MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS

Thursday, May 21, 2015

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.016

*****

Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on State Affairs was held on Thursday, May 21, 2015, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas.

*****

MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Joan Huffman, Chair	None
Senator Rodney Ellis, Vice Chair
Senator Brian Birdwell
Senator Brandon Creighton
Senator Craig Estes
Senator Troy Fraser
Senator Jane Nelson
Senator Charles Schwertner
Senator Judith Zaffirini

*****

The chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The chair laid out HB 1781 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Larry Taylor, to explain the bill.

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

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

The chair moved that HB 1781 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2851 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Van Taylor, to explain the bill.

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

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

The chair moved that HB 2851 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 884 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Nichols, to explain the bill.

No witnesses testified or registered on the bill.

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

The chair moved that HB 884 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2665 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 that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair moved that HB 2665 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 638 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 the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair moved that HB 638 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1449 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Rodríguez, to explain the bill.

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

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

The chair moved that HB 1449 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3121 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Rodríguez, to explain the bill.

Senator Huffman sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Rodriguez 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 that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair moved that HB 3121 and the committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3710 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Rodríguez, to explain the bill.

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

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

The chair moved that HB 3710 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out, as a matter of pending business, SB 1551 and its House Companion, HB 1026, and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Garcia, to explain HB 1026.

The chair moved that HB 1026 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 825 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Uresti, to explain the bill.

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

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

The chair moved that HB 825 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 230 and recognized Senator Garcia, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.

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

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

The chair moved that HB 230 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3307 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Hinojosa, to explain the bill.

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

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

The chair moved that HB 3307 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Zaffirini assumed the chair.

The chair laid out HB 3511 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Huffman, to explain the bill.

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

No witnesses testified or registered on the bill.

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

The chair moved that HB 3511 and the committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Huffman resumed the chair.

The chair laid out HB 1190 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 that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair moved that HB 1190 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1329 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill.

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

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

The chair moved that HB 1329 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Zaffirini assumed the chair.

The chair laid out HB 257 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Huffman, to explain the bill.

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

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

The chair moved that HB 257 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 263 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Huffman, to explain the bill.

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

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

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

The chair moved that HB 263 and the committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1683 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Huffman, to explain the bill.

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

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

The chair moved that HB 1683 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2974 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Huffman, to explain the bill.

Senator Huffman sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Huffman 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 that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair moved that HB 2974 and the committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3512 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Huffman, to explain the bill.

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

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

The chair moved that HB 3512 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3517 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Huffman, to explain the bill.

No witnesses testified or registered on the bill.

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

The chair moved that HB 3517 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Huffman resumed the chair.

The chair laid out HB 408 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Menéndez, to explain the bill.

No witnesses testified or registered on the bill.

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

The chair moved that HB 408 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1334 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Menéndez, to explain the bill.

Senator Schwertner sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Menéndez 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 that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair moved that HB 1334 and the committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 554 and recognized Senator Ellis, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.

No witnesses testified or registered on the bill.

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

The chair moved that HB 554 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2390 and recognized Senator Ellis, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.

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

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

The chair moved that HB 2390 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 262 and recognized Senator Ellis, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.

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

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

The chair moved that HB 262 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1114 and recognized Senator Ellis, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.

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

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

The chair moved that HB 1114 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Ellis assumed the chair.

The chair laid out HB 3736 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Huffman, to explain the bill.

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

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

The chair moved that HB 3736 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Huffman resumed the chair.

The chair laid out HB 1455 and recognized Senator Ellis, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.

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

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

The chair moved that HB 1455 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 10:40 AM Senator Huffman moved that the Committee stand recessed until after adjournment of the Senate. Without objection, it was so ordered.

Pursuant to a motion made by Senator Huffman on the Senate floor to suspend Senate Rules 11.10, 11.13, and 11.18, the Senate Committee on State Affairs reconvened at 4:15 PM at the back rail of the Senate Chamber.

Senator Ellis assumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 257.

Senator Huffman moved that HB 257 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Estes and Senator Schwertner requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Huffman moved that 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 the committee substitute to HB 263.

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

Senator Huffman moved that HB 263 do not pass but that CSHB 263 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Estes and Senator Schwertner requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Huffman moved that 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 1683.

Senator Huffman moved that HB 1683 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Estes and Senator Schwertner requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Huffman moved that 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 the committee substitute to HB 2974.

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

Senator Huffman moved that HB 2974 do not pass but that CSHB 2974 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Estes and Senator Schwertner requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Huffman moved that 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 the committee substitute to HB 3511.

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

Senator Huffman moved that HB 3511 do not pass but that CSHB 3511 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Huffman moved that 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 3512.

Senator Huffman moved that HB 3512 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Huffman moved that 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 3517.

Senator Huffman moved that HB 3517 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

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

Senator Huffman resumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 262.

Senator Creighton moved that HB 262 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Ellis moved that 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 408.

Senator Ellis moved that HB 408 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 554.

Senator Creighton moved that HB 554 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Ellis moved that 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 638.

Senator Ellis moved that HB 638 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Ellis moved that 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 825.

Senator Ellis moved that HB 825 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Ellis moved that 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 884.

Senator Zaffirini moved that HB 884 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Zaffirini moved that 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 1026.

Senator Zaffirini moved that HB 1026 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Zaffirini moved that 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 1114.

Senator Zaffirini moved that HB 1114 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Zaffirini moved that 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 1190.

Senator Zaffirini moved that HB 1190 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Zaffirini moved that 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 1329.

Senator Zaffirini moved that HB 1329 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Zaffirini moved that 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 the committee substitute to HB 1334.

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

Senator Zaffirini moved that HB 1334 do not pass but that CSHB 1334 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Zaffirini moved that 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 1449.

Senator Zaffirini moved that HB 1449 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Zaffirini moved that 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 1455.

Senator Creighton moved that HB 1455 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 1781.

Senator Creighton moved that HB 1781 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Creighton moved that 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 2390.

Senator Creighton moved that HB 2390 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Creighton moved that 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 2665.

Senator Zaffirini moved that HB 2665 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Zaffirini moved that 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 2851.

Senator Creighton moved that HB 2851 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Creighton moved that 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 the committee substitute to HB 3121.

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

Senator Zaffirini moved that HB 3121 do not pass but that CSHB 3121 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Zaffirini moved that 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 3710.

Senator Zaffirini moved that HB 3710 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that 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 Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Zaffirini moved that 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 3307.

Senator Zaffirini moved that HB 3307 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Schwertner and Senator Nelson requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

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

There being no further business, Senator Huffman moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

__________________________________________

Senator Joan Huffman, Chair

__________________________________________

Ashley Brooks, Clerk