FORTY-FIFTH DAY
(Monday, May 26, 2025)
The Senate met at 10:29 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.
Senator Hancock offered the invocation as follows:
Loving and gracious heavenly Father, what love You've shown to us. And not only would, You are more willing to lay down Your life for a friend, but as a father of Harrison, Chloe, Skylar, You sent Your son, a perfect man, faultless, sinless, to save the world of depraved sinners that are selfish, arrogant, prideful, incapable of doing any good apart from You. So, as we start this day, may we reflect on that and be reminded of those that You've called to the service within our military. That You gave them that servants' heart to step forward and their willingness to lay down their life for people they did not know and for a country they loved. So, we thank You for Your example that is beyond any man's example. But we thank You for these men, on this Memorial Day, that also gave us an example, and not perfectly in line with the giving of Your son for us but so much closer than I find myself willing to give. I pray for Your wisdom today. I pray that in all we do that glorifying You is first in our hearts. In Your name I pray. 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
Monday, May 26, 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:
SB 8
Schwertner
Sponsor: Spiller
|
Relating to agreements between sheriffs and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enforce federal immigration law.
(Amended)
Relating to the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.
(Amended)
SB 12
Creighton
Sponsor: Leach
|
Relating to parental rights in public education, including the imposition of certain requirements and prohibitions regarding instruction and diversity, equity, and inclusion duties.
(Committee Substitute/Amended)
SB 37
Creighton
Sponsor: Shaheen
|
Relating to the governance of public institutions of higher education, including review of curriculum and certain degree and certificate programs, a faculty council or senate, training for members of the governing board, and the establishment, powers, and duties of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Office of the Ombudsman.
(Committee Substitute)
Relating to the application review process for certain delayed birth certificates.
SB 261
Perry
Sponsor: Gerdes
|
Relating to a prohibition on the offering for sale and the sale of cell-cultured protein for human consumption; providing civil and criminal penalties.
(Committee Substitute)
SJR 59
Birdwell
Sponsor: Lambert
|
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of funds to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System and repealing the limitation on the allocation to that system and its campuses of the annual appropriation of certain constitutionally dedicated funding for public institutions of higher education.
(Amended)
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 300
House Conferees: Wilson - Chair/Buckley/Cortez/Lopez, Ray/Tinderholt
Respectfully,
/s/Stephen Brown,
Chief Clerk
House of Representatives
SENATE RESOLUTIONS
The following resolutions were offered:
SR 551 by Hughes, In memory of Lucia Nedelcu.
SR 557 by Nichols, Recognizing the Jacksonville Independent School District for preserving the historic and architectural significance of the Tomato Bowl.
SR 558 by Zaffirini, Recognizing the City of Laredo on the occasion of its 270th anniversary.
SR 580 by Schwertner, In memory of Carlotta Young.
SR 584 by A. Hinojosa, Recognizing the eighth annual Harlingen Police Department BBQ Cook-off.
HCR 130 (Sparks), Recognizing April 29, 2025, as Donate Life Texas Day.
HCR 131 (Sparks), Congratulating David Gardiner Mitchell and Ginger Lane Mitchell on their 50th wedding anniversary.
HCR 133 (Sparks), Congratulating Dudley "Dude" Speed on his retirement from the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
HCR 134 (Sparks), Commemorating the dedication of St. Rita of Cascia Catholic Church in Greenwood.
HCR 139 (Sparks), Congratulating Dustin R. Womble on his election as vice chair of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents.
HCR 140 (Sparks), Congratulating Cody C. Campbell on his election as chair of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents.
HCR 143 (Parker), Congratulating Aaron F. Reitz on his appointment as assistant attorney general of the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Legal Policy.
HCR 147 (Sparks), Congratulating Jim and Doris Stewart of Lubbock on their 50th wedding anniversary.
HCR 152 (Sparks), Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Punkin Center Gin in Lamesa.
The resolutions were read and were adopted by a viva voce vote.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of the resolutions.
(Senator King in Chair)
SENATE BILL 20 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Flores called SB 20 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 20 (house committee report) as follows:
(1) On page 1, line 7, strike "POSSESSION OR PROMOTION OF OBSCENE" and substitute "POSSESSION, PROMOTION, OR PRODUCTION OF CERTAIN".
(2) On page 1, line 13, between "person" and "knowingly", insert the following:
:
(1)
(3) On page 1, line 20, between "software" and the underlined period, insert the following:
; or
(2) uses an image of an actual child younger than 18 years of age at the time the image was made with the intent to train an artificial intelligence model to produce visual material constituting child pornography under Section 43.26
The amendment was read.
Senator Flores moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 20.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 2570 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Flores called SB 2570 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 2570 (house committee report) as follows:
(1) On page 1, line 18, between "officer" and the underlined period, insert "who is engaged in the discharge of the guard's or officer's official duties".
(2) On page 1, line 20, between "another" and "to", insert "when and".
(3) On page 1, strike lines 21 through 23, and substitute the following:
degree the person reasonably believes the force was necessary to accomplish the person's official duties as a guard or officer and if the person's use of the weapon is in substantial compliance with the person's training.
The amendment was read.
Senator Flores moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 2570.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
(Senator Flores in Chair)
SENATE BILL 1535 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Zaffirini called SB 1535 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 1535 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment by the Texas Workforce Commission of an advanced nuclear energy workforce development program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 302, Labor Code, is amended by adding Section 302.0081 to read as follows:
Sec. 302.0081. ADVANCED NUCLEAR ENERGY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. (a) In this section:
(1) "Agency" means the Texas Education Agency.
(2) "Coordinating board" means the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(3) "General academic teaching institution," "institution of higher education," "public junior college," and "public technical institute" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.
(4) "Program" means the advanced nuclear energy workforce development program established under this section.
(b) The commission, in collaboration with the agency and coordinating board and in consultation with representatives designated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas to coordinate this state's nuclear energy strategies, by rule shall establish and administer the advanced nuclear energy workforce development program under this section for the purpose of addressing urgent skilled labor demands in the advanced nuclear energy industry in this state.
(c) Under the program, the commission shall:
(1) create a strategic plan for:
(A) addressing labor supply gaps and talent retention issues in the advanced nuclear energy industry; and
(B) providing financial assistance, including through the creation of strategic partnerships among public and private entities and advanced nuclear energy industry stakeholders, to incentivize and support:
(i) the development of programming and outreach efforts designed to create awareness of nuclear science and career opportunities in the field of advanced nuclear energy among public school students;
(ii) the creation of academic pathways from secondary school to education and training programs at institutions of higher education in the field of advanced nuclear energy;
(iii) the creation by institutions of higher education of education and training programs in the field of advanced nuclear energy; and
(iv) research and leadership development in the field of advanced nuclear energy at general academic teaching institutions; and
(2) develop customized curriculum requirements for degree and certificate programs to prepare students for high-wage jobs in the advanced nuclear energy industry that, subject to coordinating board approval under Section 61.0512, Education Code, may be offered by an institution of higher education.
(d) In developing curriculum requirements under Subsection (c)(2), the commission shall:
(1) consult with:
(A) representatives of the agency, coordinating board, general academic teaching institutions, public technical institutes, and public junior colleges;
(B) the designated representatives of the Public Utility Commission of Texas described by Subsection (b); and
(C) employers in the advanced nuclear energy industry; and
(2) focus on developing academic pathways to and curricula for programs leading to high-wage jobs in the areas of:
(A) nuclear-grade welding;
(B) radiological control and monitoring;
(C) reactor operations;
(D) nuclear instrumentation and control; and
(E) nuclear, electrical, chemical, civil, and environmental engineering.
(e) Not later than September 1 of each year, the commission, in consultation with the agency and coordinating board, shall prepare and submit to each standing committee of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over workforce development, higher education, or energy industry matters, a report summarizing the commission's activities under the program. The report may include the commission's recommendations for legislative or other action.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The amendment was read.
Senator Zaffirini moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 1535.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 1574 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Zaffirini called SB 1574 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 1574 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a centers of excellence program developed by the Texas Judicial Council for certain justices and judges.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 71, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 71.040 to read as follows:
Sec. 71.040. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE. (a) The council by rule shall develop a centers of excellence program to identify, support, and recognize justices and judges who excel in serving their communities and in representing the judiciary. In awarding a center of excellence recognition to a justice or judge, the council must consider:
(1) a justice's or judge's governance, access, fairness, case flow management, and court operations; and
(2) the compliance of the justice's or judge's court with statutory or procedural requirements for judicial reporting, court security, fee collection, indigent defense, and guardianship fraud and abuse prevention.
(b) A justice or judge of an appellate court, district court, statutory county court, statutory probate court, county court, justice court, or municipal court is eligible for recognition as a center of excellence and may apply for recognition on a form and in the manner prescribed by the council.
SECTION 2. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to a justice or judge recognized under a centers of excellence program developed by the Texas Judicial Council on or after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The amendment was read.
Senator Zaffirini moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 1574.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hagenbuch, Hughes, Parker.
SENATE BILL 1120 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS
Senator J. Hinojosa called SB 1120 from the President's table for consideration of the House amendments to the bill.
The Presiding Officer laid the bill and the House amendments before the Senate.
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 1120 (house committee report) as follows:
(1) On page 2, strike lines 19 and 20, and substitute the following:
SECTION 2. Article 56A.051, Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
(2) On page 4, strike lines 20 and 21, and substitute the following:
Article 56A.0525, if requested, of:
(i) parole proceedings concerning a defendant in the victim 's case;
(ii) [and of] the defendant's release on parole for the offense involving the victim, including the county in which the defendant is required to reside, and the nonconfidential conditions of the defendant's parole, including any condition:
(a) prohibiting the defendant from going near the victim's home or work; or
(b) requiring the defendant to complete
a battering intervention and prevention program established under Article 42.141;
(iii) any offense with which the defendant is charged while released on parole for the offense involving the victim, if the department is aware of the offense;
(iv) the issuance of any warrant under Section 508.251, Government Code, for the return of the defendant; and
(v) any revocation of the defendant's parole for the offense involving the victim;
(3) On page 6, between lines 13 and 14, insert the following:
(d) An advocate for a victim is entitled to obtain on behalf of the victim the information described by Subsection (a)(7)(D).
(4) Add the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumber subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Section 508.313, Government Code, is amended by adding Subsection (g) to read as follows:
(g) This section does not apply to information provided in accordance with Article 56A.051, Code of Criminal Procedure.
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend SB 1120 (house committee report) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTIONS to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Section 85.001(d), Family Code, is amended to read as follows:
(d) If the court renders a protective order for a period of more than two years under Section 85.025(a-1), the court must include in the order a finding described by that subsection [Section 85.025(a-1)].
SECTION ____. Section 85.025, Family Code, is amended by adding Subsections (a-2), (a-3), and (a-4) and amending Subsections (b-1) and (c) to read as follows:
(a-2) If an order under this subtitle is rendered against a respondent who is a party to a suit for dissolution of a marriage in which the applicant or a member of the applicant's family or household is the other party, the order is effective until the second anniversary of the date on which the final decree of dissolution of the marriage is approved and signed by the judge.
(a-3) If an order under this subtitle is rendered against a respondent who is a party to a suit affecting the parent-child relationship in which the applicant or a member of the applicant's family or household is also a party, the order is effective until the second anniversary of the date on which the final order in the suit is rendered by the court.
(a-4) If an order under this subtitle is rendered against a respondent who is charged with a criminal offense involving family violence under Title 5, Penal Code, or an offense under Section 25.11, Penal Code, the order is effective until the second anniversary of the date of the final disposition of the criminal case.
(b-1) Following the filing of a motion under Subsection (b), a person who is the subject of a protective order issued under Subsection (a-1), (a-2), (a-3), or (a-4) that is effective for a period that exceeds two years may file not more than one subsequent motion requesting that the court review the protective order and determine whether there is a continuing need for the order. The subsequent motion may not be filed earlier than the first anniversary of the date on which the court rendered an order on the previous motion by the person.
(c) If a person who is the subject of a protective order is confined or imprisoned on the date the protective order would expire under Subsection (a), [or] (a-1), (a-2), (a-3), or (a-4) or if the protective order would expire not later than the first anniversary of the date the person is released from confinement or imprisonment, the period for which the order is effective is extended, and the order expires on:
(1) the first anniversary of the date the person is released from confinement or imprisonment, if the person was sentenced to confinement or imprisonment for more than five years; or
(2) the second anniversary of the date the person is released from confinement or imprisonment, if the person was sentenced to confinement or imprisonment for five years or less.
SECTION ____. The changes in law made by this Act to Chapter 85, Family Code, apply only to a protective order rendered on or after the effective date of this Act. A protective order rendered before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the order is rendered, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
The amendments were read.
Senator J. Hinojosa moved to concur in the House amendments to SB 1120.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Eckhardt.
SENATE BILL 1121 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Nichols called SB 1121 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 1121 (house committee report) on page 2, line 25, by striking "fiber-optic cables" and substituting "communication facilities".
The amendment was read.
Senator Nichols moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 1121.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 2544 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Hancock called SB 2544 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 2544 (house committee report) on page 1, line 7, by striking "90th" an substituting "180th".
The amendment was read.
Senator Hancock moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 2544.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 269 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Perry called SB 269 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 269 (house committee report) by striking "approved or authorized" and substituting "authorized or approved" in each of the following places the phrase appears:
(1) page 2, line 1; and
(2) page 3, line 23.
The amendment was read.
Senator Perry moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 269.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 740 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS
Senator Perry called SB 740 from the President's table for consideration of the House amendments to the bill.
The Presiding Officer laid the bill and the House amendments before the Senate.
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 740 (house committee report) by striking page 6, line 25, through page 7, line 8, and substituting the following:
(g) Notwithstanding Section 64.021, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, a receiver appointed under this section may be a person, a municipally owned utility, a county, a water supply or sewer service corporation, a public utility agency, or a district or authority created under Section 52, Article III, or Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, and may seek approval from the utility commission and the commission to acquire the water or sewer utility's facilities and transfer the utility's certificate of convenience and necessity. The receiver must apply in accordance with Subchapter H.
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend SB 740 (house committee report) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTIONS to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Sections 12.013(b) and (d), Water Code, are amended to read as follows:
(b) In this section, "political subdivision" means municipalities [incorporated cities, towns or villages], counties, river authorities, water districts, and other special purpose districts.
(d) The utility commission's jurisdiction under this section relating to a municipality [incorporated cities, towns, or villages] shall be limited to water furnished by the municipality [such city, town, or village] to another political subdivision, other than another municipality, on a wholesale basis.
SECTION ____. Section 13.043, Water Code, is amended by adding Subsection (f-1) and amending Subsection (j) to read as follows:
(f-1) Subsection (f) does not apply to a decision of a municipality regarding wholesale water or sewer service provided to another municipality.
(j) In an appeal under this section, the utility commission shall ensure that every appealed rate is just and reasonable. Rates shall not be unreasonably preferential, prejudicial, or discriminatory but shall be sufficient, equitable, and consistent in application to each class of customers. The utility commission shall use a methodology that preserves the financial integrity of the retail public utility. [For agreements between municipalities the utility commission shall consider the terms of any wholesale water or sewer service agreement in an appellate rate proceeding.]
The amendments were read.
Senator Perry moved to concur in the House amendments to SB 740.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 1253 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS
Senator Perry called SB 1253 from the President's table for consideration of the House amendments to the bill.
The Presiding Officer laid the bill and the House amendments before the Senate.
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend SB 1253 (house committee report) on page 1, lines 21 and 22, by striking "stormwater, drainage, and flood control", and substituting "stormwater and drainage".
Floor Amendment No. 1 on Third Reading
Amend SB 1253 (house committee report) on third reading as follows:
(1) On page 2, between lines 7 and 8, insert the following:
SECTION 2. Section 8843.152, Special District Local Laws Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 8843.152. SERVICE CONNECTION FEE AND PRODUCTION FEE. (a) This section does not apply to a water utility that has surface water as its sole source of water.
(b) The district may levy and collect a water utility service connection fee not to exceed $1,000 for each new water service connection made after September 1, 2013.
(c) The district may assess a production fee as provided by Section 36.205, Water Code. Subject to Subsection (d), a fee assessed under this subsection may not exceed 30 cents per 1,000 gallons.
(d) Beginning January 1, 2026, and continuing on January 1 of each subsequent year, the maximum amount of the fee described by Subsection (c) increases by five percent from the previous year's maximum amount.
(e) The district may provide a credit against a service connection fee otherwise assessed to a water utility that is also assessed a production fee under this section for the construction, contribution, or dedication of an eligible facility, system, or product that results in water reuse, conservation, or savings as described under Section 395.0231(b), Local Government Code.
SECTION 3. Section 8843.104, Special District Local Laws Code, is repealed.
(2) On page 2, line 8, strike "SECTION 2" and substitute "SECTION 4".
The amendments were read.
Senator Perry moved to concur in the House amendments to SB 1253.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Middleton.
SENATE BILL 33 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Campbell called SB 33 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 33 (house committee report) by striking page 3, lines 18 through 20, and substituting the following:
IMMUNITY. (a) The attorney general may bring an action against any party, other than the woman who may procure or procures an abortion, to the actual or proposed
The amendment was read.
Senator Campbell moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 33.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Zaffirini.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West.
SENATE BILL 75 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS
Senator Hall called SB 75 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 75 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the resilience of the electric grid and certain municipalities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that:
(1) electric grid outages threaten the lives of the citizens of this state and pose a disproportionately large risk to:
(A) the elderly, vulnerable, and underprivileged within this state; and
(B) communities facing disproportionate environmental health burdens and population vulnerabilities relating to facilities such as chemical plants and refineries that can become environmental disaster areas when taken off-line due to loss of electricity;
(2) the 16 critical infrastructure sectors identified in President Barack Obama's Presidential Policy Directive "Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience" (PPD-21) (chemical, commercial facilities, communications, critical manufacturing, dams, defense industrial base, emergency services, energy, financial services, food and agriculture, government facilities, health care and public health, information technology, nuclear reactors, materials, and waste, transportation systems, water and wastewater systems) depend on the electric grid in this state and make the grid's protection vital to the economy of this nation and homeland security;
(3) the power outage that occurred in this state in February 2021 caused:
(A) death and suffering in this state;
(B) economic loss to this state's economy;
(C) impacts to all critical infrastructures in this state;
(D) the dispatch of generation units that likely exceeded limits established by the Environmental Protection Agency for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, mercury, and carbon monoxide emissions and wastewater release limits;
(E) radically increased pricing of electricity and made electric power bills unaffordable to many customers across this state; and
(F) exacerbation of COVID-19 pandemic risk by forcing many of the state's citizens to consolidate at warming centers and in other small spaces where warmth for survival superseded social distancing protocols;
(4) a previous large-scale power outage occurred in this state in February 2011 during which 4.4 million customers were affected;
(5) this state is uniquely positioned to prevent power outages because this state is a net exporter of energy and is the only state with an electric grid almost exclusively within its territorial boundaries;
(6) the 2011 and 2021 power outages call into question:
(A) whether too much risk has been accepted regarding weatherization of electric generation infrastructure;
(B) whether this state lacks the internal distribution structure and control systems to manage rolling outages; and
(C) whether sufficient resources have been allocated toward overall grid resilience;
(7) public confidence in the resilience of the electric grid in this state is essential to ensuring economic prosperity, domestic tranquility, continuity of government, and life-sustaining systems;
(8) a resilient electric grid that offers businesses in this state continuity of operations in the event of a natural or man-made disaster will be an unrivaled attraction for businesses to expand or move their operations to this state;
(9) a resilient electric grid that can operate in the event of a natural or man-made disaster will protect important facets of this state, including its military installations and environment;
(10) current market incentives and regulations are not sufficient for electric utilities to:
(A) prioritize grid security and resilience; and
(B) protect the grid against hazards;
(11) protection of the electric grid in this state against hazards would assure businesses and the citizens of this state that the "lights will be back on first in Texas" in the event of a nationwide catastrophe affecting electric infrastructure, sparing this state from catastrophic societal and environmental consequences; and
(12) when this state begins implementation of the plan for all hazards resilience described by Section 44.007, Utilities Code, as added by this Act, to protect the electric grid in this state, short-term and long-term economic benefits will far exceed even the most optimistic estimates of the conventional economic incentives provided by tax abatements to attract businesses to this state.
SECTION 2. Subtitle B, Title 2, Utilities Code, is amended by adding Chapter 44 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 44. GRID RESILIENCE
Sec. 44.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "All hazards" means:
(A) terrestrial weather, including wind, hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, ice storms, extended cold weather events, heat waves, and wildfires;
(B) seismic events, including earthquakes and tsunamis;
(C) physical threats, including terrorist attacks with direct fire, drones, explosives, and other methods of physical sabotage;
(D) cyber attacks, including malware attacks and hacking of unprotected or compromised information technology networks;
(E) manipulation of operational technology devices, including sensors, actuators, and drives;
(F) electromagnetic threats through man-made radio frequency weapons, high-altitude nuclear electromagnetic pulses, and naturally occurring geomagnetic disturbances;
(G) electric generation supply chain vulnerabilities, including insecure or inadequate fuel transportation or storage; and
(H) insider threats caused by compromised or hostile personnel working within government or the utility industry.
(2) "Micro-grid" means a group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources inside clearly defined electrical boundaries.
(3) "Public utility" means an entity that generates, transmits, or distributes electric energy to the public, including an electric utility, an electric cooperative, a municipally owned utility, and a river authority.
(4) "Security commission" means the Texas Grid Security Commission.
Sec. 44.002. TEXAS GRID SECURITY COMMISSION. (a) The Texas Grid Security Commission is composed of the following members:
(1) a representative of the Texas Division of Emergency Management appointed by the chief of that division;
(2) a representative of the commission appointed by that commission;
(3) a representative of the Railroad Commission of Texas appointed by that commission;
(4) a representative of the independent organization certified under Section 39.151 for the ERCOT power region appointed by the chief executive officer of that organization;
(5) a representative of power generation companies appointed by the chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management; and
(6) a representative of transmission and distribution utilities, electric cooperatives, municipally owned utilities, and river authorities appointed by the chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
(b) The Texas Division of Emergency Management shall designate a member of the security commission to serve as presiding officer.
(c) The security commission shall convene at the call of the presiding officer.
(d) The security commission shall report to the chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
(e) A vacancy on the security commission is filled by appointment for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.
(f) To the extent possible, individuals appointed to the security commission must be residents of this state.
(g) The chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management may invite officials or former officials of the United States Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security with expertise on electromagnetic pulse defense to advise the security commission.
(h) The presiding officer of the security commission or the chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management may invite to advise the security commission any person whose expertise the security commission considers necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, including individuals recognized as experts in the fields of law enforcement, emergency services, communications, water and sewer services, health care, financial services, agriculture, transportation, electricity markets, cybersecurity of grid control systems, electromagnetic pulse mitigation, terrestrial and solar weather, and micro-grids.
Sec. 44.003. GRID RESILIENCE INFORMATION. (a) Each of the following members of the security commission shall apply for a secret security clearance or an interim secret security clearance to be granted by the federal government:
(1) the representative of the independent organization certified under Section 39.151 for the ERCOT power region;
(2) the representative of the Texas Division of Emergency Management; and
(3) the representative of the commission.
(b) A member of the security commission listed under Subsection (a) who is granted an applicable security clearance under that subsection is a member of the information security working group.
(c) The information security working group shall determine:
(1) which information created or obtained by the security commission is confidential;
(2) which members of the security commission may access which types of information received by the security commission; and
(3) which members, other than members of the working group, should apply for a secret security clearance or interim clearance granted by the federal government.
(d) Information that the information security working group determines is confidential under Subsection (c) shall be stored and maintained by the independent organization certified under Section 39.151 for the ERCOT power region.
(e) The security commission must maintain a reasonable balance between public transparency and security for information determined to be confidential under Subsection (c).
(f) Confidential information created or obtained by the security commission is not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.
(g) A meeting of the security commission that involves the discussion of confidential information is not subject to Chapter 551, Government Code.
