MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS & COMMERCE

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

8:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

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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, March 7, 2023, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Charles Schwertner, Chair	None
Senator Phil King, Vice Chair
Senator Brian Birdwell
Senator Donna Campbell
Senator Brandon Creighton
Senator Nathan Johnson
Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Senator José Menéndez
Senator Mayes Middleton
Senator Robert Nichols
Senator Judith Zaffirini

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The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:01 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Creighton, Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Menendez.

The Chair laid out SB 159 and recognized the author, Senator Perry, to explain the bill.

Senator King sent up the committee substitute to SB 159. The Chair recognized the author to explain the difference in the substitute and the 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. The Chair moved that SB 159 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 315 and recognized the author, Senator Hall, 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 SB 315 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 621 and recognized the author, Senator Parker, to explain the bill.

Senator Birdwell sent up the committee substitute to SB 621. The Chair recognized the author to explain the difference in the substitute and the 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. The Chair moved that SB 621 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 58 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. The Chair moved that SB 58 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 853 and recognized the author, Senator Hancock, 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 SB 853 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 105 and recognized the author, Senator Johnson, 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 SB 105 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 271 and recognized the author, Senator Johnson, to explain the bill.

Senator Birdwell sent up the committee substitute. The Chair recognized the author to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. Individuals 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 SB 271 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 222 and recognized the author, Senator Nichols, to explain the bill.

Senator Birdwell sent up a committee substitute.  The Chair recognized the author to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the 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. The Chair moved that SB 222 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Nichols assumed the chair.

The Chair laid out SB 335 and recognized the author, Senator Schwertner, to explain the bill.

Individuals 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 SB 335 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 640 and recognized the author, Senator Schwertner, to explain the bill.  Individuals 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 SB 640 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Schwertner resumed the chair.

There being no further business, at 9:50 AM the Chair moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Charles Schwertner, Chair

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Annika Vandayar, Clerk