MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS & COMMERCE

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

8:00 AM

Senate Chamber

*****

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, May 18, 2021, in the Senate Chamber.

*****

MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Kelly Hancock, Chair	Senator John Whitmire
Senator Robert Nichols, Vice Chair
Senator Donna Campbell
Senator Brandon Creighton
Senator Nathan Johnson
Senator José Menéndez
Senator Angela Paxton
Senator Charles Schwertner

*****

The chair called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The chair laid out HB 428  and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 428. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 428 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3617 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill. Senator Nichols sent up the committee substitute. The chair recognized the sponsor to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3617. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3617 was left pending.

 The chair laid out HB 3618 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3618. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3618 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3745 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill. Senator Nichols sent up the committee substitute. The chair recognized the sponsor to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3745. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3745 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 4016 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 4016. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 4016 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 4477 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 4477. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 4477 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 1518 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Seliger, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 1518. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 1518 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 2879 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Seliger, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 2879. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 2879 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 692 in lieu of SB 1092 by Senator Creighton. Senator Creighton moved that HB 692 be reported back to the full 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 Creighton moved that HB 692 be recommended for Local & Uncontested Calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 872 in lieu of SB 668 by Senator Menendez. Senator Menendez moved that HB 872 be reported back to the full 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 Menendez moved that HB 872 be recommended for Local & Uncontested Calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1565 in lieu of SB 701 by Senator Buckingham. Senator Nichols sent up the committee substitute. The chair recognized the Senate Sponsor to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. Senator Nichols moved adoption of the committee substitute. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Nichols moved that HB 1565 do not pass but that the committee substitute do pass and be recommended to the full senate. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Nichols moved CSHB 1565 be recommended for the Local & Uncontested Calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2305 in lieu of SB 1369 by Senator Creighton. Senator Creighton moved that HB 2305 be reported back to the full 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 Creighton moved that HB 2305 be recommended for Local & Uncontested Calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3583 in lieu of SB 1554 by Senator Hinojosa. Senator Nichols moved that HB 3583 be reported back to the full 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 Nichols moved that HB 692 be recommended for Local & Uncontested Calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3897 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill. Senator Nichols sent up the committee substitute. The chair recognized the sponsor to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3897. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3897 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 2274 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Huffman, to explain the bill. Senator Nichols sent up the committee substitute. The chair recognized the sponsor to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 2274. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 2274 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3408 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Alvarado, to explain the bill. Senator Nichols sent up the committee substitute. The chair recognized the sponsor to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3408. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3408 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3271 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Blanco, to explain the bill. Senator Nichols sent up the committee substitute. The chair recognized the sponsor to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3271. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3271 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 1560 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Buckingham, to explain the bill. Senator Nichols sent up the committee substitute. The chair recognized the sponsor to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 1560. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 1560 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3115 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Buckingham, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3115. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3115 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 2595 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Nelson and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 2595. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 2595 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3746 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Nelson and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3746. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3746 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 1268 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Nichols and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 1268. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 1268 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 2267 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Nichols and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 2267. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 2267 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 2110 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Whitmire and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 2110. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 2110 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 1659 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Creighton and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. Senator Nichols sent up the committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Nichols to explain the substitute. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 1659. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 1659 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 2240 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Creighton and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. Senator Nichols sent up the committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Nichols to explain the substitute. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 2240. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 2240 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 1526 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Campbell, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3115. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 1526 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 2199 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Paxton and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 2199. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 2199 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 2743 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Paxton and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 2743. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 2743 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3045 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Paxton and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3045. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3045 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3374 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Paxton and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3374. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3374 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3849 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Paxton and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3849. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3849 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3850 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Paxton and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3850. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3850 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 4153 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Paxton and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 4153. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 4153 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 4474 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Paxton and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 4474. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 4474 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 900 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Springer and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 900. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 900 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3571 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Springer and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. Senator Nichols sends up the committee substitute. The chair recognizes the author to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3571. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3571 was left pending.

The chair opened public testimony back up for HB 900. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 900 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 2237 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Johnson, to explain the bill. Senator Johnson sent up the committee substitute. The chair recognized the author to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 2237. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 2237 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3616 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Johnson, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3616. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3616 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3215 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Hughes and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3215. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3215 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 113 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Schwertner and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 113. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 113 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 1753 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Schwertner and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 1753. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 1753 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 2203 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Schwertner and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 2203. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 2203 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 2205 by Senate Sponsor, Senator Schwertner and recognized Senator Nichols to explain the bill. Senator Nichols sends up the committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Nichols to explain the difference. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 2205. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 2205 was left pending.

Senator Nichols assumed the chair.

The chair laid out HB 2483 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 2483. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 2483 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 2581 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 2581. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 2581 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 2857 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill. Senator Hancock sent up the committee substitute. The chair recognized the author to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 2857. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 2857 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 2911 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 2911. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 2911 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3388 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3388. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3388 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3752 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill. Senator Hancock sent up the committee substitute. The chair recognized the author to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3752. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3752 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3923 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3923. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3923 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 4210 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill. Senator Hancock sent up the committee substitute. The chair recognized the author to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 4210. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 4210 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 4294 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 4294. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 4294 was left pending.

Senator Hancock resumed the chair.

The chair laid out HB 1589 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Menendez, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 1589. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 1589 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 3510 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Menendez, to explain the bill. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 3510. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 3510 was left pending.

The chair laid out HB 1818 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Menendez, to explain the bill. Senator Menendez sent up the committee substitute. The chair recognized the author to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. The chair opened up public testimony on HB 1818. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair closed public testimony and HB 1818 was left pending.

There being no further business, the chair moves that the committee stand in recess, subject to the call of the chair.

__________________________________________

Senator Kelly Hancock, Chair

__________________________________________

Kennedy Calvo, Clerk