Sec. 44.004. GRID RESILIENCE EVALUATION. (a) The security commission shall evaluate, using available information on past power outages in ERCOT, all hazards to the critical infrastructure of the ERCOT electric grid, including threats that can cause future outages. The security commission shall evaluate the resilience of municipalities in this state in the following essential areas:
(1) emergency services;
(2) communications systems;
(3) water and sewer services;
(4) health care systems;
(5) financial services;
(6) energy systems, including whether energy, electric power, and fuel supplies are protected and available for recovery in the event of a catastrophic power outage; and
(7) transportation systems.
(b) The security commission may create groups to identify and address each hazard as necessary. The security commission must assess each hazard both on the likelihood of occurrence of the hazard and the potential consequences of the hazard.
(c) The security commission shall identify methods by which this state can support an overall national deterrence policy as proposed by the United States Cyberspace Solarium Commission, including by:
(1) identifying means to ensure that measures taken to increase resilience of critical infrastructure against all hazards support critical national security functions in this state; and
(2) engaging the Texas National Guard to be trained as first responders to cybersecurity threats to the ERCOT electric grid and other critical infrastructure.
(d) The security commission shall evaluate nuclear generation sites in this state, the resilience of each nuclear reactor to all hazards, and the resilience to all hazards of off-site power for critical safety systems that support the reactor and spent fuel. The security commission may communicate with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission to accomplish the evaluation.
(e) The security commission shall evaluate current Critical Infrastructure Protection standards established by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation and standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to inform the security commission's recommended standards for protecting grid infrastructure in this state.
(f) The security commission shall investigate the steps that local communities and other states have taken to address grid resilience. The security commission may request funding from the Texas Division of Emergency Management to conduct site visits to these locations as required.
(g) The security commission shall identify universities based in this state that have expertise in cybersecurity and other matters that can contribute to the security commission's goal of mitigating all hazards to critical infrastructure in this state.
(h) In carrying out the security commission's duties under this section, the security commission may solicit information from:
(1) defense contractors with experience protecting defense systems from electromagnetic pulses;
(2) public utilities that have developed electromagnetic pulse protections for the utilities' grid assets;
(3) the United States Department of Homeland Security; and
(4) the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack.
Sec. 44.005. RESILIENCE STANDARDS. (a) Based on the findings of the evaluations and investigations conducted under Section 44.004, the security commission shall consider and recommend resilience standards for municipalities and critical infrastructure of the ERCOT electric grid.
(b) Standards considered and recommended for energy systems of municipalities should include provisions to ensure that energy, electric power, and fuel supplies are protected and available for recovery in the event of a catastrophic power outage.
(c) Not later than December 1, 2026, the security commission shall prepare and deliver a report to the legislature on the security commission's recommended resilience standards, the estimated costs associated with implementing the recommended standards, the potential effects if the recommended standards are not implemented, and the anticipated timeline for implementation of the recommended standards.
Sec. 44.006. MICRO-GRIDS. The security commission shall recommend resilience standards for micro-grids. The standards must be developed for both alternating current and direct current.
Sec. 44.007. PLAN FOR ALL HAZARDS RESILIENCE. (a) Not later than December 1, 2026, the security commission shall prepare and deliver to the legislature a plan for protecting critical infrastructure from all hazards, including a catastrophic loss of power in the state.
(b) The plan must include:
(1) any weatherization recommendations in addition to requirements established under Section 35.0021 necessary to prevent outages of critical infrastructure from extreme cold weather events, an analysis of whether these recommendations would induce cyber vulnerabilities, and an analysis of the associated costs for these recommendations;
(2) recommendations for installing, replacing, or upgrading industrial control systems and associated networks, or the use of compensating controls or procedures, in critical facilities to address cyber vulnerabilities;
(3) recommendations for installing, replacing, or upgrading extra high-voltage power transformers and supervisory control and data acquisition systems to withstand 100 kilovolts/meter E1 electromagnetic pulses and 85 volts/kilometer E3 electromagnetic pulses;
(4) a timeline for making improvements to critical infrastructure to meet resilience standards recommended by the security commission under Section 44.005;
(5) long-term resilience recommendations for supporting industries, including:
(A) communications;
(B) food supply;
(C) fuel supply;
(D) health care;
(E) nuclear reactors, materials, and waste;
(F) transportation; and
(G) water and sewer services; and
(6) any additional recommendations considered necessary by the security commission.
(c) The security commission may consult with the Private Sector Advisory Council in developing the plan.
Sec. 44.008. GRID RESILIENCE REPORT. (a) Not later than January 1 of each year, the security commission shall prepare and deliver a nonclassified report to the legislature, the governor, and the commission assessing natural and man-made threats to the electric grid and efforts to mitigate the threats.
(b) The security commission shall make the report available to the public.
(c) In preparing the report, the security commission may hold confidential or classified briefings with federal, state, and local officials as necessary.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 75 (house committee printing) as follows:
(1) On page 6, line 5, strike "and".
(2) On page 6, line 9, between "Management" and the underlined period, insert the following:
; and
(7) at the discretion of the security commission's presiding officer, any other representative of a state agency, board, commission, or organized volunteer group designated by the head of that entity
(3) On page 10, line 5, strike "grid" and substitute "critical".
(4) On page 13, line 1, strike "GRID" and substitute "CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE".
(5) On page 13, lines 4 and 5, strike "the electric grid" and substitute "critical infrastructure".
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend CSSB 75 (house committee report) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTIONS to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Section 38.077, Utilities Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 38.077. RELIABILITY [LOAD SHEDDING] EXERCISES. (a) In this section, "critical facility" means a transmission substation and any associated control centers that, if rendered inoperable or damaged because of a physical attack, could cause widespread instability, uncontrolled separation, or cascading outages within an interconnection.
(b) The commission and the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region under Section 39.151 shall conduct simulated or tabletop load shedding exercises with providers of electric generation service and transmission and distribution service in the ERCOT power region.
[(b)] The commission shall ensure that each year at least one simulated or tabletop load shedding exercise is conducted during a summer month and one simulated or tabletop load shedding exercise is conducted during a winter month.
(c) The commission and the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region under Section 39.151 shall conduct simulated or tabletop exercises with providers of electric generation service and transmission and distribution service in the ERCOT power region to mitigate and prepare for a threat of an attack or an actual physical attack on a critical facility. The exercises required by this subsection are in addition to the exercises required by Subsection (b) and any requirements of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection plan standards. The commission and the independent organization shall conduct the exercises under this subsection at least once every two years.
(d) A simulated or tabletop exercise conducted under Subsection (c) must identify the roles and responsibilities of the following in the event of a threat of an attack or an actual physical attack on a critical facility:
(1) transmission and distribution service providers;
(2) providers of electric generation service;
(3) law enforcement;
(4) the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region under Section 39.151; and
(5) the commission.
(e) A transmission and distribution service provider is not required to disclose the specific location of the provider's critical substations to the commission or the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region under Section 39.151 for the purposes of a simulated or tabletop exercise conducted under Subsection (c).
(f) Each provider of electric generation service and of transmission and distribution service that participates in a simulated or tabletop exercise conducted under Subsection (c) shall provide to the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region under Section 39.151 a written attestation that the provider has coordinated with law enforcement when identifying roles and responsibilities under Subsection (d).
SECTION ____. Not later than December 31, 2026, the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the independent organization certified under Section 39.151, Utilities Code, for the ERCOT power region shall conduct a simulated or tabletop exercise with each provider of electric generation service and of transmission and distribution service as required by Section 38.077(c), Utilities Code, as added by this Act.
The amendments were read.
Senator Hall moved to concur in the House amendments to SB 75.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 458 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Schwertner called SB 458 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 458 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to an appraisal process for disputed losses under personal automobile or residential property insurance policies.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle A, Title 10, Insurance Code, is amended by adding Chapter 1813 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 1813. APPRAISAL OF DISPUTED LOSSES
Sec. 1813.001. APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER. (a) This chapter applies only to a personal automobile or residential property insurance policy delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed in this state by an insurer, including:
(1) a capital stock insurance company;
(2) a mutual insurance company;
(3) a county mutual insurance company;
(4) a Lloyd's plan;
(5) a reciprocal or interinsurance exchange;
(6) a farm mutual insurance company;
(7) an eligible surplus lines insurer if this state is the insured's home state as defined by Section 981.002; and
(8) the FAIR Plan Association.
(b) This chapter does not apply to:
(1) an insurance policy delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association; or
(2) a commercial insurance policy.
Sec. 1813.002. RULES. (a) The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to implement this chapter, including:
(1) rules establishing the period in which an appraisal under a provision required by this chapter must be completed; and
(2) rules mandating an appraisal for total loss and damage of the property that is the subject of the appraisal.
(b) In adopting rules establishing the period described by Subsection (a)(1), the commissioner must consider the qualifications and selection of appraisers and umpires for the appraisal.
Sec. 1813.003. REQUIRED POLICY PROVISION: APPRAISAL PROCESS. (a) An insurance policy described by Section 1813.001(a) must contain an appraisal provision that complies with this chapter.
(b) The appraisal provision required by this chapter is intended to provide a type of dispute resolution process solely to determine the amount of loss when that amount is in dispute between the policyholder and the insurer.
Sec. 1813.004. EFFECT OF APPRAISAL. (a) An appraisal under the provision required by this chapter does not affect any applicable policy terms, and an appraisal award must be made in substantial compliance with the appraisal clause of the insurance policy.
(b) Except for fraud, accident, or material mistake relevant to the appraisal or an appraisal award made without authority, the amount of loss determined by an appraisal under this chapter is binding as to the policyholder and the insurer.
SECTION 2. (a) Chapter 1813, Insurance Code, as added by this Act, applies only to an insurance policy delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.
(b) An insurance policy form required to be filed under Chapter 2301, Insurance Code, providing for an appraisal process that is in use on January 1, 2026, and otherwise compliant with Chapter 1813, Insurance Code, as added by this Act, is not required to be filed with the Texas Department of Insurance as a consequence of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The amendment was read.
Senator Schwertner moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 458.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0, Present-not voting 1.
Present-not voting: Miles.
SENATE BILL 528 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Schwertner called SB 528 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 528 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to inpatient competency restoration services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle C, Title 7, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Chapter 580 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 580. INPATIENT COMPETENCY RESTORATION SERVICES
Sec. 580.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Commission" means the Health and Human Services Commission.
(2) "Competency restoration" has the meaning assigned by Article 46B.001, Code of Criminal Procedure.
(3) "Residential care facility" has the meaning assigned by Section 591.003.
Sec. 580.002. APPLICABILITY. This chapter applies to a facility that contracts or subcontracts with the commission to provide inpatient competency restoration services for an individual to stand trial in accordance with Chapter 46B, Code of Criminal Procedure, or that subcontracts to provide those services.
Sec. 580.003. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING. The executive commissioner by rule shall require each facility to which this chapter applies to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the county and municipality in which the facility is located and each local mental health authority and local behavioral health authority that operates in the county or municipality, as applicable, to outline the respective powers and duties of the parties with respect to inpatient competency restoration services.
Sec. 580.004. ANNUAL REPORT TO COMMISSION. (a) The commission shall require each facility to which this chapter applies to annually provide to the commission, in the form and manner the commission requires, the following information for the preceding year regarding individuals who received inpatient competency restoration services at the facility:
(1) the total number of individuals who received inpatient competency restoration services at the facility and the number of those individuals who were restored to competency;
(2) for those individuals who were restored to competency, the average number of days the individuals received services at the facility;
(3) the number of individuals who were restored to competency after receiving services at the facility for not more than 60 days;
(4) the number of individuals who were not restored to competency within the initial restoration period and for whom a treatment extension was sought;
(5) the number of individuals who were not restored to competency and who were transferred to an inpatient mental health facility or residential care facility; and
(6) for individuals who were not restored to competency, the average length of time between the date a determination was made that an individual was not restored to competency and the date the individual was transferred to an inpatient mental health facility or residential care facility.
(b) The data in the report must be disaggregated by whether the individual was charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense and by any other appropriate demographic factors determined by the commission.
Sec. 580.005. ANNUAL REPORT TO LEGISLATURE. Not later than August 1 of each year, the commission shall prepare and submit to the legislature a written report on inpatient competency restoration services in this state for the state fiscal year preceding the year in which the report is due. The report must include:
(1) a performance evaluation of each facility to which this chapter applies;
(2) aggregated demographic data on individuals who received inpatient competency restoration services at a facility to which this chapter applies, including the criminal offenses the individuals were charged with, the individuals' countries of origin, and the individuals' diagnoses, if applicable; and
(3) the overall cost of providing inpatient competency restoration services at a facility to which this chapter applies compared to the cost of:
(A) providing forensic inpatient competency restoration services at a state hospital; and
(B) other competency restoration programs managed by the commission.
SECTION 2. Notwithstanding Section 580.005, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, the Health and Human Services Commission is not required to submit the initial report required by that section until August 1, 2027.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The amendment was read.
Senator Schwertner moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 528.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 1789 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS
Senator Schwertner called SB 1789 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 1789 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to electric service quality and reliability.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 36.402, Utilities Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:
(b-1) Notwithstanding Subsection (b), if an electric utility fails to comply with the standards required by Section 38.006 and the utility's system is damaged by a weather-related event or natural disaster, the commission may at the utility's next rate proceeding reduce the utility's return on equity for infrastructure used or installed to repair or replace the damaged portion of the system.
SECTION 2. Section 38.005(b), Utilities Code, is amended to read as follows:
(b) The commission may take appropriate enforcement action under this section, including action against a utility, if any of the utility's feeders with 10 or more customers has had a SAIDI or SAIFI average that is more than 200 [300] percent greater than the system average of all feeders during any two-year period[, beginning in the year 2000]. In determining the appropriate enforcement action, the commission shall consider:
(1) the feeder's operating and maintenance history;
(2) the cause of each interruption in the feeder's service;
(3) the duration of each interruption in the feeder's service;
(4) any action taken by a utility to address the feeder's performance;
(5) [(4)] the estimated cost and benefit of remediating a feeder's performance; and
(6) [(5)] any other relevant factor as determined by the commission.
SECTION 3. Subchapter A, Chapter 38, Utilities Code, is amended by adding Section 38.006 to read as follows:
Sec. 38.006. STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY STANDARDS FOR TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION POLES. (a) This section applies only to an electric utility, municipally owned utility, or electric cooperative that operates transmission or distribution assets.
(b) The commission by rule shall adopt standards for the structural integrity of transmission and distribution poles.
(c) The standards adopted under this section must:
(1) require an electric utility, municipally owned utility, or electric cooperative to:
(A) inspect, maintain, remediate, and replace transmission and distribution poles as necessary on a timeline established by the commission; and
(B) maintain records of the actions described by Paragraph (A);
(2) account for geographic and weather characteristics of this state;
(3) consider national guidelines such as the National Electrical Safety Code and guidelines developed by the Rural Utilities Service of the United States Department of Agriculture;
(4) establish a classification system to assess the serviceability of transmission and distribution poles that accounts for pole maintenance and extending the service life of transmission and distribution poles; and
(5) consider the characteristics of electric utility, municipally owned utility, and electric cooperative transmission and distribution systems throughout this state.
(d) Not later than May 1 of each year, each electric utility, municipally owned utility, and electric cooperative shall submit to the commission a report on:
(1) the implementation of the utility's or cooperative's transmission and distribution pole maintenance schedule;
(2) the results of the utility's or cooperative's inspection of transmission and distribution poles, including the number of poles inspected and any remediation or replacement action taken; and
(3) any other information the commission requires.
(e) An electric utility, municipally owned utility, or electric cooperative may implement an appropriate program to provide for the inspection, maintenance, remediation, and replacement of the utility's or cooperative's transmission and distribution poles. The program must ensure compliance with the standards adopted under this section.
SECTION 4. The heading to Subchapter E, Chapter 38, Utilities Code, is amended to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER E. INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE [REPORT]
SECTION 5. Section 38.101(a), Utilities Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) Not later than May 1 of each year, each electric utility shall submit to the commission a report describing the utility's activities related to:
(1) identifying areas that are susceptible to damage during severe weather and hardening transmission and distribution facilities in those areas; and
(2) vegetation management[; and
[(3)
inspecting distribution poles].
SECTION 6. (a) The changes in law made by this Act to Section 38.005, Utilities Code, apply only to an enforcement action initiated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas on or after the effective date of this Act. An enforcement action initiated before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect immediately before the effective date of this Act, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
(b) In adopting rules under Section 38.006, Utilities Code, as added by this Act, the Public Utility Commission of Texas shall allow an electric utility, electric cooperative, or municipally owned utility to complete any required inspection, remediation, or replacement of transmission and distribution poles installed before the effective date of the rules according to a reasonable timeline approved by the commission that allows the utility or cooperative to prioritize high-risk transmission and distribution poles.
SECTION 7. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 1789 (house committee report) as follows:
(1) On page 2, lines 18 and 19, strike ", municipally owned utility, or electric cooperative".
(2) On page 3, between lines 9 and 10, insert the following:
(d) The governing body of a municipally owned utility or an electric cooperative shall adopt for the utility or cooperative, as applicable, the standards adopted by the commission under Subsection (b). If the commission revises the standards adopted under Subsection (b), the governing body of each municipally owned utility and electric cooperative shall adopt the revised standards not later than the 120th day after the effective date of the commission's revised standards.
(3) On page 3, line 10, strike "(d)" and substitute "(e)".
(4) On page 3, strike lines 21 through 26 and substitute the following:
(f) A municipally owned utility or electric cooperative shall include with the first report required under Subsection (e) after the utility or cooperative adopts initial or revised standards under Subsection (d) an attestation from the utility's or cooperative's highest-ranking representative, official, or officer with binding authority over the utility or cooperative stating that the utility or cooperative has adopted standards in compliance with this section.
(g) The commission may impose an administrative penalty under Section 15.023 against a municipally owned utility or electric cooperative for a violation of this section or a rule adopted under this section.
(5) On page 4, lines 22 and 23, strike ", electric cooperative, or municipally owned utility".
(6) On page 4, lines 26 and 27, strike "or cooperative".
(7) On page 5, between lines 1 and 2, insert the following:
(c) A municipally owned utility or an electric cooperative operating on the effective date of the initial standards adopted by the Public Utility Commission of Texas under Section 38.006(b), Utilities Code, as added by this Act, shall adopt the standards as required by Section 38.006(d), Utilities Code, as added by this Act, not later than the 120th day after the date the Public Utility Commission of Texas adopts the standards required by Section 38.006(b), Utilities Code, as added by this Act.
The amendments were read.
Senator Schwertner moved to concur in the House amendments to SB 1789.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 2268 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS
Senator Schwertner called SB 2268 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 2268 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to loans and grants awarded from the Texas energy fund.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 34.0103(c), Utilities Code, is amended to read as follows:
(c) Information submitted to the commission at any time for the purpose of enabling the commission to make a determination on the award of [in an application for] a grant under this section is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.
SECTION 2. Section 34.0104, Utilities Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b-1) and amending Subsections (d), (k), and (l) to read as follows:
(b-1) Notwithstanding Subsection (b)(3), a construction loan provided to a municipally owned utility, or an instrumentality of a municipal corporation established for the benefit of a municipally owned utility, may be in the form of a public security, as defined by Section 1201.002, Government Code, issued by the loan applicant if the public security is payable on a parity basis with other debt of the loan applicant secured by a senior lien on net revenues of the facility or the loan applicant's utility system.
(d) Outstanding loans provided under this section [and grants provided under Section 34.0105, considered together,] may not support the addition or construction of more than 10,000 megawatts of generation capacity.
(k) Information submitted to the commission at any time for the purpose of enabling the commission to make a determination on the award of [in an application for] a loan under this section is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.
(l) The commission may [not] disburse the initial funds for a loan under this section after December 31, 2025, if the commission determines that market factors necessitate an extension of the deadline for disbursement of initial funds. An applicant may request disbursement of initial funds after December 31, 2025. The commission shall approve or deny the request on a case-by-case basis.
SECTION 3. Section 34.0105, Utilities Code, is amended by adding Subsection (d-1) and amending Subsection (e) to read as follows:
(d-1) Grants provided under this section may not support the construction of more than 10,000 megawatts of generation capacity.
(e) Information submitted to the commission at any time for the purpose of enabling the commission to make a determination on the award of [in an application for] a grant under this section is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.
SECTION 4. Section 34.0205, Utilities Code, is amended by adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:
(f) Information submitted to the commission at any time for the purpose of enabling the commission to make a determination on the award of a grant or loan under this subchapter is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.
SECTION 5. Section 34.0104(b-1), Utilities Code, as added by this Act, applies to a loan the application for which was submitted under Section 34.0104, Utilities Code, to the Public Utility Commission of Texas before the effective date of this Act if the application is pending before the commission on the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 6. 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 2268 (house committee report) as follows:
On page 1, line 21, after system strike "." and replace with "; or" and insert the following:
(b-2) if the applicant is an electric cooperative the loan may be secured by the senior lien on substantially all electric system assets of the electric cooperative, including the facility with which such loan payable on a parity basis with other debt of such applicant secured by such senior lien.
The amendments were read.
Senator Schwertner moved to concur in the House amendments to SB 2268.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 2037 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS
Senator Sparks called SB 2037 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 2037 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to permit application review and contested case procedures for environmental permits involving a project to construct or modify a liquefied natural gas export terminal; authorizing a fee.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 5.555, Water Code, is amended by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
(a-1) With respect to a permit application filed with the commission for a project to construct or modify a liquefied natural gas export terminal or a renewal of that permit, the executive director shall provide each response required by Subsection (a) not later than the 120th day after the close of the public comment period.
SECTION 2. Subchapter M, Chapter 5, Water Code, is amended by adding Section 5.559 to read as follows:
Sec. 5.559. PROCEDURES FOR PERMIT APPLICATION REVIEW AND CONTESTED CASES INVOLVING PROJECT TO CONSTRUCT OR MODIFY LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS EXPORT TERMINAL. (a) This section applies only to a permit application filed with the commission for a project to construct or modify a liquefied natural gas export terminal.
(b) The commission by rule shall establish an expedited permit application review process for permit applications described by Subsection (a). Rules adopted under this subsection must require an applicant who elects the expedited permit application review process to pay an additional fee in an amount the commission determines is necessary to cover the costs of the expedited review. The additional fee collected pursuant to this subsection is considered part of the application fee and shall be deposited and used in the manner provided for the application fee under Section 5.701.
(c) In a request for a contested case hearing involving a permit application described by Subsection (a), the party requesting the hearing must specify each reason the party is an affected person as defined by Section 5.115(a).
(d) In a contested case involving a permit application described by Subsection (a), an administrative law judge shall conduct a preliminary hearing not later than the 60th day after the date the executive director refers the application to the State Office of Administrative Hearings, provided that the judge may grant one extension of the time, not to exceed 15 days, on request of any party.
(e) The commission shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this section.
SECTION 3. Section 382.056, Health and Safety Code, is amended by amending Subsection (n) and adding Subsection (n-1) to read as follows:
(n) Except as provided by Section 382.0561, the commission shall consider a request that the commission reconsider the executive director's decision or hold a contested case [public] hearing in accordance with the procedures provided by Sections 5.556 and 5.557, Water Code.
(n-1) With respect to a permit application filed with the commission under Section 382.0518 for a project to construct or modify a liquefied natural gas export terminal or for renewal of a permit issued to a liquefied natural gas export terminal under Section 382.055:
(1) the requirements of Section 5.559, Water Code, apply;
(2) the commission shall adopt rules as necessary to implement Subdivision (1); and
(3) the executive director shall provide each response required by Subsection (l) not later than the 120th day after the close of the public comment period.
SECTION 4. The change in law made by this Act applies only to a permit application for a project to construct or modify a liquefied natural gas export terminal or a renewal of that permit that is filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on or after the effective date of this Act. A permit application for a project to construct or modify a liquefied natural gas export terminal or a renewal of that permit that is pending on the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect at the time the application was filed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 2037 (house committee report) as follows:
(1) On page 2, line 6, strike "under Section 5.701".
(2) On page 2, between lines 6 and 7, insert the following appropriately lettered subsections and reletter subsequent subsections and cross-references to those subsections accordingly:
(____) The commission may authorize the use of overtime, full-time equivalent commission employees to support the expedited processing of permit applications under Subsection (b), or contract labor to process those expedited applications. The overtime, full-time equivalent commission employees, or contract labor authorized under this subsection is not included in the calculation of the number of full-time equivalent commission employees allotted under other law.
