members, Texas Diabetes Council: Christopher Ryan Carmona, Harris County; Dirrell S. Jones, Dallas County; Michael Patrick Kelly, El Paso County; Sharon Gay Lemons, Tarrant County; Jason Michael Ryan, Harris County; John Trischitti, Midland County; Kelley Renee' Yarbrough-Yale, Tarrant County.

Members, Texas Medical Board: Sharon J. Barnes, Brazoria County; Devinder Singh Bhatia, Harris County; Garry David Crain, Hays County; George L. De Loach, Polk County; Luisa Maria del Rosal Isais, Dallas County; James Salvatore Distefano, Brazos County; Mary Kelly Green, Burnet County; Tomeka Moses Herod, Collin County; Zachary Stanford Jones, Denton County; Roberto David Martinez, Hidalgo County; Manuel Mauricio Quinones, Bexar County; Jason Kelley Tibbels, Wise County; Linda Christina Troncoso, El Paso County; David Gordon Vanderweide, Galveston County.

Members, Texas Physician Assistant Board: Rao Kamran Ali, Tarrant County; Stephanie Nicole Corbett, Bell County; Lyle Dale Grimes, Williamson County; Sandra Longoria, Cameron County; Cameron Jordan McElhany, Harris County; Chad Michael Moody, San Augustine County; Gregory Spencer Rowin, Cameron County; Richard Morris Todd, Milam County.

Members, Board of Regents, Texas Southern University: Lauren Gore, Harris County; Benjamin Christian Kohlmann, Dallas County; Benjamin Howard Proler, Harris County; Alithea Zymaris Sullivan, Travis County.

Members, Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners: Jason Lee Bernal, Comal County; Korina Delapena, Travis County; Ryan Colt Dollinger, Collin County; David T. Marsden, Parker County; Quida J. Pryor, Fort Bend County; Jennifer Beth Swords, Tarrant County; Lea Ann Tatum, Gregg County.

Members, Board of Directors, Texas Underground Facility Notification Corporation: Robert J. Bridge, Bee County; William Ogden Geise, Travis County; Marcela S. Navarrete, El Paso County; Robin Opdyke, Travis County; Manish Seth, Fort Bend County; George Spencer, Travis County; Isaac Joel Tawil, Hidalgo County.

Member, Board of Directors, Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority: Johnnie Alan Herrington, Anderson County.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS

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

Members, Credit Union Commission: Sara Jones Oates, Travis County; Terrolyn Rankin-Swan, Ward County; David Francis Shurtz, Parker County.

Member, Board of Directors, Lavaca-Navidad River Authority: Bryan Leigh Churan, Jackson County.

Members, Board of Directors, Lower Colorado River Authority: Curtis Eugene Ford, Travis County; Arthur Aden Lasseter, Blanco County; Robert D. Lewis, Bastrop County; Mark Michael Mayo, Gonzales County; Margaret Dippel Voelter, Travis County.

Member, Board of Directors, Nueces River Authority: Armandina Garcia Ramirez, Karnes County.

Commissioners, Public Utility Commission of Texas: Thomas Jacob Gleeson, Travis County; Courtney Kristine Hjaltman, Travis County.

Members, Board of Directors, San Jacinto River Authority: Charles Edward Boulware, Montgomery County; Mark Fredrick Micheletti, Harris County.

Member, State Preservation Board: Alethea Swann Bugg, Bexar County.

Members, Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board: Tony Mark Luna, Lubbock County; Clayton Alexander Ripley, Travis County; Stephanie Lashaun Robinson, Collin County.

Members, Board of Directors, Texas Economic Development Corporation: Lawrence Stephen Coben, Harris County; Thomas Patrick Mason, Dallas County; Bruce Louis Niemeyer, Montgomery County.

Members, Texas Forensic Science Commission: Jeffrey Joseph Barnard, Dallas County; Patrick Buzzini, Harris County; Michael DeWitt Coble, Tarrant County; Mark G. Daniel, Tarrant County; Jasmine Millican Drake, Harris County; Sarah Kerrigan, Montgomery County; Stacey Ann Mitchell, Montgomery County; Jarvis Jermaine Parsons, Brazos County; Erika Ziemak, Parker County.

Members, Texas Real Estate Commission: Kristi Lea Davis, Denton County; James B. Goodwin, Travis County.

Members, Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists: Russell Floyd Bartee, Tarrant County; James Castro, Kendall County; Barbara Elizabeth Ezell, San Patricio County; Lee Autry Hampton, Harris County; Lisa Vallie Merchant, Callahan County; William R. Price, Harris County; Elvira Reyna, Denton County; Nicole M. Richardson, Travis County.

Members, Board of Directors, Trinity River Authority of Texas: Cathy Altman, Ellis County; Jeffrey Herman Bradley, Walker County; Casey Yeary Callas, Trinity County; Megan Wall Deen, Tarrant County; Richard Carson Dennis, Dallas County; Jerry Franklin House, Leon County; Steven Lynn Roberts, San Jacinto County; Elizabeth Cuneo Thomas, Tarrant County; David Gerald Ward, Madison County.

NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION OF NOMINATIONS

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

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 1:10 p.m. announced the conclusion of morning call.

HOUSE BILL 1639 ON SECOND READING

Senator Alvarado moved to suspend the regular order of business and Senate Rule 5.14 to take up for consideration HB 1639 at this time on its second reading:

HB 1639, Relating to a study on the increased incidence of cancer in female firefighters in this state.

The motion prevailed.

Senators Hall, Hughes, and Schwertner 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, Hughes, Schwertner.

HOUSE BILL 1639 ON THIRD READING

Senator Alvarado moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 1639 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

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

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

Nays: Hall, Hughes, Schwertner.

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

HOUSE BILL 102 ON SECOND READING

On motion of Senator Hancock and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 102 at this time on its second reading:

HB 102, Relating to early registration for students in military-related programs at public institutions of higher education.

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 102 ON THIRD READING

Senator Hancock moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 102 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 4325 ON SECOND READING

On motion of Senator J. Hinojosa and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 4325 at this time on its second reading:

HB 4325, Relating to civil liability for prohibited barratry.

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 4325 ON THIRD READING

Senator J. 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 4325 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 5342 ON SECOND READING

Senator Menéndez moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 5342 at this time on its second reading:

HB 5342, Relating to the provision of behavioral health crisis services, including measures to fund and support the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and related services.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Hagenbuch 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: Hagenbuch.

HOUSE BILL 5342 ON THIRD READING

Senator Menéndez moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 5342 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

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

Nays: Hagenbuch.

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

HOUSE BILL 3370 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 3370 at this time on its second reading:

HB 3370, Relating to late applications for the appraisal of land for ad valorem tax purposes as qualified timber land following the death of the owner of the land.

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 3370 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 3370 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 3376 ON SECOND READING

Senator Zaffirini moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 3376 at this time on its second reading:

HB 3376, Relating to training on Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and related disorders for certain guardians.

The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4.

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

Nays: Hagenbuch, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks.

The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4. (Same as previous roll call)

HOUSE BILL 3376 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 3376 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4.

Nays: Hagenbuch, 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 132 ON SECOND READING

Senator Hughes moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 132 at this time on its second reading:

HB 132, Relating to the confidentiality of information used to prevent, detect, respond to, or investigate a hostile act of a foreign adversary of the United States.

The motion prevailed.

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

The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:

Nays: Cook.

HOUSE BILL 132 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 HB 132 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

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

Nays: Cook.

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

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 1978 ON SECOND READING

Senator Hall moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 1978 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 1978, Relating to the interconnection of a facility in the ERCOT power region to certain other facilities.

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 511 ON THIRD READING

Senator Bettencourt moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 511 at this time on its third reading and final passage:

CSSB 511, Relating to prohibiting an officer or employee of this state or of a political subdivision of this state from distributing certain voter registration application forms; creating a criminal offense.

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 third time.

Senator Bettencourt offered the following amendment to the bill:

Floor Amendment No. 1 on Third Reading

Amend CSSB 511 on third reading in SECTION 1 of the bill adding Section 13.009, Election Code, as follows:

(1) Immediately following added Subsection (c), insert the following appropriately lettered subdivision and reletter the subsequent subdivisions of the section accordingly:

( ) An office of a state agency or a political subdivision at which a person may request a form on which the person may apply for registration shall display a notice indicating that registration forms are available on request. A notice displayed under this subsection shall be posted in English, Spanish, and any other language in which election materials are required to be provided in the political subdivision in which the office is located under Section 272.011.

(2) Strike added Section 13.009(f), Election Code.

