MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS

Monday, February 27, 2023

11:00 AM

Senate Chamber

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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 State Affairs was held on Monday, February 27, 2023, in the Senate Chamber.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Bryan Hughes, Chair	None
Senator Angela Paxton, Vice Chair
Senator Paul Bettencourt
Senator Brian Birdwell
Senator Morgan LaMantia
Senator José Menéndez
Senator Mayes Middleton
Senator Tan Parker
Senator Charles Perry
Senator Charles Schwertner
Senator Judith Zaffirini

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The chair called the meeting to order at 11:09 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senators Bettencourt, Menendez, Perry, and Paxton.

Senator Zaffirini moved adoption of the committee rules. Senator Birdwell seconded the motion.

The chair laid out SB 578 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.

Senator Hughes moved that SB 578 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 599 and recognized the author, Senator Birdwell, 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 Hughes moved that SB 599 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 11:36 AM Senator Paxton assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SCR 17 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 Paxton moved that SCR 17 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2 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 Paxton moved that SB 2 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 559 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 Paxton moved that SB 559 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 2:16 PM Senator Hughes assumed the chair.

As a matter of pending business, the Chair laid out SB 578. Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 578 be reported favorably to the 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. Senator Zaffirini moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

As a matter of pending business, the Chair laid out SB 599. Senator Birdwell moved that SB 559 be reported favorably to the 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. Senator Birdwell moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

At 2:22 PM Senator Paxton assumed the chair.

As a matter of pending business, Senator Paxton laid out SB 2. Senator Hughes moved that SB 2 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 3 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

As a matter of pending business, Senator Paxton laid out SCR 17. Senator Hughes moved that SCR 17 be reported favorably to the 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. Senator Hughes moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

As a matter of pending business, Senator Paxton laid out SB 559. Senator Hughes moved that SB 559 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 3 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

At 2:24 PM Senator Hughes assumed the chair.

Senator Perry submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on the following bills: SB 2, SB 578, SB 559, SB 599, and SCR 17.

There being no further business, at 2:26 PM Senator Hughes moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Bryan Hughes, Chair

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Taryn Taylor, Clerk