(____) The commission may pay for compensatory time, overtime, full-time equivalent commission employees supporting the expedited processing of permit applications under Subsection (b), or contract labor used to implement that subsection. The commission is authorized to set the rate for overtime compensation for full-time equivalent commission employees supporting the expedited processing of permit applications under Subsection (b).
The amendments were read.
Senator Sparks moved to concur in the House amendments to SB 2037.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Cook, Miles.
SENATE BILL 681 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Hughes called SB 681 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 681 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the term and renewal of an engineering or land surveying license or registration.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The heading to Subchapter H, Chapter 1001, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER H. ENGINEERING LICENSE OR REGISTRATION RENEWAL
SECTION 2. The heading to Section 1001.351, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 1001.351. LICENSE OR REGISTRATION TERM AND [ANNUAL] RENEWAL [REQUIRED].
SECTION 3. Section 1001.351(a), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) The board shall adopt rules providing for the [provide for the annual] renewal of a license or registration issued under this chapter. The rules must provide that a license or registration issued under this chapter is valid for a term of not less than two years.
SECTION 4. Section 1001.405(d), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
(d) The registration of a business entity issued under this section is valid for the term provided by board rule adopted under Section 1001.351 and [expires on the first anniversary of the date the registration is issued.
The registration] may be renewed by the filing of an updated application under Subsection (c).
SECTION 5. Section 1071.301(a), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) The board by rule shall provide:
(1) that each certificate of registration or license under this chapter is valid for a term of not less than [one year or] two years; and
(2) for the renewal of the certificate or license.
SECTION 6. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors shall adopt rules to implement Sections 1001.351(a) and 1071.301(a), Occupations Code, as amended by this Act.
SECTION 7. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The amendment was read.
Senator Hughes moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 681.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 840 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS
Senator Hughes called SB 840 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 840 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to certain municipal regulation of certain mixed-use and multifamily residential development projects and conversion of certain commercial buildings to mixed-use and multifamily residential occupancy.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 211, Local Government Code, is amended by adding Section 211.0011 to read as follows:
Sec. 211.0011. ZONING REGULATION OF MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL AND MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL USE AND DEVELOPMENT. (a) In this section, "mixed-use residential" and "multifamily residential" have the meanings assigned by Section 218.001.
(b) The authority under this chapter related to zoning regulations and the determination of zoning district boundaries in connection with mixed-use residential use and development and multifamily residential use and development is subject to Chapter 218.
SECTION 2. Subtitle A, Title 7, Local Government Code, is amended by adding Chapter 218 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 218. REGULATION OF MIXED-USE AND MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL USE AND DEVELOPMENT IN CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 218.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Heavy industrial use" means a storage, processing, or manufacturing use:
(A) with processes using flammable or explosive materials;
(B) with hazardous conditions; or
(C) that is noxious or offensive from odors, smoke, noise, fumes, or vibrations.
(2) "Mixed-use residential," when used to describe land use or development, means the use or development, as applicable, of a site consisting of residential and nonresidential uses in which the residential uses are at least 65 percent of the total square footage of the development. The term includes the use or development of a condominium.
(3) "Multifamily residential," when used to describe land use or development, means the use or development, as applicable, of a site for three or more dwelling units within one or more buildings. The term includes the use or development of a residential condominium.
Sec. 218.002. APPLICABILITY. This chapter applies only to a municipality with a population greater than 150,000 that is wholly or partly located in a county with a population greater than 300,000.
Sec. 218.003. NO EFFECT ON OTHER RESTRICTIONS AND RULES. This chapter does not affect the authority of a municipality to:
(1) apply the municipality's regulations on short-term rental units to a mixed-use residential or multifamily residential development;
(2) adopt or enforce water quality protection regulations to implement or comply with water quality requirements under state or federal law, including Chapter 366, Health and Safety Code; or
(3) adopt or enforce a density bonus program or other voluntary program that allows for site development standards that are less restrictive than the standards described by this chapter.
SUBCHAPTER B. ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
Sec. 218.101. MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL AND MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL USES ALLOWED. (a) Notwithstanding any other law and subject to Subsection (c), a municipality shall allow mixed-use residential use and development or multifamily residential use and development in a zoning classification that allows office, commercial, retail, warehouse, or mixed-use use or development as an allowed use under the classification.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law and subject to Subsection (c), a municipality may not require the change of a zoning district or land use classification or regulation or an approval of an amendment, exception, or variance to a zoning district or land use classification or regulation prior to allowing a mixed-use residential use or development or multifamily residential use or development in an area covered by a zoning classification described by Subsection (a). An amendment, exception, or variance to a zoning district or land use classification or regulation includes a special exception, zoning variance, site development variance, subdivision variance, conditional use approval, special use permit, comprehensive plan amendment, or other discretionary approval to allow a mixed-use residential use or development or multifamily residential use or development.
(c) This section does not apply to:
(1) a zoning classification that allows heavy industrial use;
(2) land located within:
(A) 1,000 feet of an existing heavy industrial use or development site; or
(B) 3,000 feet of an airport or military base; or
(3) an area designated by a municipality as a clear zone or accident potential zone.
Sec. 218.102. REGULATION OF MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL AND MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL USE OR DEVELOPMENT. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, a municipality may not adopt or enforce an ordinance, zoning restriction, or other regulation that:
(1) imposes on a mixed-use residential or multifamily residential development:
(A) a limit on density that is more restrictive than the greater of:
(i) the highest residential density allowed in the municipality; or
(ii) 36 units per acre;
(B) a limit on building height that is more restrictive than the greater of:
(i) the highest height that would apply to an office, commercial, retail, or warehouse development constructed on the site; or
(ii) 45 feet; or
(C) a setback or buffer requirement that is more restrictive than the lesser of:
(i) a setback or buffer requirement that would apply to an office, commercial, retail, or warehouse development constructed on the site; or
(ii) 25 feet;
(2) requires a mixed-use residential or multifamily residential development to provide:
(A) more than one parking space per dwelling unit; or
(B) a multilevel parking structure;
(3) restricts the ratio of the total building floor area of a mixed-use residential or multifamily residential development in relation to the lot area of the development; or
(4) requires a multifamily residential development not located in an area zoned for mixed-use residential use to contain nonresidential uses.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, if a municipal authority responsible for approving a building permit or other authorization required for the construction of a mixed-use residential or multifamily residential development determines that a proposed development meets municipal land development regulations in accordance with this subchapter, the municipal authority:
(1) shall administratively approve the permit or other authorization; and
(2) may not require further action by the governing body of the municipality for the approval to take effect.
SUBCHAPTER C. FEES AND REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO CONVERSION OF CERTAIN USES
Sec. 218.201. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "permit" has the meaning assigned by Section 245.001.
Sec. 218.202. APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies only to a building or the structural components of the building that:
(1) is being used for office, retail, or warehouse use;
(2) is proposed to be converted from nonresidential occupancy to mixed-use residential or multifamily residential occupancy for at least 65 percent of the building and at least 65 percent of each floor of the building that is fit for occupancy; and
(3) was constructed at least five years before the proposed date to start the conversion.
Sec. 218.203. CERTAIN REGULATIONS PROHIBITED. Notwithstanding any other law, a municipality may not, in connection with the use, development, construction, or occupancy of a building proposed to be converted to mixed-use residential or multifamily residential use, require:
(1) the preparation of a traffic impact analysis or other study relating to the effect the proposed converted building would have on traffic or traffic operations;
(2) the construction of improvements or payment of a fee in connection with mitigating traffic effects related to the proposed converted building;
(3) the provision of additional parking spaces, other than the parking spaces that already exist on the site of the proposed converted building;
(4) the extension, upgrade, replacement, or oversizing of a utility facility except as necessary to provide the minimum capacity needed to serve the proposed converted building; or
(5) a design requirement, including a requirement related to the exterior, windows, internal environment of a building, or interior space dimensions of an apartment, that is more restrictive than the applicable minimum standard under the International Building Code as adopted as a municipal commercial building code under Section 214.216.
Sec. 218.204. IMPACT FEE PROHIBITED. Notwithstanding any other law, a municipality may not impose an impact fee, as defined by Section 395.001, on land where a building has been converted to mixed-use residential or multifamily residential use unless the land on which the building is located was already subject to an impact fee before a building permit related to the conversion was filed with the municipality.
SUBCHAPTER D. ENFORCEMENT
Sec. 218.301. CIVIL ACTION. (a) In this section, "housing organization" means a:
(1) trade or industry group organized under the laws of this state consisting of local members primarily engaged in the construction or management of housing units;
(2) nonprofit organization organized under the laws of this state that:
(A) provides or advocates for increased access or reduced barriers to housing; and
(B) has filed written or oral comments with the legislature; or
(3) nonprofit organization that is engaged in public policy research, education, and outreach that includes housing policy-related issues and advocacy.
(b) A housing organization or other person adversely affected or aggrieved by a violation of this chapter may bring an action for declaratory or injunctive relief against a municipality.
(c) The court shall award court costs and reasonable attorney's fees to a claimant who prevails in an action brought under this section.
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, including Chapter 15, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, an action brought under this section must be brought in a county in which all or part of the real property that is the subject of the action is located.
(e) Notwithstanding any other law, the Fifteenth Court of Appeals has exclusive intermediate appellate jurisdiction over an action brought under this section.
SECTION 3. Section 395.011, Local Government Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:
(b) Except as provided by Section 218.204 and Subsection (b-1), political [Political] subdivisions may enact or impose impact fees on land within their corporate boundaries or extraterritorial jurisdictions only by complying with this chapter.
(b-1) A political subdivision may not enact or impose an impact fee on land within its[, except that impact fees may not be enacted or imposed in the] extraterritorial jurisdiction for roadway facilities.
SECTION 4. (a) Subchapter B, Chapter 218, Local Government Code, as added by this Act, applies only to a mixed-use residential or multifamily residential development project initiated on or after the effective date of this Act.
(b) Subchapter C, Chapter 218, Local Government Code, as added by this Act, applies only to a building proposed to be converted to mixed-use residential or multifamily residential use in which a building permit was submitted to a municipality on or after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Floor Amendment No. 1 on Third Reading
Amend SB 840 on third reading on page 3 as follows:
(1) On line 3, strike "or".
(2) On line 6, strike the underlined period and substitute "; or".
(3) Between lines 6 and 7, insert the following:
(4) apply the following regulations that are generally applicable to other developments in the municipality:
(A) except as otherwise provided by this chapter:
(i) sewer and water access requirements; or
(ii) building codes;
(B) stormwater mitigation requirements; or
(C) regulations related to historic preservation, including protecting historic landmarks or property in the boundaries of a local historic district.
The amendments were read.
Senator Hughes moved to concur in the House amendments to SB 840.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 1423 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Hughes called SB 1423 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 1423 (house committee report) on page 1, lines 7 and 8, by striking "Notwithstanding Section 225.001(c), the" and substituting "The".
The amendment was read.
Senator Hughes moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 1423.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 1709 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator A. Hinojosa called SB 1709 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 1709 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the designation of a portion of Farm to Market Road 70 in Nueces County as the Los Robles Trail.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 225, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 225.244 to read as follows:
Sec. 225.244. LOS ROBLES TRAIL. (a) The portion of Farm to Market Road 70 in Nueces County between its intersection with State Highway 44 and its intersection with Farm to Market Road 1833 is designated as the Los Robles Trail. The designation is in addition to any other designation.
(b) Subject to Section 225.021(c), the department shall:
(1) design and construct four markers indicating the designation as the Los Robles Trail and any other appropriate information; and
(2) erect a marker at each end of the highway and at appropriate intermediate sites along the highway.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The amendment was read.
Senator A. Hinojosa moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 1709.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 843 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Kolkhorst called SB 843 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 843 (house committee report) as follows:
On page 3, line 21, strike (e) and replace with the following:
(e) The agency shall transmit the information described above to the Bond Review Board to satisfy the local government reporting requirements under Section 1231.025 of the Government Code.
(f) The commissioner may adopt rules as necessary to implement this section.
The amendment was read.
Senator Kolkhorst moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 843.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 2078 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Kolkhorst called SB 2078 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 2078 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the regulation of composting in certain counties; authorizing a civil penalty.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 364, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 364.020 to read as follows:
Sec. 364.020. DEPOSIT OF CERTAIN FOOD WASTE FOR COMPOSTING IN CERTAIN COUNTIES PROHIBITED. (a) In this section:
(1) "Commercial food waste composting ordinance" means a municipal ordinance that requires a multifamily residential property, a business holding a food permit, or another business owner to divert food waste from disposal in a landfill.
(2) "Composting facility" means a facility that composts source-separated yard trimmings, clean wood material, vegetative material, paper, manure, meat, fish, dead animal carcasses, dairy materials, or meat and vegetable oils and greases from a municipal, commercial, or institutional source.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (e), a person may not deposit at a composting facility located in a county that does not contain a municipality with a commercial food waste composting ordinance food waste that is:
(1) collected for composting in a municipality that has a commercial food waste composting ordinance; and
(2) subject to such an ordinance.
(c) A person is liable for a civil penalty of $1,000 for each violation of Subsection (b).
(d) The attorney general may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to recover the civil penalty imposed under this section.
(e) This section does not apply to:
(1) an agricultural operation as defined by Section 251.002, Agriculture Code;
(2) a composting facility located in a county described by Subsection (b) if the commissioners court of the county by resolution or order authorizes the deposit of food waste subject to a commercial food waste composting ordinance at the facility; or
(3) a composting facility that:
(A) is authorized to operate under a valid notification issued by the commission on or before January 1, 2025; and
(B) accepted food waste described by Subsection (b) before January 1, 2025.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The amendment was read.
Senator Kolkhorst moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 2078.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Eckhardt, Hughes, Johnson, Zaffirini.
SENATE BILL 213 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator West called SB 213 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 213 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to prohibiting insurers from requiring the tying of residential property and personal automobile insurance policies.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 551, Insurance Code, is amended by adding Subchapter F to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER F. CONTINGENCY OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY AND PERSONAL AUTOMOBILE POLICIES
Sec. 551.251. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter, "personal automobile insurance" and "residential property insurance" have the meanings assigned by Section 38.002.
Sec. 551.252. APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter applies to an authorized insurer writing property and casualty insurance in this state, including:
(1) a county mutual insurance company;
(2) a Lloyd's plan;
(3) a reciprocal or interinsurance exchange;
(4) a farm mutual insurance company; and
(5) a fire or casualty insurance company.
Sec. 551.253. EXEMPTIONS. This subchapter does not apply to:
(1) an insurance policy delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association;
(2) a flood insurance policy delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed under the National Flood Insurance Program; or
(3) a personal umbrella insurance policy.
Sec. 551.254. REQUIRED TYING OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY AND PERSONAL AUTOMOBILE POLICIES. (a) It is an unfair method of competition or an unfair or deceptive act or practice in the business of insurance under Chapter 541 to:
(1) make the issuance, delivery, or renewal of a residential property insurance policy contingent on the purchase of a personal automobile insurance policy from the same insurer or an affiliated insurer; or
(2) make the issuance, delivery, or renewal of a personal automobile insurance policy contingent on the purchase of a residential property insurance policy from the same insurer or an affiliated insurer.
(b) Notwithstanding Subchapter D, Chapter 541, or any other law, a person may not bring a private action against an insurer or an agent or representative of an insurer for a method, act, or practice described by this section. This subsection does not limit the authority of the attorney general to bring an action as provided by Subchapter E or F, Chapter 541.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The amendment was read.
Senator West moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 213.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 647 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator West called SB 647 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 647 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the filing or recording of documents or instruments conveying or purporting to convey an interest in real or personal property.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 51.901, Government Code, is amended by amending Subsections (a), (c), and (d) and adding Subsections (c-1), (d-1), and (d-2) to read as follows:
(a) If a clerk of the supreme court, clerk of the court of criminal appeals, clerk of a court of appeals, district clerk, county clerk, district and county clerk, or municipal clerk has a reasonable basis to believe in good faith that a document or instrument previously filed or recorded or offered or submitted for filing or for filing and recording is fraudulent, the clerk shall:
(1) if the document is a purported judgment or other document purporting to memorialize or evidence an act, an order, a directive, or process of a purported court, provide written notice of the filing, recording, or submission for filing or for filing and recording to the stated or last known address of the person against whom the purported judgment, act, order, directive, or process is rendered; or
(2) if the document or instrument purports to create a lien against or assert a claim to [on real or personal property] or an interest in real or personal property, provide written notice of the filing, recording, or submission for filing or for filing and recording to the stated or last known address of:
(A) the person named in the document or instrument as the grantor, obligor, or debtor, and to any person named as the grantee or as owning or acquiring any interest in the real or personal property described in the document or instrument; and
(B) as applicable, the last known owner of the property if that owner's address is different from the address of the grantor, obligor, or debtor named in the document or instrument.
(c) For purposes of this section, a document or instrument is presumed to be fraudulent if:
(1) the document is a purported judgment or other document purporting to memorialize or evidence an act, an order, a directive, or process of:
(A) a purported court or a purported judicial entity not expressly created or established under the constitution or the laws of this state or of the United States; or
(B) a purported judicial officer of a purported court or purported judicial entity described by Paragraph (A);
(2) the document or instrument purports to create a lien against or assert a claim to [against real or personal property] or an interest in real or personal property and:
(A) is not a document or instrument provided for by the constitution or laws of this state or of the United States;
(B) is not created by implied or express consent or agreement of the grantor, obligor, debtor, or the owner of the real or personal property or an interest in the real or personal property, if required under the laws of this state, or by implied or express consent or agreement of an agent, fiduciary, or other representative of that person; or
(C) is not an equitable, constructive, or other lien imposed by a court with jurisdiction created or established under the constitution or laws of this state or of the United States; or
(3) the document or instrument purports to create a lien or assert a claim against real or personal property or an interest in real or personal property and the document or instrument is filed by an inmate or on behalf of an inmate.
(c-1) For purposes of this section, a document or instrument is presumed to not be fraudulent if the prospective filer:
(1) provides to the county clerk, at the time of filing or on the clerk's request, additional documentation such as a contract for the sale of or another document creating a lien against or asserting a claim to the property subject to the document or instrument that contains the signature of the property owner; or
(2) is a person engaged solely in the business of providing closing, settlement, or other transactional services in connection with the transfer of real property, including an attorney, title agent, title company, or escrow company.
(d) If a county clerk believes in good faith that a document or instrument filed, recorded, or submitted for filing or recording with the county clerk to create a lien against or assert a claim to or an interest in real or personal property is fraudulent, the clerk shall:
(1) request the assistance of the county or district attorney to determine whether the document or instrument is fraudulent before filing or recording the document or instrument;
(2) request that the prospective filer provide to the county clerk additional documentation supporting the existence of the lien, claim, or interest, such as a contract or other document that contains the signature of the alleged owner, debtor, grantor, or obligor [obligor's signature]; [and]
(3) forward any additional documentation received to the county or district attorney; and
(4) refuse to file or record the document or instrument submitted for filing or recording if:
(A) the district or county attorney whose assistance the clerk requested under Subdivision (1) determines there is probable cause to believe the document or instrument is fraudulent; or
(B) the prospective filer does not provide the clerk the additional documentation requested under Subdivision (2).
(d-1) A county clerk who, in good faith, files or records, or refuses to file or record, a document or instrument described by Subsection (d) is immune from liability and suit arising out of the filing, recording, or refusal to file or record the document or instrument. A county commissioners court may not discipline, penalize, or otherwise take an adverse employment action against the clerk for that filing, recording, or refusal.
(d-2) The additional documentation described by Subsection (c-1) or (d)(2):
(1) is confidential and exempt from disclosure under Chapter 552; and
(2) may be submitted to a county clerk by an individual or entity without civil process.
SECTION 2. Section 12.003(b), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, is amended to read as follows:
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a person or a person licensed or regulated by Title 11, Insurance Code (the Texas Title Insurance Act), does not have a duty to disclose a fraudulent, as described by Section 51.901(c), Government Code, court record, document, or instrument purporting to create a lien against or [purporting to] assert a claim to [on real property] or an interest in real property in connection with a sale, conveyance, mortgage, or other transfer of the real property or interest in real property.
SECTION 3. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to a document or instrument conveying or purporting to convey an interest in real or personal property filed, recorded, or offered for filing or recording on or after the effective date of this Act. A document or instrument conveying or purporting to convey an interest in real or personal property filed, recorded, or offered for filing or recording before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the day the document or instrument was filed, recorded, or offered for filing or recording, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The amendment was read.
Senator West moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 647.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 1, Present-not voting 1.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hagenbuch.
Present-not voting: Menéndez.
SENATE BILL 648 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator West called SB 648 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 648 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to recording requirements for certain instruments concerning real property.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 203.002, Estates Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 203.002. FORM OF AFFIDAVIT CONCERNING IDENTITY OF HEIRS. An affidavit of facts concerning the identity of a decedent's heirs may be in substantially the following form:
AFFIDAVIT OF FACTS CONCERNING THE IDENTITY OF HEIRS
Before me, the undersigned authority, on this day personally appeared __________ ("Affiant") (insert name of affiant) who, being first duly sworn, upon his/her oath states:
1. My name is __________ (insert name of affiant), and I live at __________ (insert address of affiant's residence). I am personally familiar with the family and marital history of __________ ("Decedent") (insert name of decedent), and I have personal knowledge of the facts stated in this affidavit.
2. I knew decedent from __________ (insert date) until __________ (insert date). Decedent died on __________ (insert date of death). Decedent's place of death was __________ (insert place of death). At the time of decedent's death, decedent's residence was __________ (insert address of decedent's residence).
3. Decedent's marital history was as follows: __________ (insert marital history and, if decedent's spouse is deceased, insert date and place of spouse's death).
4. Decedent had the following children: __________ (insert name, birth date, name of other parent, and current address of child or date of death of child and descendants of deceased child, as applicable, for each child).
5. Decedent did not have or adopt any other children and did not take any other children into decedent's home or raise any other children, except: __________ (insert name of child or names of children, or state "none").
6. (Include if decedent was not survived by descendants.) Decedent's mother was: __________ (insert name, birth date, and current address or date of death of mother, as applicable).
7. (Include if decedent was not survived by descendants.) Decedent's father was: __________ (insert name, birth date, and current address or date of death of father, as applicable).
8. (Include if decedent was not survived by descendants or by both mother and father.) Decedent had the following siblings: __________ (insert name, birth date, and current address or date of death of each sibling and parents of each sibling and descendants of each deceased sibling, as applicable, or state "none").
9. (Optional.) The following persons have knowledge regarding the decedent, the identity of decedent's children, if any, parents, or siblings, if any: __________ (insert names of persons with knowledge, or state "none").
10. Decedent died without leaving a written will. (Modify statement if decedent left a written will.)
11. There has been no administration of decedent's estate. (Modify statement if there has been administration of decedent's estate.)
12. Decedent left no debts that are unpaid, except: __________ (insert list of debts, or state "none").
13. There are no unpaid estate or inheritance taxes, except: __________ (insert list of unpaid taxes, or state "none").
14. To the best of my knowledge, decedent owned an interest in the following real property: __________ (insert list of real property in which decedent owned an interest, or state "none").
15. (Optional.) The following were the heirs of decedent: __________ (insert names of heirs).
16. (Insert additional information as appropriate, such as size of the decedent's estate.)
[OPTION 1]
Signed this ___ day of __________, ___.
_________________________________
(signature of affiant)
State of __________
County of __________
Sworn to and subscribed to before me on __________ (date) by __________ (insert name of affiant).
_________________________________
(signature of notarial officer)
(Seal, if any, of notary) __________
(printed name)
My commission expires: __________
[OPTION 2 (for purposes of Section 12.001(b-1), Property Code)]
Signed this ___ day of __________, ___.
_________________________________
(signature of affiant)
State of __________
County of __________
Sworn to and subscribed to before me on __________ (date) by __________ (insert name of affiant).
_________________________________
(signature of notarial officer)
(Seal, if any, of notary) __________
(printed name)
My commission expires: __________
STATEMENT OF FIRST WITNESS
I am not entitled to any portion of the Decedent's estate and I have no claim against any portion of the Decedent's estate.