The amendment to CSSB 511 was read and was adopted without objection.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 on Third Reading.

CSSB 511 as again amended was finally passed by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11.

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

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

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 144

The Presiding Officer laid before the Senate the following resolution:

WHEREAS, On Memorial Day each May, citizens across our state and nation come together for a day of solemn remembrance of those military service members who have given their lives in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, On May 24, 2025, the Fallen Heroes Memorial Service will take place in the House chamber at the Texas Capitol for the purpose of honoring all members of the U.S. military killed in action and paying special tribute to those from Texas who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country; and

WHEREAS, This roll of honor includes U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Felix A. Berrios, who died on November 3, 2023, Navy SEAL Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan G. Ingram, who was lost at sea on January 12, 2024, and U.S. Marine Corps Major Tobin Lewis, who perished in an aircraft crash on August 27, 2023; and

WHEREAS, These brave men exemplified the highest ideals of the United States armed forces, inspiring others with their fortitude, tenacity, and courage, and they are indeed deserving of the lasting gratitude of their fellow Americans; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby pay tribute to the lives of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Felix A. Berrios, Navy SEAL Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan G. Ingram, and U.S. Marine Corps Major Tobin Lewis as part of the 2025 Fallen Heroes Memorial Service and extend sincere sympathy to all those who mourn their passing; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the family of each service member and that when the Texas House of Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of these fallen heroes.

HANCOCK

HCR 144 was read.

On motion of Senator Hancock, the resolution was considered immediately and was adopted without objection.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of the resolution.

HOUSE BILL 2187 ON SECOND READING

On motion of Senator Perry and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 2187 at this time on its second reading:

HB 2187, Relating to hospital staffing report and complaint processes and to retaliation and mandatory overtime protections for nurses.

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 2187 ON THIRD READING

Senator Perry moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 2187 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 2510 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 2510 at this time on its second reading:

HB 2510, Relating to assisted living facility operations and provision of certain services to assisted living facility residents without a license; creating a criminal offense.

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 2510 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 2510 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 694 ON SECOND READING

On motion of Senator Cook and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 694 at this time on its second reading:

HB 694, Relating to the notification of certain persons concerning certain events related to children in the managing conservatorship of 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 694 ON THIRD READING

Senator Cook moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 694 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 1893 ON SECOND READING

Senator King moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 1893 at this time on its second reading:

HB 1893, Relating to the disclosure under the public information law of a motor vehicle license plate number captured in a video recording obtained or maintained by a law enforcement agency.

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

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

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

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

HOUSE BILL 1893 ON THIRD READING

Senator King moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 1893 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

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

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

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

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 2733 ON SECOND READING

On motion of Senator Parker and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSHB 2733 at this time on its second reading:

CSHB 2733, Relating to the prosecution of the criminal offenses of prohibited barratry and solicitation of professional employment.

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 2733 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 CSHB 2733 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 4506 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 4506 at this time on its second reading:

HB 4506, Relating to electronic delivery of notice for certain municipal zoning changes.

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 4506 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 4506 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 3751 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 3751 at this time on its second reading:

HB 3751, Relating to the transfer of certain real property from the Texas Department of Transportation to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

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 3751 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 3751 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 3033 ON SECOND READING

On motion of Senator King and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 3033 at this time on its second reading:

HB 3033, Relating to a grant program for nonprofit organizations supporting employees of the Department of Public Safety; authorizing voluntary contributions.

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 3033 ON THIRD READING

Senator King moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 3033 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 4273 ON SECOND READING

Senator Kolkhorst moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 4273 at this time on its second reading:

CSHB 4273, Relating to fraud prevention and verifying eligibility for benefits under Medicaid.

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

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.

Nays: Cook, Eckhardt, Zaffirini.

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

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 4273 ON THIRD READING

Senator Kolkhorst moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 4273 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

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

Nays: Cook, Eckhardt, Zaffirini.

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

HOUSE BILL 3211 ON SECOND READING

On motion of Senator Middleton and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 3211 at this time on its second reading:

HB 3211, Relating to vision care benefits, including participation of optometrists and therapeutic optometrists in vision care or managed care plans.

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 3211 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 3211 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 4529 ON SECOND READING

On motion of Senator Hancock and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 4529 at this time on its second reading:

HB 4529, Relating to the regulation of child-care facilities that maintain a certificate to operate issued by the United States Department of Defense.

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 4529 ON THIRD READING

Senator Hancock moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 4529 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 2522 ON SECOND READING

On motion of Senator Hughes and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 2522 at this time on its second reading:

HB 2522, Relating to fingerprinting requirements for the issuance of dealer general distinguishing numbers to certain persons.

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 2522 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 HB 2522 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 4219 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 4219 at this time on its second reading:

HB 4219, Relating to a governmental body's response to a request for public information.

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 4219 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 4219 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 4783 ON SECOND READING

Senator Hancock moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 4783 at this time on its second reading:

CSHB 4783, Relating to a report on governmental opioid antagonist programs to reverse and prevent opioid overdoses.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Hagenbuch 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: Hagenbuch.

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 4783 ON THIRD READING

Senator Hancock moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 4783 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

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

Nays: Hagenbuch.

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

HOUSE BILL 4643 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 4643 at this time on its second reading:

HB 4643, Relating to access to criminal history record information that relates to providers and provider applicants under Medicaid and other public benefits programs administered by the Health and Human Services Commission.

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 4643 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 4643 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 3810 ON SECOND READING

On motion of Senator Hughes and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 3810 at this time on its second reading:

HB 3810, Relating to the dissolution of the Rose City Municipal Utility 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.

HOUSE BILL 3810 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 HB 3810 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 923 ON SECOND READING

Senator Blanco moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 923 at this time on its second reading:

HB 923, Relating to the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Schwertner 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: Schwertner.

HOUSE BILL 923 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 HB 923 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

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

Nays: Schwertner.

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

HOUSE BILL 2513 ON SECOND READING

On motion of Senator Perry and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 2513 at this time on its second reading:

HB 2513, Relating to a paid leave of absence for public employees serving as fire protection personnel who are engaged in certain military service.

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 2513 ON THIRD READING

Senator Perry moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 2513 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 2788 ON SECOND READING

On motion of Senator Johnson and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 2788 at this time on its second reading:

HB 2788, Relating to the disclosure of certain fraud detection information obtained in the administration of the unemployment compensation system.

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 2788 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 HB 2788 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 5424 ON SECOND READING

On motion of Senator Middleton and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 5424 at this time on its second reading:

HB 5424, Relating to volunteer firefighter compensation limits.

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 5424 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 5424 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 Hagenbuch in Chair)

HOUSE BILL 1875 ON SECOND READING

On motion of Senator Flores and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 1875 at this time on its second reading:

HB 1875, Relating to a study by the General Land Office regarding veterans cemeteries in this state.

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 1875 ON THIRD READING

Senator Flores moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 1875 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 4753 ON SECOND READING

On motion of Senator Parker and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 4753 at this time on its second reading:

HB 4753, Relating to the municipal issuance of a document verifying that a certificate of occupancy has been issued for certain buildings.

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 4753 ON THIRD READING

Senator Parker moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 4753 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 107 ON SECOND READING

Senator Miles moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 107 at this time on its second reading:

HB 107, Relating to the establishment of the sickle cell disease registry.

The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.

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

Nays: Creighton, Hall, Hughes, King, Middleton, Schwertner.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Miles offered the following amendment to the bill:

Floor Amendment No. 1

Amend HB 107 (senate committee report) as follows:

(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 52B.004(c), Health and Safety Code (page 1, line 61, through page 2, line 9), strike Subdivisions (2) and (3) and substitute the following:

(2) require consent of an individual or the individual's legally authorized representative before any information relating to the individual is included in the sickle cell disease registry;

(3) allow the individual or the individual's legally authorized representative to withdraw consent for inclusion of the individual's information in the registry;

(4) protect the confidentiality of individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease in accordance with Section 159.002, Occupations Code; and

(5) ensure the registry is developed in a manner consistent with:

(A) the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Pub. L. No. 104-191) and regulations adopted under that Act; and

(B) other applicable laws and rules governing the disclosure of health information.

(d) The executive commissioner shall ensure the rules adopted under this section provide protections to restrict the use or disclosure of Medicaid information to purposes only directly connected with the administration of the Medicaid program.

Sec. 52B.005. CONFIDENTIALITY. (a) Reports, records, and information obtained under this chapter:

(1) are not public information;

(2) are not subject to the requirements of Chapter 552, Government Code;

(3) are not subject to subpoena; and

(4) may not otherwise be released or made public except as provided by this section or Section 52B.004.

