MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS & COMMERCE

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

8:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.016

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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 Business & Commerce was held on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Kelly Hancock, Chair	None
Senator Brandon Creighton, Vice Chair
Senator Donna Campbell
Senator Craig Estes
Senator Robert Nichols
Senator Charles Schwertner
Senator Larry Taylor
Senator John Whitmire
Senator Judith Zaffirini

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The chair called the meeting to order at 8:03 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

Senator Hancock made opening comments.

Senator Creighton moved that testimony would be limited to 3 minutes; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 350 and recognized Senator Creighton, in the absence of the author.  Senator Creighton moved that SB 350 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 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 SB 896 and recognized Senator Creighton, in the absence of the author. Senator Creighton moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Creighton moved that SB 896 do not pass but that CSSB 896 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, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1087 and recognized the author, Senator Schwertner. Senator Schwertner moved that SB 1087 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 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 SB 1088 and recognized the author, Senator Schwertner. Senator Schwertner moved that SB 1088 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 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 SB 1199 and recognized the author, Senator Campbell, to explain the bill. Senator Campbell sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Campbell to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Campbell moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hancock moved that SB 1199 do not pass but that CSSB 1199 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 Campbell 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 SB 1493 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini. Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 1493 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 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 SB 1494 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini. Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 1494 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 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 SB 1495 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini. Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 1495 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 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 SB 1496 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini. Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 1496 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 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 SB 1497 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini. Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 1497 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 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 SB 1498 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini. Senator Zaffirini moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 1498 do not pass but that CSSB 1498 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 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 SB 1499 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini. Senator Zaffirini sent up Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. Senator Zaffirini moved to roll the amendment into the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Zaffirini moved adoption of the new committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 1499 do not pass but that CSSB 1499 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.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1500 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini. Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 1500 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.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1501 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini. Senator Zaffirini sent up Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. Senator Zaffirini moved to roll the amendment into the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Zaffirini moved adoption of the new committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 1501 do not pass but that CSSB 1501 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.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1502 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini. Senator Zaffirini moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 1502 do not pass but that CSSB 1502 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 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 SB 1503 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini. Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 1503 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 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 SB 1537 and recognized the author, Senator Larry Taylor. Senator Larry Taylor moved that SB 1537 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.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1895 and recognized the author, Senator Larry Taylor.  Senator Larry Taylor moved to withdraw the committee substitute sent up at a previous hearing.  Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Larry Taylor sent up a new committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Taylor to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Larry Taylor moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Taylor moved that SB 1895 do not pass but that CSSB 1895 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 Taylor 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 SB 210 and recognized Senator Creighton, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill. Senator Creighton sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Creighton to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Creighton sent up Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. Senator Creighton moved to roll the amendment into the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hancock moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Creighton assumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 876 and recognized the author, Senator Hancock. Senator Hancock moved that SB 876 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 Hancock 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 SB 877 and recognized the author, Senator Hancock. Senator Hancock moved that SB 877 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 Hancock 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 SB 1516 and recognized the author, Senator Hancock. Senator Hancock moved that SB 1516 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 Hancock 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 SB 2065 and recognized the author, Senator Hancock. Senator Hancock sent up Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted. Senator Hancock moved to roll the amendment into the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hancock moved adoption of the new committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hancock moved that SB 2065 do not pass but that CSSB 2065 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.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2087 and recognized the author, Senator Hancock. Senator Hancock moved that SB 2087 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 Hancock 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 SB 2212 and recognized the author, Senator Hancock. Senator Hancock moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hancock moved that SB 2212 do not pass but that CSSB 2212 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, 1 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Hancock resumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 1731 and recognized the author, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill.

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

Senator Creighton assumed the chair.

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. Senator Creighton moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hancock resumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 589 and recognized the author, Senator Lucio, to explain the bill. Senator Creighton sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Lucio 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.

Senator Creighton assumed the chair.

Senator Hancock resumed the chair.