Signature:________________________________________________
Print Name:___________________________________ Date:______
Address:__________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF SECOND WITNESS
I am not entitled to any portion of the Decedent's estate and I have no claim against any portion of the Decedent's estate.
Signature:________________________________________________
Print Name:___________________________________ Date:______
Address:__________________________________________________
State of __________
County of __________
This instrument was acknowledged before me on __________ (date) by __________ (insert name of witnesses).
_________________________________
(signature of notarial officer)
(Seal, if any, of notary) __________
(printed name)
My commission expires: __________
STATEMENT OF HEIR
I am an heir to real property of __________ ("Decedent") (insert name of decedent).
Signature:________________________________________________
Print Name:___________________________________ Date:______
Address:__________________________________________________
State of __________
County of __________
This instrument was acknowledged before me on __________ (date) by __________ (insert name of heir).
_________________________________
(signature of notarial officer)
(Seal, if any, of notary) __________
(printed name)
My commission expires: __________
SECTION 2. Section 12.001, Property Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:
(b) An instrument conveying real property may not be recorded unless:
(1) if the instrument is filed for recording by an attorney, title agent, title company, or escrow company that provides closing, settlement, or other comparable transaction services in connection with the transfer of real property, a public utility, a governmental entity, or a person acting on behalf of the attorney, agent, company, utility, or entity, the instrument [it] is signed by the grantor and:
(A) [and] acknowledged or sworn to by the grantor in the presence of two or more credible subscribing witnesses; or
(B) acknowledged or sworn to by the grantor before and certified by an officer authorized to take acknowledgements or oaths, as applicable; and
(2) if the instrument is filed for recording by an individual other than a person described by Subdivision (1), the instrument is:
(A) signed by the grantor;
(B) acknowledged or sworn to by the grantor in the presence of two or more credible subscribing witnesses; and
(C) acknowledged or sworn to by the grantor and each subscribing witness before and certified by an officer authorized to take acknowledgements or oaths, as applicable.
(b-1) An affidavit of heirship concerning heirship to real property that is filed for recording by a person described by Subsection (b)(2) may not be recorded unless it is:
(1) signed by the individual making the affidavit;
(2) acknowledged or sworn to by the individual making the affidavit in the presence of two credible subscribing witnesses;
(3) acknowledged or sworn to by the individual making the affidavit and each subscribing witness before and certified by an officer authorized to take acknowledgements or oaths, as applicable; and
(4) acknowledged or sworn to by each living heir to real property named in the affidavit that is not under a legal disability before and certified by an officer authorized to take acknowledgements or oaths, as applicable.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The amendment was read.
Senator West moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 648.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 4, Present-not voting 1.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hughes, Sparks.
Present-not voting: Menéndez.
SENATE BILL 1061 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Parker called SB 1061 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 1061 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to procedural requirements for uranium mining production area authorizations.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 27.0513, Water Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c-1) and amending Subsection (d) to read as follows:
(c-1) The commission shall prioritize the conservation of regional groundwater water supplies when reviewing an application to amend a restoration table value.
(d) Notwithstanding Sections 5.551, 5.556, 27.011, and 27.018, an application for an authorization or an amendment to an authorization that allows the permit holder to conduct mining and restoration activities in production areas within the boundary established in the permit is an uncontested matter not subject to a contested case hearing or the hearing requirements of Chapter 2001, Government Code, if:
(1) the authorization is for a production area [zone] located within the boundary of a permit that incorporates, for each production area addressed in the application, a range table of groundwater quality restoration values used to measure groundwater restoration by the commission;
(2) the application includes, for each production area addressed in the application, groundwater quality restoration values falling at or below the upper limit of the range established in Subdivision (1); [and]
(3) the authorization is for a production area [zone] located within the boundary of a permit that incorporates groundwater baseline characteristics of the wells for the application required by commission rule; and
(4) not later than the 30th day after the date the commission determines the application to be administratively complete, the commission mails notice of receipt of the application to:
(A) the owners of the surface of:
(i) the tract of land on which the existing or proposed production area is or will be located; and
(ii) the tracts of land adjacent to the land described by Subparagraph (i);
(B) the owners of mineral rights underlying:
(i) the tract of land on which the existing or proposed production area is or will be located; and
(ii) the tracts of land adjacent to the land described by Subparagraph (i); and
(C) any groundwater conservation district established in the county in which the existing or proposed production area is or will be located.
SECTION 2. Sections 27.0513(f) and (g), Water Code, are repealed.
SECTION 3. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an application for an authorization or an amendment to an authorization that is submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on or after the effective date of this Act. An application for an authorization or an amendment to an authorization that was submitted to the commission before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect at the time the application or amendment was submitted, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The amendment was read.
Senator Parker moved to concur in the House amendment to SB 1061.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
SENATE BILL 1150 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS
Senator Middleton called SB 1150 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 1150 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the plugging of and reporting on inactive wells subject to the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas; authorizing an administrative penalty.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 89.023, Natural Resources Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h) to read as follows:
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a) and subject to Subsection (c), an operator may not obtain an extension of the deadline for plugging an inactive well by complying with Subsection (a) [that subsection] if:
(1) the well:
(A) has been inactive for more than 15 years; and
(B) was completed more than 25 years before the date the operator submitted the request for the extension; or
(2) the plugging of the well is otherwise required by commission rules or orders.
(c) The commission may grant an extension of the deadline for plugging an inactive well described by Subsection (b)(1) if:
(1) on request of the operator, the commission by order determines that the operator's demonstrated history of returning inactive wells to operation warrants the granting of the extension;
(2) the inactive well is included in a compliance plan submitted to and approved by the commission or the commission's delegate in which the operator commits to plugging or restoring the inactive well to operation by September 1, 2040; or
(3) the operator of the inactive well files with the commission an individual performance bond in an amount that is not less than the full cost calculation for plugging an inactive well, as established by the commission, that runs with and covers the lifetime of the well, regardless of a change in the operator.
(d) When considering whether to approve an operator's compliance plan under Subsection (c)(2), the commission or the commission's delegate shall consider:
(1) age and length of inactivity of the well;
(2) current economic conditions;
(3) the operator's percentage of inactive wells compared to the operator's total well count;
(4) whether the operator has submitted to the commission with the organization report required by Section 91.142 a plan of action for how the well operator will plug or bring the operator's inactive well into production or operate the well as an injection well or other type of operation;
(5) the well operator's record of compliance, including any history of previous violations and the seriousness of those violations;
(6) any financial assurance made by the well operator under Subsection (a)(3) or Section 89.027;
(7) any potential hazards to the health and safety of the public or the environment posed by the inactive well; and
(8) any good faith demonstrated by the well operator.
(e) If the commission or its delegate denies an operator's request for the approval of a compliance plan under Subsection (c)(2), the operator may request a hearing from the commission regarding that determination.
(f) The commission shall adopt rules requiring each operator involved in the transfer of an inactive well to jointly submit to the commission a written affirmation stating:
(1) the well is in compliance with the requirements of this section;
(2) the transfer was a business practice performed in good faith; and
(3) the operator to whom the inactive well was transferred will ensure continued compliance with this section.
(g) An extension granted under Subsection (c)(1) is not transferable to another operator.
(h) The commission shall establish an administrative penalty for a violation of this section in an amount determined by the commission.
SECTION 2. Subchapter C, Chapter 89, Natural Resources Code, is amended by adding Sections 89.049, 89.050, and 89.051 to read as follows:
Sec. 89.049. ANNUAL REPORT. Not later than December 1 of each year, the commission shall produce and deliver to the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature a report that includes:
(1) the number of inactive wells in this state;
(2) the age and length of inactivity of each inactive well;
(3) the number of inactive wells for which an extension of the deadline to plug the inactive well has been granted by the commission under Section 89.023;
(4) the financial assurance methods used by operators of inactive wells, including the number of wells using each financial assurance method available;
(5) the number of wells plugged in the preceding year, including a breakdown of wells plugged by operators versus wells plugged by the commission using state money;
(6) the number of inactive wells returned to production or put into use as an injection well or other operation in the preceding year;
(7) a summary of the number of operators of inactive wells based on organization reports submitted to the commission under Section 91.142, including the total number, based on the reports, of operators and inactive wells that are in compliance, are delinquent, are delinquent for longer than a year, or have been granted an extension under Section 89.023;
(8) the number of organization reports the commission has not renewed or approved under Section 91.142, including:
(A) for each report that has not been renewed or approved:
(i) the associated well count; and
(ii) the total amount of financial security submitted by the operator; and
(B) the total amount of financial security collected from each operator who filed a report that has not been renewed or approved; and
(9) the annual cost calculation for plugging an inactive well, as described by Section 89.023(a).
Sec. 89.050. OPERATOR REPORT. For each inactive well for which 15 years have elapsed from the date on which the relevant well completion report was filed with the commission, an operator must submit an annual report to the commission with information regarding the results of a successful fluid level test or hydraulic pressure test of the well conducted in accordance with commission rules. The report must include appropriate documentation of the results of the test.
Sec. 89.051. RULEMAKING. (a) The commission shall adopt rules as necessary to regulate and monitor inactive wells under this chapter.
(b) In adopting rules under this section, the commission shall consider:
(1) the risk to public safety or the environment;
(2) wellbore and wellhead integrity, including the ability to monitor casing pressure; and
(3) regional risk considerations, including penetration of corrosive or over-pressured formations and completion in zones containing hydrogen sulfide.
SECTION 3. Not later than December 1, 2026, the Railroad Commission of Texas shall submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature the first report required by Section 89.049, Natural Resources Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 1150 (house committee printing) as follows:
(1) On page 1, strike lines 21 through 24 and substitute the following:
(1) on request of the operator, the commission by order determines that:
(A) the operator's demonstrated history of returning inactive wells to operation warrants the granting of the extension; or
(B) the operator's financial hardship in complying with Subsection (b)(1) warrants the granting of the extension;
(2) On page 2, lines 3 and 4, strike "restoring the inactive well to operation by September 1, 2040" and substitute "bringing the inactive well into production or operation as an injection well or other type of operation by September 1, 2042".
(3) On page 2, between lines 9 and 10, insert the following appropriately lettered subsections and reletter subsequent subsections and cross-references to those subsections accordingly:
(____) An operator asserting financial hardship as the basis for an extension under Subsection (c)(1)(B) shall submit to the commission an attestation signed by the operator's authorized representative. The attestation must include:
(1) a statement that the commission should consider an extension of the deadline for plugging an inactive well described by Subsection (b)(1) because of the operator's financial hardship; and
(2) a sworn financial statement certified by a certified public accountant.
(____) When considering whether to grant an operator's request for the extension of the deadline for plugging an inactive well under Subsection (c)(1)(B), the commission may consider:
(1) the attestation, including the statement and financial statement, submitted to the commission under Subsection (d);
(2) the operator's prior investment in the plugging or maintenance of wells;
(3) the operator's history of compliance, including any history of previous violations and the seriousness of those violations;
(4) current economic conditions;
(5) the operator's percentage of inactive wells compared to the operator's total well count; and
(6) any other information as required by commission rules.
(4) On page 2, lines 11 and 12, strike "or the commission's delegate".
(5) On page 6, strike line 3 and substitute the following:
SECTION 4. (a) Subject to Subsection (b) of this section, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
(b) Section 89.023, Natural Resources Code, as amended by this Act, takes effect September 1, 2027.
(6) Add the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumber subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Not later than December 31, 2026, the Railroad Commission of Texas shall adopt rules as necessary to implement Chapter 89, Natural Resources Code, as amended by this Act. Rules adopted under this section must take effect September 1, 2027.
The amendments were read.
Senator Middleton moved to concur in the House amendments to SB 1150.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Hall.
SENATE BILL 1198 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Birdwell called SB 1198 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 1198 (house committee report) by striking page 1, line 19, through page 2, line 1, and substituting the following:
(4) any property, including a hazard area related to the operation of a launch complex authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration, or facility used for the launch, landing, recovery, or testing of spacecraft, as defined by Section 507.001, Local Government Code; and
The amendment was read.
Senator Birdwell 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 1198 before appointment.
There were no motions offered.
The Presiding Officer announced the appointment of the following conferees on the part of the Senate: Senators Birdwell, Chair; Blanco, Sparks, A. Hinojosa, and Flores.
SENATE BILL 2601 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator Blanco called SB 2601 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 2601 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a border crime property damage compensation program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The heading to Chapter 56C, Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
CHAPTER 56C. BORDER CRIME [LANDOWNER COMPENSATION FOR] PROPERTY DAMAGE COMPENSATION PROGRAM [CAUSED BY CERTAIN CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES]
SECTION 2. Article 56C.001(2), Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
(2) "Border crime" means conduct:
(A) constituting an offense under:
(i) Subchapter D, Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code;
(ii) Section 20.05, 20.06, or 38.04, Penal Code; or
(iii) Chapter 20A, Penal Code; and
(B) involving transnational criminal activity.
SECTION 3. Article 56C.003, Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
Art. 56C.003. BORDER CRIME PROPERTY DAMAGE [LANDOWNER] COMPENSATION PROGRAM. (a) From the funding sources described by Subsection (a-1) [money appropriated for the purpose], the attorney general shall establish and administer a program to compensate landowners and lessees who suffer [real property] damage to agricultural land, including buildings or other improvements, or to livestock, timber, or crops on agricultural land, caused by:
(1) a trespasser as a result of an offense under Chapter 28, Penal Code, that was committed in the course of or in furtherance of a border crime; or
(2) a law enforcement response to a trespasser who was engaged in a border crime.
(a-1) The attorney general may use money from the following sources to establish the program described by Subsection (a):
(1) money appropriated, credited, or transferred by the legislature for purposes of the program;
(2) revenue that the legislature by statute dedicates for deposit to the credit of the program; and
(3) gifts, grants, and donations received by the state for purposes of the program, including grants and reimbursements received from the federal government.
(b) The attorney general shall establish:
(1) a standardized form and report template to be used by law enforcement agencies for the purpose of documenting damage caused by a trespasser in accordance with Subsection (c);
(2) eligibility criteria for compensation under this article, including requirements for providing proof of eligibility for compensation;
(3) [(2)] application procedures;
(4) [(3)] criteria for evaluating applications and awarding compensation;
(5) [(4)] guidelines related to compensation amounts, provided that the maximum amount awarded per incident causing damage may not exceed a total of $75,000 and any portion of damages attributable to livestock, timber, or crops may not exceed $10,000; and
(6) [(5)] procedures for monitoring the use of compensation awarded under this article and ensuring compliance with any conditions of the award.
(b-1) For purposes of Subsection (a), damage caused to agricultural land includes any debris, pollutants, or contaminants left on the land during the applicable incident, and compensation awarded under this article may include an amount necessary to clean up the debris, pollutants, or contaminants to restore the soil to its agricultural use.
(c) The attorney general may not award compensation under this article for [real property] damage caused by a trespasser described by Subsection (a)(1) unless the damage is documented in a written report by a law enforcement agency as having occurred in connection with a border crime.
(c-1) On request by the attorney general and not later than the 14th business day after the date of the request, a law enforcement agency that makes a written report described by Subsection (c) shall release to the attorney general all reports, including witness statements and criminal history record information, to allow the attorney general to determine whether a person qualifies for an award of compensation under this article and the extent of the damage.
(c-2) The attorney general may not award compensation under this article to a lessee for real property damage caused by a trespasser described by Subsection (a)(1) unless the lessee provides a notarized statement from the landowner authorizing the lessee to directly receive compensation awarded under this article for the damage.
(d) In awarding compensation under this article for [real property] damage caused by a trespasser described by Subsection (a)(1), the attorney general may not consider the outcome of any criminal prosecution arising out of:
(1) the offense under Chapter 28, Penal Code, as a result of which the applicant suffered [property] damage; or
(2) the applicable offense listed in Article 56C.001(2)(A).
SECTION 4. Article 56C.006(a), Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:
(a) The program established under Article 56C.003 is a payer of last resort for [real property] damage described by that article.
SECTION 5. Sections 552.132(a), (b), (c), and (d), Government Code, are amended to read as follows:
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (d), in this section, "crime victim or claimant" means:
(1) a victim or claimant under Chapter 56B, Code of Criminal Procedure, who has filed an application for compensation under that chapter; or
(2) a person who has filed an application for compensation under Chapter 56C, Code of Criminal Procedure.
(b) The following information held by [the crime victim's compensation division of] the attorney general's office in connection with an application for compensation under Chapter 56B or 56C, Code of Criminal Procedure, is confidential:
(1) the name, social security number, address, or telephone number of a crime victim or claimant; or
(2) any other information the disclosure of which would identify or tend to identify the crime victim or claimant.
(c) If the crime victim or claimant is awarded compensation under Article 56B.103, [or] 56B.104, or 56C.003, Code of Criminal Procedure, as of the date of the award of compensation, the name of the crime victim or claimant and the amount of compensation awarded to that crime victim or claimant are public information and are not excepted from the requirements of Section 552.021.
(d) An employee of a governmental body who is also a victim under Chapter 56B, Code of Criminal Procedure, or has suffered property damage for which the employee is eligible for compensation under Chapter 56C of that code, regardless of whether the employee has filed an application for compensation under the applicable [that] chapter, may elect whether to allow public access to information held by the attorney general's office or other governmental body that would identify or tend to identify the employee [victim], including a photograph or other visual representation of the employee [victim]. An election under this subsection must be made in writing on a form developed by the governmental body, be signed by the employee, and be filed with the governmental body before the third anniversary of the latest to occur of one of the following:
(1) the date the crime was committed or the property damage occurred, as applicable;
(2) the date employment begins; or
(3) the date the governmental body develops the form and provides it to employees.
SECTION 6. Section 2251.052, Insurance Code, is amended by adding Subsection (a-1) to read as follows:
(a-1) In setting rates, an insurer may not consider whether a claim has been made by or on behalf of a policyholder in relation to an event documented by a report described by Article 56C.003(c), Code of Criminal Procedure.
SECTION 7. Article 56C.007, Code of Criminal Procedure, is repealed.
SECTION 8. Chapter 56C, Code of Criminal Procedure, as amended by this Act, applies only to compensation for damages incurred in connection with conduct constituting an offense occurring on or after the effective date of this Act. Compensation for damages incurred in connection with conduct constituting an offense occurring before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the conduct occurred, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of this section, conduct constituting an offense occurred before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurred before that date.
SECTION 9. Section 2251.052(a-1), Insurance Code, as added by this Act, applies only to an insurance policy that is delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. A policy delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed 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 10. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The amendment was read.
Senator Blanco 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 2601 before appointment.
There were no motions offered.
The Presiding Officer announced the appointment of the following conferees on the part of the Senate: Senators Blanco, Chair; Flores, J. Hinojosa, Kolkhorst, and Birdwell.
SENATE BILL 2778 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENT
Senator A. Hinojosa called SB 2778 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 2778 on third reading by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Subchapter C, Chapter 775, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 775.0311 to read as follows:
Sec. 775.0311. PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE SERVICES. (a) This section applies to a district that is licensed as or contracts with:
(1) an emergency medical services provider under Chapter 773; or
(2) a first responder organization under Chapter 773.
(b) In this section, "preventive health care services" means out-of-hospital routine health care services, including immunizations, screenings, checkups, and patient counseling, provided for the purpose of preventing illness, disease, or other health problems.
(c) A district may provide preventive health care services to reduce reliance on 9-1-1 transports and systems for routine health care and contract with the state or a local government, as provided by Section 775.0366, to provide those services.
(d) A reference in this chapter to the district providing emergency services includes preventive health care services.
(e) A district may make necessary improvements and adopt rules and regulations for the purposes of this section.
(f) A district in a county with a population of less than 60,000 must obtain approval from the county commissioners court prior to providing services under this section.
The amendment was read.
Senator A. Hinojosa 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 2778 before appointment.
There were no motions offered.
The Presiding Officer announced the appointment of the following conferees on the part of the Senate: Senators A. Hinojosa, Chair; Bettencourt, Middleton, Blanco, and Nichols.
SENATE BILL 1202 WITH HOUSE AMENDMENTS
Senator King called SB 1202 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 1202 by substituting in lieu thereof the following:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to third-party review of property development documents and inspections of improvements related to those documents, including home backup power installations.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 247, Local Government Code, as added by Chapter 654 (H.B. 14), Acts of the 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023, is amended by adding Section 247.0025 to read as follows:
Sec. 247.0025. THIRD-PARTY REVIEW OR INSPECTION FOR HOME BACKUP POWER INSTALLATIONS. (a) In this section, "home backup power installation" means an electric generating facility, an energy storage facility, a standby system, and any associated infrastructure and equipment intended to provide electrical power to a one- or two-family dwelling, regardless of whether the facility or system is capable of participating in a wholesale electric market, that is connected at 600 volts or less.
(b) This section does not limit the authority of:
(1) an electric utility to implement the utility's tariff; or
(2) an electric cooperative or a municipally owned utility to enforce interconnection and service policies.
(c) Notwithstanding Section 247.002:
(1) a person authorized to review a development document under Section 247.002(a) may review a development document required by a regulatory authority to install a home backup power installation without having to submit the document to the authority for review; and
(2) a person authorized to conduct a development inspection under Section 247.002(b) may conduct a development inspection required by a regulatory authority to install a home backup power installation without having to request the inspection from the authority.
(d) A regulatory authority shall:
(1) post on the authority's Internet website each law, rule, standard, fee schedule, and other document necessary for a person to review a development document or conduct a development inspection under this section; or
(2) provide on request an electronic copy of the information described by Subdivision (1) not later than the second business day after the date the regulatory authority receives the request.
(e) A person who reviews a development document or conducts a development inspection under this section may:
(1) use software designed to automate the required review without that person performing additional manual review; and
(2) rely on the accuracy and completeness of the information provided by a regulatory authority under Subsection (d).
(f) If a regulatory authority has not posted on the authority's Internet website or provided upon request information as required under Subsection (d), a person reviewing a development document or conducting a development inspection of a home backup power installation under this section may use:
(1) the applicable building code standards under Section 214.212 for a dwelling located in a municipality; or
(2) the applicable building code standards under Section 233.153 for a dwelling located in the unincorporated area of a county.
(g) A regulatory authority that has not posted or provided a fee schedule as required by Subsection (d) may not charge a fee for issuance of an approval, permit, or certification for a home backup power installation under this section.
(h) A regulatory authority shall issue each approval, permit, or certification applicable to a review of a development document or development inspection conducted under this section not later than the second business day after the date the authority receives the notice prescribed by Section 247.004(a) that approves the document or inspection.
(i) A person may begin construction of a home backup power installation on submission of the notice prescribed by Section 247.004(a) that approves the development document.
(j) This section does not limit or otherwise affect a regulatory authority's civil liability or immunity, including applicable liability under Sections 101.021 and 101.0215, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, and a regulatory authority's governmental immunity, applicable to a development document or development inspection conducted under this section.
SECTION 2. Section 247.003, Local Government Code, as added by Chapter 654 (H.B. 14), Acts of the 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 247.003. ADDITIONAL FEE PROHIBITED. A regulatory authority may not impose a fee related to the review of a development document or the inspection of an improvement conducted under this chapter [Section 247.002].
SECTION 3. Section 247.004, Local Government Code, as added by Chapter 654 (H.B. 14), Acts of the 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 247.004. THIRD-PARTY REQUIREMENTS. (a) A person who reviews a development document or conducts a development inspection under this chapter [Section 247.002] shall:
(1) review the document, conduct the inspection, and take all other related actions in accordance with all applicable provisions of law; and
(2) not later than the 15th day after the date the person completes the review or inspection, provide notice to the regulatory authority of the results of the review or inspection.
(b) A regulatory authority may prescribe a reasonable format for the notice required under Subsection (a). If the regulatory authority has not prescribed a format, a person who reviews a development document or conducts a development inspection under this chapter may provide notice by e-mail to the e-mail address of the regulatory authority.
(c) The format prescribed by a regulatory authority under Subsection (b) may not limit a person who reviews a development document or conducts a development inspection under this chapter from using software designed to automate the review or approval process without that person performing additional manual review.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSSB 1202 (house committee printing) as follows:
(1) On page 1, line 24, to page 2, line 1, strike "a person authorized to review a development document under Section 247.002(a)" and substitute "the following persons, other than a person described by Section 247.002(a)(1),".