(b) The reports, records, and information obtained under this chapter are for the confidential use of the department and the persons or public or private entities the department determines are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

(1) for statistical purposes in a manner that prevents identification of individuals, health care facilities, clinical laboratories, or health care practitioners; or

(2) with the consent of each person identified in the information.

(d) A state employee may not testify in a civil, criminal, special, or other proceeding as to the existence or contents of records, reports, or information concerning an individual's medical records used in submitting information required under this chapter unless the individual consents in advance.

(e) Information furnished to a sickle cell disease registry or a sickle cell researcher under Subsection (c) is for the confidential use of the sickle cell disease registry or the sickle cell researcher, as applicable, and is subject to Subsection (a).

(f) The department's institutional review board established under Chapter 108 shall review and approve requests for access to information that identifies individuals in the sickle cell disease registry.

(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 52B.005, Health and Safety Code (page 2, line 10), strike "52B.005" and substitute "52B.006".

(3) Immediately following SECTION 1 of the bill, adding Chapter 52B, Health and Safety Code (page 2, between lines 16 and 17), add the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumber subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:

SECTION ___. The Department of State Health Services is required to implement a provision of this Act only if the legislature appropriates money specifically for that purpose. If the legislature does not appropriate money specifically for that purpose, the department may, but is not required to, implement a provision of this Act using other money available for that purpose.

The amendment to HB 107 was read and was adopted without objection.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.

HB 107 as amended was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.

Nays: Creighton, Hall, Hughes, King, Middleton, Schwertner.

HOUSE BILL 107 ON THIRD READING

Senator Miles moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 107 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.

Nays: Creighton, Hall, Hughes, King, Middleton, Schwertner.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6. (Same as previous roll call)

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 60 ON SECOND READING

Senator Campbell moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SJR 60 at this time on its second reading:

SJR 60, Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the commissioners court of a county to exempt from ad valorem taxation by each political subdivision that taxes the property the portion of the assessed value of a person's property that is attributable to the installation in or on the property of a rainwater harvesting or graywater system.

The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.

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

Nays: Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hancock, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton.

The resolution was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6. (Same as previous roll call)

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 60 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 SJR 60 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.

Nays: Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hancock, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton.

The resolution was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6. (Same as previous roll call)

SENATE BILL 1633 ON SECOND READING

Senator Campbell moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration SB 1633 at this time on its second reading:

SB 1633, 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.

The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.

Nays: Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hancock, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton.

The bill was read second time and was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6. (Same as previous roll call)

SENATE BILL 1633 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 SB 1633 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.

Nays: Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hancock, 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)

HOUSE BILL 2071 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 2071 at this time on its second reading:

HB 2071, Relating to certain policies and procedures for health care specialty consultations in certain child abuse or neglect investigations and assessments.

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 2071 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 2071 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 4850 ON SECOND READING

Senator King moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 4850 at this time on its second reading:

CSHB 4850, Relating to programs to promote economic development in the Office of the Governor and to the repeal of the governor's broadband development council.

The motion prevailed.

Senator Middleton 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: Middleton.

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 4850 ON THIRD READING

Senator King moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 4850 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 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 98
ON SECOND READING

On motion of Senator J. Hinojosa and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HCR 98 at this time on its second reading:

HCR 98, Urging Congress to enhance coordination among federal, state, and local authorities in the deployment of C-UAS technologies for border security.

The resolution was read second time and was adopted by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 90
ON SECOND READING

Senator King moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HCR 90 at this time on its second reading:

HCR 90, Expressing support for the strengthening of our partnership with Israel and for the creation of a Texas Trade and Investment Office in Israel.

The motion prevailed.

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

The resolution was read second time and was adopted by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0, Present-not voting 1.

Present-not voting: Cook.

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2233 ON SECOND READING

Senator A. Hinojosa moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSSB 2233 at this time on its second reading:

CSSB 2233, Relating to a prohibition on certain persons supporting terrorist activity at public institutions of higher education.

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

Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.

The bill was read second time.

Senator A. Hinojosa offered the following amendment to the bill:

Floor Amendment No. 1

Amend CSSB 2233 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill, adding Section 51.989, Education Code, as follows:

(1) In Subsection (b)(1) (page 1, line 37), strike "supporting" and substitute "endorsing or espousing".

(2) In Subsection (b)(2) (page 1, line 39), strike "at any time or place, persuading others to support" and substitute "persuading others to endorse or espouse".

(3) In Subsection (b)(2) (page 1, line 40), strike "support" and substitute "endorse".

(4) In Subsection (c), between "investigation" and "to" (page 1, line 45), insert "in consultation with an appropriate law enforcement agency".

(5) In Subsection (d), between "shall" and the underlined colon (page 1, line 50), insert "take the following actions in accordance with the institution's applicable student and employee disciplinary procedures".

(6) In Subsection (e), between "not" and "admit" (page 1, line 59), insert "knowingly".

(7) Immediately following Subsection (f) (page 2, between lines 10 and 11), insert the following appropriately lettered subsection:

( ) This section may not be construed to infringe on a free speech right protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or by Section 8, Article I, Texas Constitution.

The amendment to CSSB 2233 was read and was adopted without objection.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.

CSSB 2233 as amended was passed to engrossment by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.

Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 4187 ON SECOND READING

Senator Kolkhorst moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 4187 at this time on its second reading:

CSHB 4187, Relating to the authority and responsibilities of the Texas Historical Commission; authorizing fees.

The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4.

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

Nays: Cook, Menéndez, Miles, West.

The bill was read second time.

Senator Kolkhorst offered the following amendment to the bill:

Floor Amendment No. 1

Amend CSHB 4187 (senate committee report) by striking SECTION 4 of the bill (page 2, line 35 through page 3 line 5), adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill, and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:

SECTION ____. Subchapter A, Chapter 442, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 442.0062 to read as follows:

Sec. 442.0062. PRESERVATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF OFFICIAL TEXAS HISTORICAL MARKERS. (a) In this section:

(1) "Official Texas historical marker" means a marker, medallion, monument, or plaque awarded, approved, or administered by the commission, including:

(A) centennial monuments installed by the State of Texas in the 1930s;

(B) monuments installed by the State of Texas in the 1950s and 1960s to commemorate Texas history;

(C) medallions, plaques, or markers installed by the Texas State Historical Survey Committee, the commission's predecessor, in or after 1953; and

(D) markers, medallions, monuments, or plaques installed by the commission in or after 1973 on public or private property to commemorate an area, event, or person that are engraved with text or to which a plaque with text is attached.

(2) "Institution of higher education" and "university system" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.

(b) An official Texas historical marker is state property, regardless of whether the marker is located on public or private property.

(c) The commission has jurisdiction over and is responsible for the preservation, maintenance, and repair of official Texas historical markers.

(d) This section may not be construed as transferring ownership or control of, or the responsibility to preserve, maintain, or repair, a museum, statue, exhibition building, or other building that is owned or operated by a private entity, municipality, county, or institution of higher education or university system.

The amendment to CSHB 4187 was read and was adopted without objection.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.

CSHB 4187 as amended was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4.

Nays: Cook, Menéndez, Miles, West.

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 4187 ON THIRD READING

Senator Kolkhorst moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 4187 be placed on its third reading and final passage.

The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4.

Nays: Cook, Menéndez, Miles, West.

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4. (Same as previous roll call)

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SENATE BILL 2233 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 CSSB 2233 be placed on its third reading and final passage:

CSSB 2233, Relating to a prohibition on certain persons supporting terrorist activity at public institutions of higher education.

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

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

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

The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 23, Nays 8.

Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 34 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT

Senator Hughes called SJR 34 from the President's table for consideration of the House amendment to the resolution.

The Presiding Officer laid the resolution and the House amendment before the Senate.

Amendment

Amend SJR 34 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:

A JOINT RESOLUTION

proposing a constitutional amendment affirming the rights and responsibilities of parents.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Article I, Texas Constitution, is amended by adding Section 37 to read as follows:

Sec. 37. To enshrine truths that are deeply rooted in this nation's history and traditions, the people of Texas hereby affirm that a parent has the responsibility to nurture and protect the parent's child and the corresponding fundamental right to exercise care, custody, and control of the parent's child, including the right to make decisions concerning the child's upbringing.

SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 2025. The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the proposition: "The constitutional amendment affirming that parents are the primary decision makers for their children."

The amendment was read.

Senator Hughes moved to concur in the House amendment to SJR 34.

