MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Monday, May 17, 2021

11:30 AM

Ext. Auditorium

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Local Government was held on Monday, May 17, 2021, in the Ext. Auditorium.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Paul Bettencourt, Chair	None
Senator José Menéndez, Vice Chair
Senator Sarah Eckhardt
Senator Roland Gutierrez
Senator Bob Hall
Senator Robert Nichols
Senator Angela Paxton
Senator Drew Springer
Senator Judith Zaffirini

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The chair called the meeting to order at 11:34 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The chair laid out HB 1456 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Juan Hinojosa, to explain the bill.

Senator Zaffirini sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Juan Hinojosa to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 1456 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 466 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Huffman, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 466 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1886 and recognized the author, Senator Campbell, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  SB 1886 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 988 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill.

Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Hancock to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

The chair moved  the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 988 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3415 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill.

Senator Paxton sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Hancock to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 3415 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3833 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

The chair moved  the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 3833 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2149 and recognized the author, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  SB 2149 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4594 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 4594 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2382 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Blanco, to explain the bill.

Senator Menéndez sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Blanco to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 2382 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 856 and recognized the author, Senator Blanco, to explain the bill.

Senator Eckhardt sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Blanco to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

The chair moved  the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved  SB 856 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1554 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Buckingham, to explain the bill.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

The chair moved  the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 1554 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4245 and recognized Senator Nichols, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.

Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Nichols to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

The chair moved  the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 4245 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1301 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill.

Senator Zaffirini sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Zaffirini to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 1301 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4374 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

The chair moved  the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 4374 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4646 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill.

Senator Zaffirini sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Zaffirini to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 4646 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 12:39 PM Senator Menéndez assumed the chair.

The chair laid out HB 1278 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

The chair moved  the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Menendez moved  HB 1278 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1869 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill.

Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Bettencourt to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

The chair moved  the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Menéndez moved  the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

At 5:45 PM Senator Menéndez reconvened the meeting.

Senator Menéndez moved  HB 1869 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 6:20 PM Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair.

The chair laid out HB 2610 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Miles, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 2610 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1240 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Miles, to explain the bill.

Senator Eckhardt sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Miles to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 1240 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2234 and recognized Senator Paxton, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  SB 2234 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2225 and recognized the author, Senator Eckhardt, to explain the bill.

Senator Eckhardt sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Eckhardt to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

The chair moved  the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved  SB 2225 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3135 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Eckhardt, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 3135 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2835 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Springer, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 2835 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4578 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Springer, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 4578 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4626 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Springer, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  HB 4626 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2257 and recognized the author, Senator Springer, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  SB 2257 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2258 and recognized the author, Senator Springer, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  SB 2258 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2259 and recognized the author, Senator Springer, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered and testified on the bill.

Senator Bettencourt moved  SB 2259 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 1240.

Senator Eckhardt moved  the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Eckhardt moved  HB 1240 do not pass but  CSHB 1240 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Eckhardt moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2893 by Representative Herrero, the companion bill to SB 777 by Senator Hinojosa- which was left pending in a previous hearing.

Senator Zaffirini moved  HB 2893 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Zaffirini moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 4578.

Senator Springer moved  HB 4578 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Springer moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 4594.

Senator Nichols moved  HB 4594 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Nichols moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4606 by Representative Vasut, the companion bill to SB 2156 by Senator Taylor- which was left pending in a previous hearing.

Senator Nichols moved  HB 4606 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Nichols moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4612 by Representative Vasut, the companion bill to SB 2144 by Senator Taylor- which was left pending in a previous hearing.

Senator Eckhardt sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Eckhardt to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.  Senator Eckhardt moved  the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Eckhardt moved  HB 4612 do not pass but  CSHB 4612 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Eckhardt moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4614 by Representative Ed Thomspon, the companion bill to SB 2184 by Senator Taylor- which was left pending in a previous hearing.

Senator Eckhardt sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Eckhardt to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.  Senator Eckhardt moved  the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Eckhardt moved  HB 4614 do not pass but  CSHB 4614 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Eckhardt moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4626 by Representative Sanford, the companion bill to SB 2248 by Senator Springer- which was left pending earlier in this hearing.

Senator Springer moved  HB 4626 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Springer moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 4646 by Representative Rodriguez and Senator Zaffirini as senate sponsor.

Senator Zaffirini moved  the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Zaffirini moved  HB 4646 do not pass but  CSHB 4646 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Zaffirini moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 4651 by Representative Toth, the companion bill to SB 2218 by Senator Creighton- which was heard in committee in a previous hearing.

Senator Paxton sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Paxton to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.  Senator Paxton moved  the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Paxton moved  HB 4651 do not pass but  CSHB 4651 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Paxton moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2198.

Senator Paxton moved  the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Paxton moved  SB 2198 do not pass but  CSSB 2198 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Paxton moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2225.

Senator Eckhardt sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Eckhardt to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Eckhardt moved  the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Eckhardt moved  SB 2225 do not pass but  CSSB 2225 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Eckhardt moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2240.

Senator Springer moved  the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

Senator Springer moved  SB 2240 do not pass but  CSSB 2240 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Springer moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2250.

Senator Springer sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Springer to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Springer moved  the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Springer moved  SB 2250 do not pass but  CSSB 2250 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Springer moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2251.

Senator Springer moved  the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Springer moved  SB 2251 do not pass but  CSSB 2251 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Springer moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2257.

Senator Springer moved  SB 2257 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Springer moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2258.

Senator Springer moved  SB 2258 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Springer moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2259.

Senator Springer moved  SB 2259 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation  it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Springer moved  the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hall requested the vote reflect aye on the following bills:

HB 1240

HB 2893

HB 4578

HB 4594

There being no further business, at 7:07 PM Senator Bettencourt moved  the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Paul Bettencourt, Chair

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Sydney Suss, Clerk