(2) On page 2, line 4, between "review" and "; and", insert the following:
:
(A) a person authorized to review a development document under Section 247.002(a);
(B) an electrical inspector as defined in Section 1305.002, Occupations Code; or
(C) a master electrician described by Section 1305.153, Occupations Code, who is licensed under Subchapter D, Chapter 1305 of that code
(3) On page 2, lines 5 and 6, strike "a person authorized to conduct a development inspection under Section 247.002(b)" and substitute "the following persons, other than a person described by Section 247.002(b)(1),".
(4) On page 2, line 9, between "authority" and the underlined period, insert the following:
:
(A) a person authorized to conduct a development inspection under Section 247.002(b);
(B) an electrical inspector as defined in Section 1305.002, Occupations Code; or
(C) a master electrician described by Section 1305.153, Occupations Code, who is licensed under Subchapter D, Chapter 1305 of that code
(5) On page 3, between lines 12 and 13, insert the following appropriately designated subsection and redesignate subsequent subsections and cross-references accordingly:
(____) A person who reviews a development document or conducts a development inspection shall provide to the regulatory authority a copy of any development document or inspection-related note or report the person creates as part of the review or inspection not later than the date the person provides notice to the regulatory authority under Section 247.004(a)(2).
(6) On page 3, line 16, strike "second" and substitute "third".
(7) On page 3, strike lines 22 through 27 and substitute the following:
(j) A regulatory authority is not liable for a review or inspection conducted by a person under this section.
(k) A person reviewing a development document or conducting a development inspection under this section is liable for damages resulting from the person's acts or omissions in conducting the review or inspection.
Floor Amendment No. 1 on Third Reading
Amend SB 1202 on third reading in added Section 247.0025(k), Local Government Code, between "the person's" and "acts or omissions", by inserting "negligent".
The amendments were read.
Senator King moved to concur in the House amendments to SB 1202.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
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 11:47 a.m. announced the conclusion of morning call.
HOUSE BILL 3254 ON SECOND READING
Senator Zaffirini moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 3254 at this time on its second reading:
HB 3254, Relating to the eligibility of members of the State Board of Education and their dependents to participate in the state employees group benefits program.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Hancock 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: Hancock.
HOUSE BILL 3254 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 3254 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Hancock.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 108 ON SECOND READING
Senator J. Hinojosa moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 108 at this time on its second reading:
HB 108, Relating to the use of metal or body armor while committing certain offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Eckhardt, Hughes, Sparks.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 108 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 108 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, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Eckhardt, Hughes, Sparks.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 4486 ON SECOND READING
Senator Huffman moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 4486 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 4486, Relating to directing payment, after approval, of certain miscellaneous claims and judgments against the state out of funds designated by this Act; making appropriations.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Eckhardt asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:
Nays: Eckhardt.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 4486 ON THIRD READING
Senator Huffman moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 4486 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Eckhardt.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 4488 ON SECOND READING
Senator Huffman moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 4488 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 4488, Relating to the creation and re-creation of funds and accounts, the dedication and rededication of revenue and allocation of accrued interest on dedicated revenue, and the exemption of unappropriated money from use for general governmental purposes.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Creighton and Hughes asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Huffman offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSHB 4488 (senate committee report) in SECTION 9 of the bill, relating to certain accounts in the general revenue fund, as follows:
(1) In Subdivision (6) (page 2, line 63), following the semicolon, add "and".
(2) In Subdivision (7) (page 2, lines 65 and 66), strike "; and" and substitute a period.
(3) Strike Subdivision (8) (page 2, lines 67 and 68).
The amendment to CSHB 4488 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSHB 4488 as amended 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: Creighton, Hughes.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 4488 ON THIRD READING
Senator Huffman moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 4488 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hughes.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 5394 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator West and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 5394 at this time on its second reading:
HB 5394, Relating to prohibiting single source continuum contractors and child-placing agencies from imposing certain requirements on or adopting certain policies and procedures related to relative and designated caregivers.
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 5394 ON THIRD READING
Senator West moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 5394 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 4384 ON SECOND READING
Senator Birdwell moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 4384 at this time on its second reading:
HB 4384, Relating to the recovery of certain costs associated with a gas utility's plant, facilities, or equipment placed in service.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Birdwell offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend HB 4384 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 104.302(a)(2), Utilities Code (page 1, lines 32 and 33), strike ", compounded at the gas utility's pre-tax weighted average cost of capital".
(2) In SECTION 2 of the bill (page 1, line 58), strike "180th" and substitute "270th".
The amendment to HB 4384 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
HB 4384 as amended was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt.
HOUSE BILL 4384 ON THIRD READING
Senator Birdwell moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 4384 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 3928 ON SECOND READING
Senator Nichols moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 3928 at this time on its second reading:
HB 3928, Relating to providing notice of a vehicle towed to a vehicle storage facility by publication on a third-party Internet website.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Perry 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: Perry.
HOUSE BILL 3928 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 3928 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Perry.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 4281 ON SECOND READING
Senator Hancock moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 4281 at this time on its second reading:
HB 4281, Relating to a civil cause of action for fraudulent crowdfunding.
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 4281 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 4281 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 2294 ON SECOND READING
Senator Zaffirini moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 2294 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2294, Relating to reimbursement rates for child-care providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hagenbuch, Hancock, Hughes.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 2294 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 2294 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, Hall, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hagenbuch, Hancock, Hughes.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 4743 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Campbell and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 4743 at this time on its second reading:
HB 4743, Relating to the issuance of a single license for a hospital and a mobile stroke unit of the hospital.
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 4743 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 HB 4743 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 551 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Bettencourt and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 551 at this time on its second reading:
HB 551, Relating to address information contained on reports of political contributions and expenditures made available on the Internet by the Texas Ethics 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 551 ON THIRD READING
Senator Bettencourt moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 551 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 2761 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 2761 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2761, Relating to the prosecution of the offenses of trafficking of persons, continuous trafficking of persons, and compelling prostitution.
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 2761 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 2761 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 2306 ON SECOND READING
Senator Parker moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 2306 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2306, Relating to changing the eligibility for release on parole of certain inmates serving sentences for trafficking offenses involving child victims and disabled individuals.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Eckhardt asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:
Nays: Eckhardt.
HOUSE BILL 2306 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 2306 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Eckhardt.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 2313 ON SECOND READING
Senator Perry moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 2313 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 2313, Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use certain tax revenue for certain qualified projects.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Alvarado, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 2313 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 CSHB 2313 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Alvarado, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Creighton, Hagenbuch, 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 2516 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Schwertner and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 2516 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2516, Relating to the eligibility of certain individuals younger than 65 years of age to purchase Medicare supplement benefit plans.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Schwertner offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend HB 2516 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 2 of the bill, in added Section 1652.059(b), Insurance Code (page 1, line 35), strike "disability, end stage renal disease, or".
(2) In SECTION 4 of the bill, in the transition language (page 2, line 17), strike "disability, end stage renal disease, or".
The amendment to HB 2516 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 except as follows:
Nays: Cook.
Senator Hancock offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend HB 2516 (senate committee report) in SECTION 4(1) of the bill, in the transition language (page 2, line 20), by striking "August 31, 2025, and before March 2, 2026" and substituting "December 1, 2025, and before June 1, 2026".
The amendment to HB 2516 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2.
HB 2516 as amended was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 2516 ON THIRD READING
Senator Schwertner moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 2516 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 5115 ON SECOND READING
Senator Hughes moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 5115 at this time on its second reading:
HB 5115, Relating to the penalty for the crime of election fraud; increasing a criminal penalty.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 21, Nays 10. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 2851 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Kolkhorst and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSHB 2851 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 2851, Relating to including nursing school applications in a consolidated application 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.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 2851 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 2851 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 4264 ON SECOND READING
Senator J. Hinojosa moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 4264 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 4264, Relating to creation of a grant program for certain peace officers who hold a master proficiency certificate.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hughes, Sparks.
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 4264 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 CSHB 4264 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, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hughes, Sparks.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 4520 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Nichols and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSHB 4520 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 4520, Relating to requirements for certain funding of aviation facilities and projects.
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 4520 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 CSHB 4520 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 26 ON SECOND READING
Senator Kolkhorst moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 26 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 26, Relating to requiring contracts with Medicaid managed care organizations to permit the organizations to offer nutrition counseling and instruction services in lieu of other state Medicaid plan 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.
Senator Kolkhorst offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSHB 26 (senate committee report) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumbering the SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Subchapter F, Chapter 540, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 540.02721 to read as follows:
Sec. 540.02721. PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL NUTRITION SUPPORT SERVICES TO CERTAIN PREGNANT RECIPIENTS IN LIEU OF STATE MEDICAID PLAN SERVICES. (a) In this section:
(1) "Participant" means a recipient who participates in the pilot program.
(2) "Pilot program" means the pilot program established by the commission under authority of this section.
(3) "Medically tailored meal" means a meal designed by a registered dietician as part of a treatment plan to improve an individual's health outcomes and chronic disease management.
(b) The commission may establish a pilot program under which Medicaid managed care organizations are authorized to offer and provide nutrition support services in lieu of services specified in the state Medicaid plan to a recipient who is:
(1) pregnant; and
(2) diagnosed with a chronic health condition or disease that may contribute to a high-risk pregnancy or birth complications, including:
(A) gestational diabetes;
(B) hypertension; and
(C) obesity.
(c) Notwithstanding Section 540.0272, a Medicaid managed care organization may offer the following services under the pilot program in lieu of services specified in the state Medicaid plan:
(1) nutrition counseling and instruction services authorized under Section 540.0272;
(2) medically tailored meals, provided the meals are provided with nutrition counseling and instruction services authorized under Section 540.0272; and
(3) other evidence-based nutrition support services designed to improve maternal and infant health outcomes, as determined by the commission.
(d) The commission shall collect and analyze data on the impact to maternal and infant health outcomes that nutrition support services have on pilot program participants. The data the commission collects and analyzes must include:
(1) the rate by which pilot program participants comply with a medically tailored meal plan or other nutrition support services provided under the pilot program;
(2) health outcomes associated with each participant's pregnancy;
(3) the impact of nutrition support services on a participant's chronic health condition or disease-related symptoms; and
(4) newborn and infant health outcomes for children born to participants.
(e) As soon as practicable after the termination of the pilot program, the commission shall prepare and submit to the legislature a written report that includes:
(1) a summary of the pilot program outcomes, including a summary of the data the commission collects and analyzes under Subsection (d); and
(2) recommendations for legislative or other action.
(f) The pilot program, if established, terminates August 31, 2030.
(g) This section expires September 1, 2031.
The amendment to CSHB 26 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
Senator Johnson offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend CSHB 26 (senate committee printing) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in amended Section 540.0272, Government Code (page 1, line 34), strike "counseling and instruction" and substitute "support".
(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 540.0272(c), Government Code (page 1, lines 50 through 57), and substitute the following:
(c) In approving the list of nutrition support services that are permitted in lieu of services specified in the state Medicaid plan under this section, the state Medicaid managed care advisory committee shall ensure the list includes:
(1) nutrition counseling and instruction; and
(2) other nutrition support services provided to a recipient for a limited duration, as the commission determines, in coordination with nutrition counseling and instruction.
The amendment to CSHB 26 was read.
Senator Johnson withdrew Floor Amendment No. 2.
CSHB 26 as amended 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 26 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 26 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)
SENATE RULE 5.14(a) SUSPENDED
(Intent Calendar)
(Motion In Writing)
Senator Zaffirini submitted the following Motion In Writing:
Mr. President:
I move suspension of Senate Rule 5.14, the Intent Calendar Rule, in order to move the Intent Calendar deadline to 7 p.m. today. I further move that the rule be suspended to allow the Secretary of the Senate to make the calendar available as soon as practicable.
ZAFFIRINI
The Motion In Writing was read and prevailed without objection.
HOUSE BILL 4454 ON SECOND READING
Senator Johnson moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 4454 at this time on its second reading:
HB 4454, Relating to solicitation of patients and other prohibited marketing practices, the establishment of the task force on patient solicitation, and the prosecution of certain related criminal offenses.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Hagenbuch and Hughes 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, Hughes.
HOUSE BILL 4454 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 4454 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hagenbuch, Hughes.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)
MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
HOUSE CHAMBER
Austin, Texas
Monday, May 26, 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 22
Huffman
Sponsor: Hunter
|
Relating to the Texas moving image industry incentive program and the establishment and funding of the Texas moving image industry incentive fund.
(Amended)
SB 25
Kolkhorst
Sponsor: Hull
|
Relating to health and nutrition standards to promote healthy living, including requirements for food labeling, primary and secondary education, higher education, and continuing education for certain health care professionals; authorizing a civil penalty.
(Committee Substitute/Amended)
SB 835
Paxton
Sponsor: Leach
|
Relating to the enforceability of certain nondisclosure or confidentiality provisions with respect to an act of sexual abuse.
SB 3070
Hall
Sponsor: Geren
|
Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Lottery Commission and the transfer of the administration of the state lottery and the licensing and regulation of charitable bingo to the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation; creating criminal offenses.
(Amended)
Respectfully,
/s/Stephen Brown,
Chief Clerk
House of Representatives
SENATE RULES SUSPENDED
(Posting Rules)
On motion of Senator Flores and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 11.10(a), Senate Rule 11.13, and Senate Rule 11.18(a) were suspended in order that the Committee on Criminal Justice might meet at 1:35 p.m. today at the brass rail.
SENATE RULES SUSPENDED
(Posting Rules)
On motion of Senator Schwertner and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 11.10(a), Senate Rule 11.13, and Senate Rule 11.18(a) were suspended in order that the Committee on Business and Commerce might meet at 2 p.m. today in the Senate Press Room, 2E.9.
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 1:40 p.m. today in the Senate Press Room, 2E.9.
RECESS
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, the Senate at 1:34 p.m. recessed until 2:15 p.m. today.
AFTER RECESS
The Senate met at 2:34 p.m. and was called to order by Senator Flores.
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS SIGNED
The Presiding Officer announced the signing of the following enrolled bills and resolutions in the presence of the Senate after the captions had been read:
SB 11, SB 24, SB 31, SB 217, SB 243, SB 263, SB 264, SB 370, SB 387, SB 502, SB 663, SB 860, SB 868, SB 890, SB 916, SB 965, SB 995, SB 1019, SB 1036, SB 1171, SB 1212, SB 1254, SB 1259, SB 1278, SB 1353, SB 1372, SB 1376, SB 1379, SB 1401, SB 1404, SB 1451, SB 1470, SB 1498, SB 1547, SB 1589, SB 1598, SB 1667, SB 1737, SB 1818, SB 1902, SB 1937, SB 1939, SB 1940, SB 1948, SB 2064, SB 2069, SB 2127, SB 2129, SB 2139, SB 2165, SB 2216, SB 2237, SB 2443, SB 2514, SB 2543, SB 2569, SB 2580, SB 2581, SB 2798, SB 2801, SB 3031, SB 3034, SCR 5, SCR 8, SCR 21, SCR 32, SCR 49.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 3711 ON SECOND READING
Senator Middleton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 3711 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 3711, Relating to assistance in the investigation of certain open meetings offenses by the open records division of the attorney general's office.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Eckhardt and Hagenbuch asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Middleton offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSHB 3711 (senate committee report) in SECTION 2 of the bill, in added Article 2A.112, Code of Criminal Procedure, as follows:
(1) In added Subsection (a) (page 1, line 42), strike "An" and substitute "A district attorney, criminal district attorney, or county".
(2) In added Subsection (b) (page 1, line 46), between "the" and "attorney", insert "district attorney, criminal district attorney, or county".
(3) Immediately following added Subsection (b) (page 1, between lines 51 and 52), insert the following:
(c) If a district attorney, criminal district attorney, or county attorney who receives a report under Article 2A.067(a) or who represents the state in the prosecution of a criminal offense under Chapter 551, Government Code, decides to not prosecute or to terminate the investigation of a case regarding an offense under that chapter, the attorney shall publish on any Internet website maintained by the attorney's office, for a period of not less than one year:
(1) notice of the attorney's decision to not prosecute or to terminate the investigation of the case; and
(2) the attorney's reason for not prosecuting or for terminating the investigation of the case.
The amendment to CSHB 3711 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 except as follows:
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, J. Hinojosa, Miles.
CSHB 3711 as amended 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: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Hagenbuch, Miles.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 3711 ON THIRD READING
Senator Middleton moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 3711 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Hagenbuch, Miles.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 3053 ON SECOND READING
Senator Hall moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 3053 at this time on its second reading:
HB 3053, Relating to municipal and county firearm buyback programs.
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 third reading by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 700 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 700 at this time on its second reading:
HB 700, Relating to disclosures for certain commercial sales-based financing transactions, the effect of certain commercial sales-based financing contract provisions, and the registration of commercial sales-based financing brokers; authorizing a fee and providing a civil penalty.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Perry offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend HB 700 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill as follows:
(1) In added Section 398.001(6), Finance Code (page 1, lines 60-61), strike "The term includes a commercial sales-based financing broker.".
(2) In added Section 398.001(7), Finance Code (page 2, line 3), between "commercial" and "financing", insert "sales-based".
(3) In added Section 398.002, Finance Code (page 2, line 23), between "provider" and "who", insert "or a commercial sales-based financing broker".
(4) In added Section 398.002, Finance Code (page 2, lines 26 through 28), strike "maintains a physical presence in this state in the same manner and to the same extent to which this chapter applies to a commercial sales-based financing broker" and substitute "or broker maintains a physical presence in this state".
(5) In added Section 398.003, Finance Code (page 2, line 30), between "provider" and "that", insert "or broker".
(6) In added Section 398.005(b), Finance Code (page 3, line 3), between "actions" and the underlined semicolon, insert the following:
for:
(A) violations of rules adopted under Subsection (c);
(B) failures to make disclosures required by Section 398.051; or
(C) failures to register as required by Section 398.053
(7) In added Section 398.005(c), Finance Code (page 3, lines 6 through 9), strike "as necessary to administer, implement, and enforce this chapter, including rules to prohibit certain acts or practices by providers, including acts or practices that" and substitute "applicable to providers and commercial sales-based financing brokers that identify unlawful, unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices related to a transaction subject to this chapter. Rules adopted under this subsection must identify and prohibit specific acts or practices by providers or brokers that".
(8) Strike added Section 398.053, Finance Code (page 4, lines 18 through 52), and substitute the following:
Sec. 398.053. PROVIDER AND BROKER REGISTRATION. (a) A person may not engage in business as a provider or a commercial sales-based financing broker for compensation in this state unless, before conducting business, the person registers with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. The registration is effective on receipt by the commissioner of a completed registration form as provided by Subsection (d) and the required registration fee and remains effective until renewal or termination by the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner.
(b) On or before January 31 of each year after filing an initial registration, a provider or broker shall file a renewal registration form with the required renewal registration fee.
(c) The provider or broker shall pay a registration fee on filing an initial registration and a renewal registration fee on filing a renewal registration.
(d) The registration or renewal registration form must include:
(1) the name of the provider or broker;
(2) the name under which the provider or broker transacts business, if different from the name of the provider or broker;
(3) the address of the provider's or broker's principal office, which may be outside this state;
(4) the name and address in this state of a designated agent for service of process; and
(5) any judgment, memorandum of understanding, cease and desist order, or conviction against the provider or broker, or any person that otherwise controls the provider or broker or a director or officer of the provider or broker, related to a violation of law, act of fraud, breach of trust, or money laundering.
(e) The Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner shall:
(1) by rule set the registration fee and registration renewal fee in amounts sufficient to cover the registration costs; and
(2) adopt a form to be used for a registration or renewal registration under this section.
(9) In added Section 398.054, Finance Code (page 4, lines 53 and 54), between "A" and "commercial", insert "provider or".
(10) At the end of added Subchapter B, Chapter 398, Finance Code (page 4, between lines 60 and 61), add the following:
Sec. 398.056. CERTAIN AUTOMATIC DEBITS PROHIBITED. A provider or commercial sales-based financing broker may not establish a mechanism for automatically debiting a recipient's deposit account unless the provider or broker holds a validly perfected security interest in the recipient's account under Chapter 9, Business & Commerce Code, with a first priority against the claims of all other persons.
The amendment to HB 700 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
HB 700 as amended was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 700 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 700 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 2674 ON THIRD READING
Senator Hagenbuch moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 2674 at this time on its third reading and final passage:
HB 2674, Relating to prohibiting the regulation of home school programs.
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 and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 20, Nays 11. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 2038 ON SECOND READING
Senator Sparks moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 2038 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 2038, Relating to the issuance by the Texas Medical Board of certain licenses to practice medicine and the authority of an insured to select certain license holders under the insured's health policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.
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.
Senator Sparks offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSHB 2038 (senate committee report) in SECTION 2.001 of the bill as follows:
(1) In added Section 155.1015, Occupations Code, strike added Subsections (a) and (b) of that section (page 1, line 34, through page 2, line 21) and substitute the following:
(a) Subject to Subsection (b), on application, the board shall issue an initial provisional license to practice medicine to an applicant who:
(1) has been granted a degree of doctor of medicine or a substantially similar degree by a program of medical education that meets eligibility requirements for the applicant to apply for certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates;
(2) has been licensed in good standing to practice medicine in another country and is not the subject of any pending disciplinary action before the licensing body;
(3) has completed a residency or a substantially similar postgraduate medical training required by the applicant's country of licensure;
(4) passes the Texas medical jurisprudence examination;
(5) has proficiency in the English language;
(6) is authorized under federal law to work in the United States;
(7) has been offered employment in this state as a physician by a person who provides health care services in the normal course of business in a facility-based or group practice setting, including a health system, hospital, hospital-based facility, freestanding emergency facility, or urgent care clinic;
(8) has passed the first and second steps of the examination described by Section 155.0511(7) in accordance with Section 155.056(a); and
(9) meets any other requirement the board prescribes by rule.
(b) Unless the applicant is a citizen of the United States or has been issued a visa to legally work in the United States, the board may not issue a provisional license under Subsection (a) to an applicant who is a citizen of a country:
(1) identified by the United States Director of National Intelligence as a country that poses a risk to the national security of the United States in the most recent Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community issued pursuant to Section 108B, National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. Section 3043b); or
(2) identified as a country subject to prohibitions in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22 C.F.R. Part 126.1).
(2) In added Section 155.1015, Occupations Code, strike added Subsection (g) of that section (page 2, lines 52 through 60), and substitute the following:
(g) Subject to Subsection (h), the board on application shall issue a license under this subtitle to the holder of a provisional license under this section if the provisional license holder satisfies the examination requirements of Section 155.051.
The amendment to CSHB 2038 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSHB 2038 as amended 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.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 2038 ON THIRD READING
Senator Sparks moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 2038 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)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 5081 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Creighton and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSHB 5081 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 5081, Relating to the protection of personal identifying information of certain individuals in the judicial system; 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.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 5081 ON THIRD READING
Senator Creighton moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 5081 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 3133 ON SECOND READING
Senator Huffman moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 3133 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 3133, Relating to user reports of explicit deep fake material on social media platforms.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Eckhardt and 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: Eckhardt, Hagenbuch.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 3133 ON THIRD READING
Senator Huffman moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 3133 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Eckhardt, Hagenbuch.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)
REASON FOR VOTE
Senator Eckhardt submitted the following reason for vote on CSHB 3133:
I voted against House Bill 3133 because, although it addresses a serious and emerging technological threat, it does so through a flawed and constitutionally questionable framework.
The proliferation of explicit deep fake material online is deeply concerning, and I support efforts to require social media platforms to respond swiftly and transparently to user complaints regarding such harmful content. However, HB 3133 attempts to address this issue by embedding new requirements into the existing structure of Chapter 120, Business & Commerce Code—a statute originally enacted by House Bill 20 during the second special session of the 87th Legislature.
HB 20, which is the subject of ongoing federal litigation, includes provisions that prohibit social media platforms from engaging in viewpoint-based content moderation and establish a private right of action against platforms alleged to censor user speech. These provisions have been challenged as unconstitutional under the First Amendment, with the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas upholding that some of the provisions this bill relies on, including the complaint system and content removal, were facially unconstitutional.