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

SENATE BILL 529 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT

Senator Sparks called SB 529 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 529 (house committee report) as follows:

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

SECTION ____. Section 351.155, Tax Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:

(c-1) This subsection applies only to a municipality described by Section 351.152(12) that has a population of 130,000 or more. Notwithstanding Subsection (c), a municipality to which this subsection applies may pledge or commit revenue under this section for only two qualified projects.

(2) On page 1, strike line 10 and substitute the following:

Section 351.155(c-1).

The amendment was read.

Senator Sparks moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 529.

The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4.

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

Nays: Hall, Hancock, Hughes, Middleton.

SENATE BILL 693 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT

Senator West called SB 693 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 693 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to notaries public; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a fee.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 406.006, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 406.006. QUALIFICATION. An individual qualifies by:

(1) properly completing the application form;

(2) executing the statement;

(3) providing the bond, if required;

(4) paying the required filing fees; [~~and~~]

(5) meeting the eligibility requirements; and

(6) successfully completing the education requirements established under Section 406.023.

SECTION 2. Section 406.009(d), Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

(d) In this section, "good cause" includes:

(1) a false statement knowingly made in an application;

(2) the failure to comply with Section 406.017;

(3) a final conviction for a violation of a law concerning the regulation of the conduct of notaries public in this or another state;

(4) the imposition on the notary public of an administrative, criminal, or civil penalty for a violation of a law or rule prescribing the duties of a notary public; [or]

(5) performing any notarization when the person for whom the notarization is performed did not personally appear before the notary at the time the notarization is executed; or

(6) failure to maintain records under Section 406.014.

SECTION 3. Subchapter A, Chapter 406, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 406.0091 to read as follows:

Sec. 406.0091. OFFENSE OF NOTARIZATION FOR PERSON NOT PERSONALLY APPEARING. (a) A person commits an offense if, as a notary public, the person performs any notarization with knowledge that the signer, grantor, maker, or principal for whom the notarization is performed did not personally appear before the notary public at the time the notarization is executed.

(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor, except that it is a state jail felony if the document being notarized involves the transfer of real property or any interest in real property.

(c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsection (a) that the person who personally appeared before the notary public knowingly presented an apparently valid proof of identification identifying the person as the signer, grantor, maker, or principal for whom the notarization was purported to be performed, regardless of the identity of the person.

(d) For purposes of this section, a person personally appears before a notary public if:

(1) for a notarization other than an online notarization, the person physically appears before the notary public at the time of the notarization in a manner that permits the notary public and the person to see, hear, communicate with, and provide proof of identification to each other; and

(2) for an online notarization, the person appears at the time of the notarization by an interactive two-way video and audio conference technology that meets the standards adopted for online notarization under Section 406.104.

SECTION 4. Section 406.011, Government Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:

(c) A notary public who has applied for reappointment must successfully complete the continuing education requirements established under Section 406.023 before being reappointed.

SECTION 5. Section 406.014, Government Code, is amended by adding Subsection (g) to read as follows:

(g) A notary public shall retain the records required by Subsection (a) until the 10th anniversary of the date of notarization.

SECTION 6. Section 406.023, Government Code, is amended by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:

(d) The secretary of state shall adopt rules necessary to establish education requirements for appointment and continuing education requirements for reappointment as a notary public. The rules:

(1) may not require a person to complete more than two hours of education for appointment or two hours of continuing education for reappointment;

(2) must require that the secretary of state establish and offer education and continuing education courses and allow the secretary of state to charge a reasonable fee;

(3) must require that the education and continuing education course hours required for appointment or reappointment as a notary public may only be completed through a course established and offered by the secretary of state; and

(4) may not require a person appointed as a notary public before September 1, 2025, to complete education requirements required for initial appointment as a notary public on or after that date.

SECTION 7. Not later than January 1, 2026, the secretary of state shall adopt rules necessary to implement the change in law made by this Act.

SECTION 8. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an application for a notary public appointment or reappointment submitted on or after January 1, 2026. An application submitted before January 1, 2026, is governed by the law as it existed immediately before the effective date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.

SECTION 9. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

The amendment was read.

Senator West moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 693.

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

SENATE BILL 1734 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT

Senator West called SB 1734 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 1734 on third reading as follows:

(1) In SECTION 2 of the bill, in added Section 51.9035, Government Code:

(A) strike "motion" wherever it appears and substitute "petition";

(B) strike "Motion" wherever it appears and substitute "Petition";

(D) strike "Movant" wherever it appears and substitute "Petitioner".

(2) In SECTION 2 of the bill, in added Section 51.9035(f), Government Code, strike "shall be sent, by first class mail," and substitute "shall be sent electronically or by a delivery method described by Rule 21a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure,".

(3) In SECTION 3 of the bill, in added Section 5.0206(c), Property Code, strike "bring a motion" and substitute "file a petition".

The amendment was read.

Senator West moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 1734.

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

SENATE BILL 1173 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT

Senator Perry called SB 1173 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 1173 (house committee report) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTIONS to the bill and renumbering the SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:

SECTION ____. Section 775.084(a), Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) Except as provided by Subsection (i), the board must submit to competitive bids an expenditure of more than $100,000 [~~$50,000~~] for:

(1) one item or service; or

(2) more than one of the same or a similar type of item or service in a fiscal year.

SECTION ____. Section 451.110(c), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

(1) $100,000 [~~$50,000~~] or less;

(2) the purchase of real property;

(3) personal or professional services; or

(4) the acquisition of an existing transit system.

The amendment was read.

Senator Perry moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 1173.

The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.

Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, 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: Hughes, Middleton.

SENATE BILL 1646 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS

Senator King called SB 1646 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 1646 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

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.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

ARTICLE 1. CRIMINAL PENALTIES

SECTION 1.01. Section 28.03(g), Penal Code, is amended by adding Subdivision (10) to read as follows:

(10) "Critical infrastructure facility" has the meaning assigned by Section 31.01.

SECTION 1.02. Section 28.03, Penal Code, is amended by adding Subsection (l) to read as follows:

(l) Notwithstanding Subsection (b), an offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if:

(1) the actor committed the offense by damaging or destroying a copper or brass component of:

(A) a critical infrastructure facility; or

(B) equipment or communication wires appurtenant to or connected to the facility or on which the facility depends to properly function, regardless of whether the equipment or communication wires are enclosed by a fence or other barrier; and

(2) the damage or destruction causes, wholly or partly, the impairment or interruption of the facility or the equipment or communication wires.

SECTION 1.03. Section 31.01, Penal Code, is amended by adding Subdivision (15) to read as follows:

(15) "Critical infrastructure facility" means:

(A) one of the following, if completely enclosed by a fence or other physical barrier that is obviously designed to exclude intruders, or if clearly marked with a sign or signs that are posted on the property, are reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders, and indicate that entry is forbidden:

(i) a petroleum or alumina refinery;

(ii) an electrical power generating facility, substation, switching station, or electrical control center;

(iii) a chemical, polymer, or rubber manufacturing facility;

(iv) a water intake structure, water treatment facility, wastewater treatment plant, or pump station;

(v) a natural gas compressor station;

(vi) a liquid natural gas terminal or storage facility;

(vii) a telecommunications central switching office or any structure used as part of a system to provide wired or wireless telecommunications services, cable or video services, or Internet access services;

(viii) a port, a railroad switching yard, a trucking terminal, or any other freight transportation facility;

(ix) a gas processing plant, including a plant used in the processing, treatment, or fractionation of natural gas;

(x) a transmission facility used by a federally licensed radio or television station;

(xi) a steelmaking facility that uses an electric arc furnace to make steel;

(xii) a dam that is classified as a high hazard by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality;

(xiii) a concentrated animal feeding operation, as defined by Section 26.048, Water Code; or

(xiv) any component of a system:

(a) on which a 9-1-1 service, as defined by Section 771.001, Health and Safety Code, depends to properly function; or

(b) that enables interoperable communications between emergency services personnel, as defined by Section 22.01, during an emergency or disaster; or

(B) if enclosed by a fence or other physical barrier obviously designed to exclude intruders:

(i) any portion of an aboveground oil, gas, or chemical pipeline;

(ii) an oil or gas drilling site;

(iii) a group of tanks used to store crude oil, such as a tank battery;

(iv) an oil, gas, or chemical production facility;

(v) an oil or gas wellhead; or

(vi) any oil and gas facility that has an active flare.

