MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

8:00 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 Transportation was held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas.

*****

MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Robert Nichols, Chair	None
Senator Kel Seliger, Vice Chair
Senator Carol Alvarado
Senator César Blanco
Senator Kelly Hancock
Senator Juan Hinojosa
Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Senator Charles Perry
Senator Royce West

*****

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

The posting rule, Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, was suspended to hear the following bill(s):

SB 2187.

The chair laid out SB 1123 and recognized the author, Senator Perry, 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 Nichols moved that SB 1123 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1124 and recognized the author, Senator Perry, to explain the bill. Senator Perry sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Perry to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. The chair opened public testimony. There being no public testimony, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Nichols moved that SB 1124 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1650 and recognized the author, Senator Perry, to explain the bill. Senator Perry 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 Nichols moved that SB 1650 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 355 and recognized the author, Senator Miles, to explain the bill. Senator Seliger sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Miles 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 Nichols moved that SB 355 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 730 and recognized the author, Senator Hall, to explain the bill. Senator Seliger sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Hall to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. The chair opened public testimony. There being no public testimony, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Nichols moved that SB 730 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1208 and recognized the author, Senator Hall, to explain the bill. The chair opened public testimony. There being no public testimony, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Nichols moved that SB 1208 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 826 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes, 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 Nichols moved that SB 826 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Seliger assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 787 and recognized the author, Senator Lucio, to explain the bill.

Senator Nichols resumed the chair.

The chair opened public testimony. There being no public testimony, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Nichols moved that

SB 787 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 633 and recognized the author, Senator Blanco, 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 Nichols moved that SB 633 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1704 and recognized the author, Senator Blanco, 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 Nichols moved that SB 1704 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1064 and recognized Senator Blanco, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill. Senator Alvarado sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Blanco to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Nichols moved that SB 1064 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hinojosa assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 1274 and recognized the author, Senator Nichols, 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 Hinojosa moved that SB 1274 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1727 and recognized the author, Senator Nichols, to explain the bill. Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Nichols to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the 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 Hinojosa moved that

SB 1727 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2187 and recognized the author, Senator Nichols, to explain the bill. The chair opened public testimony. There being no public testimony, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hinojosa moved that SB 2187 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Nichols resumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 1270 and recognized the author, Senator Seliger, to explain the bill. Senator Seliger 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 Nichols moved that SB 1270 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1728 and recognized Senator Seliger, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill. Senator Seliger 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 Nichols moved that SB 1728 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 355, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator Seliger moved adoption of a committee substitute sent up earlier in the hearing; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Seliger moved that SB 355 do not pass but that CSSB 355 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 Alvarado, Senator Kolkhorst and Senator West requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Seliger moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 633, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Blanco moved that SB 633 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 Alvarado, Senator Kolkhorst and Senator West requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Blanco moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 730, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator Seliger moved adoption of a committee substitute sent up earlier in the hearing; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Seliger moved that SB 730 do not pass but that CSSB 730 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 Alvarado, Senator Kolkhorst and Senator West requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Blanco moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 787, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Hinojosa moved that SB 787 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 Alvarado, Senator Kolkhorst and Senator West requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hinojosa moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1064, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator Alvarado moved adoption of a committee substitute sent up earlier in the hearing; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Alvarado moved that SB 1064 do not pass but that CSSB 1064 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 Kolkhorst and Senator West requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Alvarado moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1123, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Perry moved that SB 1123 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 Kolkhorst and Senator West requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Perry moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1124, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator Perry moved adoption of a committee substitute sent up earlier in the hearing; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Perry moved that SB 1124 do not pass but that CSSB 1124 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 Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Perry moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1208, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Seliger moved that SB 1208 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 Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Seliger moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1650, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator Perry moved adoption of a committee substitute sent up earlier in the hearing; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Perry moved that SB 1650 do not pass but that CSSB 1650 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 Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Perry moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 858, which had been left pending at a previous hearing. Senator Seliger moved to withdraw a committee substitute sent up at a previous hearing; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Seliger sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Seliger to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. Senator Seliger moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Seliger moved that SB 858 do not pass but that CSSB 858 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 Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Seliger moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Seliger assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 1274, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Blanco moved that SB 1274 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 Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Blanco moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1727, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator Blanco moved adoption of a committee substitute sent up earlier in the hearing; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Alvarado moved that SB 1727 do not pass but that CSSB 1727 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 Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hinojosa moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2187, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Perry moved that SB 2187 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 Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Perry moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 15, which had been left pending at a previous hearing. Senator Nichols moved to withdraw a committee substitute sent up at a previous hearing; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Nichols to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. Senator Nichols moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Nichols moved that SB 15 do not pass but that CSSB 15 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 Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 

Senator Nichols resumed the chair.

There being no further business, at 10:48 AM Senator Nichols moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

__________________________________________

Senator Robert Nichols, Chair

__________________________________________

Amy Jeter, Clerk