FORTY-THIRD DAY
(Continued)
(Sunday, May 25, 2025)
AFTER RECESS
The Senate met at 3:44 p.m. and was called to order by Senator Eckhardt.
MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
HOUSE CHAMBER
Austin, Texas
Sunday, May 25, 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:
Instructing the enrolling clerk of the house of representatives to make a correction in H.B. No. 140.
SB 36
Parker
Sponsor: Hefner
|
Relating to the homeland security activities of certain entities, including the establishment and operations of the Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety.
(Committee Substitute/Amended)
SB 38
Bettencourt
Sponsor: Button
|
Relating to the eviction from real property of certain persons not entitled to enter, occupy, or remain in possession of the premises.
(Amended)
SB 53
Zaffirini
Sponsor: Flores
|
Relating to certain notice and filing requirements in court proceedings involving persons with mental illness.
SB 226
West
Sponsor: Bernal
|
Relating to establishing residency for children who are the subject of parental child safety placement agreements for purposes of admission into public schools.
SB 535
Huffman
Sponsor: Capriglione
|
Relating to the admissibility of evidence regarding a victim's past sexual behavior in prosecutions of certain trafficking, sexual, or assaultive offenses.
SB 777
Hughes
Sponsor: Lujan
|
Relating to compensation and employment condition standards by municipal charter or collective bargaining agreement and to impasse resolution in collective bargaining with certain political subdivisions.
(Amended)
SB 815
Schwertner
Sponsor: Spiller
|
Relating to the use of certain automated systems in, and certain adverse determinations made in connection with, the health benefit claims process.
SB 827
Parker
Sponsor: DeAyala
|
Relating to the audit of an election using an electronic voting system.
SB 1141
Miles
Sponsor: Campos
|
Relating to confirming the provision of certain notices before the full adversary hearing in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services.
SB 1330
Hancock
Sponsor: Paul
|
Relating to billing and reimbursement for certain medical equipment, devices, and supplies provided to Medicare enrollees; creating a criminal offense.
SB 1352
Hinojosa, Adam
Sponsor: Capriglione
|
Relating to the deadline for filing an application for certain ad valorem tax exemptions or allocations and the calculation of the penalty for filing a late application for such an exemption or allocation.
SB 1398
Kolkhorst
Sponsor: Noble
|
Relating to certain procedures in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship for a child placed in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services and the provision of family preservation services and community-based foster care.
(Amended)
SB 1448
Hughes
Sponsor: Hayes
|
Relating to decedents' estates and other matters involving probate courts.
(Amended)
SB 1453
Bettencourt
Sponsor: Meyer
|
Relating to the current debt rate and tax rate of a taxing unit for ad valorem tax purposes.
SB 1664
Schwertner
Sponsor: Hull
|
Relating to public information regarding the rates of a transmission and distribution utility.
SB 1677
Menéndez
Sponsor: VanDeaver
|
Relating to a study on prevention and reduction of diabetes-related amputation.
SB 1723
Creighton
Sponsor: Plesa
|
Relating to the establishment of a rapid DNA analysis pilot program in certain counties.
(Amended)
SB 1839
Zaffirini
Sponsor: Dutton
|
Relating to the delivery of records, including a will, in probate proceedings transferred to other courts.
SB 1856
Creighton
Sponsor: Metcalf
|
Relating to a capacity cost recovery rider for certain electric utilities.
SB 1862
Hughes
Sponsor: Hickland
|
Relating to interstate notification by the voter registrar of certain applicants for voter registration.
(Committee Substitute)
SB 1936
Hinojosa, Juan "Chuy"
Sponsor: Louderback
|
Relating to the definition of an abuse unit for certain controlled substances under the Texas Controlled Substances Act.
SB 2111
Zaffirini
Sponsor: Moody
|
Relating to legal representation of indigent persons in this state and to proceedings before a magistrate including the appointment of counsel for an indigent defendant.
SB 2137
Menéndez
Sponsor: Cunningham
|
Relating to the allocation of low income housing tax credits.