SECTION 1.04. Section 31.03, Penal Code, is amended by adding Subsection (f-2) to read as follows:

(f-2) An offense described for purposes of punishment by Subsections (e)(4)-(6) is increased to the next higher category of offense if it is shown on the trial of the offense that:

(1) the property stolen was copper or brass; and

(2) the actor committed the offense by unlawfully appropriating the property from a critical infrastructure facility or from equipment or communication wires appurtenant to or connected to the facility or on which the facility depends to properly function, regardless of whether the equipment or communication wires are enclosed by a fence or other barrier.

SECTION 1.05. Chapter 31, Penal Code, is amended by adding Section 31.22 to read as follows:

Sec. 31.22. UNAUTHORIZED POSSESSION OF CERTAIN COPPER OR BRASS MATERIAL. (a) In this section:

(1) "Copper or brass material" has the meaning assigned by Section 1956.001(4)(A) or (B), Occupations Code.

(2) "Firearm" has the meaning assigned by Section 46.01.

(b) A person commits an offense if the person:

(1) intentionally or knowingly possesses copper or brass material; and

(2) is not a person who is authorized under Subsection (c) to possess the copper or brass material.

(1) the owner of the material;

(2) a public utility or common carrier;

(3) a telecommunications provider as defined by Section 51.002, Utilities Code;

(4) a cable service provider as defined by Section 66.002, Utilities Code;

(5) a video service provider as defined by Section 66.002, Utilities Code;

(6) a manufacturing, industrial, commercial, retail, or other business that sells the material in the ordinary course of the seller's business;

(7) a carrier-for-hire acting in the course and scope of the carrier's business with a bill of lading or a contract verifying transport information;

(8) a metal recycling entity registered under Chapter 1956, Occupations Code, and acting within the course and scope of the entity's business;

(9) a person acting in the ordinary course of the person's business who lawfully acquires possession of the materials during construction, remodeling, demolition, or salvage of a building or other structure in which the materials were installed or contained; or

(10) an agent for a person described by Subdivisions (1)-(9) acting within the course and scope of the agent's authority to act on behalf of the person.

(d) Subsection (c) does not apply to a person who knows that the copper or brass material was unlawfully obtained.

(e) Except as provided by Subsection (f), an offense under this section is a state jail felony.

(f) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if it is shown on the trial of the offense that:

(1) the copper or brass material was unlawfully obtained from a critical infrastructure facility; or

(2) the person:

(A) has been previously convicted of an offense under this section;

(B) has been previously convicted of any of the following offenses with respect to copper or brass material:

(i) an offense under Section 28.03 or 31.03;

(ii) conspiracy under Section 15.02 to commit an offense under Section 28.03 or 31.03; or

(iii) an offense under Chapter 71;

(i) conspiracy under Section 15.02 to commit an offense under Section 28.03, Section 31.03, or Chapter 71; or

(ii) an offense under Chapter 71; or

(D) possessed a firearm during the commission of the offense.

(g) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under any other law, the actor may be prosecuted under this section, the other law, or both.

SECTION 1.06. Section 71.02(a), Penal Code, as amended by Chapters 269 (S.B. 224), 369 (H.B. 1442), 462 (S.B. 1900), 885 (H.B. 4635), and 910 (H.B. 6), Acts of the 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023, is reenacted and amended to read as follows:

(a) A person commits an offense if, with the intent to establish, maintain, or participate in a combination or in the profits of a combination or as a member of a criminal street gang or foreign terrorist organization, the person commits or conspires to commit one or more of the following:

(1) murder, capital murder, arson, aggravated robbery, robbery, burglary, theft, aggravated kidnapping, kidnapping, aggravated assault, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, continuous sexual abuse of young child or disabled individual, solicitation of a minor, forgery, deadly conduct, assault punishable as a Class A misdemeanor, burglary of a motor vehicle, or unauthorized use of a motor vehicle;

(2) any gambling offense punishable as a Class A misdemeanor;

(3) promotion of prostitution, aggravated promotion of prostitution, or compelling prostitution;

(4) unlawful manufacture, transportation, repair, or sale of firearms or prohibited weapons;

(5) unlawful manufacture, delivery, dispensation, or distribution of a controlled substance or dangerous drug, or unlawful possession of a controlled substance or dangerous drug:

(A) through forgery, fraud, misrepresentation, or deception; or

(B) with the intent to deliver the controlled substance or dangerous drug;

(5-a) causing the unlawful delivery, dispensation, or distribution of a controlled substance or dangerous drug in violation of Subtitle B, Title 3, Occupations Code;

(5-b) any unlawful possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance or dangerous drug;

(5-c) [~~(5-b)~~] unlawful possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance listed in Penalty Group 1-B under Section 481.1022, Health and Safety Code;

(6) any unlawful wholesale promotion or possession of any obscene material or obscene device with the intent to wholesale promote the same;

(7) any offense under Subchapter B, Chapter 43, depicting or involving conduct by or directed toward a child younger than 18 years of age;

(8) any felony offense under Chapter 32;

(9) any offense under Chapter 36;

(10) any offense under Chapter 34, 35, or 35A;

(11) any offense under Section 37.11(a);

(12) any offense under Chapter 20A;

(13) any offense under Section 37.10;

(14) any offense under Section 38.06, 38.07, 38.09, or 38.11;

(15) any offense under Section 42.10;

(16) any offense under Section 46.06(a)(1) or 46.14;

(17) any offense under Section 20.05, 20.06, or 20.07;

(18) any offense under Section 16.02;

(19) any offense punishable under Section 42.03(d) or (e);

(20) [~~(19)~~] an offense under Section 28.03 that is punishable under Subsection (b)(4)(E) or (l) of that section;

(21) [~~(20)~~] an offense under:

(A) Section 31.21 that is punishable under Subsection (d) of that section; or

(B) Section 31.22 that is punishable under Subsection (e) of that section;

(22) [~~(20)~~] any offense classified as a felony under the Tax Code; or

(23) [~~(21)~~] any offense under Section 545.420, Transportation Code.

ARTICLE 2. REGULATION OF METAL RECYCLING ENTITIES

SECTION 2.01. Section 1956.001(4), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:

(4) "Copper or brass material" means:

(A) a power inverter, bus bar, or insulated or noninsulated copper wire or cable that contains copper or an alloy of copper or zinc and is of the type used by:

(i) a public utility or common carrier;

(ii) a telecommunications provider as defined by Section 51.002, Utilities Code;

(iii) a cable service provider as defined by Section 66.002, Utilities Code; or

(iv) a video service provider as defined by Section 66.002, Utilities Code;

(B) a copper or brass item of a type commonly used in construction or by:

(i) a public utility;

(ii) a telecommunications provider as defined by Section 51.002, Utilities Code;

(iii) a cable service provider as defined by Section 66.002, Utilities Code; or

(iv) a video service provider as defined by Section 66.002, Utilities Code; or

SECTION 2.02. Subchapter A-1, Chapter 1956, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 1956.018 to read as follows:

Sec. 1956.018. TRAINING ON IDENTIFYING CERTAIN COPPER OR BRASS MATERIAL. (a) The department shall develop and make available to metal recycling entities educational and training materials to aid the entities in identifying copper or brass material as defined by Section 1956.131, including copper or brass material that may be stolen property.

(b) The educational and training materials must be developed in coordination with:

(1) the advisory committee established under Section 1956.017;

(2) trade associations representing metal recycling entities;

(3) representatives of the communications industries that deploy materials composed of copper or brass material;

(4) representatives of law enforcement agencies and the offices of prosecuting attorneys; and

(5) other interested stakeholders.

(c) For purposes of developing the educational and training materials under Subsection (a), the representatives described by Subsection (b)(3) shall provide examples to the department of copper or brass material as defined by Section 1956.131.

SECTION 2.03. Subchapter A-1, Chapter 1956, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 1956.019 to read as follows:

Sec. 1956.019. STUDY ON EFFECT OF REGULATIONS ON INCIDENTS OF THEFT OF COPPER OR BRASS MATERIAL. (a) At least once every three years, the department shall conduct a study on:

(1) the effect that the implementation of Subchapter C-2 and similar laws has had on the incidents of theft of copper or brass material; and

(2) the manner and extent to which metal recycling entities are coordinating and cooperating with law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to assist in preventing and prosecuting that theft.

(b) The department shall make available on the department's publicly accessible Internet website a written report on the study conducted under Subsection (a).

SECTION 2.04. Chapter 1956, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subchapter C-2 to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER C-2. TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING CERTAIN COPPER OR BRASS MATERIAL

Sec. 1956.131. DEFINITION. Notwithstanding Section 1956.001, in this subchapter, the term "copper or brass material" does not include:

(1) the material described by Section 1956.001(4)(B) or (C); or

(2) common household insulated or noninsulated copper wire or cable.

