MINUTES SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS Tuesday, May 13, 1997 1:30 pm Senate Chamber ***** Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.11, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on State Affairs was held on Tuesday, May 13, 1997 in the Senate Chamber at Austin, Texas. ***** MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: Senator Kenneth Armbrister None Senator Drew Nixon Senator David Cain Senator John Carona Senator Rodney Ellis Senator Troy Fraser Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr. Senator Michael Galloway Senator Jon Lindsay Senator Gregory Luna Senator Jane Nelson Senator Florence Shapiro Senator John Whitmire ***** The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:40 pm. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted. The following members arrived after the roll was called: none. The Chair laid out HB 2703 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Harris, to explain the bill. Senator Galloway sent up a committee substitute; the Chair recognized Senator Harris to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. Senator Galloway moved adoption of the committee substitute, without objection, it was so ordered. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that CSHB 2703 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Carona moved CSHB 2703 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 979 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Barrientos, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 979 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved HB 979 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Carona moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. At 1:55 pm Senator Nixon assumed the chair. The Chair laid out HB 2877 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Barrientos, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 2877 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Carona moved HB 2877 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Carona moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. At 2:00 pm Senator Armbrister resumed the chair. The Chair laid out HB 3585 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Barrientos, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 3585 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Carona moved HB 3585 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Carona moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 2382 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Bivins, to explain the bill. Senator Nixon sent up Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. Senator Carona moved that HB 2382, as amended, be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. The Chair laid out HB 2606 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Ogden, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 2606 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved HB 2606 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 2332 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Lucio, Jr., to explain the bill. Senator Nixon sent up Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. The Chair moved that HB 2332, as amended, be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved HB 2332, as amended, be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 2600 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Lucio, Jr., to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 2600 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved HB 2600 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 10 ayes, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. The Chair laid out HB 1937 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Lucio, Jr., to explain the bill. The Chair moved that HB 1937 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved HB 1937 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 209 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Luna, to explain. At the request of the author, HB 209 was left pending. At 2:25 pm Senator Nelson assumed the chair. The Chair laid out HB 1961 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Armbrister, to explain the bill. Senator Armbrister sent up Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 1961, as amended, be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved HB 1961, as amended, be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 2469 and recognized Senator Armbrister, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 2469 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Cain moved HB 2469 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Cain moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 2906 and recognized Senator Armbrister, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 2906 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Cain moved HB 2906 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. The Chair laid out HB 3074 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Armbrister, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 3074 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Cain moved HB 3074 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Cain moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 3370 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Armbrister, to explain the bill. Senator Armbrister sent up a committee substitute; the Chair recognized Senator Armbrister to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. Senator Nelson moved adoption of the committee substitute, without objection, it was so ordered. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that CSHB 3370 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Armbrister moved CSHB 3370 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Nelson moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. At 3:30 pm Senator Armbrister resumed the chair. The Chair laid out HB 163 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Gallegos, Jr., to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 163 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved HB 163 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 220 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Gallegos, Jr., to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 220 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Carona moved HB 220 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 251 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Gallegos, Jr., to explain the bill. Senator Gallegos, Jr. sent up a committee substitute; the Chair recognized Senator Gallegos, Jr. to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved adoption of the committee substitute, without objection, it was so ordered. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that CSHB 251 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved CSHB 251 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 1338 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Lindsay, to explain the bill. The Chair moved that HB 1338 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Carona moved HB 1338 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Carona moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 3366 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Lindsay, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 3366 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Cain moved HB 3366 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Cain moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 3367 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Lindsay, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 3367 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved HB 3367 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Lindsay moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HCR 2 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Carona, to explain the bill. The Chair moved that HCR 2 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Carona moved HCR 2 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Carona moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HCR 67 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Carona, to explain the bill. The Chair moved that HCR 67 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Carona moved HCR 67 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Carona moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 3448 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Carona, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 3448 