By incorporating deep fake regulation into this contested legal framework, HB 3133 risks further entrenching an unconstitutional law and may inadvertently undermine the enforceability of its own provisions. Rather than strengthening protections against deep fake abuse, this bill could revive and legitimize elements of HB 20 that have been broadly criticized for violating free speech principles.
For these reasons, I respectfully voted no on House Bill 3133.
ECKHARDT
HOUSE BILL 2253 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Paxton and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 2253 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2253, Relating to the authority to cancel certain elections on a measure to authorize the issuance of bonds.
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 2253 ON THIRD READING
Senator Paxton moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 2253 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 2427 ON SECOND READING
Senator J. Hinojosa moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 2427 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 2427, Relating to the issuance of and fee for a permit for the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles on certain routes in Hidalgo County and the use of those fees for the payment of the costs of constructing and maintaining certain of those routes.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Kolkhorst asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The bill was read second time.
Senator J. Hinojosa offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSHB 2427 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 623.363(a-1), Transportation Code (page 2, line 20), strike "construct and".
(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 623.363(c), Transportation Code (page 2, lines 23 through 28), and substitute the following:
(c) The authority authorized under this section may not issue a permit under this section for an oversize or overweight vehicle that:
(1) is transporting in a cargo tank hazardous material in a quantity requiring placarding by a regulation issued under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. Section 5101 et seq.); or
(2) has a gross weight that exceeds the lesser of:
(A) 120,000 pounds for a vehicle or combination of vehicles; or
(B) the applicable combined axle weight restriction listed in 43 T.A.C. Section 28.105.
(3) Strike SECTION 3 of the bill, providing an effective date (page 2, lines 39 through 44), and substitute the following:
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The amendment to CSHB 2427 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSHB 2427 as amended 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: Kolkhorst.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 2427 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 CSHB 2427 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Kolkhorst.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 201 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 201 at this time on its second reading:
HB 201, Relating to the financial crimes intelligence center.
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 201 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 201 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 4530 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 4530 at this time on its second reading:
HB 4530, Relating to the dedication and management of water rights placed in the Texas Water Trust.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Johnson offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend HB 4530 (senate committee printing) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTIONS to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Section 15.703(a), Water Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) The board may take all actions necessary to operate the water bank and to facilitate the transfer of water rights from the water bank for future beneficial use including but not limited to:
(1) negotiating a sale price and terms acceptable to the depositor and purchaser;
(2) maintaining a registry of water bank deposits and those water users in need of additional supplies;
(3) informing water users in need of additional supply of water rights available in the bank;
(4) encouraging water right holders to implement water conservation practices and deposit the right to use the conserved water into the bank;
(5) establishing requirements for deposit of a water right into the water bank including minimum terms for deposit;
(6) purchasing, holding, and transferring water or water rights in its own name;
(7) establishing regional water banks;
(8) acting as a clearinghouse for water marketing information including water availability, pricing of water transactions, environmental considerations, and potential buyers and sellers of water rights;
(9) preparing and publishing a manual on structuring water transactions;
(10) accepting and holding donations of water rights to meet conservation needs or environmental needs, including instream flow, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, or bay and estuary inflow needs;
(11) entering into contracts with persons to pay for feasibility studies or the preparation of plans and specifications relating to water conservation efforts or to estimate the amount of water that would be saved through conservation efforts; and
(12) other actions to facilitate water transactions.
SECTION ____. Section 15.7031(a), Water Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) The Texas Water Trust is established within the water bank to hold water rights dedicated to conservation needs or environmental needs, including instream flow [flows], water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, or bay and estuary inflow needs [inflows].
The amendment to HB 4530 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
HB 4530 as amended was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 4530 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 4530 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 5308 ON SECOND READING
Senator Campbell moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 5308 at this time on its second reading:
HB 5308, Relating to certain authorities of the adjutant general for procurement and construction.
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 5308 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 HB 5308 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)
HOUSE BILL 3940 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Paxton and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 3940 at this time on its second reading:
HB 3940, Relating to the provision of certain information about Medicaid benefits in relation to newborn children.
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 3940 ON THIRD READING
Senator Paxton moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 3940 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 4666 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 4666 at this time on its second reading:
HB 4666, Relating to certain reports required to be prepared or submitted by or in collaboration with the Health and Human Services Commission or submitted to the governor or a member of the legislature under the Health and Safety Code.
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 4666 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 4666 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 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 108
ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Blanco and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HCR 108 at this time on its second reading:
HCR 108, Urging the U.S. Department of Commerce to maintain the Tomato Suspension Agreement.
The resolution was read second time and was adopted by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 3556 ON THIRD READING
Senator Middleton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 3556 at this time on its third reading and final passage:
CSHB 3556, Relating to the construction of structures exceeding a certain height in certain counties containing national wildlife refuges and in adjacent counties; authorizing injunctive relief.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, Zaffirini.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Hagenbuch, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 3284 ON SECOND READING
Senator King moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 3284 at this time on its second reading:
HB 3284, Relating to the creation of the Texas Commission on Marriage and Family.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 3284 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 3284 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 3010 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 3010 at this time on its second reading:
HB 3010, Relating to the establishment of the Rural Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program.
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 3010 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 3010 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 3159 ON SECOND READING
Senator King moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 3159 at this time on its second reading:
HB 3159, Relating to a severance tax exemption for oil and gas produced from certain previously inactive restimulation wells; providing a civil penalty.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Cook and Eckhardt asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt.
HOUSE BILL 3159 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 3159 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 272 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 272 at this time on its second reading:
HB 272, Relating to the prosecution of the offense of fraudulent use or possession of credit card or debit card 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 272 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 272 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 144 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Schwertner and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 144 at this time on its second reading:
HB 144, Relating to plans for the management and inspection of distribution poles.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Schwertner offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend HB 144 (senate committee report) in SECTION 2 of the bill, in added Section 38.103, Utilities Code, as follows:
(1) In added Subsection (a) (page 1, line 33), strike "in the entity's" and substitute "the cooperative or utility owns in the cooperative's or utility's".
(2) Strike added Subsections (b) and (c) (page 1, lines 34 through 57), substitute the following, and reletter subsequent subsections and cross-references to those subsections accordingly:
(b) Each plan submitted under Subsection (a) must include:
(1) a statement of the plan's scope and objectives for ensuring public safety through the effective management, inspection, maintenance, and repair of distribution poles;
(2) the roles and responsibilities of individuals responsible for overseeing and executing the plan;
(3) processes for training and certifying personnel, including third-party vendors, who inspect distribution poles;
(4) an estimated timeline for completing inspections and remedial action required for any pole identified as unreliable, unsafe, or needing repair;
(5) processes for documenting and responding to a report or complaint made by a landowner regarding the condition or repair of a distribution pole;
(6) for a plan submitted by an electric utility, the estimated cost of implementing the plan; and
(7) a description of the cooperative's or utility's methods to monitor compliance with the plan.
(3) In added Subsection (d) (page 1, lines 58 and 59), strike "Except as provided by Subsection (e), at least once every three years" and substitute "Not later than May 1 of each year".
(4) In added Subsection (d) (page 1, line 61, through page 2, line 1), strike "and the costs of implementing the plan" and substitute ", the costs of implementing the plan to date, and the results of the entity's inspection of distribution poles, including the number of poles inspected and any remediation or replacement action taken".
(5) Strike added Subsections (e) and (f) (page 2, lines 3 through 18), substitute the following appropriately lettered subsections, and reletter subsequent subsections and cross-references to those subsections accordingly:
( ) The commission shall review each plan and update submitted under this section to determine whether the entity that submitted the plan or update is in compliance with the plan's objectives described by Subsection (b)(1) and notify the entity whether or not the entity is in compliance with those objectives.
( ) The commission may accept in place of the information required under this section any information required under other law that is substantially similar to the information required under this section.
The amendment to HB 144 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
HB 144 as amended was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 144 ON THIRD READING
Senator Schwertner moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 144 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 145 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Schwertner and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSHB 145 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 145, Relating to risk mitigation planning and associated liability for providers of electric service; providing an administrative penalty.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Schwertner offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSHB 145 (senate committee report) in SECTION 2 of the bill as follows:
(1) Immediately following added Section 38.081(a), Utilities Code (page 3, between lines 6 and 7), insert the following appropriately lettered subsection and reletter subsequent subsections and cross-references to those subsections accordingly:
( ) Subject to any applicable tariff provision, an electric utility, municipally owned utility, or electric cooperative that submits, obtains commission approval for, and implements a wildfire mitigation plan under Section 38.080 is not liable for damages resulting from a wildfire ignited or propagated by the utility's or cooperative's facility unless the utility or cooperative intentionally, recklessly, or with negligence caused the damage.
(2) In added Section 38.081(b), Utilities Code (page 3, line 7), strike "Subsection (a) does" and substitute "Subsections (a) and (b) do".
The amendment to CSHB 145 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSHB 145 as amended was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 145 ON THIRD READING
Senator Schwertner moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 145 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 3151 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 3151 at this time on its second reading:
HB 3151, Relating to expedited credentialing of certain federally qualified health center providers by Medicaid managed care organizations.
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 3151 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 3151 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 4112 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Birdwell and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSHB 4112 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 4112, Relating to the disposal or storage of high-level radioactive waste.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Birdwell offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSHB 4112 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in amended Section 401.0525(c), Health and Safety Code (page 1, line 29), strike ",".
(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 401.0525(d), Health and Safety Code (page 1, line 44), strike ",".
(3) In SECTION 2 of the bill, in amended Section 401.072, Health and Safety Code (page 1, line 50), strike ",".
The amendment to CSHB 4112 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSHB 4112 as amended was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 4112 ON THIRD READING
Senator Birdwell moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 4112 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 621 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator A. Hinojosa and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 621 at this time on its second reading:
HB 621, Relating to the authority of a property owners' association to regulate the assembly, association, and speech of property owners or residents related to governmental officials or candidates for political office.
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 621 ON THIRD READING
Senator A. Hinojosa moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 621 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 5659 ON SECOND READING
Senator Hughes moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 5659 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 5659, Relating to the procedural requirements applicable to interbasin transfers of water involving the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Johnson, Miles, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Hughes offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSHB 5659 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 17B, Chapter 78, Acts of the 53rd Legislature, Regular Session, 1953 (page 1, line 42), by striking "a majority" and substituting "at least five".
The amendment to CSHB 5659 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSHB 5659 as amended 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: Johnson, Miles, Zaffirini.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 5659 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 CSHB 5659 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, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Johnson, Miles, Zaffirini.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 118
ON SECOND READING
Senator Campbell moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HCR 118 at this time on its second reading:
HCR 118, Expressing support for the expansion of the warship manufacturing industry in Texas.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Cook and Johnson asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The resolution was read second time and was adopted by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Cook, Johnson.
HOUSE BILL 2073 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Huffman and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 2073 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2073, Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for certain violations of certain court orders or conditions of bond in cases involving family violence, child abuse or neglect, sexual assault or abuse, indecent assault, stalking, or trafficking.
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 2073 ON THIRD READING
Senator Huffman moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 2073 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 2080 ON SECOND READING
Senator Perry moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 2080 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 2080, Relating to the authority of a groundwater conservation district to regulate groundwater withdrawals from certain wells and the review of the duties of a groundwater conservation district by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Alvarado, Eckhardt, Johnson, Miles, Nichols, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Perry offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSHB 2080 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) Strike SECTION 1 of the bill, adding Section 36.125, Water Code (page 1, lines 26 through 38).
(2) Strike the recital to SECTION 2 of the bill, amending Section 36.3011, Water Code (page 1, lines 39 through 42), and substitute the following appropriately numbered SECTION recital:
SECTION ____. Section 36.3011, Water Code, is amended by amending Subsection (d) and adding Subsections (d-1), (d-2), (d-3), (e-1), (e-2), (e-3), and (e-4) to read as follows:
(3) Strike amended Section 36.3011(b), Water Code (page 1, line 43, through page 2, line 8).
(4) Strike amended Section 36.3011(h), Water Code (page 2, line 69, through page 3, line 30).
(5) Renumber the SECTIONS of the bill accordingly.
The amendment to CSHB 2080 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSHB 2080 as amended was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Miles, Nichols, Zaffirini.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 2080 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 CSHB 2080 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, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Miles, Nichols, 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 4063 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 4063 at this time on its second reading:
HB 4063, Relating to the filing and release of record of a unilateral memorandum of contract concerning residential property.
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 4063 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 4063 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 5680 ON SECOND READING
Senator Nichols moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 5680 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 5680, Relating to the creation of the Bayou Belle Municipal Management District No. 1; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Hughes, Middleton, and Sparks 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 by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
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, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hughes, Middleton, Sparks.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 5680 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 CSHB 5680 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, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hughes, Middleton, Sparks.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 5696 ON SECOND READING
Senator Birdwell moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 5696 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 5696, Relating to the creation of The Reserve Municipal Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
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, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hughes, Middleton, Sparks.
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 5696 ON THIRD READING
Senator Birdwell moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 5696 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, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hughes, Middleton, Sparks.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 5671 ON SECOND READING
Senator King moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 5671 at this time on its second reading:
HB 5671, Relating to the election of directors for and the authority to issue bonds of the Johnson County Special Utility District.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
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, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hughes, Middleton, Sparks.
The bill was read second time.
Senator King offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend HB 5671 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In the recital to SECTION 1 of the bill (page 1, lines 22 and 23), strike "Sections 7216.052 and 7216.053" and substitute "Section 7216.052".
(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 7216.053, Special District Local Laws Code (page 1, lines 34 through 41).
The amendment to HB 5671 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
HB 5671 as amended was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
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, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hughes, Middleton, Sparks.
HOUSE BILL 5671 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 5671 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, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hughes, Middleton, Sparks.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 1500 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 1500 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 1500, Relating to the continuation and functions of the Department of Information Resources, including the composition of the governing body of the department and, in collaboration with the comptroller, the administration of state assistance opportunities.
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 1500 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 1500 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 3966 ON SECOND READING
Senator Alvarado moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 3966 at this time on its second reading:
HB 3966, Relating to requiring owners or operators of commercial passenger bus services to provide certain notifications to residents concerning operations.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 24, Nays 7.
Yeas: Alvarado, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Bettencourt, Creighton, Hagenbuch, A. Hinojosa, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Alvarado offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend HB 3966 (senate committee report) by striking all below the enacting clause and substituting the following:
SECTION 1. Subtitle C, Title 5, Business & Commerce Code, is amended by adding Chapter 121 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 121. REGULATION OF COMMERCIAL PASSENGER BUS SERVICES
Sec. 121.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Commercial passenger bus service" means a business that in exchange for compensation operates a passenger bus service that provides regularly scheduled intercity bus transportation to passengers using buses with at least 35 seats. The term does not include a public transit service provided by or on behalf of a transit authority or district, transit department, municipality, political subdivision, or other local governmental entity.
(2) "Terminal" means an installation:
(A) located on the premises of a commercial passenger bus service; and
(B) at which tickets are sold to passengers by the service.
Sec. 121.002. NOTIFICATION OF NEW TERMINALS. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (d), at least 90 calendar days before the date an owner or operator of a commercial passenger bus service begins operating a new terminal located in this state, the owner or operator shall provide notice of the proposed terminal to the community in which the terminal is to be located as prescribed by Subsection (b).
(b) The notice required by this section must:
(1) be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality:
(A) in which the proposed terminal is to be located; or
(B) nearest to the proposed location of the terminal; and
(2) except as provided by Subsection (c), if the elementary or middle school nearest to the proposed location of the terminal provides a bilingual education program as required by Subchapter B, Chapter 29, Education Code, be published by the owner or operator at least once in an additional publication of general circulation in the municipality or county in which the terminal is proposed to be located that is published in the language taught in the bilingual education program.
(c) An owner or operator of a commercial bus service does not have to comply with the requirements of Subsection (b)(2) if:
(1) a publication described by that subdivision does not exist; or
(2) the publisher of a publication that meets the requirements of that subdivision refuses to publish notice.
(d) An owner or operator of a commercial passenger bus service does not have to comply with this section if the owner or operator is operating or intends to temporarily operate the new terminal in response to an unforeseen emergency, including a natural disaster or road closures.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The amendment to HB 3966 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
HB 3966 as amended was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks.
HOUSE BILL 3966 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 3966 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, Hagenbuch, Hughes, Middleton, Sparks.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 2593 ON SECOND READING
Senator Huffman moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 2593 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2593, Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of indecent assault against a disabled or elderly individual.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Eckhardt asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:
Nays: Eckhardt.
HOUSE BILL 2593 ON THIRD READING
Senator Huffman moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 2593 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Eckhardt.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 1403 ON SECOND READING
Senator Middleton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 1403 at this time on its second reading:
HB 1403, Relating to the collection and confidentiality of information regarding firearms in agency foster homes; creating a civil penalty.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 2221 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Hancock and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSHB 2221 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 2221, Relating to certain trade practices related to life insurance, annuity contracts, and accident and health coverage.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Kolkhorst offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSHB 2221 (senate committee report) in SECTION 2 of the bill, as follows:
(1) In added Section 1702.005(1), Insurance Code (page 3, line 10), strike "; or" and substitute an underlined semicolon.
(2) In added Section 1702.005(2), Insurance Code (page 3, line 17), between "1702.053" and the underlined period, insert the following:
; or
(3) permit an insurer, health maintenance organization, or agent or any other person to obtain information from a tracking device used as part of a loss-control or value-added product or service permitted under this chapter in a manner that would violate privacy requirements under Chapter 601 or 602.
(3) Immediately after added Section 1702.051, Insurance Code (page 3, between lines 43 and 44), insert the following appropriately designated subsection:
(_) An insurer, health maintenance organization, or agent may not use or implement a tracking device to track or gather the data of an individual as part of a loss-control or value-added product or service unless, before any use or implementation:
(1) the intended use or implementation of the device is disclosed to the individual; and
(2) the individual consents to the device's use or implementation.
The amendment to CSHB 2221 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSHB 2221 as amended was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 2221 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 2221 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 3689 ON SECOND READING
Senator Kolkhorst moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 3689 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 3689, Relating to funding of excess losses and operating expenses of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association; authorizing an assessment; authorizing a surcharge.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hagenbuch, Hughes.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Middleton offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSHB 3689 (senate committee printing) as follows:
(1) Strike SECTION 1.12 of the bill, amending Sections 2210.453(d) and (e), Insurance Code (page 4, lines 35 through 60), and substitute the following:
SECTION 1.12. Section 2210.453, Insurance Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (d-1) to read as follows:
(b) The association shall maintain total available loss funding in an amount not less than the probable maximum loss for the association for a catastrophe year with a probability of one in 50 [100]. If necessary, the required funding level shall be achieved through the purchase of reinsurance or the use of alternative financing mechanisms, or both, to operate in addition to or in concert with the trust fund, public securities, financial instruments, and assessments authorized by this chapter.
(d-1) The commissioner may adopt a method or approve the association's method of determining the probability of one in 50 for association risks. The commissioner shall provide any adopted or approved method to the association on or before February 1 of each year.
(2) In SECTION 2.07(a) of the bill, in amended Section 2210.453(b), Insurance Code (page 13, line 55), strike "100" and substitute "50 [100]".
(3) In SECTION 2.07(b) of the bill, in amended Section 2210.453(b), Insurance Code (page 13, line 69), strike "100" and substitute "50 [100]".
MIDDLETON
CREIGHTON
A. HINOJOSA
The amendment to CSHB 3689 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
CSHB 3689 as amended was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hagenbuch, Hughes.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 3689 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 3689 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hagenbuch, Hughes.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 493 ON SECOND READING
Senator Hughes moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 493 at this time on its second reading:
HB 493, Relating to ineligibility to serve as a poll watcher.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 24, Nays 7.
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.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Menéndez, West, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Miles offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend HB 493 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in amended Section 33.006(b), Election Code (page 1, line 46), between "election" and the underlined period, insert "or if so convicted has, not later than 20 years before the date of the election in which the appointee is appointed to serve:
(i) fully discharged the appointee's sentence, including any term of incarceration, parole, or supervision; or
(ii) completed a period of probation ordered by a court".
(2) In SECTION 2 of the bill, in amended Section 33.035, Election Code (page 1, line 50), strike "A" and substitute "(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a [A]".
(3) In SECTION 2 of the bill, at the end of amended Section 33.035, Election Code (page 1, between lines 55 and 56), add the following:
(b) A person who has been finally convicted of a felony described by Subsection (a) may serve as a watcher in an election if more than 20 years have passed since the date on which the person:
(1) fully discharged the person's sentence, including any term of incarceration, parole, or supervision; or
(2) completed a period of probation ordered by a court.
The amendment to HB 493 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
HB 493 as amended was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Alvarado, 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.
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Menéndez, Zaffirini.
HOUSE BILL 493 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 493 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, 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: Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Menéndez.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Alvarado, 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.
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Menéndez, Zaffirini.
HOUSE BILL 3595 ON SECOND READING
Senator Perry moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 3595 at this time on its second reading:
HB 3595, Relating to an emergency preparedness and contingency operations plan, including temperature regulation, for assisted living facility residents during an emergency; providing penalties.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Alvarado, Hagenbuch, Miles.
The bill was read second time.
Question: Shall HB 3595 be passed to third reading?
AT EASE
Senator Flores at 6:26 p.m. announced the Senate would stand At Ease subject to the call of the Chair.
IN LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Senator Flores at 6:39 p.m, called the Senate to order as In Legislative Session.
Question: Shall HB 3595 be passed to third reading?
Senator Alvarado offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend HB 3595 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 247.073, Health and Safety Code, as follows:
(1) Immediately following added Subsection (b) (page 1, between lines 48 and 49), insert the following:
(b-1) An emergency preparedness and contingency operations plan adopted in accordance with this section must include strategies to:
(1) prevent resident complications from heat or cold exposure during a power outage; and
(2) respond to inquiries from residents' designated contacts during an emergency.
(2) Strike added Subsection (h) (page 2, lines 22 through 25), and substitute the following:
(h) On request of a facility resident or a resident's family member or designated contact, an assisted living facility shall provide, in a written or electronic format:
(1) a summary of the facility's emergency preparedness and contingency operations plan adopted in accordance with this section; and
(2) information regarding the type of backup power source the facility will deploy in a power outage, including:
(A) whether the backup power source is on-site or mobile;
(B) if the facility's backup power source is a mobile generator, whether the mobile generator connects to an automatic or manual switch; and
(C) the estimated number of hours the backup power source will power the facility.
(3) Strike added Subsection (j) (page 2, lines 29 through 34), and substitute the following:
(j) This section does not preempt an ordinance, resolution, rule, or other regulation adopted by a political subdivision relating to emergency preparedness and contingency operations planning for assisted living facilities during an emergency if the ordinance, resolution, rule, or other regulation is compatible with and equal to or more stringent than a requirement prescribed by this section.
The amendment to HB 3595 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
HB 3595 as amended was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 1.
Nays: Hagenbuch.
HOUSE BILL 3595 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 3595 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 223 ON SECOND READING
Senator Middleton moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 223 at this time on its second reading:
HB 223, Relating to competitive requirements for a procurement by a municipality for lobbying, government relations, or similar services.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 19, Nays 12.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Middleton offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend HB 223 (senate committee report), in amended Section 252.022(a), Local Government Code (page 1, line 38), between "to" and "influence" by adding "directly or indirectly".
The amendment to HB 223 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
HB 223 as amended was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 19, Nays 12.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 2818 ON SECOND READING
Senator Parker moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 2818 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 2818, Relating to the artificial intelligence division within the Department of Information Resources.
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 2818 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 2818 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)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 3016 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Hagenbuch and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration CSHB 3016 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 3016, Relating to the circumstances in which a rental company may void a damage waiver for a rental vehicle.
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 3016 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 CSHB 3016 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 2844 ON SECOND READING
Senator Kolkhorst moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 2844 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 2844, Relating to the regulation of food service establishments, including retail food stores and mobile food vendors; requiring an occupational license; imposing fees; authorizing an administrative penalty.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Eckhardt and Miles asked to be recorded as voting "Nay" on suspension of the regular order of business.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Kolkhorst offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend CSHB 2844 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 437.0063(b), Health and Safety Code (page 1, line 43), by striking "at a location for which" and substituting "if".