Sec. 1956.132. APPLICABILITY; EFFECT OF LAW. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, this subchapter applies to the purchase or acquisition, from a person described by Section 1956.002(1), of copper or brass material.

(b) This subchapter does not affect any requirement under Subchapter A-3, including any requirement applicable to the purchase or acquisition of copper or brass material from a person not described by Section 1956.002(1).

Sec. 1956.133. LIMITATION ON PURCHASING OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRING CERTAIN COPPER OR BRASS MATERIAL. A metal recycling entity may not purchase or otherwise acquire copper or brass material from a person described by Section 1956.002(1), unless each of the following is satisfied:

(1) the person selling the copper or brass material to the metal recycling entity acquired it in the ordinary course of the person's business, including in the ordinary course of business of any of the following entities:

(A) a business that owns the copper or brass material;

(B) a public utility or common carrier;

(D) a cable service provider as defined by Section 66.002, Utilities Code;

(E) a video service provider as defined by Section 66.002, Utilities Code;

(F) a manufacturing, industrial, commercial, retail, or other business that sells the material in the ordinary course of the seller's business;

(G) a carrier-for-hire acting in the course and scope of the carrier's business with a bill of lading or a contract verifying transport information;

(H) a metal recycling entity registered under this chapter acting within the course and scope of the entity's business; or

(I) a person acting in the ordinary course of the person's business who lawfully acquires possession of the materials during the construction, remodeling, demolition, or salvage of a building or other structure in which the materials were installed or contained; and

(2) any individual acting on behalf of the person described by Subdivision (1) has apparent authority to enter into the transaction and is acting in the scope of that authority.

Sec. 1956.134. CERTAIN RECORDS REQUIRED WHEN PURCHASING OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRING CERTAIN COPPER OR BRASS MATERIAL; OFFENSE. (a) A metal recycling entity shall maintain an accurate record of each transaction in which the entity purchases or otherwise acquires copper or brass material from a person described by Section 1956.133.

(b) A record meets the requirements of Subsection (a) if it contains:

(1) a description of the weight of copper or brass material purchased or otherwise acquired made in accordance with the custom of the trade for the material that is the subject of the transaction;

(2) the business name of the person from whom the copper or brass material was purchased or otherwise acquired;

(3) if the copper or brass material includes insulated communications wire that has been burned wholly or partly to remove the insulation, documentation acceptable under the rules adopted under Subsection (f) that states that the material was salvaged from a fire; and

(4) the date of the transaction.

(c) A metal recycling entity shall preserve each record required by this section until the second anniversary of the date the record was made. The records must be maintained in an easily retrievable format and must be available for inspection as provided by Section 1956.135 not later than 72 hours after the time of purchase or acquisition.

(d) A record containing the information described by Subsection (b) that is maintained in accordance with other law or as a routine business practice satisfies the requirements of Subsection (a).

(e) The commission by rule shall prescribe the method by which a metal recycling entity is required to document in a record required by this section the type of seller, including a seller listed in Section 1956.133, from which the entity purchased or acquired copper or brass material.

(f) The commission shall adopt rules establishing the type of documentation that a person described by Section 1956.133 who sells insulated communications wire described by Subsection (b)(3) must provide to a metal recycling entity to establish that the wire was salvaged from a fire.

(g) A metal recycling entity commits an offense if the entity intentionally or knowingly fails to maintain a record as required by this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 1956.135. INSPECTION OF RECORDS. On request, a metal recycling entity shall permit a peace officer, a representative of the department, or a representative of a county, municipality, or other political subdivision that issues a license or permit under Section 1956.003(b) to, during the entity's usual business hours:

(1) enter the premises of the entity; and

(2) inspect a record required to be maintained by Section 1956.134.

Sec. 1956.136. EFFECT ON LOCAL LAW. (a) Notwithstanding Section 1956.003, a county, municipality, or political subdivision of this state may not:

(1) with respect to copper or brass material, restrict the purchase, acquisition, sale, transfer, or possession of the material by a person described by Section 1956.133; or

(2) alter or add to the recordkeeping requirements provided by Section 1956.134.

(b) Subsection (a) does not affect the authority of a county, municipality, or political subdivision of this state to:

(1) issue a license or permit as provided by Section 1956.003; or

(2) inspect a record as provided by Section 1956.135.

(c) Subsection (a)(2) does not affect a municipal ordinance in effect on March 1, 2025, to the extent the ordinance requires a metal recycling entity to submit records, in addition to any records required by Section 1956.134, to a searchable online database that is used by law enforcement to identify and locate damaged or stolen property and any individuals who may be associated with the damaged or stolen property.

Sec. 1956.137. ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY. (a) The commission may impose an administrative penalty under Subchapter R, Chapter 411, Government Code, on a metal recycling entity that:

(1) violates Section 1956.133 due to the entity's failure to exercise due diligence in purchasing or acquiring copper or brass material; or

(2) violates Section 1956.134.

(b) The amount of the administrative penalty may not exceed $10,000.

ARTICLE 3. TRANSITIONS; EFFECTIVE DATE

SECTION 3.01. Not later than January 1, 2026, the Public Safety Commission shall adopt rules necessary to implement the changes in law made by this Act to Chapter 1956, Occupations Code.

SECTION 3.02. Not later than September 1, 2028, the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas shall complete the initial study required by Section 1956.019, Occupations Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3.03. The changes in law made by this Act to the Penal Code apply only to an offense committed on or after September 1, 2025. An offense committed before September 1, 2025, is governed by the law in effect on the date the offense was committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of this section, an offense was committed before September 1, 2025, if any element of the offense occurred before that date.

SECTION 3.04. 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 1646 (house committee report) by striking page 1, line 22 through page 2, line 1, and substituting the following:

destroying:

(A) a copper or brass component of a critical infrastructure facility; or

(B) equipment or communication wires appurtenant to or connected to a copper or brass component of the facility or on which the facility depends to

The amendments were read.

Senator King moved to concur in the House amendments to SB 1646.

The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.

Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, 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: Birdwell, Eckhardt.

SENATE BILL 541 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS

Senator Kolkhorst called SB 541 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 541 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to cottage food production operations.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 437.001, Health and Safety Code, is amended by amending Subdivision (2-b) and adding Subdivisions (3) and (5-a) to read as follows:

(2-b) "Cottage food production operation" means an individual, operating out of the individual's home, or a nonprofit organization that [~~who~~]:

(A) produces at the individual's home or the home of an individual who is a director or officer of the nonprofit organization, as applicable, any food other than [~~subject to Section 437.0196~~]:

(i) meat, meat products, poultry, or poultry products;

(ii) seafood, including seafood products, fish, fish products, shellfish, and shellfish products;

(iii) ice or ice products, including shaved ice, ice cream, frozen custard, popsicles, and gelato;

(iv) low-acid canned goods;

(v) products containing cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol; or

(vi) raw milk and raw milk products [~~a baked good that is not a time and temperature control for safety food, as defined by Section 437.0196;~~

[~~(ii)~~ ~~candy;~~

[~~(iii)~~ ~~coated and uncoated nuts;~~

[~~(iv)~~ ~~unroasted nut butters;~~

[~~(v)~~ ~~fruit butters;~~

[~~(vi)~~ ~~a canned jam or jelly;~~

[~~(vii)~~ ~~a fruit pie;~~

[~~(viii)~~ ~~dehydrated fruit or vegetables, including dried beans;~~

[~~(ix)~~ ~~popcorn and popcorn snacks;~~

[~~(x)~~ ~~cereal, including granola;~~

[~~(xi)~~ ~~dry mix;~~

[~~(xii)~~ ~~vinegar;~~

[~~(xiii)~~ ~~pickled fruit or vegetables, including beets and carrots, that are preserved in vinegar, brine, or a similar solution at an equilibrium pH value of 4.6 or less;~~

[~~(xiv)~~ ~~mustard;~~

[~~(xv)~~ ~~roasted coffee or dry tea;~~

[~~(xvi)~~ ~~a dried herb or dried herb mix;~~

[~~(xvii)~~ ~~plant-based acidified canned goods;~~

[~~(xviii)~~ ~~fermented vegetable products, including products that are refrigerated to preserve quality;~~

[~~(xix)~~ ~~frozen raw and uncut fruit or vegetables; or~~

[~~(xx)~~ ~~any other food that is not a time and temperature control for safety food, as defined by Section 437.0196~~];

(B) has an annual gross income of $100,000 [~~$50,000~~] or less from the sale of food described by Paragraph (A), as the department annually adjusts for inflation using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics or its successor in function;

(D) delivers products to the consumer or cottage food vendor at the point of sale or another location designated by the consumer or cottage food vendor.