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Carona moved HB 3448 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Carona moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 1703 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Cain, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 1703 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Cain moved HB 1703 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Cain moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 1790 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Cain, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 1790 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Cain moved HB 1790 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Cain moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 1473 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Cain, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 1473 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Cain moved HB 1473 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Cain moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 2098 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Cain, to explain the bill. Senator Cain sent up a committee substitute; the Chair recognized Senator Cain to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. Senator Cain moved adoption of the committee substitute, without objection, it was so ordered. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that CSHB 2098 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Cain moved CSHB 2098 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Cain moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 1062 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Shapiro, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 1062 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Nelson moved HB 1062 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Nelson moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 1811 and recognized Senator Carona, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 1811 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Nelson moved HB 1811 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. Senator Nelson moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 1812 and recognized Senator Carona, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 1812 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved HB 1812 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 2512 and recognized Senator Carona, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 2512 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved HB 2512 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 814 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Ellis, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The Chair moved that HB 814 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Ellis moved HB 814 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Nelson moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 1723 and recognized Senator Carona, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 1723 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved HB 1723 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 1667 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Wentworth, to explain the bill. The Chair moved that HB 1667 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved HB 1667 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 2318 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Wentworth, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 2318 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Nelson moved HB 2318 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Nelson moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 2424 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Wentworth, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 2424 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved HB 2424 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 3306 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Wentworth, to explain the bill. Senator Carona sent up a committee substitute; the Chair recognized Senator Wentworth to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. Senator Gallegos, Jr. sent up Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. Senator Gallegos, Jr. requested unanimous consent to incorporate amendments into the committee substitute. Senator Carona then moved that the new committee substitute be adopted. Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that HB 3306 do not pass but that CSHB 3306 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 1285 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Wentworth, to explain the bill. Senator Carona sent up Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. SB 1285, as amended, was left pending at the request of the author. The Chair laid out HB 1843 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Sibley, to explain the bill. Senator Carona sent up Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 1843, as amended, be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Carona moved HB 1843, as amended, be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Carona moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 2997 and recognized Senator Cain, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 2997 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Cain moved HB 2997 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Cain moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 3176 and recognized Senator Cain, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. The Chair moved that HB 3176 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Cain moved HB 3176 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Cain moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 1780 and recognized Senator Carona, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. At 6:45 pm Senator Nixon assumed the chair. The Chair moved that HB 1780 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Armbrister moved HB 1780 be reported back to the senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Armbrister moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out HB 1445 and recognized Senator Carona, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. Senator Carona sent up a Committee Substitute. Senator Armbrister sent up Committee Amendment 1. Senator Gallegos, Jr. sent up Committee Amendment 2. Senator Gallegos, Jr. sent up Committee Amendment 3. Senator Whitmire sent up Committee Amendment 4. HB 1445 was left pending at the request of the sponsor. The Chair laid out HB 1856 and recognized Senator Carona, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. Senator Armbrister sent up Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. Senator Whitmire sent up Committee Amendment 2 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. Senator Whitmire sent up Committee Amendment 3 and then pulled it down. Senator Armbrister sent up Committee Amendment 4 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. Senator Armbrister moved that HB 1856, as amended, be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. The Chair brought up HB 2644 from pending business. Senator Armbrister sent up CSHB 2644. Senator Armbrister sent up Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. Senator Nixon sent up Committee Amendment 2 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. Senator Armbrister requested unanimous consent to incorporate amendments into the committee substitute. Senator Armbrister then moved that the new committee substitute be adopted. Senator Armbrister moved that HB 2644 do not pass but that CSHB 2644 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. The Chair laid out HB 3207 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Armbrister, to explain the bill. Senator Armbrister sent up Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. Senator Armbrister sent up Committee Amendment 2 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Public testimony was closed. Senator Armbrister moved that HB 3207 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Armbrister moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar, without objection, it was so ordered. At 7:40 pm Senator Armbrister resumed the chair. There being no further business, at 7:45 pm Senator Armbrister moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the Chair. Without objection, it was so ordered. ______________________ Senator Kenneth Armbrister, Chair ______________________ Kelly Gilbert, Clerk