SB 2148
Hall
Sponsor: Slawson
|
Relating to the reliability of the electricity supply chain.
SB 2166
Parker
Sponsor: Shaheen
|
Relating to testing of voting tabulation equipment.
SB 2405
Parker
Sponsor: Canales
|
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and to the functions of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee, the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments, and the Windham School District.
(Committee Substitute)
SB 2406
Paxton
Sponsor: Kitzman
|
Relating to the Sabine River Authority of Texas, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission; specifying grounds for the removal of a member of the board of directors.
(Amended)
SB 2407
Sparks
Sponsor: Kitzman
|
Relating to the Lower Neches Valley Authority, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission; specifying grounds for the removal of a member of the board of directors.
(Amended)
SJR 84
Bettencourt
Sponsor: Hefner
|
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of the appraised value of an improvement to a residence homestead that is completely destroyed by a fire.
Respectfully,
/s/Stephen Brown,
Chief Clerk
House of Representatives
SESSION HELD FOR
LOCAL AND UNCONTESTED CALENDAR
The Presiding Officer announced that the time had arrived to consider bills and resolutions placed on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
Pursuant to Senate Rule 9.03(d), the following bills and resolutions were laid before the Senate in the order listed, read second time, amended where applicable, passed to engrossment or third reading, read third time, and passed. The votes on passage to engrossment or third reading, suspension of the Constitutional Three-day Rule, and final passage are indicated after each caption. All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on viva voce votes unless otherwise indicated.
CSSB 1538 (Zaffirini)
Relating to a study on digital court reporting conducted by the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSSB 1749 (Creighton)
Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for commissioners and employees whose duties relate to the administration of the judicial branch of state government and the commissioners' and employees' family members.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
SB 3038 (Huffman)
Relating to the creation of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 286; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
(viva voce vote) (27-4) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks (27-4) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks
SB 3062 (Hughes)
Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 315 in Panola County as the Hamby-Webb Memorial Highway.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSSB 3065 (Paxton)
Relating to the creation of the Wolf Creek Municipal Management District No. 1; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes; granting a limited power of eminent domain.
(viva voce vote) (27-4) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks (27-4) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks
CSHB 24 (Hughes)
Relating to procedures for changes to a zoning regulation or district boundary.
(viva voce vote) (30-1) "Nay" Creighton (30-1) "Nay" Creighton
HB 128 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to certain sister-city agreements between governmental entities and foreign countries and communities.
(viva voce vote) (29-2) "Nays" Cook, Eckhardt (29-2) "Nays" Cook, Eckhardt
HB 388 (Hughes)
Relating to a uniform coordination of benefits questionnaire for health benefit plans.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 519 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to honey production operations and the harvesting and packaging of honey and honeycomb.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 609 (Creighton)
Relating to the cleaning of a structure used to grow oysters for cultivated oyster mariculture.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 685 (Creighton)
Relating to rates established by municipalities for water or sewer service for certain entities.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 766 (Zaffirini)
Relating to the ballot application requirements for the election of a precinct chair.
(viva voce vote) (30-1) "Nay" Sparks (30-1) "Nay" Sparks
CSHB 1237 (Zaffirini)
Relating to the renewal by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of certain expired occupational licenses and registrations.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 1314 (Hughes)
Relating to price estimates and billing requirements for certain health care facilities.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 1445 (Campbell)
Relating to the compensation of counsel appointed to provide representation and services to indigent individuals in criminal and juvenile proceedings.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 1458 (Creighton)
Relating to the armed security officers required to be present at public schools and the appointment of reserve police officers by a school district police department.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSHB 1522 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to notice of a meeting held under the open meetings law.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 1592 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to an alert system for dangerous plant and wildlife pests and diseases administered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 1606 (Zaffirini)
Relating to notice provided to a retail electric customer of the procedure for requesting vegetation management near a transmission or distribution line.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 1612 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to direct payment for certain health care provided by a hospital.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 1633 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to the criteria considered by groundwater conservation districts before granting or denying a permit or permit amendment.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 2025 (Hughes)
Relating to the filing for record of a plat, replat, or amended plat or replat of a subdivision of real property or a condominium.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 2061 (Creighton)
Relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 242 in Montgomery County as the Lance Corporal Armando Hernandez Memorial Bridge.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 2259 (Zaffirini)
Relating to the instructions for an application form for an early voting ballot.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 2273 (Middleton)
Relating to the delegation of certain authority of a county judge in certain counties.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 2358 (Zaffirini)
Relating to training required or offered by the Health and Human Services Commission for long-term care facility surveyors, personnel, and providers and ICF-IID program providers.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 2421 (Eckhardt)
Relating to the date of dissolution of the Save Historic Muny District.