(3) "Cottage food vendor" means a person located in this state who:

(A) has a contractual relationship with a cottage food production operation; and

(B) sells directly to consumers located in this state on behalf of the cottage food production operation a food other than a time and temperature control for safety food.

(5-a) "Nonprofit organization" means an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(a), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as an organization described by Section 501(c)(3) of that code.

SECTION 2. Section 437.0196(a), Health and Safety Code, is redesignated as Section 437.001(8), Health and Safety Code, and amended to read as follows:

(8) "Time [~~(a)~~ ~~In this section, "time~~] and temperature control for safety food" means a food that requires time and temperature control for safety to limit pathogen growth or toxin production. The term includes a food that must be held under proper temperature controls, such as refrigeration, to prevent the growth of bacteria that may cause human illness. The term:

(A) [~~A time and temperature control for safety food~~] may include a food that contains protein and moisture and is neutral or slightly acidic, such as meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish products, pasteurized and unpasteurized milk and dairy products, raw seed sprouts, baked goods that require refrigeration, including cream or custard pies or cakes, and ice products; and

(B) [. ~~The term~~] does not include a food that uses time and temperature control for safety food as ingredients if the final food product does not require time or temperature control for safety to limit pathogen growth or toxin production.

SECTION 3. Section 437.0191, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:

(c) Notwithstanding any other law, a cottage food production operation that manufactures and distributes at wholesale cottage food for resale by others is exempt from department licensing requirements under Chapter 431.

SECTION 4. Section 437.0192, Health and Safety Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:

(a) A local government authority, including a local health department, may not:

(1) regulate the production of food at a cottage food production operation; or

(2) require a cottage food production operation to obtain any type of license or permit or pay any fee to produce, sell, or provide samples directly to a consumer or cottage food vendor of a food other than a food described by Sections 437.001(2-b)(A)(i)-(vi).

(c) A local government authority, including a local health department, may not employ or continue to employ a person who knowingly requires or attempts to require a cottage food production operation to obtain a license or permit in violation of Subsection (a)(2).

SECTION 5. Section 437.0193, Health and Safety Code, is amended by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsections (b-1) and (e) to read as follows:

(a) Food [~~described by Section 437.001(2-b)(A)~~] sold by a cottage food production operation must be packaged in a manner that prevents product contamination, except that a food item is not required to be packaged if it is too large or bulky for conventional packaging.

(b) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules requiring a cottage food production operation to label all of the foods [~~described in Section 437.001(2-b)(A) that~~] the operation sells to consumers. The label must include:

(1) the name and address of the cottage food production operation; and

(2) the following disclosure:

"THIS PRODUCT WAS PRODUCED IN A PRIVATE RESIDENCE THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENTAL LICENSING OR INSPECTION." [~~a statement that the food is not inspected by the department or a local health department.~~]

(b-1) Notwithstanding Subsection (b)(1), a cottage food production operation is not required to include on a food label the address of the operation if the operation registers with the department in the form and manner the department prescribes, and includes on the label a unique identification number provided by the department. The executive commissioner may adopt rules to implement this subsection.

(e) A cottage food production operation that sells a time and temperature control for safety food must include:

(1) on the food label the date the food was made; and

(2) on the food label or on an invoice or receipt provided with the food when sold the following statement in at least 12-point font: "SAFE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS: To prevent illness from bacteria, keep this food refrigerated or frozen until the food is prepared for consumption."

SECTION 6. Section 437.0194, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 437.0194. CERTAIN SALES BY COTTAGE FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATIONS PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (a-1), a [A] cottage food production operation may not sell food [~~any of the foods described in Section 437.001(2-b)(A)~~] at wholesale.

(a-1) A cottage food production operation may sell to a cottage food vendor at wholesale food other than a food described by Sections 437.002(2-b)(A)(i)-(vi) or a time and temperature control for safety food.

(b) A cottage food production operation may sell a food other than a food described by Sections 437.002(2-b)(A)(i)-(vi) [~~Section 437.001(2-b)(A)~~] in this state through the Internet [~~or by mail order~~] only if:

(1) the consumer purchases the food through the Internet [~~or by mail order~~] from the operation and the operator or operator's employee or household member personally delivers the food to the consumer; and

(2) subject to Subsection (c), before the operator accepts payment for the food, the operator provides all labeling information required by Section 437.0193(e) [~~437.0193(d)~~] and department rules to the consumer by[:

[~~(A)~~] posting a legible statement on the operation's Internet website[;

[~~(B)~~ ~~publishing the information in a catalog; or~~

[~~(C)~~ ~~otherwise communicating the information to the consumer~~].

(c) The operator of a cottage food production operation that sells a food [~~described by Section 437.001(2-b)(A)~~] in this state in the manner described by Subsection (b):

(1) is not required to include the address of the operation in the labeling information required under Subsection (b)(2) before the operator accepts payment for the food; and

(2) shall provide the address or unique identification number of the operation on the label of the food in the manner required by Section 437.0193(b) or (b-1) after the operator accepts payment for the food.

SECTION 7. Chapter 437, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Sections 437.01953, 437.01955, and 437.01965 to read as follows:

Sec. 437.01953. REQUIREMENTS FOR SALE OF CERTAIN FOOD. (a) A cottage food production operation that sells to consumers a time and temperature control for safety food shall:

(1) register with the department in the form and manner prescribed by the department;

(2) store and deliver the food at the air temperature necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria that may cause human illness; and

(3) label the food in accordance with Section 437.0193.

(b) The executive commissioner may adopt rules to implement this section.

Sec. 437.01955. SAMPLING AND DONATION OF COTTAGE FOOD. (a) A cottage food production operation may provide samples of its products to consumers at any location in this state in accordance with the standards provided by Section 437.020(c).

(b) A cottage food production operation may donate food other than time and temperature control for safety food for sale or service at an event, including a religious or charitable organization's bake sale, to the same extent an individual is allowed by law to donate food.

Sec. 437.01965. COTTAGE FOOD VENDOR. (a) A cottage food vendor may sell food other than food described by Sections 437.001(2-b)(A)(i)-(vi) or time and temperature control for safety food directly to consumers at a farmers' market, farm stand, food service establishment, or any retail store.

(b) A cottage food vendor who sells food described by Subsection (a) must display in a prominent place near the location where the food is offered for sale a sign with the following disclosure:

"THIS PRODUCT WAS PRODUCED IN A PRIVATE RESIDENCE THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENTAL LICENSING OR INSPECTION."

(c) Food produced by a cottage food production operation and sold by a cottage food vendor must include on the label the date the food was made.

(d) A cottage food vendor that purchases food from a cottage food production operation at wholesale shall register with the department in the form and manner the department prescribes. The executive commissioner may adopt rules to implement this subsection.

SECTION 8. The following provisions of the Health and Safety Code are repealed:

(1) Section 437.0193(d);

(2) Section 437.01952;

(3) the heading to Section 437.0196; and

(4) Section 437.0196(b).

SECTION 9. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

Floor Amendment No. 1

Amend CSSB 541 (house committee report) as follows:

(1) On page 5, lines 2 through 4, strike "produce, sell, or provide samples directly to a consumer or cottage food vendor of a food" and substitute "produce or sell directly to a consumer or cottage food vendor, or to provide samples directly to a consumer, a food".

(2) Strike page 8, line 27 through page 9, line 2, and substitute the following:

vendor may sell food produced by a cottage food production operation in accordance with Section 437.0194(a-1) directly to consumers at a farmers' market, a farm stand, a food

Floor Amendment No. 2

Amend CSSB 541 (house committee report) on page 3, line 2, by striking "$100,000" and substituting "$150,000".

The amendments were read.

Senator Kolkhorst moved to concur in the House amendments to SB 541.

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

SENATE BILL 1833 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT

Senator Parker called SB 1833 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 1833 (house committee report) on page 1, between lines 19 and 20, by inserting the following:

(c) The enhancement provided by Subsection (b) does not apply if the person is charged with an offense under Section 481.120 and the amount of marihuana delivered is not more than four ounces.

The amendment was read.

Senator Parker 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 1833 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; Huffman, King, Flores, and J. Hinojosa.

SENATE RULE 7.07(b) SUSPENDED

(Permission to Introduce)

(Motion In Writing)

Senator Birdwell submitted the following Motion In Writing:

Mr. President:

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

SB 3074 by Birdwell, Relating to communications between the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the governor, the lieutenant governor, or a member of the legislature.

