MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS

Monday, March 27, 2023

9:00 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, March 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 9:11 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called:

Senator Charles Perry

Senator Tan Parker

The Chair laid out SB 1446 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill.

Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute, and explained differences 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 Hughes moved that SB 1446 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1060and recognized the author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill.

Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute, and explained differences 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 Hughes moved that SB 1060 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 975 and recognized the author, Senator Menéndez, 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 975 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1820 and recognized the author, Senator Hall, to explain the bill. Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute, and the author was recognized explained differences 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 Hughes moved that SB 1820 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 990 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. Senator Hughes moved that SB 990 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 397 and recognized the author, Senator Hall, to explain the bill. Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Hall to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. Senator Hughes opened public testimony. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

Senator Hughes moved that SB 397 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 930. Senator Middleton moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Middleton moved that SB 930 do not pass but that CSSB 930 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, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SJR 54. Senator Middleton moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Middleton moved that SJR 54 do not pass but that CSSJR 54 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, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

The Chair laid out SB 500 as a matter of pending business. Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Hughes to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. Senator Hughes moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Parker moved that SB 500 do not pass but that CSSB 500 be reported back 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 Middleton 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 1092. Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 1092 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1909. Senator Bettencourt moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Middleton moved that SB 1909 do not pass but that CSSB 1909 be reported back 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 Bettencourt 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 1910. Senator Parker moved that SB 1910 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, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 20. Senator Middleton moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Middleton moved that SB 20 do not pass but that CSSB 20 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, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 21. Senator Parker moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Parker moved that SB 21 do not pass but that CSSB 21 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, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 23. Senator Bettencourt moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 23 do not pass but that CSSB 23 be reported back 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.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1575.Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 1575 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, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1649. Senator Parker moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Middleton moved that SB 1649 do not pass but that CSSB 1649 be reported back 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 Bettencourt moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 1:22 PM Senator Paxton assumed the chair.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 12. Senator Hughes moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that SB 12 do not pass but that CSSB 12 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, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2087. Senator Hughes moved that SB 2087 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it 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 as a matter of pending business SB 1601.Senator Hughes moved that SB 1601 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1373. Senator Hughes moved that SB 1373 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 2 absent. Senator Hughes 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 1269. Senator Hughes moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that SB 1269 do not pass but that CSSB 1269 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 2 absent.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1927. Senator Hughes moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that SB 1927 do not pass but that CSSB 1927 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, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

At 1:29 PM Senator Hughes resumed the chair.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 397. 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 397 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 1:40 PM Senator Hughes moved that the Committee stand recessed until after adjournment of the Senate. Without objection, it was so ordered.

At 4:42 PM Senator Hughes reconvened the meeting.

At 4:46 PM Senator Paxton assumed the chair.

The Chair laid out SB 1054 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 Paxton moved that SB 1054 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1911 and recognized the author, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill.

Senator Paxton sent up a committee substitute. The Chair recognized Senator Bettencourt to explain the differences between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.

At 5:25 PM Senator Hughes resumed the chair.

Witnesses testifying and registering on SB 1911 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 1911 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1907 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 Hughes moved that SB 1907 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1039 and recognized the author, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill.

Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute. The Chair recognized Senator Bettencourt to explain the differences 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 Hughes moved that SB 1039 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1938 and recognized the author, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill.

Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Bettencourt to explain the differences 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 Hughes moved that SB 1938 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1950 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 Hughes moved that SB 1950 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 477 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill.

Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Zaffirini to explain the differences between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.

At 8:45 PM Senator Birdwell 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. Senator Birdwell moved that SB 477 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 924 and recognized the author, Senator Springer, to explain the bill. Senator Paxton sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Springer to explain the differences 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 Birdwell moved that SB 924 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1807 and recognized the author, Senator Springer, to explain the bill.

Senator Paxton sent up a committee substitute. The Chair recognized Senator Springer to explain the differences between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.=

At 9:08 PM Senator Hughes resumed 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. Senator Hughes moved that SB 1807 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1705 and recognized the author, Senator Middleton, to explain the bill.

Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute. The Chair recognized Senator Middleton to explain the differences 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 Hughes moved that SB 1705 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1661 and explained 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 1661 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 694 and explained 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 694 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 9:45 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

The Chair recognized a motion in writing from Senator Schwertner on the following Senate bills: 1601, 1927, 500, 12, 1909, 1910, 20, 21, 23, 1575, 1649, and 2087.

The Chair recognized a motion in writing from Senator Zaffirini on the following Senate bills: 23, 500, 930, 1373, 1269, 1649, 1909, 1910, 1927, and 2087.

The Chair received a motion in writhing from Senator Perry on the following Senate bills: 500, 1092, 1909, 1910, 20, 21, 23, 1575, 1649,12, 2087, 930, and SJR 54.