(viva voce vote) (28-3) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Sparks (28-3) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Sparks
HB 2518 (A. Hinojosa)
Relating to the use of installment premium payment plans on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association policies.
(viva voce vote) (28-2-1) "Nays" Hagenbuch, Hughes "Present-not voting" Miles (28-2-1) "Nays" Hagenbuch, Hughes "Present-not voting" Miles
HB 2563 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to establishment of the temporary certified and insured prescribed burn manager self-insurance pool; authorizing a fee.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSHB 2637 (Hughes)
Relating to the practice and procedures for summoning prospective grand jurors and petit jurors and the exemption of certain persons from grand jury and petit jury service.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 2713 (Hancock)
Relating to the repeal of a municipal civil service system for firefighters and police officers in certain municipalities.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 2791 (Zaffirini)
Relating to powers and duties of the Texas Workforce Commission with respect to the procurement of goods and services for the provision of vocational rehabilitation services.
(viva voce vote) (30-1) "Nay" Sparks (30-1) "Nay" Sparks
HB 2856 (Zaffirini)
Relating to a study by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on the feasibility of implementing a statewide system for coordinating clinical training placements.
(viva voce vote) (28-3) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Sparks (28-3) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Sparks
HB 3114 (Creighton)
Relating to the view of the State Capitol.
(viva voce vote) (30-1) "Nay" Eckhardt (30-1) "Nay" Eckhardt
STATEMENT REGARDING HOUSE BILL 3114
Senator Eckhardt submitted the following statement regarding HB 3114:
The view of the Texas Capitol is one of the great assets of the people of Texas. In 1985, the 69th Texas Legislature recognized this fact by passing Senate Bill 644 by Senator Gonzalo Barrientos, which codified the 30 Capitol View Corridors we have in statute today. In the forty years since then, the City of Austin's population has more than doubled, but the view of the Texas Capitol has remained as a great icon of the city and the people of Texas.
However, Capitol View Corridors have often conflicted with necessary developments across the city. Such is the case with HB 3114, which seeks to remove four corridors to allow for the development of the University of Texas at Austin Medical Center.
The legislature has faced these issues before, and the solution over the last forty years has been to exempt specific developments from the Capitol View Corridors. The legislature has passed exemptions for Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the East 11th and 12th Streets Redevelopment Program, and the redevelopment of the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport.
While I wholeheartedly support the development of the University of Texas at Austin Medical Center, I voted against House Bill 3114 because, rather than eliminating Capital View Corridors, I believe the legislature should follow established precedent of merely exempting specific developments in the public interest.
In the future, I hope the legislature will consider narrowly tailored exemptions rather than removing Capitol View Corridors in their entirety.
ECKHARDT
CSHB 3126 (Zaffirini)
Relating to the election of certain entities to participate in the uniform group coverage program for active school employees; imposing a fee.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSHB 3233 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to patient data maintained by pharmacy benefit managers.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSHB 3487 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to a deduction from the amount of taxable sales used to calculate the amount of sales and use taxes that the owners of restaurants that participate in an oyster shell recycling program are required to remit to the comptroller of public accounts.