The amendment to CSHB 2844 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
Senator Kolkhorst offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 2
Amend CSHB 2844 (senate committee report) in SECTION 2 of the bill, immediately after added Section 437B.058(c), Health and Safety Code (page 4, between lines 34 and 35), by inserting the following:
(d) All fees collected by the department under this chapter shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the food and drug retail fee account.
The amendment to CSHB 2844 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 2.
CSHB 2844 as amended was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading except as follows:
Nays: Eckhardt, Miles.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 2844 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 2844 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Eckhardt, Miles.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 29, Nays 2. (Same as previous roll call)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 3866 ON SECOND READING
Senator Sparks moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration CSHB 3866 at this time on its second reading:
CSHB 3866, Relating to the installation and operation of intermediate bulk container recycling facilities; authorizing a fee.
The motion prevailed.
Senators Hagenbuch, Hughes, and 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: Hagenbuch, Hughes, Middleton.
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
HOUSE BILL 3866 ON THIRD READING
Senator Sparks moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that CSHB 3866 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, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hagenbuch, Hughes, Middleton.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 2885 ON SECOND READING
Senator Schwertner moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 2885 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2885, Relating to allowing the governing bodies of certain political subdivisions to call for a local option election relating to the sale of alcoholic beverages.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hughes, Perry, Sparks.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Johnson offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend HB 2885 (senate committee report) in SECTION 1 of the bill, by striking added Section 501.0211(a), Election Code (page 1, lines 28 through 33), and substituting the following:
(a) This section applies only to:
(1) a county:
(A) with a population of more than 70,000 and less than 100,000;
(B) that contains a portion of the Colorado River; and
(C) that is adjacent to a county with a population of one million or more; and
(2) a municipality:
(A) with a population of 240,000 or more;
(B) that is located in two or more counties; and
(C) that borders a man-made lake that has a surface area of at least 20,000 acres.
The amendment to HB 2885 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
HB 2885 as amended was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Creighton, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hughes, Perry, Sparks.
HOUSE BILL 2885 ON THIRD READING
Senator Schwertner moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 2885 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, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Menéndez, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Schwertner, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Hughes, Perry, Sparks.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays 3. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 1661 ON SECOND READING
Senator Bettencourt moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 1661 at this time on its second reading:
HB 1661, Relating to election supplies and the conduct of elections; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time and was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 2017 ON SECOND READING
Senator Hagenbuch moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 2017 at this time on its second reading:
HB 2017, Relating to increasing the criminal penalty and changing the eligibility for community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole for certain persons convicted of intoxication manslaughter.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt, Johnson, Menéndez, Zaffirini.
The bill was read second time.
Senator King offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend HB 2017 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In the recital to SECTION 2 of the bill, amending Section 49.09(b-2), Penal Code (page 1, line 22), strike "Section 49.09(b-2), Penal Code, is" and substitute "Sections 49.09(a) and (b-2), Penal Code, are".
(2) In SECTION 2 of the bill, amending Section 49.09, Penal Code (page 1, between lines 23 and 24), immediately following the recital to that section, insert the following:
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), [an offense under Section 49.04, 49.05, 49.06, or 49.065 is a Class A misdemeanor, with a minimum term of confinement of 30 days,] if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the person has previously been convicted one time of an offense relating to the operating of a motor vehicle while intoxicated, an offense of operating an aircraft while intoxicated, an offense of operating a watercraft while intoxicated, or an offense of operating or assembling an amusement ride while intoxicated:
(1) an offense under Section 49.05, 49.06, or 49.065 is a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum term of confinement of 30 days; and
(2) an offense under Section 49.04 is a state jail felony.
(3) Add the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumber the SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Sections 49.04(c) and (d), Penal Code, are amended to read as follows:
(c) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that at the time of the offense the person operating the motor vehicle had an open container of alcohol in the person's immediate possession, the offense is a Class A [B] misdemeanor, with a minimum term of confinement of six days.
(d) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that an analysis of a specimen of the person's blood, breath, or urine showed an alcohol concentration level of 0.15 or more at the time the analysis was performed, the offense is a state jail felony [Class A misdemeanor].
The amendment to HB 2017 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 except as follows:
Nays: Cook.
HB 2017 as amended was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt, Johnson, Menéndez, Zaffirini.
HOUSE BILL 2017 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 2017 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West.
Nays: Cook, Eckhardt, Johnson, Menéndez, Zaffirini.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 26, Nays 5. (Same as previous roll call)
HOUSE BILL 1661 ON THIRD READING
Senator Bettencourt moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 1661 be placed on its third reading and final passage:
HB 1661, Relating to election supplies and the conduct of elections; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Alvarado, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Menéndez, Miles.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 22, Nays 9.
Yeas: Bettencourt, Birdwell, Campbell, Creighton, Flores, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, A. Hinojosa, J. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Johnson, King, Kolkhorst, Middleton, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks.
Nays: Alvarado, Blanco, Cook, Eckhardt, Gutierrez, Menéndez, Miles, West, Zaffirini.
HOUSE BILL 4749 ON SECOND READING
On motion of Senator Sparks and by unanimous consent, the regular order of business was suspended to take up for consideration HB 4749 at this time on its second reading:
HB 4749, Relating to reconstitution of the petit jury wheel and grand juror and petit juror qualifications in certain counties.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Sparks offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend HB 4749 (senate committee report) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION to the bill and renumbering subsequent sections of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Section 62.014(a), Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) [In a county with at least nine district courts,] A [the] district judge [judges] may direct that prospective jurors be summoned for jury service by the clerk, the sheriff, or a bailiff, or an assistant or deputy bailiff, in charge of the central jury room and the general panel of the county, if the jurisdiction served by the judge includes a county:
(1) within the jurisdiction of at least nine district courts; or
(2) with a population of less than 1,000.
The amendment to HB 4749 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1.
HB 4749 as amended was passed to third reading without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the passage to third reading.
HOUSE BILL 4749 ON THIRD READING
Senator Sparks moved that Senate Rule 7.18 and the Constitutional Rule requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended and that HB 4749 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
The bill was read third time and was passed by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
(President in Chair)
HOUSE BILL 4751 ON SECOND READING
Senator Parker moved to suspend the regular order of business to take up for consideration HB 4751 at this time on its second reading:
HB 4751, Relating to the establishment and administration of the Texas Quantum Initiative.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, King, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton.
The bill was read second time.
Senator Parker offered the following amendment to the bill:
Floor Amendment No. 1
Amend HB 4751 (senate committee report) as follows:
(1) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 481.681(1), Government Code (page 1, lines 29 and 30), and substitute the following:
(1) "Advisory committee" means the advisory committee of the initiative.
(2) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 481.682(a), Government Code (page 1, line 35), strike "established" and substitute "a program established within the office".
(3) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 481.682(b), Government Code (page 1, line 40, through page 2, line 3), and substitute the following:
(b) The purposes of the initiative are to:
(1) leverage the expertise and capacity of regulatory stakeholders and institutions of higher education and industry to advise and provide input to the office regarding the comprehensive strategic plan described by Section 481.686;
(2) identify obstacles and provide recommendations to the governor and legislature regarding quantum economic opportunities and technologies;
(3) provide strategic leadership with respect to quantum initiatives;
(4) identify opportunities for workforce training and development related to the research, design, and manufacturing of quantum computing technology; and
(5) identify opportunities to support:
(A) existing quantum computing and networking industries in this state; and
(B) the development of a quantum manufacturing supply chain in this state.
(c) The initiative may establish ad hoc advisory committees as necessary to carry out the initiative's duties under this subchapter.
(4) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 481.683, Government Code (page 2, lines 4 through 10).
(5) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike the heading to added Section 481.684, Government Code (page 2, line 11), and substitute the following:
Sec. 481.683. ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMPOSITION.
(6) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 481.684(a), Government Code (page 2, line 12), strike "governed by an executive committee composed of seven" and substitute "advised by an advisory committee composed of six".
(7) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Sections 481.684(e) and (f), Government Code (page 2, lines 39 through 43), and substitute the following:
(e) A vacancy on the advisory committee shall be filled by the governor.
(f) Advisory committee members serve without compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for actual expenses incurred in attending committee meetings. Reimbursements under this subsection may be paid from the fund established under Section 481.688.
(g) Chapter 2110 does not apply to the size, composition, or duration of the advisory committee.
(8) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike the heading to added Section 481.685, Government Code (page 2, line 44), and substitute the following:
Sec. 481.684. DIRECTOR; STAFF.
(9) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 481.685, Government Code (page 2, lines 44 and 45), strike "an executive director. The executive" and substitute "a director. The".
(10) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 481.685, Government Code (page 2, lines 45 and 46), strike "direct initiative staff and" and substitute "hire and direct staff to".
(11) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike the heading to added Section 481.686, Government Code (page 2, line 48), and substitute the following:
Sec. 481.685. DUTIES OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(12) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 481.686(1), Government Code (page 2, lines 50 through 54), and substitute the following:
(1) advise and provide input to the office regarding the comprehensive strategic plan described by Section 481.686;
(13) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 481.686(3), Government Code (page 2, lines 60 through 63), and substitute the following:
(3) provide recommendations related to research and funding opportunities pertaining to quantum research, design, commercialization, and manufacturing.
(14) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 481.687, Government Code (page 2, line 64), strike "481.687" and substitute "481.686".
(15) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 481.687(a), Government Code (page 2, line 64), between "shall" and "develop", insert ", in collaboration with the initiative,".
(16) In SECTION 1 of the bill, at the end of added Section 481.687(a)(3), Government Code (page 3, line 5), strike "and".
(17) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 481.687(4), Government Code (page 3, lines 6 and 7) and substitute the following:
(4) a description of suggested methods and opportunities the state may use to promote the development of quantum technologies in this state;
(5) a description of suggested approaches the state may use to ensure the quantum leadership of this state by prioritizing commercial and practical utility through investments in necessary foundational infrastructure, including quantum systems and networking equipment, jobs and workforce, and real property; and
(6) any other information the office, in collaboration with the advisory committee, determines is relevant to further the initiative's goals.
(18) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 481.688, Government Code (page 3, line 12), strike "481.688" and substitute "481.687".
(19) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 481.688(2), Government Code (page 3, line 18), between "the" and "office", insert "advisory committee with the input of the".
(20) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 481.688(4), Government Code (page 3, line 22), strike "members expect" and substitute "expects".
(21) In SECTION 1 of the bill, in added Section 481.689, Government Code (page 3, line 25), strike "481.689" and substitute "481.688".
(22) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike added Section 481.689(c), Government Code (page 3, lines 37 through 46), and substitute the following:
(c) The office may use money in the fund to:
(1) award grants to state entities, including institutions of higher education, for quantum manufacturing and design projects;
(2) award grants to business entities, including nonprofit organizations with a purpose associated with or significant ties to the quantum industry, to encourage economic development related to quantum manufacturing and design projects; and
(3) pay for staffing costs described by Section 481.684.
(23) In SECTION 1 of the bill, strike "executive" and substitute "advisory" in each of the following places it appears:
(A) in added Section 481.684(b-1), Government Code (page 2, line 17);
(B) in added Section 481.684(c), Government Code (page 2, line 21);
(C) four times in added Section 481.684(d), Government Code (page 2, lines 33, 34, 36, and 37); and
(D) in added Section 481.686, Government Code (page 2, line 48).
(24) Add the following appropriately numbered SECTIONS to the bill and renumber subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Not later than January 1, 2026, the governor shall make the initial appointments to the advisory committee of the Texas Quantum Initiative established by Section 481.683, Government Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION ____. (a) Notwithstanding any other section of this Act, in a state fiscal year, a state agency to which this Act applies is not required to implement a provision found in another section of this Act that is drafted as a mandatory provision imposing a duty on the agency to take an action unless money is specifically appropriated to the agency for that fiscal year to carry out that duty. The agency may implement the provision in that fiscal year to the extent other funding is available to the agency to do so.
(b) If, as authorized by Subsection (a) of this section, the state agency does not implement the mandatory provision in a state fiscal year, the state agency, in its legislative budget request for the next state fiscal biennium, shall certify that fact to the Legislative Budget Board and include a written estimate of the costs of implementing the provision in each year of that next state fiscal biennium.
(c) This section expires and any duty suspended by Subsection (a) becomes mandatory on September 1, 2029.
The amendment to HB 4751 was read and was adopted without objection.
All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of Floor Amendment No. 1 except as follows:
Nays: Eckhardt.
HB 4751 as amended was passed to third reading by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, King, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton.
HOUSE BILL 4751 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 4751 be placed on its third reading and final passage.
The motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.
Yeas: Alvarado, Bettencourt, Birdwell, Blanco, Campbell, Cook, Eckhardt, Flores, Gutierrez, Hagenbuch, Hall, Hancock, J. Hinojosa, Johnson, King, Menéndez, Miles, Nichols, Parker, Paxton, Perry, Schwertner, Sparks, West, Zaffirini.
Nays: Creighton, A. Hinojosa, Huffman, 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)
BILLS AND RESOLUTION SIGNED
The President announced the signing of the following enrolled bills and resolution in the presence of the Senate after the captions had been read:
SB 3, SB 53, SB 226, SB 535, SB 815, SB 827, SB 1141, SB 1330, SB 1352, SB 1453, SB 1664, SB 1677, SB 1839, SB 1856, SB 1936, SB 2111, SB 2137, SB 2148, SB 2166, SJR 84.
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON
SENATE BILL 2155
Senator Perry submitted the following Conference Committee Report:
Austin, Texas
May 26, 2025
Honorable Dan Patrick
President of the Senate
Honorable Dustin Burrows
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Sirs:
We, Your Conference Committee, appointed to adjust the differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives on SB 2155 have had the same under consideration, and beg to report it back with the recommendation that it do pass in the form and text hereto attached.
On the part of the Senate
On the part of the House
|
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the regulation of veterinary professionals and facilities by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and the temporary administration of the board by the Department of Licensing and Regulation.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 801.002, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subdivisions (6-b) and (6-c) to read as follows:
(6-b) "Veterinary medical facility" means a location, including a building, portion of a building, or vehicle, in which the practice of veterinary medicine normally takes place or is provided.
(6-c) "Management services organization" means a business entity that provides management services to a veterinary medical facility, as defined by board rule.
SECTION 2. Sections 801.023(a) and (b), Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows:
(a) The executive director of the department shall direct and may dismiss the board's executive director [of the board], and has authority relating to personnel actions as if the board's executive director were an employee of the department. The presiding officer of the commission shall appoint a replacement executive director of the board if necessary.
(b) Subject to Subsection (a), the executive director of the board is responsible for the administration of licensing, enforcement, financial services, human resources, and workforce development duties of the board, including:
(1) accounts payable and accounts receivable;
(2) budgeting, inventory, and asset management;
(3) payroll;
(4) personnel and labor issues;
(5) purchasing;
(6) recruitment, evaluation, selection, training, and promotion of personnel;
(7) submitting required reports regarding finances, performance measures, strategic planning, legislative appropriations requests, operating budgets, and similar information as required by law;
(8) legal support services, including responding to requests for public information; and
(9) information technology and support.
SECTION 3. Section 801.101, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 801.101. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The board shall appoint [may employ] an executive director. The executive director serves at the will of the board.
SECTION 4. Section 801.102, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 801.102. [CERTAIN DUTIES OF] EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POWERS AND DUTIES. (a) The executive director shall [is responsible for]:
(1) perform any duties assigned by the board and other duties specified by law;
(2) administer and enforce the board's programs; and
(3) issue licenses regulated by the board.
[(1)
safekeeping the money collected under this chapter; and
(2)
properly disbursing the veterinary fund account established by this chapter.]
(b) The executive director may:
(1) delegate any power or duty assigned to the executive director unless prohibited by law; and
(2) issue emergency orders and cease and desist orders as provided by this chapter.
SECTION 5. Section 801.103, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 801.103. PERSONNEL. The board may employ personnel to administer this chapter and may prescribe their duties and compensation, subject to the personnel policies and budget approved by the board.
SECTION 6. Subchapter D, Chapter 801, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 801.150 to read as follows:
Sec. 801.150. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF BOARD. The board shall:
(1) supervise the executive director's administration of this chapter;
(2) formulate policy objectives for the board; and
(3) approve the board's operating budget and requests for legislative appropriations.
SECTION 7. Sections 801.151(a) and (b), Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows:
(a) The board shall [may] adopt rules as necessary to administer this chapter.
(b) The board shall [may] adopt rules of professional conduct appropriate to establish and maintain a high standard of integrity, skills, and practice in the veterinary medicine profession.
SECTION 8. Section 801.156, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 801.156. DATA; PUBLIC ACCESS [REGISTRY]. (a) The board shall maintain an electronic system allowing it to provide accurate reporting of information relating to license holders and applicants, complaints, enforcement actions, investigations, and inspections [a record of each license holder's:
[(1)
name;
[(2)
residence address; and
[(3)
business address].
(b) The board shall provide on its public-facing website:
(1) a feature allowing users to verify a license holder's license status, determine whether the license holder is currently subject to disciplinary action, and review relevant disciplinary orders; and
(2) data, updated at least quarterly, summarizing the number, type, and disposition of complaints received during the fiscal year.
[(b)
A license holder shall notify the board of a change of business address or employer not later than the 60th day after the date the change takes effect.]
SECTION 9. Section 801.157, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
(c) The board shall provide information on its website directing licensed veterinarians to approved peer assistance programs.
SECTION 10. Section 801.158(a), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) The board or executive director may request and, if necessary, compel by subpoena:
(1) the attendance of witnesses for examination under oath; and
(2) the production for inspection or copying of books, accounts, records, papers, correspondence, documents, and other evidence relevant to an investigation of an alleged violation of this chapter.
SECTION 11. Section 801.161, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 801.161. USE OF TECHNOLOGY. (a) The board shall implement a policy requiring the board to use appropriate technological solutions to improve the board's ability to perform its functions. The policy must ensure that the public is able to interact with the board on the Internet.
(b) The board may by rule require an applicant or license holder to provide an e-mail address for purposes of receiving correspondence. An e-mail address provided under this section is confidential and is not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.
(c) Notwithstanding any other law, the board may by rule provide that service of any notice, order, or pleading required under this chapter or under Chapter 2001, Government Code, may be made electronically to the e-mail address provided pursuant to Subsection (b).
SECTION 12. Section 801.163(d), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, [To the extent of any conflict with] Chapter 2110, Government Code, does not apply to an advisory committee appointed under this section [and board rules adopted under this section control].
SECTION 13. Subchapter D, Chapter 801, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 801.1631 to read as follows:
Sec. 801.1631. INSPECTIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS. (a) The board may conduct inspections or investigations as necessary to enforce the laws administered by the board.
(b) To perform its functions under Subsection (a), the board may, during reasonable business hours:
(1) enter a veterinary medical facility or other business premises of a person regulated by the board, or of a person suspected of being in violation of, or threatening to violate, a law administered by the board, or a rule or order of the board or executive director; and
(2) examine and copy records pertinent to the inspection or investigation.
(c) The board may take a disciplinary action authorized by this chapter for a violation identified during an inspection.
SECTION 14. Section 801.164, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 801.164. RISK-BASED INSPECTIONS [RELATED TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES PRACTICES]. (a) The board shall [may conduct a risk-based inspection] prioritize inspections relating to key risk factors identified by the board, including previous violations by the license holder or [of a veterinarian's practice based on] information [obtained from the veterinarian or another source] concerning a [the] veterinarian's use, handling, prescribing, dispensing, or delivery of controlled substances.
(b) The board may use alternative inspection methods, including videoconference or similar technology, instead of conducting an in-person inspection in circumstances the board considers appropriate.
SECTION 15. Subchapter D, Chapter 801, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 801.165 to read as follows:
Sec. 801.165. REFUND. (a) Subject to Subsection (b), if the board finds that the license holder has committed an act that is grounds for license denial or disciplinary action under Section 801.402, the board or executive director may order a license holder to pay a refund to a consumer as provided in an agreed settlement, default order, or board order instead of or in addition to imposing an administrative penalty or sanction.
(b) The amount of a refund ordered under this section may not exceed the amount the consumer paid to the license holder for a service regulated by the board, and may not require payment of other damages or estimate harm.
(c) This section does not grant the board jurisdiction over a complaint based solely on the cost of a veterinary service.
SECTION 16. Subchapter D, Chapter 801, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 801.166 to read as follows:
Sec. 801.166. RECIPROCITY AGREEMENTS. The board, with approval of the governor, may enter into an agreement with another state to allow for licensing by reciprocity.
SECTION 17. Section 801.205, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 801.205. GENERAL RULES REGARDING COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION AND DISPOSITION. The board shall adopt rules relating to the investigation and disposition of complaints filed with the board. The rules must:
(1) distinguish between categories of complaints;
(2) ensure that complaints are not dismissed without appropriate consideration; and
(3) require that the board be advised of a complaint that is dismissed. [;
[(4)
ensure that the person who filed the complaint has the opportunity to explain the allegations made in the complaint; and
[(5)
prescribe guidelines concerning the categories of complaints that require the use of a private investigator and the procedures for the board to obtain the services of a private investigator.]
SECTION 18. Section 801.2051, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 801.2051. PRIORITY OF COMPLAINTS. The board shall assign priorities and investigate complaints based on risk posed to the public by the conduct alleged in the complaint. The board shall prioritize complaints regarding persons engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine without a license [to resolve the more serious complaints first].
SECTION 19. Section 801.2052, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 801.2052. DISMISSAL OF BASELESS OR UNFOUNDED COMPLAINT. (a) If the board determines at any time that an allegation or complaint submitted by a person is baseless, unfounded, or does not fall within the board's regulatory jurisdiction, the board shall dismiss the complaint. [If, before the 180th day after the date the board's official investigation of a complaint is commenced, the board determines in accordance with rules adopted under this section that a complaint filed with the board is baseless or unfounded, the board shall:
[(1)
dismiss the complaint; and
[(2)
include a statement in the record of the complaint that the complaint was dismissed because the complaint was baseless or unfounded.]
(b) The board shall adopt rules to implement this section and establish criteria for determining that a complaint is baseless or unfounded.
SECTION 20. Section 801.2055, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c-1) and amending Subsection (d) to read as follows:
(c-1) The board may contract with a qualified individual to assist in reviewing or investigating complaints requiring medical expertise. Except for an act involving fraud, conspiracy, or malice, an individual with whom the board contracts under this subsection is immune from liability or from disciplinary action under this chapter and may not be subject to a suit for damages for any act arising from the performance of the individual's duties in:
(1) participating in an informal conference to determine the facts of a complaint;
(2) offering an expert opinion or technical guidance on an alleged violation of this chapter or of a rule or order issued by the board or executive director;
(3) testifying at a hearing regarding a complaint; or
(4) making an evaluation, report, or recommendation regarding a complaint.
(d) A veterinarian board member who reviews a complaint under this section may not [participate in] deliberate or vote in any subsequent disciplinary proceeding related to the complaint.
SECTION 21. Section 801.2056, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 801.2056. COMPLAINTS NOT REQUIRING MEDICAL EXPERTISE. [(a)] The board shall adopt rules relating to the evaluation and disposition of complaints not requiring medical expertise. [The board may delegate to a committee of board staff the authority to dismiss or enter into an agreed settlement of a complaint that does not require medical expertise. The disposition determined by the committee must be approved by the board at a public meeting.
[(b)
A complaint delegated under this section shall be referred for informal proceedings under Section 801.408 if:
[(1)
the committee determines that the complaint should not be dismissed or settled;
[(2)
the committee is unable to reach an agreed settlement; or
[(3)
the license holder who is the subject of the complaint requests that the complaint be referred for informal proceedings.]
SECTION 22. Section 801.207, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 801.207. CONFIDENTIALITY [PUBLIC RECORD; EXCEPTION]. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, a complaint and investigation concerning a person to whom this chapter applies, and all information and materials subpoenaed or compiled by the board in connection with the complaint and investigation, are confidential and not subject to:
(1) disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code; or
(2) disclosure, discovery, subpoena, or other means of legal compulsion for their release to any person. [Except as provided by Subsection (b), a board record is a public record and is available for public inspection during normal business hours.]