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

Senator Hancock moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1670 and recognized the author, Senator Lucio, to explain the bill. Senator Campbell sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Lucio 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 that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hancock moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1739 and recognized the author, Senator Miles, 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. Senator Hancock moved that SB 1739 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 632 and recognized the author, Senator Buckingham, 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. Senator Hancock moved that SB 632 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1148 and recognized the author, Senator Buckingham, to explain the bill.

Senator Campbell sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Buckingham 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.

Senator Campbell assumed the chair.

Senator Hancock resumed the chair.

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

Senator Hancock moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered. 

The chair laid out SB 83 and recognized the author, Senator Hall, to explain the bill. Senator Creighton sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Hall 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.  Senator Hancock moved that committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hancock announced that the Committee would meet in the Betty King room upon adjournment of the Senate.

At 10:50 AM Senator Hancock moved that the Committee stand recessed until 30 minutes after adjournment of the Senate. Without objection, it was so ordered.

At 2:47 PM Senator Hancock reconvened the meeting.

The chair laid out SB 1347 and recognized the author, Senator Watson, to explain the bill. Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Watson to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. 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. Senator Hancock moved that SB 1347 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1655 and recognized the author, Senator Watson, to explain the bill. Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Watson to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. 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. Senator Hancock moved that SB 1655 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 83 and recognized the author, Senator Hall. Witness testimony continued on committee substitute SB 83.

Senator Nichols assumed the chair.

Senator Hancock resumed the chair.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hancock moved that committee substitute SB 83 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Campbell assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 733 and recognized the author, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill.

Senator Hancock sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Hancock 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 that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Campbell moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hancock resumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 1339 and recognized the author, Senator Hinojosa, to explain the bill. Senator Campbell sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Hinojosa 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.

Senator Campbell assumed the chair.

Senator Creighton assumed the chair.

Senator Hancock resumed the chair.

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

Senator Hancock moved that SB 1339 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1510 and recognized the author, Senator Perry, to explain the bill.

Senator Campbell sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Perry 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 that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Hancock moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 888 and recognized the author, Senator Seliger, to explain the bill.

Senator Creighton sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Seliger 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 that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Hancock moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 262 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill.

Senator Creighton sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Zaffirini to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. 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.  Senator Hancock moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1449 and recognized the author, Senator Taylor, Larry, 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. Senator Hancock moved that SB 1449 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1450 and recognized the author, Senator Taylor, Larry, 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. Senator Hancock moved that SB 1450 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1059 and recognized Senator Zaffirini, in the absence of the author, 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 senate bill as filed. 

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. Senator Hancock moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1060 and recognized Senator Zaffirini, in the absence of the author, 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. Senator Hancock moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1490 and recognized the author, 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. Senator Hancock moved that SB 1490 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1491 and recognized the author, 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. Senator Hancock moved that SB 1491 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1910 and recognized Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill. Senator Campbell sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Zaffirini 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 that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hancock moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1413 and recognized the author, Senator Schwertner, 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. Senator Hancock moved that SB 1413 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1976 and recognized the author, Senator Schwertner, in the absence of the author, 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. Senator Hancock moved that SB 1976 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Campbell assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 1520 and recognized Senator Hancock, to explain the bill. Senator Hancock sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Hancock 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 that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Campbell moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2204 and recognized the author, Senator Hancock, 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. Senator Campbell moved that SB 2204 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hancock resumed the chair.

Motions in Writing requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye were submitted by the following: Senator Whitmire on SB 350, CSSB 896, SB 1087, SB 1088, CSSB 1199, SB 1493, SB 1494, SB 1495, SB 1496, SB 1497, CSSB 1498, CSSB 1499, and SB 1500; Senator Schwertner on SB 876, SB 877, SB 1516, CSSB 2065, SB 2087, and CSSB 2212. These votes are reflected in the final votes on the aforementioned bills.

There being no further business, at 6:45 PM Senator Hancock moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Kelly Hancock, Chair

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Tatum Reagan, Clerk