MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS & COMMERCE

Tuesday, April 18, 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, April 18, 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 8:00 AM. The following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Creighton, Senator Johnson, Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Menéndez, Senator Middleton, Senator Zaffirini.

The Chair laid out SB 1712 and recognized the author, Senator Perry, to explain the bill.

Senator King sent up the committee substitute to SB 1712. The Chair recognized the author to

explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved

adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  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 CSSB 1712 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Quorum was established with the arrival of Senator Johnson at 8:03 AM.

The Chair laid out SB 1171 and recognized the author, Senator Perry, 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 1171 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 2314 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. The Chair moved that SB 2314 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 554 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill. Senator King sent up the committee substitute to SB 554. The Chair recognized the author to

explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved

adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 CSSB 554 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1525 and recognized the author, Senator Blanco, to explain the bill. Senator King sent up the committee substitute to SB 1525. The Chair recognized the author to

explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved

adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 CSSB 1525 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1320 and recognized the author, Senator Sparks, 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 1320 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 2460 and recognized the author, Senator Hall, to explain the bill. Senator King sent up the committee substitute to SB 2460. The Chair recognized the author to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 CSSB 2460 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1519 and recognized the author, Senator King, 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 1519 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1597 and recognized the author, Senator Hancock, 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 1597 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1858 and recognized the author, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill. Senator King sent up the committee substitute to SB 1858. The Chair recognized the author to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 CSSB 1858 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SCR 4 and recognized the author, Senator Eckhardt, 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 SCR 4 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 2358 and recognized the author, Senator Parker, 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 2358 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 2016 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill. Senator Zaffirini sent up the committee substitute to SB 2016. The Chair recognized the author to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 CSSB 2016 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1579 and recognized the author, Senator Bettencourt, 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 1579 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 2250 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill. Senator Zaffirini sent up the committee substitute to SB 2250. The Chair recognized the author to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 CSSB 2250 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1766 and recognized the author, Senator Creighton, 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 1766 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 2453 and recognized the author, Senator Menéndez, to explain the bill.

Senator Nichols assumed the chair.

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 2453 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1802 and recognized the author, Senator Springer, 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 1802 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 2008 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst, 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 2008 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1159 and recognized the author, Senator Johnson, to explain the bill. Senator Johnson sent up the committee substitute to SB 1159. 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 CSSB 1159 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1268 and recognized the author, Senator Johnson, to explain the bill. Senator Johnson sent up the committee substitute to SB 1268. 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 CSSB 1268 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 2105 and recognized the author, Senator Johnson, to explain the bill. Senator Johnson sent up the committee substitute to SB 2105. 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 CSSB 2105 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Schwertner resumed the chair.

The Chair laid out SB 741 and recognized the author, Senator Middleton, to explain the bill. Senator Middleton sent up the committee substitute to SB 741. 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 CSSB 741 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1393 and recognized the author, Senator Middleton, to explain the bill. Senator Middleton sent up the committee substitute to SB 1393. The Chair moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 CSSB 1393 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1217 and recognized the author, Senator Middleton, to explain the bill. Senator Middleton sent up the committee substitute to SB 1217. The Chair recognized the author to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed.

Senator Nichols assumed the chair.

Senator Schwertner resumed the chair.

At 10:50 AM, the Chair moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair.

At 4:29 PM, the Chair called the meeting back to order.

The Chair laid out CSSB 983 by Senator Paxton as a matter of pending business. Senator

Birdwell moved to withdraw the previous committee substitute that was considered at the April 11, 2023 Hearing. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Birdwell sent up a new committee substitute to SB 983. The Chair recognized Senator Paxton to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved that CSSB 983 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1621 by Senator Kolkhorst as a matter of pending business. Senator Kolkhorst sent up the committee substitute to SB 1621. The Chair recognized the author to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair moved that CSSB 1621 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 246 by Senator Alvarado as a matter of pending business. Senator King

moved that SB 246 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do

pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. The Chair moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 943 by Senator Kolkhorst as a matter of pending business. Senator Kolkhorst moved that SB 943 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. The Chair moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out CSSB 983 by Senator Paxton as a matter of pending business. Senator King moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King moved that SB 983 do not pass but the committee substitute do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. The Chair moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out CSSB 1075 by Senator King as a matter of pending business. Senator King moved to withdraw the previous committee substitute that was considered at the April 11, 2023 Hearing. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King sent up a new committee substitute to SB 1075. The Chair recognized Senator King to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King moved that SB 1075 do not pass but the committee substitute do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. The Chair moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1371 by Senator Johnson as a matter of pending business. Senator King moved that SB 1371 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. The Chair moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1639 by Senator Zaffirini as a matter of pending business. Senator Zaffirini sent up the committee substitute to SB 1639. The Chair recognized the author to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 1639 do not pass but the committee substitute do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 10 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

The Chair laid out CSSB 1658 by Senator Hinojosa as a matter of pending business. Senator

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

King moved that SB 1658 do not pass but the committee substitute do pass and be printed. The

motion carried with a record vote of 11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. The

Chair moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar;

without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 2214 by Senator Blanco as a matter of pending business. Senator King moved that SB 2214 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. The Chair moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1615 by Senator Zaffirini as a matter of pending business. Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 1615 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

The Chair laid out CSSB 1217 by Senator Middleton as a matter of pending business. 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 CSSB 1217 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1828 and recognized the author, 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

SB 1828 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 5:40 PM, 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