MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS

Monday, May 15, 2023

12:30 PM or upon adjournment

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, May 15, 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 7:34 PM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called:

Senator Angela Paxton

Senator Paul Bettencourt

Senator Brian Birdwell

Senator José Menéndez

Senator Mayes Middleton

Senator Tan Parker

Senator Charles Schwertner

The Chair laid out HB 315 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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 HB 315 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 409 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill. Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute.  The Chair recognized Senator Hughes to explain the differences between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 409 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 639 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator LaMantia, to explain the bill. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 639 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 246 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 Hughes moved that HB 246 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 1423 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 1423 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 4333 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Menendez, to explain the bill. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 4333 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 2291 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 2291 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 1825 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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 HB 1825 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 1817 and recognized Senator Perry, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, 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 HB 1817 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 1217 and recognized Senator Bettencourt, in the absence of the Senate sponsor 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 house bill as engrossed. 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 HB 1217 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 891 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 Hughes moved that HB 891 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 3506 as the Senator sponsor. Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute. Senator Hughes to explain the differences between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 3506 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 2800 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Paxton, 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 HB 2800 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 3372 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Parker, to explain the bill. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 3372 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 246. Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 246 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, 3 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 315. Senator Zaffirini moved that HB 315 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, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini 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 409. Senator Zaffirini moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Zaffirini moved that HB 409 do not pass but that CSHB 409 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 Zaffirini 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 639. Senator LaMantia moved that HB 639 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 LaMantia 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 1217. Senator Bettencourt moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 1217 do not pass but that CSHB 1217 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 HB 1423. Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 1423 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 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 HB 1817. Senator Perry moved that HB 1817 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 Perry 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 1825. Senator Birdwell moved that HB 1825 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 HB 2291. Senator Birdwell moved that HB 2291 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.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 2800. Senator Paxton moved that HB 2800 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 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 HB 3372. Senator Parker moved that HB 3372 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 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 891. Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 891 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 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 HB 4333. Senator Menéndez moved that HB 4333 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 Menéndez 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 17. Senator Bettencourt moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 17 do not pass but that CSHB 17 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, 3 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 2138. Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 2138 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 HB 3297. Senator Middleton moved that HB 3297 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 8:45 PM Senator Paxton assumed the chair.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 3506. Senator Hughes moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 3506 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.

At 8:46 PM Senator Hughes resumed the chair.

The Chair laid out HB 2837 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Schwertner, 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 Schwertner moved that HB 2837 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.

The Chair laid out HB 1181 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Paxton, to explain the bill. Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute.  The Chair recognized Senator Paxton to explain the differences between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed. 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 HB 1181 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 made a motion that all Senators on the State Affairs Committee be signed on to HB 1181: without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 5180 as the Senator sponsor. Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Hughes to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 5180 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 10:20 PM Senator Paxton assumed the chair.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 5180.

Senator Hughes moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 5180 do not pass but that CSHB 5180 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. Senator Hughes moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 10:21 PM Senator Hughes resumed the chair.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 1696 as the Senator sponsor. 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 HB 1696 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 1243 as the Senate sponsor. 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 HB 1243 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 18 as the Senate sponsor. Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute.  The Chair recognized Senator Hughes to explain the differences between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed. 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 HB 18 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 11:26 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