BIRDWELL

The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.

SENATE BILL ON FIRST READING

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

SB 3074 by Birdwell

Relating to communications between the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the governor, the lieutenant governor, or a member of the legislature.

To Committee on Natural Resources.

HOUSE BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FIRST READING

The following bills and resolutions received from the House were read first time and referred to the committees indicated:

HB 1233 to Committee on Education K-16.

HB 1285 to Committee on Natural Resources.

HB 1828 to Committee on Criminal Justice.

HB 1876 to Committee on Education K-16.

HB 2091 to Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.

HB 2301 to Committee on Health and Human Services.

HB 2725 to Committee on Transportation.

HB 3063 to Committee on Local Government.

HB 3177 to Committee on Criminal Justice.

HB 3483 to Committee on Local Government.

HB 4662 to Committee on Transportation.

HB 5606 to Committee on Education K-16.

HCR 9 to Committee on Administration.

HCR 10 to Committee on Administration.

HCR 40 to Committee on Border Security.

HCR 76 to Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.

HCR 118 to Committee on Economic Development.

HCR 127 to Committee on Economic Development.

HCR 135 to Committee on Administration.

HCR 141 to Committee on Economic Development.

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 Border Security might meet upon adjournment today at Desk 22 and consider HB 180.

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 9:00 a.m. tomorrow in Room E1.012 and consider the following bills: HB 3556, SB 3074.

SENATE RULES SUSPENDED

(Posting Rules)

On motion of Senator J. Hinojosa and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 11.10(a) and Senate Rule 11.18(a) were suspended in order that the Committee on Finance might meet at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow in Room E1.036 and consider HB 104.

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 8:00 a.m. tomorrow in the Senate Chamber and consider the following bills: HB 1052, HB 4099, HB 4638, HB 5147.

MOTION TO ADJOURN

On motion of Senator Zaffirini and by unanimous consent, the Senate at 4:23 p.m. agreed to adjourn, in memory of Christopher Jake Stone, pending the receipt of committee reports, until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.

CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 1633

On motion of Senator Campbell, Senators Eckhardt and West will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1633.

CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 1978

On motion of Senator Hall, Senators Hughes and Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1978.

CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 2549

On motion of Senator West, Senator Eckhardt will be shown as Co-author of SB 2549.

CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 2688

On motion of Senator Hancock, Senator Campbell will be shown as Co-author of SB 2688.

CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 34

On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Hagenbuch will be shown as Co-author of SJR 34.

CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 60

On motion of Senator Campbell, Senators Eckhardt and West will be shown as Co-authors of SJR 60.

CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE RESOLUTION 551

On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Paxton will be shown as Co-author of SR 551.

CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 102

On motion of Senator Hancock, Senators Blanco and West will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 102.

CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 107

On motion of Senator Miles, Senators Blanco and West will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 107.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 126

On motion of Senator West, Senator Creighton will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 126.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 130

On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator West will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 130.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 285

On motion of Senator West, Senator Flores will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 285.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 647

On motion of Senator Hagenbuch, Senator West will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 647.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 694

On motion of Senator Cook, Senator West will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 694.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 1481

On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator West will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 1481.

CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 1639

On motion of Senator Alvarado, Senators Hagenbuch, J. Hinojosa, and Parker will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 1639.

CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 1875

On motion of Senator Flores, Senators Blanco, Campbell, and J. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 1875.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 2071

On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senator West will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 2071.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 2187

On motion of Senator Perry, Senator West will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 2187.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 2513

On motion of Senator Perry, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 2513.

CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 2516

On motion of Senator Schwertner, Senators Cook and J. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 2516.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 2564

On motion of Senator King, Senator Campbell will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 2564.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 2688

On motion of Senator Huffman, Senator Alvarado will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 2688.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 2974

On motion of Senator King, Senator J. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 2974.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 3126

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator West will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 3126.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 3370

On motion of Senator Nichols, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 3370.

CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 3376

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senators Blanco, Menéndez, and West will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 3376.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 3486

On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senator J. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 3486.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 3487

On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senator J. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 3487.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 3940

On motion of Senator Paxton, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 3940.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 4238

On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator West will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 4238.

CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 4623

On motion of Senator Hagenbuch, Senators Campbell and Middleton will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 4623.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 4643

On motion of Senator Hagenbuch, Senator West will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 4643.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 4783

On motion of Senator Hancock, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 4783.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 4850

On motion of Senator King, Senator West will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 4850.

CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 5342

On motion of Senator Menéndez, Senators J. Hinojosa, Paxton, and Zaffirini will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 5342.

CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 5424

On motion of Senator Middleton, Senator Hagenbuch will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 5424.

ADJOURNMENT

Pursuant to a previously adopted motion, the Senate at 9:55 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2025, adjourned, in memory of Christopher Jake Stone, until 11:00 a.m. today.

APPENDIX

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

May 20, 2025

EDUCATION K-16 — CSHB 120, CSHB 6

LOCAL GOVERNMENT — HB 247, HB 1533, HJR 34, HB 2421, HB 2273, HB 2464, HB 2011, HB 3575, HB 3788, HB 4370, HB 4809, HB 5057, HB 5084, HB 5534, HB 5668, HB 3424, HB 2715

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT — HB 2564, HB 2760, HB 2765, HB 2898, HB 3260, HB 3800, HB 4396, HB 5195, CSHB 4341

WATER, AGRICULTURE, AND RURAL AFFAIRS — CSHB 43

LOCAL GOVERNMENT — HB 5686, CSSB 3065

BUSINESS AND COMMERCE — HB 2467, HB 2468, HB 2518, CSHB 4310, CSHB 4386, HB 4490

BORDER SECURITY — HB 180

BUSINESS AND COMMERCE — HB 5323

EDUCATION K-16 — CSHB 2

May 21, 2025

WATER, AGRICULTURE, AND RURAL AFFAIRS — CSSB 823

BILLS AND RESOLUTION ENGROSSED

May 20, 2025

SB 511, SB 1633, SB 2233, SJR 60

BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ENROLLED

May 20, 2025

SB 207, SB 378, SB 402, SB 541, SB 651, SB 664, SB 687, SB 693, SB 745, SB 920, SB 927, SB 958, SB 984, SB 992, SB 1018, SB 1020, SB 1173, SB 1227, SB 1239, SB 1247, SB 1248, SB 1321, SB 1332, SB 1497, SB 1537, SB 1620, SB 1646, SB 1662, SB 1901, SB 2053, SB 2112, SB 2124, SB 2145, SB 2180, SB 2332, SB 2448, SB 2662, SB 2938, SCR 19, SCR 25, SJR 34, SR 533, SR 554

SENT TO GOVERNOR

May 20, 2025

SB 434, SB 746, SB 901, SB 1079, SB 1177, SB 1214, SB 1351, SB 1895, SB 1931, SB 2141, SB 3037, SB 3044, SCR 1, SCR 6, SCR 22, SCR 37

SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

May 20, 2025

SB 305, SB 326, SB 463, SB 494, SB 530, SB 769, SB 856, SB 1169, SB 1238, SB 1967, SB 2196, SB 2312, SCR 29

FILED WITHOUT SIGNATURE OF GOVERNOR

May 20, 2025

SB 783

In Memory

Christopher Jake Stone

Senate Resolution 554

WHEREAS, The family and friends of Christopher "Chris" Jake Stone of Santa Fe, Texas, suffered an incalculable loss with his death on May 18, 2018, at the age of 17; and

WHEREAS, Chris Stone demonstrated extraordinary bravery during the mass shooting at Santa Fe High School, where eight students and two teachers lost their lives; Chris used his body to barricade a door in his classroom, preventing the gunman from entering and protecting the classmates who were sheltering alongside him; he passed away at the scene after being shot by the gunman; in tribute to his valiant actions, he was posthumously recognized with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Young Hero Award, one of the nation's highest commendations for youth; and

WHEREAS, Born in Webster on October 19, 2000, Chris Stone was the beloved son of Christopher and Rosie Stone and the brother of two sisters, Angelica and Mercedes; a junior at Santa Fe High School, Chris was a member of the junior varsity football and ultimate Frisbee teams; he was known as a kind, affectionate, and fun-loving young man who brightened the world for everyone around him; and

WHEREAS, In the words of John 15:13, "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends"; Chris Stone will forever be remembered for the remarkable selflessness and courage that he demonstrated in the final moments of his life, as well as for the joy, laughter, and companionship that he shared with his loved ones; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Christopher Jake Stone and honor the heroism of this remarkable young Texan; 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 Chris Stone.

MIDDLETON