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the board may disclose information regarding a complaint or investigation to:
(1) a person providing testimony or review on the board's behalf in a disciplinary proceeding;
(2) a respondent or the respondent's authorized representative;
(3) a professional licensing, credentialing, or disciplinary entity;
(4) a peer assistance program approved by the board pursuant to Section 801.157;
(5) a law enforcement agency; or
(6) a person engaged in bona fide research, if all individual-identifying information has been deleted. [Except as provided by Subsection (b-1), each complaint, investigation file and record, and other investigation report and all other investigative information in the possession of or received or gathered by the board or the board's employees or agents relating to a license holder, an application for license, or a criminal investigation or proceeding is privileged and confidential and is not subject to discovery, subpoena, or other means of legal compulsion for release to anyone other than the board or the board's employees or agents involved in discipline of a license holder.]
(b-1) Not later than the 14th day before the date of an informal proceeding under Section 801.408, the board shall provide to the license holder who is the subject of the complaint a copy of the record of any review conducted under Section 801.2055 of a complaint requiring medical expertise. The board shall redact the name of each veterinarian who conducted the review.
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (b-1), the board shall protect the identity of a complainant to the extent possible.
(d) Not later than the 30th day after the date of receipt of a written request from a license holder who is the subject of a formal complaint initiated and filed under this subchapter or from the license holder's counsel of record, and subject to any other privilege or restriction set forth by rule, statute, or legal precedent, and unless good cause is shown for delay, the board shall provide the license holder with access to all information in its possession that the board intends to offer into evidence in presenting its case in chief at the contested hearing on the complaint. The board is not required to provide:
(1) a board investigative report or memorandum;
(2) the identity of a nontestifying complainant; or
(3) attorney-client communications, attorney work product, or other materials covered by a privilege recognized by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure or the Texas Rules of Evidence.
(e) Furnishing information under Subsection (d) does not constitute a waiver of privilege or confidentiality under this chapter or other applicable law.
(f) The board may not be compelled to release or disclose complaint and investigation information or materials to a person listed in Subsection (b) if the board has not issued a notice of alleged violation related to the information or materials.
(g) Notices of alleged violation and disciplinary orders, including warnings and reprimands, issued by the board are not confidential and are subject to disclosure in accordance with Chapter 552, Government Code.
(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if an investigation would be jeopardized by the disclosure of information relating to a complaint or investigation, the board may temporarily withhold or otherwise refrain from disclosing to any person any information or materials that the board would otherwise be required to disclose.
SECTION 23. Section 801.208(d), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
(d) The notification may not include information that is confidential under Section 801.207[(b)].
SECTION 24. Section 801.253, Occupations Code, as amended by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 940 (H.B. 414), Sec. 9, is reenacted and amended to read as follows:
(a) The board shall conduct licensing examinations for veterinarians as provided by board rule. [The board shall conduct the examination at a time and place the board determines is convenient for applicants.]
(b) The board shall provide notice of a licensing examination on its internet website [by publication in a newspaper or periodical.
[(c)
The board shall examine each qualified applicant who attends the examination].
SECTION 25. Section 801.406, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 801.406. REINSTATEMENT AFTER [REQUIRED DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR] CERTAIN FELONY CONVICTIONS. (a) If a person's license has been revoked:
(1) by operation of law pursuant to Section 53.021(b), Occupations Code, upon imprisonment after a conviction of a felony under Chapter 481 or 483 of the Health and Safety Code; or
(2) by the board upon conviction of a license holder of an offense under Section 485.033, Health and Safety Code, or of any offense under Chapter 481 or 483 of that code, [On conviction of a license holder of a felony under Section 485.033, Health and Safety Code, or Chapter 481 or 483 of that code, the board shall, after conducting an administrative hearing in which the fact of conviction is determined, impose a penalty as provided by Section 801.401. The board shall set the amount of the penalty to match the seriousness of the conviction.
[(c)
The] the board may reinstate or reissue the [a] license [suspended or revoked under this section] only upon determining [on an express determination based on substantial evidence contained in an investigative report indicating] that reinstatement or reissuance of the license is in the best interests of [:
[(1)] the public[;] and
[(2)] the person whose license has been [suspended or] revoked.
SECTION 26. Section 801.407(d), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
(d) The board shall by rule prescribe notice procedures for proceedings under this subchapter [The board may conduct deliberations relating to a disciplinary action during executive session. At the conclusion of those deliberations, the board shall vote and announce its decision to the license holder in open session].
SECTION 27. Section 801.408, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 801.408. INFORMAL PROCEEDINGS. (a) The board by rule shall adopt procedures governing:
(1) informal disposition of a contested case under Section 2001.056, Government Code; and
(2) an informal proceeding held in compliance with Section 2001.054, Government Code.
(b) Rules adopted under Subsection (a) must:
(1) provide the complainant and the license holder an opportunity to be heard; and
(2) require the presence of a member of the board's legal staff [general counsel] or a representative of the attorney general during an informal proceeding to advise the board or the board's employees.
(c) A committee of two or more veterinarian board members and one or more public board members must be present at an informal proceeding for a complaint that requires medical expertise. The committee shall recommend enforcement action at the informal proceeding.
[(d)
A committee of board staff may recommend enforcement action at an informal proceeding for a complaint that does not require medical expertise or may refer the complaint to the committee of board members under Subsection (c).
[(e)
At an informal proceeding under this section, and on agreement with the license holder, the board may order the license holder to refund an amount not to exceed the amount a client paid to the license holder instead of or in addition to imposing an administrative penalty under this chapter. The board may not require payment of other damages or estimate harm under this subsection.]
(d) [(f)] Before an informal disposition is effective, the board must review and approve at a public meeting an informal disposition of the complaint recommended by board members or board staff.
SECTION 28. Subchapter I, Chapter 801, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 801.4011 to read as follows:
Sec. 801.4011. DEFERRED ACTION. (a) For any action or complaint for which the board proposes to impose on a person a sanction other than a reprimand or a denial, suspension, or revocation of a license, the board may:
(1) defer the final action the board has proposed if the person conforms to conditions imposed by the board, including any condition the board could impose as a condition of probation under Section 801.401; and
(2) if the person successfully meets the imposed conditions, dismiss the complaint.
(b) Except as provided by this subsection, a deferred action by the board is not confidential and is subject to disclosure in accordance with Chapter 552, Government Code. If the person successfully meets the conditions imposed by the board in deferring final action and the board dismisses the action or complaint, the deferred action of the board is confidential to the same extent as a complaint is confidential under Section 801.207.
SECTION 29. Subchapter J, Chapter 801, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 801.4521 to read as follows:
Sec. 801.4521. IMPOSITION OF SANCTION. A proceeding under this subchapter imposing an administrative penalty may be combined with a proceeding to impose an administrative sanction. If a sanction is imposed in a proceeding under this subchapter, the requirements of this subchapter apply to the imposition of the sanction.
SECTION 30. Section 801.453(a), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) On a determination by a committee described by Section 801.408(c) [or (d)] that a violation of this chapter or a rule adopted or order issued under this chapter occurred, the committee may issue a report to the board stating:
(1) the facts on which the determination is based; and
(2) the committee's recommendation on the imposition of an administrative penalty, including a recommendation on the amount of the penalty.
SECTION 31. Section 801.454, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 801.454. PENALTY TO BE PAID OR HEARING REQUESTED [ON COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATIONS]. (a) Not later than the 20th day after the date a person receives a [the] notice of alleged violation, the person may in writing:
(1) accept the board's [committee's] determination and recommended administrative penalty; or
(2) request a hearing on the occurrence of the violation, the amount of the penalty, or both.
(b) If the person accepts the board's [committee's] determination and recommended penalty, the board by order shall approve the determination and require the person to pay the recommended penalty [may:
[(1)
approve the determination and impose the recommended penalty;
[(2)
modify the determination or recommended penalty; or
[(3)
reject the determination or recommended penalty].
SECTION 32. Section 801.455, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 801.455. HEARING [ON COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATIONS]. (a) If a respondent requests a hearing pursuant to Section 801.407, the hearing shall be conducted by the State Office of Administrative Hearings [If the person requests a hearing or fails to respond timely to the notice, the executive director shall set a hearing and give notice of the hearing to the person].
(b) The State Office of Administrative Hearings shall consider the board's applicable substantive rules and policies when conducting a hearing under this subchapter [A hearing set by the executive director under Subsection (a) shall be held by an administrative law judge of the State Office of Administrative Hearings].
(c) The administrative law judge shall:
(1) make findings of fact and conclusions of law; and
(2) promptly issue to the board a proposal for a decision as to the occurrence of the violation, any recommended license sanction, and the amount of any proposed administrative penalty.
SECTION 33. Section 801.456(a), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) Based on the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and proposal for a decision under Section 801.455(c), the board by order may determine that:
(1) a violation has occurred and impose a license sanction, [an] administrative penalty, or both; or
(2) a violation did not occur.
SECTION 34. Section 801.457(a), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) Not later than the 30th day after the date the board's order becomes final, the person shall:
(1) pay the administrative penalty;
(2) pay the penalty and file a petition for judicial review contesting the order [fact of the violation, the amount of the penalty, or both]; or
(3) without paying the penalty, file a petition for judicial review contesting the order [fact of the violation, the amount of the penalty, or both].
SECTION 35. Section 801.508, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 801.508. CEASE AND DESIST ORDER. The board or executive director may issue a cease and desist order upon determining that it is necessary to prevent a violation of this chapter, or of a rule adopted or order issued by the board.
[(a)
If it appears to the board that a person is engaging in an act or practice that constitutes the practice of veterinary medicine without a license or the practice of equine dentistry without a license under this chapter, the board, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, may issue a cease and desist order prohibiting the person from engaging in the activity.
[(b)
A violation of an order under this section constitutes grounds for imposing an administrative penalty under Subchapter J.]
SECTION 36. Subchapter K, Chapter 801, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 801.510 to read as follows:
Sec. 801.510. ISSUANCE OF EMERGENCY ORDERS. (a) Upon determining that an emergency exists requiring immediate action to protect the public health and safety, the board or executive director may issue an emergency order to:
(1) suspend or revoke a license or other authorization issued under a program regulated by the board; or
(2) halt operation of an unsafe veterinary medical facility.
(b) The board or executive director may issue an emergency order with or without notice and hearing. If an emergency order is issued under this section without a hearing, the board shall set the time and place for a hearing conducted by the State Office of Administrative Hearings to affirm, modify, or set aside the emergency order not later than the 17th day after the date the order was issued. The order shall be affirmed to the extent that reasonable cause existed to issue the order.
(c) A proceeding under this section is a contested case under Chapter 2001, Government Code.
SECTION 37. Chapter 801, Occupations Code, is amended by designating Sections 801.601 through 801.604 as Subchapter M and adding a subchapter heading to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER M. VETERINARY MEDICAL FACILITIES
Sec. 801.601. REGISTRATION OF VETERINARY MEDICAL FACILITIES REQUIRED. (a) Veterinary medicine, including veterinary medicine practiced remotely by electronic means, shall be practiced only in or from a veterinary medical facility that is registered with the board or that is exempted by rule from the registration requirement. Unless exempted by this section or by board rule adopted pursuant to this section, every individual facility must be registered with the board.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to a facility maintained or operated by the federal government.
(c) A mobile facility affiliated with a registered veterinary medical facility is exempt from separate registration if identified in the application for registration filed pursuant to this subchapter.
(d) The board may by rule provide exemptions to the registration requirement for facilities if it determines that imposing or enforcing the requirement:
(1) is not cost-effective for the board;
(2) is not feasible with current board resources or standards; or
(3) will not substantially benefit or protect consumers.
Sec. 801.602. REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION. (a) To register a veterinary medical facility, the business entity providing services at the facility shall submit the application provided by the board and pay the applicable fee established by the board pursuant to Section 801.154. The application must be signed by a person with authority to act on behalf of the entity.
(b) The facility shall, in its application for registration:
(1) indicate the type of business entity that provides services at the facility, and provide information regarding the owners, partners, and operators of the entity, including a management services organization that contracts with the facility, as required by board rule; and
(2) provide the names and license or registration numbers of all persons who provide services at the facility and are regulated by the board.
(c) An application under this section shall require the facility to designate a medical director. The designated medical director must:
(1) be licensed by the board as a veterinarian and remain in good standing;
(2) regularly practice veterinary medicine at or from the facility; and
(3) co-sign the application for registration; and
(4) agree to accept all correspondence from the board on behalf of the facility.
(d) A veterinary medical facility whose designated medical director ceases to be affiliated with the facility shall designate a new medical director within 30 days of the change.
(e) The term of a registration issued under this section and the process for renewal of a registration shall be provided by board rule.
Sec. 801.603. STANDARDS FOR OPERATION OF VETERINARY MEDICAL FACILITIES. (a) The board shall adopt and enforce rules relating to standards of operation of veterinary medical facilities. The rules must include standards regarding:
(1) safety and sanitation;
(2) storage and security of pharmaceuticals and controlled substances;
(3) patient care;
(4) retention of documentation, including medical records, controlled substance logs, and employment records; and
(5) compliance with other state laws related to health and safety.
(b) Rules adopted under Subsection (a) must distinguish between categories of veterinary facilities, including mobile facilities that are not affiliated with another registered veterinary facility, to ensure that appropriate standards are established for each category of facility.
Sec. 801.604. SANCTIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES. The owner or owners of a business entity that provides services at a veterinary medical facility, or a management services organization that provides services to a veterinary medical facility, shall be subject to administrative penalties, license sanctions, or both, if:
(1) the facility does not hold a current registration;
(2) the facility violates a standard adopted pursuant to Section 801.603;
(3) facility personnel deny access to the board or its agents to conduct an inspection or investigation; or
(4) the facility fails to comply with a board order.
SECTION 38. The following provisions of Chapter 801, Occupations Code, are repealed:
(1) Section 801.206;
(2) Section 801.253(a) as amended by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 411 (S.B. 811), Sec. 3;
(3) Section 801.307(a-1) as added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 449 (S.B. 1947), Sec. 2;
(5) Section 801.459;
(6) Section 801.461; and
(7) Section 801.505.
SECTION 39. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners shall adopt the rules and procedures necessary to implement the provisions of this Act other than those contained in Subchapter M, Chapter 801, Occupations Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 40. No later than March 1, 2027, the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners shall adopt the rules and procedures necessary to implement the provisions contained in Subchapter M, Chapter 801, Occupations Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 41. A veterinary medical facility shall register with the board not later than September 1, 2027.
SECTION 42. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
(b) Subchapter M, Chapter 801, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, takes effect September 1, 2026.
The Conference Committee Report on SB 2155 was filed with the Secretary of the Senate.
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON
SENATE BILL 1506
Senator Parker submitted the following Conference Committee Report:
Austin, Texas
May 26, 2025
Honorable Dan Patrick
President of the Senate
Honorable Dustin Burrows
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Sirs:
We, Your Conference Committee, appointed to adjust the differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives on SB 1506 have had the same under consideration, and beg to report it back with the recommendation that it do pass in the form and text hereto attached.
On the part of the Senate
On the part of the House
|
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the frequency with which the Board of Pardons and Paroles reconsiders inmates for release on parole.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Sections 508.141(g) and (g-1), Government Code, are amended to read as follows:
(g) The board shall adopt a policy establishing the date on which the board may reconsider for release an inmate who has previously been denied release. The policy must require the board to reconsider the inmate for release[:
[(1)
an inmate serving a sentence for an offense listed in Section 508.149(a) or for an offense punishable as a felony of the second or third degree under Section 22.04, Penal Code,] during a month designated under Subsection (g-1) by the parole panel that denied release[; and
[(2)
an inmate other than an inmate described by Subdivision (1) as soon as practicable after the first anniversary of the date of the denial].
(g-1) The month designated for reconsideration [under Subsection (g)(1) by the parole panel that denied release] must:
(1) except as provided by Subdivisions (2) and (3), begin after the first anniversary of the date of the denial and end before the fifth anniversary of the date of the denial;
(2) if the inmate is serving a sentence for an offense under Section 481.115, Health and Safety Code, involving a controlled substance listed in Penalty Group 1, or an offense under Section 481.1151, 481.116, 481.1161, 481.117, 481.118, or 481.121 of that code, begin as soon as practicable after the first anniversary of the date of the denial; or
(3) if[, unless] the inmate is serving a sentence for an offense under Section 22.021, Penal Code, or a life sentence for a capital felony, [in which event the designated month must] begin after the first anniversary of the date of the denial and end before the 10th anniversary of the date of the denial.
SECTION 2. (a) Section 508.141, Government Code, as amended by this Act, applies to any inmate who is confined in a facility operated by or under contract with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on or after the effective date of this Act, regardless of whether the offense for which the inmate is confined occurred before, on, or after the effective date of this Act.
(b) The Board of Pardons and Paroles shall adopt a policy consistent with Section 508.141, Government Code, as amended by this Act, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The Conference Committee Report on SB 1506 was filed with the Secretary of the Senate.
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON
SENATE BILL 1833
Senator Parker submitted the following Conference Committee Report:
Austin, Texas
May 26, 2025
Honorable Dan Patrick
President of the Senate
Honorable Dustin Burrows
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Sirs:
We, Your Conference Committee, appointed to adjust the differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives on SB 1833 have had the same under consideration, and beg to report it back with the recommendation that it do pass in the form and text hereto attached.
On the part of the Senate
On the part of the House
|
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the use of a social media platform in furtherance of an offense involving the delivery of a controlled substance; increasing criminal penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 481.142 to read as follows:
Sec. 481.142. USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM FOR DELIVERY OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. (a) "Social media platform" has the meaning assigned by Section 120.001, Business & Commerce Code.
(b) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under Section 481.112, 481.1121, 481.1123, 481.113, 481.114, 481.119, 481.120, or 481.122, involving the delivery of a controlled substance that the defendant used a social media platform in furtherance of the offense, the punishment for the offense is increased to the punishment prescribed by the next higher category of offense, except that the punishment for a felony of the first degree is increased by five years and the maximum fine for the offense is doubled.
SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect at the time 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 the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurred before that date.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
The Conference Committee Report on SB 1833 was filed with the Secretary of the Senate.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 37
On motion of Senator Creighton, Senators Bettencourt and Hughes will be shown as Co-authors of SB 37.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 1232
On motion of Senator Hancock, Senators Blanco and West will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1232.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 1377
On motion of Senator Perry, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-author of SB 1377.
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 1798
On motion of Senator Middleton, Senators Huffman and Hughes will be shown as Co-authors of SB 1798.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 117
On motion of Senator Campbell, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 117.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 127
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senators Bettencourt, Campbell, A. Hinojosa, Middleton, Parker, and Paxton will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 127.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 144
On motion of Senator Schwertner, Senator Cook will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 144.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 186
On motion of Senator A. Hinojosa, Senators Hughes, Kolkhorst, Middleton, and Sparks will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 186.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 223
On motion of Senator Middleton, Senator Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 223.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 229
On motion of Senator Middleton, Senators King and Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 229.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 413
On motion of Senator Huffman, Senator J. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 413.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 493
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senators Bettencourt and Hagenbuch will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 493.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 621
On motion of Senator A. Hinojosa, Senators Bettencourt, Cook, Eckhardt, Kolkhorst, and Menéndez will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 621.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 713
On motion of Senator Cook, Senators Blanco and Perry will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 713.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 1056
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senator Sparks will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 1056.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 1105
On motion of Senator Eckhardt, Senators Hagenbuch, Middleton, Paxton, Sparks, and Zaffirini will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 1105.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 1306
On motion of Senator Sparks, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 1306.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 1661
On motion of Senator Bettencourt, Senators King and Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 1661.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 2294
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, Senator West will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 2294.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 2516
On motion of Senator Schwertner, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 2516.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 2761
On motion of Senator Parker, Senators Alvarado and Eckhardt will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 2761.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 2851
On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 2851.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 3010
On motion of Senator Nichols, Senators Blanco, Hagenbuch, and J. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 3010.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 3053
On motion of Senator Hall, Senators Creighton and Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 3053.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 3073
On motion of Senator Paxton, Senators Eckhardt and Hagenbuch will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 3073.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 3133
On motion of Senator Huffman, Senators J. Hinojosa and Menéndez will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 3133.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 3151
On motion of Senator Cook, Senators Alvarado, Blanco, and J. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 3151.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 3225
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senators King and Kolkhorst will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 3225.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 3284
On motion of Senator King, Senators Hagenbuch, Kolkhorst, and Middleton will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 3284.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 3441
On motion of Senator Hall, Senator Hughes will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 3441.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 3689
On motion of Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Middleton will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 3689.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 3928
On motion of Senator Nichols, Senator Cook will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 3928.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 3940
On motion of Senator Paxton, Senators Alvarado, J. Hinojosa, and Menéndez will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 3940.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 3966
On motion of Senator Alvarado, Senator Miles will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 3966.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 4281
On motion of Senator Hancock, Senator West will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 4281.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 4520
On motion of Senator Nichols, Senator J. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 4520.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 4623
On motion of Senator Paxton, Senator Sparks will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 4623.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 4743
On motion of Senator Campbell, Senator Blanco will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 4743.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 5081
On motion of Senator Creighton, Senator Zaffirini will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 5081.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 5115
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senators Creighton, Hagenbuch, A. Hinojosa, King, Kolkhorst, and Parker will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 5115.
CO-SPONSORS OF HOUSE BILL 5138
On motion of Senator Hughes, Senators A. Hinojosa, King, Kolkhorst, and Middleton will be shown as Co-sponsors of HB 5138.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 5509
On motion of Senator Paxton, Senator Campbell will be shown as Co-sponsor of HB 5509.
CO-SPONSOR OF HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 108
On motion of Senator Blanco, Senator J. Hinojosa will be shown as Co-sponsor of HCR 108.
RECESS
On motion of Senator Zaffirini, the Senate at 8:08 p.m. recessed until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
APPENDIX
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The following committee reports were received by the Secretary of the Senate in the order listed:
May 26, 2025
EDUCATION K-16 — HB 1105, HB 121, HB 3372, HB 367
STATE AFFAIRS — HB 783, HB 3336, HB 3441, HB 4449
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT — CSHB 5616
CRIMINAL JUSTICE — HB 2407, HB 2854, HB 3425
EDUCATION K-16 — CSHB 5294, CSHB 1178, CSHB 4623
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE — CSHB 14
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES — CSHB 3963
EDUCATION K-16 — CSHB 1211
VETERAN AFFAIRS — HB 5646, HB 5629
JURISPRUDENCE — CSHB 3783
EDUCATION K-16 — CSHB 4236
STATE AFFAIRS — CSHB 46
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES — HB 4638, HB 1052, HB 4070
LOCAL GOVERNMENT — CSHB 5509
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE — HB 5435, HB 4134, HB 3923, HB 3520, HB 3320, HB 2517, HB 2488
LOCAL GOVERNMENT — HB 5663, CSHB 2731
CRIMINAL JUSTICE — CSHB 3073
FINANCE — CSHJR 7
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES — HB 2655, HB 2399, HB 541, HB 4099
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE — CSHB 111
LOCAL GOVERNMENT — HB 1532, CSHB 3483
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE — CSHB 2963
LOCAL GOVERNMENT — CSHB 4580
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES — HB 3748, HB 713, HB 632, HB 426, CSHB 4730
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ENROLLED
May 26, 2025
SB 3, SB 20, SB 33, SB 53, SB 75, SB 213, SB 226, SB 227, SB 269, SB 458, SB 528, SB 535, SB 647, SB 648, SB 681, SB 740, SB 815, SB 827, SB 835, SB 840, SB 843, SB 1061, SB 1120, SB 1121, SB 1141, SB 1150, SB 1202, SB 1253, SB 1330, SB 1352, SB 1423, SB 1453, SB 1535, SB 1574, SB 1664, SB 1677, SB 1709, SB 1789, SB 1839, SB 1856, SB 1936, SB 2078, SB 2111, SB 2137, SB 2148, SB 2166, SB 2544, SB 2570, SJR 84, SR 551, SR 557, SR 558, SR 580, SR 584