MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS

Thursday, May 18, 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 Thursday, May 18, 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 9:01 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The Chair laid out HB 3137 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Springer, 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 3137 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 3949 and recognized Senator Springer, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one being registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 3949 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 4843 and recognized Senator Springer, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute. The Chair recognized Senator Springer to explain the differences between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one being registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 4843 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 4062 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 4062 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 3742 in the absence of the Senate sponsor. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one being registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 3742 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 461 in the absence of the Senate sponsor. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one being registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 461 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 1737 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one being registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 1737 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 4697 in the absence of the Senate sponsor. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one being registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 4697 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 2626 in the absence of the Senate sponsor. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one being registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 2626 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hughes moves that the Committee on State Affairs stand at ease for an event on the Senate Floor at 9:25 AM; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 10:20 AM, the Senate Committee on State Affairs comes to order.

The Chair laid out HB 3712 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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 HB 3712 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 4507 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Alvarado, to explain the bill. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one being registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 4507 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 1848 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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 HB 1848 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 4053 as the Senate sponsor. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one being registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 4053 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 1299 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 1299 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 3159 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 3159 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 2329 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. Senator Hughes moved that SB 2329 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 1422 as the Senate sponsor. Senator Hughes moved that HB 1422 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SJR 86 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. Senator Hughes moved that SJR 86 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair opened public testimony on HB 1422, SB 2329, and SJR 86. 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 the bills be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 4621 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 difference 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 4621 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 3046 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 3046 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 4780 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 4780 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out HB 969 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Middleton, 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 969 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out and explained HB 4061 as the Senate sponsor. Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute. Senator Hughes explained 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 4061 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 12:06 PM Senator Hughes moved that the Committee stand recessed until after adjournment of the Senate. Without objection, it was so ordered.

At 9:20 PM Senator Hughes reconvened the meeting.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 824 in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one being registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 824 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 2850 as the Senate sponsor. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one being registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 2850 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 2633 and recognized Senator Perry, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one being registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that SB 2633 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out and explained HB 3058 as the Senate sponsor. The Chair opens public testimony, and with no one being registered to testify, the Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that HB 3058 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 9:23 PM Senator Paxton assumed the chair.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 3058.

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 Hughes moved that HB 3058 do not pass but that CSHB 3058 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.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 2850. Senator Hughes moved that HB 2850 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 HB 4053. Senator Hughes moved that HB 4053 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, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 3159. Senator Hughes moved that HB 3159 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, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 4 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 HB 4062. Senator Hughes moved that HB 4062 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 HB 4061. Senator Hughes moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hughes moved that HB 4061 do not pass but that CSHB 4061 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.

At 10:02 PM Senator Hughes resumed the chair.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 3712. Senator Menéndez moved that HB 3712 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, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 2961. Senator Schwertner moved that HB 2961 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 Schwertner 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 969. Senator Middleton moved that HB 969 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 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 HB 1087. Senator Middleton moved that HB 1087 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.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 1299. Senator Paxton moved that HB 1299 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 HB 2626. Senator Perry moved that HB 2626 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 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 371. Senator LaMantia moved that HB 371 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 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 3046. Senator Paxton moved that HB 3046 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, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 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 1848. Senator Parker moved that HB 1848 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent.

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 3949. Senator Perry moved that HB 3949 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 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 3742. Senator Paxton moved that HB 3742 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 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 4621. Senator Paxton moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Paxton moved that HB 4621 do not pass but that CSHB 4621 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 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 4843. Senator Menéndez moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Menéndez moved that HB 4843 do not pass but that CSHB 4843 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 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 SJR 86. Senator Menéndez moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Menéndez moved that SJR 86 do not pass but that CSSJR 86 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 2329. Senator Menéndez moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Menéndez moved that SB 2329 do not pass but that CSSB 2329 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 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 3137. Senator Schwertner moved that HB 3137 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.

Motions in writing were accepted from Senator Bettencourt and Senator Parker.

There being no further business, at 12:00 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