MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

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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 Natural Resources & Economic Development was held on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:		MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Brian Birdwell, Chair		None
Senator Judith Zaffirini, Vice Chair
Senator Carol Alvarado
Senator César Blanco
Senator Kelly Hancock
Senator Bryan Hughes
Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Senator Borris Miles
Senator Kevin Sparks

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Alvarado, Senator Sparks, Senator Zaffirini, Senator Hancock, Senator Miles and Senator Hughes

A quorum was established at 9:48 and the following business was transacted:

The chair laid out HB 3235 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Campbell, to explain the bill.

Witnesses registered 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 HB 3235 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4660 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Campbell, to explain the bill.

Witnesses registered 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 HB 4660 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4451 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Flores, 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 Birdwell moved that HB 4451 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 5264 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill.

Senator Kolkhorst sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Kolkhorst 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 Birdwell moved that HB 5264 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 26 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Blanco, to explain the bill.

Senator Blanco sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Blanco to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.

Witnesses registered 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 HB 26 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1703 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Blanco, 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 Birdwell moved that HB 1703 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 5178 and recognized Senator Blanco, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.

Witnesses registered 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 HB 5178 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4494 and recognized Senator Blanco, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.

Witnesses registered 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 HB 4494 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4565 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator LaMantia, to explain the bill.

Senator Blanco sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator LaMantia 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 Birdwell moved that HB 4565 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 915 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Parker, to explain the bill.

Senator Sparks sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Parker 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 Birdwell moved that HB 915 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4119 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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 Birdwell moved that HB 4119 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2466 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator West, to explain the bill.

Senator Zaffirini sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator West 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 Birdwell moved that HB 2466 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4047 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill.

Senator Zaffirini sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Zaffirini 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 Birdwell moved that HB 4047 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1302 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill.

Senator Zaffirini sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Zaffirini 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 Birdwell moved that HB 1302 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3453 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Miles, to explain the bill.

Senator Miles sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Miles 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 Birdwell moved that HB 3453 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 33 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Springer, to explain the bill.

Senator Hancock sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Springer 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 Birdwell moved that HB 33 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2975 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Hancock, 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 Birdwell moved that HB 2975 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2262 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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 Birdwell moved that HB 2262 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2263 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill.

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.

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 HB 2263 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 10:48 AM Senator Birdwell moved that the Committee stand recessed until after adjournment of the Senate. Without objection, it was so ordered.

At 8:00 PM Senator Birdwell reconvened the meeting.

The chair laid out HB 4390 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill.

Senator Alvarado sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Bettencourt 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 Birdwell moved that HB 4390 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3837 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Sparks, to explain the bill.

Senator Sparks sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Sparks to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed. Senator Birdwell moved that the committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

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 HB 3837 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2847 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Sparks, to explain the bill.

Senator Sparks sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Sparks 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 Birdwell moved that HB 2847 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4932 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Sparks, to explain the bill.

Witnesses registered 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 HB 4932 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 8:38 PM Senator Hancock assumed the chair.

The chair laid out HB 3727 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill.

Senator Birdwell sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Birdwell to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed. Senator Hancock moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Witnesses registered 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 Hancock moved that HB 3727 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4885 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 Birdwell moved that HB 4885 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 5012 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill.

Witnesses registered 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 Hancock moved that HB 5012 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 8:47 PM Senator Birdwell resumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 2466.

Senator Hughes moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hughes moved that HB 2466 do not pass but that CSHB 2466 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, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 2466. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 2466.

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 5178.

Senator Hughes moved that HB 5178 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, 1 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 5178. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 5178.

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 4494.

Senator Hughes moved that HB 4494 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 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 4494. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 4494.

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 3235.

Senator Hughes moved that HB 3235 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 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 3235. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 3235.

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 4660.

Senator Hughes moved that HB 4660 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 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 4660. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 4660.

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 4451.

Senator Hughes moved that HB 4451 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 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 4451. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 4451.

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 4565.

Senator Hughes moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hughes moved that HB 4565 do not pass but that CSHB 4565 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 4565. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 4565.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 915.

Senator Hughes moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hughes moved that HB 915 do not pass but that CSHB 915 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, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 915. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 915.

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 4119.

Senator Hughes moved that HB 4119 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 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 4119. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 4119.

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 2975.

Senator Hancock moved that HB 2975 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 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 2975. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 2975.

Senator Hancock 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 3453.

Senator Miles moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Miles moved that HB 3453 do not pass but that CSHB 3453 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, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 3453. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 3453.

Senator Miles 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 2262.

Senator Miles moved that HB 2262 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, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 2262. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 2262.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 2263.

Senator Hughes moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hughes moved that HB 2263 do not pass but that CSHB 2263 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 2263. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 2263.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 26.

Senator Blanco moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Blanco moved that HB 26 do not pass but that CSHB 26 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 26. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 26.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 1703.

Senator Blanco moved that HB 1703 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 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 1703. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 1703.

Senator Blanco 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 2847.

Senator Sparks moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Sparks moved that HB 2847 do not pass but that CSHB 2847 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, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 2847. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 2847.

Senator Sparks 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 3837.

Senator Sparks moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Sparks moved that HB 3837 do not pass but that CSHB 3837 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, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 3837. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 3837.

Senator Sparks 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 4932.

Senator Sparks moved that HB 4932 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 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 4932. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 4932.

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

At 9:03 PM Senator Hancock assumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 3727.

Senator Birdwell moved that HB 3727 do not pass but that CSHB 3727 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, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 3727. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 3727.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 4885.

Senator Birdwell moved that HB 4885 do not pass but that CSHB 4885 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, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 4885. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 4885.

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 5012.

Senator Birdwell moved that HB 5012 do not pass but that CSHB 5012 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, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Zaffirini submitted a motion writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 5012. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 5012.

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

At 9:05 PM Senator Birdwell resumed the chair.

There being no further business, at 9:07 PM Senator Birdwell moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Brian Birdwell, Chair

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Jennifer Trevino, Clerk