(viva voce vote) (29-2) "Nays" Hughes, Sparks (29-2) "Nays" Hughes, Sparks
HB 3505 (Hughes)
Relating to the continuation and operation of a health care provider participation district created by certain local governments to administer a health care provider participation program.
(viva voce vote) (30-1) "Nay" Sparks (30-1) "Nay" Sparks
HB 3597 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to public hearing requirements for issuing a license for or expanding certain residential child-care facilities.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 3745 (Zaffirini)
Relating to crime victims' compensation.
(viva voce vote) (28-3) "Nays" Hancock, Hughes, Sparks (28-3) "Nays" Hancock, Hughes, Sparks
HB 3803 (Zaffirini)
Relating to the confidentiality and disclosure of certain financial information of perpetual care cemeteries and perpetual care trust funds.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 3804 (Zaffirini)
Relating to the regulation of state banks.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 3806 (Zaffirini)
Relating to prohibited activities of a state trust company under supervision.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 4224 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to information regarding consumer access to health care records.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
CSHB 4310 (Hughes)
Relating to a special right of access under the public information law for a member of a governing board.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 4738 (Zaffirini)
Relating to the elimination of the remittance of a portion of certain loan administration fees to the comptroller.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 5084 (Gutierrez)
Relating to the sale of fireworks on and before the Lunar New Year holiday.
(viva voce vote) (30-1) "Nay" Sparks (30-1) "Nay" Sparks
HB 5155 (Kolkhorst)
Relating to the continuation of the maternal opioid misuse model of care for certain Medicaid recipients.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 5180 (Creighton)
Relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 5667 (King)
Relating to the chairman of the juvenile board of Parker County.
(viva voce vote) (31-0) (31-0)
HB 5686 (Creighton)
Relating to the creation of the Montgomery County Management District No. 3; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
(viva voce vote) (26-5) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Sparks (26-5) "Nays" Hall, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Sparks
HCR 9 (A. Hinojosa)
Designating the first Saturday of every month as Small Business Saturday for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 10 (Zaffirini)
Designating May 23 as Family Abduction Awareness Day for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
HCR 135 (Perry)
Designating Slaton as the official Banana Pudding Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(29-2) "Nays" Hughes, Sparks
HCR 142 (Hancock)
Designating Fort Worth as the official Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.
(31-0)
BILLS REMOVED FROM
LOCAL AND UNCONTESTED CALENDAR
Senator Hall and Senator Blanco requested in writing that SB 2603 be removed from the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
Senator Hughes and Senator Hall requested in writing that HB 216 be removed from the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
Senator Middleton and Senator Hall requested in writing that HB 2464 be removed from the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
Senator Hughes and Senator Hall requested in writing that HB 3395 be removed from the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
Senator Hall and Senator King requested in writing that HB 4396 be removed from the Local and Uncontested Calendar.
ADJOURNMENT
Pursuant to a previously adopted motion, the Senate at 4:20 p.m. adjourned, in memory of Gerald Todd Wimpee, Tess Marie Mata, Uziyah Sergio Garcia, Nevaeh Alyssa Bravo, Jose Manuel Flores Jr., Eliahna Amyah Garcia, Irma Linda Garcia, Amerie Jo Garza, Xavier James Lopez, Jayce Carmelo Luevanos, Maranda Gail Mathis, Eva Mireles, Alithia Haven Ramirez, Layla Marie Salazar, Makenna Lee Elrod Seiler, Jaliah Nicole Silguero, Eliahna Torres, Rojelio Fernandez Torres, Maite Yuleana Rodriguez, Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez, Jacklyn Jaylen Cazares, and Alexandria Aniyah Rubio, until 5:00 p.m. today.
