MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Monday, May 1, 2023

9:30 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.028

 

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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 Local Government was held on Monday, May 1, 2023, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Paul Bettencourt, Chair

 

None

Senator Drew Springer, Vice Chair

 

 

Senator Sarah Eckhardt

 

 

Senator Roland Gutierrez

 

 

Senator Bob Hall

 

 

Senator Robert Nichols

 

 

Senator Tan Parker

 

 

Senator Angela Paxton

 

 

Senator Royce West

 

 

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:30 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

 

The following members arrived after the gavel:

Senator Drew Springer, Vice Chair

Senator Eckhardt

Senator Gutierrez

Senator Hall

Senator Nichols

Senator Parker

Senator Paxton

Senator West

The chair laid out SB 2526 and recognized the author, Senator Campbell, 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 2526 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 349 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Flores, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but no testimony was taken.

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 349 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2609 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but no testimony was taken.

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2609 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1316 and recognized the author, Senator Eckhardt, 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 1316 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Roll call was taken at 9:48 AM - Senator Gutierrez arrived after roll call.

 

At 9:49 AM Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair and Senator Springer resumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out SB 1546 and recognized the author, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill.

Senator Hall sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Bettencourt 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 Springer moved that SB 1546 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Springer assumed the chair and Senator Bettencourt resumed the chair.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The chair laid out SB 2529 and recognized the author, Senator Parker, to explain the bill.

Senator Hall sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Parker 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 2529 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 10:51 AM Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair and Senator Springer resumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1546.

Senator Hall moved to adopt the committee substitute for SB 1546.

Senator Hall moved that SB 1546 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass, but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

Senator Hall moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2434 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.

Senator Springer moved that SB 2434 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 11:00 AM Senator Springer assumed the chair and Senator Bettencourt resumed the chair.

 

There being no further business, at 11:01 AM Senator Springer moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 3:53 PM Senator Bettencourt reconvened the meeting.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Senator Paul Bettencourt, Chair

Senator Drew Springer, Vice Chair

 

The following members arrived after the gavel:

Senator Eckhardt

Senator Gutierrez

Senator Hall

Senator Nichols

Senator Parker

Senator Paxton

Senator West

 

The chair laid out SB 2615 and recognized the author, Senator Menéndez, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but no testimony was taken.

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2615 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 3:59 PM Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair and Senator Springer resumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out HB 586 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but no testimony was taken.

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

Senator Springer moved that HB 586 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 796 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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.

Senator Springer moved that HB 796 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 1922 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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.

Senator Springer moved that HB 1922 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 2071 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but no testimony was taken.

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

Senator Springer moved that HB 2071 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 4:11 PM Senator Springer assumed the chair and Senator Bettencourt resumed the chair.

 

 

The chair laid out SB 2521 and recognized the author, Senator Creighton, to explain the bill.

Senator Springer sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Creighton 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 2521 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2619 and recognized the author, Senator Creighton, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but no testimony was taken.

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2619 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2616 and recognized Senator Eckhardt, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but no testimony was taken.

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2616 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2613 and recognized the author, Senator Parker, 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 2613 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2361 and recognized the author, Senator Parker, 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 2361 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2598 and recognized the author, Senator Paxton, to explain the bill.

Senator Parker sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Paxton 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 2598 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 4:34 PM Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair and Senator Springer resumed the chair.

 

 

The chair laid out HB 3273 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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.

Senator Springer moved that HB 3273 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2570 and recognized Senator Eckhardt, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.

Senator Gutierrez sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Eckhardt 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 Springer moved that SB 2570 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 4:59 PM Senator Springer assumed the chair and Senator Bettencourt resumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1526.

Senator Springer moved that SB 1526 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Springer 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 1804.

Senator Hall moved to adopt the committee substitute for SB 1804.

Senator Hall moved that SB 1804 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass, but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Hall 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 1916.

Senator Paxton moved that SB 1916 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Gutierrez 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 2370.

Senator Springer moved to adopt the committee substitute for SB 2370.

Senator Springer moved that SB 2370 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass, but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Springer 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 2598.

Senator Parker moved to adopt the committee substitute for SB 2598.

Senator Parker moved that SB 2598 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass, but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Parker 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 2609.

Senator Springer moved that SB 2609 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Springer 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 2613.

Senator Paxton moved that SB 2613 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Paxton 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 2615.

Senator West moved that SB 2615 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator West 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 2616.

Senator Eckhardt moved that SB 2616 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Eckhardt 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 2619.

Senator Hall moved that SB 2619 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Hall 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 HB 608.

Senator Springer moved that HB 608 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Springer 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 HB 1925.

Senator Springer moved that HB 1925 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Springer moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 5:19 PM Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair and Senator Springer resumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1251.

Senator Hall moved that SB 1251 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Hall 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 2434.

Senator Parker moved that SB 2434 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 3 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 586.

Senator Hall moved that HB 586 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Hall 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 HB 796.

Senator Hall moved that HB 796 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Hall 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 HB 1922.

Senator Parker moved that HB 1922 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Parker 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 HB 2071.

Senator Parker moved that HB 2071 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 3273.

Senator Parker moved that HB 3273 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Paxton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 5:27 PM Senator Springer assumed the chair and Senator Bettencourt resumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2361.

Senator Springer moved that SB 2361 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Springer moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

There being no further business, at 5:28 PM Senator Bettencourt moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Paul Bettencourt, Chair

 

 

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Marissa Pryor, Clerk