In Memory
of
Gerald Todd Wimpee
Senate Resolution 530
WHEREAS, Memories of a life filled with joyful times and meaningful service remain to comfort the family and friends of Gerald Todd Wimpee, a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities who passed away on January 26, 2025, at the age of 49; and
WHEREAS, Born in Dallas on March 27, 1975, Todd Wimpee benefited from the love and support of his mother, Laura, and his brother, Bradley; despite the challenges he faced as a person with an intellectual and developmental disability, he exuded joy and happiness, and he inspired all who knew him with his positivity, his compassion, and his appreciation for life's simple pleasures; and
WHEREAS, Todd Wimpee enjoyed a rewarding career with his local Papa Johns location that spanned 27 years; he had the distinction of being the company's longest-serving store employee in Texas, and he gained the respect and admiration of his colleagues for his reliability and strong work ethic; he was previously employed at Blockbuster Video in Plano, where he was well-known among regular customers for his extensive movie knowledge and insightful recommendations; and
WHEREAS, Working alongside his mother and the team at Berry Family Services, Todd Wimpee advocated for disability rights; his efforts took him to the State Capitol, where he championed meaningful change that would help to ensure all Texans who have been diagnosed with cognitive and physical disabilities have access to the resources and care they need; and
WHEREAS, An avid collector of CDs and DVDs, Todd Wimpee delighted in watching movies and listening to 80s rock and roll; above all else, he treasured time spent with his loved ones, and he looked forward to sharing meals with them at holiday gatherings; and
WHEREAS, The loss of Todd Wimpee is keenly felt by his family, by the numerous friends he made over the years, and by the many people whose lives he forever enriched through his advocacy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Gerald Todd Wimpee and extend sincere condolences to his loving family and to all who mourn his passing; 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 Todd Wimpee.
BETTENCOURT
HANCOCK
NICHOLS
|
BIRDWELL
A. HINOJOSA
PARKER
|
CAMPBELL
HUFFMAN
SCHWERTNER
|
In Memory
of
the victims of the mass shooting at
Robb Elementary School in Uvalde
Senate Resolution 560
WHEREAS, May 24, 2025, marks three years since the mass shooting took place at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, an incident that forever changed the lives of countless families and left an indelible mark on the community; and
WHEREAS, That heartbreaking day saw the loss of 19 students and 2 teachers, with 18 others suffering injuries; and
WHEREAS, On this solemn occasion, the Texas Senate stands in remembrance of the precious young children whose lives were taken far too soon: Tess Marie Mata, age 10; Uziyah Sergio Garcia, age 10; Nevaeh Alyssa Bravo, age 10; Jose Manuel Flores Jr., age 10; Eliahna Amyah Garcia, age 9; Amerie Jo Garza, age 10; Xavier James Lopez, age 10; Jayce Carmelo Luevanos, age 10; Jacklyn Jaylen Cazares, age 9; Alithia Haven Ramirez, age 10; Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez, age 10; Maite Yuleana Rodriguez, age 10; Layla Marie Salazar, age 11; Makenna Lee Elrod Seiler, age 10; Jaliah Nicole Silguero, age 10; Eliahna Torres, age 10; Rojelio Fernandez Torres, age 10; Maranda Gail Mathis, age 11; and Alexandria Aniyah "Lexi" Rubio, age 10; and
WHEREAS, It is also fitting to commemorate the loss of the two courageous teachers, Eva Mireles, age 44, and Irma Linda Garcia, age 48, whose extraordinary selflessness led them to prioritize the safety of their students above all else; and
WHEREAS, No amount of time can fully ease the pain that has followed in the wake of the incident, and the absence of these beloved children and educators continues to be felt every single day by their families, their friends, and the entire Uvalde community; their lives, filled with dreams and potential, were cut tragically short, and we honor their memories by celebrating the impact they had on those around them; and
WHEREAS, The resilience of the Uvalde community in the face of such unimaginable sorrow is a testament to the strength of those who have come together to comfort and support one another; through these efforts, residents are carrying forward the legacy of the victims while striving for a world where no one must endure such a tragedy again; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the lives of the 21 victims of the mass shooting that took place at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde on May 24, 2022, and extend deepest sympathy to all who mourn their passing.
BETTENCOURT
A. HINOJOSA
PARKER
|
BIRDWELL
J. HINOJOSA
PAXTON
|
ECKHARDT
KOLKHORST
ZAFFIRINI
|