MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS & COMMERCE

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

8:30 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 Business & Commerce was held on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Charles Schwertner, Chair

 

None

Senator Phil King, Vice Chair

 

 

Senator Brian Birdwell

 

 

Senator Donna Campbell

 

 

Senator Brandon Creighton

 

 

Senator Nathan Johnson

 

 

Senator Lois Kolkhorst

 

 

Senator José Menéndez

 

 

Senator Mayes Middleton

 

 

Senator Robert Nichols

 

 

Senator Judith Zaffirini

 

 

 

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The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:31 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

 

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Menéndez, Senator Zaffirini.

 

The Chair laid out CSSB 553 by Senator West as a matter of pending business. The committee

substitute was adopted at a previous hearing. Senator King moved that SB 553 do not pass but

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

The Chair laid out SB 1464 by Senator West as a matter of pending business. Senator King moved that SB 1464 be reported favorably to the full 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 SB 761 by Senator Hughes as a matter of pending business. Senator King

moved that SB 761 be reported favorably to the full 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 moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the

Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 1076 by Senator King as a matter of pending business. Senator King

moved that SB 1076 be reported favorably to the full 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 King moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the

Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 1083 by Senator King as a matter of pending business. Senator King moved that SB 1083 be reported favorably to the full 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.

 

The Chair laid out CSSB 1204 by Senator Paxton as a matter of pending business. The committee substitute was adopted at a previous hearing. Senator King moved that SB 1204 do not pass but the committee substitute 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 moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out CSSB 1222 by Senator Zaffirini as a matter of pending business. Senator

King moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King moved that SB 1222 do not pass but the committee substitute 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 moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 1568 by Senator Campbell as a matter of pending business. Senator King

moved that SB 1568 be reported favorably to the full 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 moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out CSSB 1577 by Senator Menéndez as a matter of pending business. Senator

King moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King moved that SB 1577 do not pass but the committee substitute 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 moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 1835 by Senator Hinojosa as a matter of pending business. Senator King

moved that SB 1835 be reported favorably to the full 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 moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the

Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out CSSB 1751 by Senator Kolkhorst as a matter of pending business. Senator

King moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King moved that SB 1751 do not pass but the committee substitute 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 moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out CSSB 1699 by Senator Johnson as a matter of pending business. Senator

King moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King moved that SB 1699 do not pass but the committee substitute 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 moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out CSSB 1929 by Senator Johnson as a matter of pending business. Senator

King moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King moved that SB 1929 do not pass but the committee substitute 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 moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out CSSB 510 by Senator Perry as a matter of pending business. Senator

King moved to withdraw the previous committee substitute that was considered at the March

14, 2023 Hearing. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King sent up a new committee substitute to SB 510. The Chair recognized Senator Perry to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King moved that SB 510 do not pass but the committee substitute 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 moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out CSSB 1425 by Senator Perry as a matter of pending business. Senator

King moved to withdraw the previous committee substitute that was considered at the March

30, 2023 Hearing. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King sent up a new committee substitute to SB 1425. The Chair recognized Senator Perry to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King moved that SB 1425 do not pass but the committee substitute 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 moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out CSSB 1710 by Senator Perry as a matter of pending business. Senator

King moved to withdraw the previous committee substitute that was considered at the March

30, 2023 Hearing. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King sent up a new committee substitute to SB 1710. The Chair recognized Senator Perry to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King moved that SB 1710 do not pass but the committee substitute 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 moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 853 by Senator Hancock as a matter of pending business. Senator King

sent up the committee substitute to SB 853. The Chair recognized the author to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King moved that SB 853 do not pass but the committee substitute 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 CSSB 1117 by Senator Hancock as a matter of pending business. Senator

King moved to withdraw the previous committee substitute that was considered at the March

21, 2023 Hearing. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King sent up a new committee substitute to SB 1117. The Chair recognized the author to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. Senator King moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator King moved that SB 1117 do not pass but the committee substitute do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 3 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

 

Senator King assumed the chair.

 

The Chair laid out SB 1093 by Senator Schwertner as a matter of pending business. Senator Nichols sent up the committee substitute to SB 1093. The Chair recognized the author to explain

the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. Senator Nichols moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Nichols moved that SB 1093 do not pass but the committee substitute 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 Nichols

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

The Chair laid out CSSB 2399 by Senator Schwertner as a matter of pending business. Senator

Nichols moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Nichols moved that SB 2399 do not pass but the committee substitute 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 Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Schwertner resumed the chair.

 

The Chair laid out SB 1732 and recognized the author, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill.

Senator King sent up the committee substitute to SB 1732. The Chair recognized the author

to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved adoption of the

committee substitute; 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. The Chair moved that CSSB 1732 be left pending; without

objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SJR 57 and recognized the author, Senator Parker, to explain the bill. Individuals 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. The Chair moved that SJR 57 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 2040 and recognized the author, Senator Springer, to explain the bill.

 

Senator Nichols assumed the chair.

 

Senator Schwertner 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. The Chair moved that

SB 2040 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 613 and recognized the author, Senator Springer, to explain the bill.

Senator Birdwell sent up the committee substitute to SB 613. The Chair recognized the author

to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. The Chair moved adoption of the

committee substitute; 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. The Chair moved that CSSB 613 be left pending; without

objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Nichols assumed the chair.

 

The Chair laid out SB 1514 and recognized the author, Senator Schwertner, to explain the bill. Senator Schwertner sent up the committee substitute to SB 1514. The Chair recognized the author to explain the difference in the substitute and the 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. The Chair moved that SB 1514 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 1659 and recognized the author, Senator Schwertner, to explain the bill. Senator Schwertner sent up the committee substitute to SB 1659. The Chair recognized the author to explain the difference in the substitute and the bill as filed. Individuals 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. The Chair moved that SB 1659 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Schwertner resumed the chair.

 

The Chair laid out SB 1119 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill. Individuals 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. The Chair moved that SB 1119 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 1639 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill. Witness 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. The Chair moved that SB 1639 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 986 and recognized the author, Senator Creighton, to explain the bill. Witness testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

 

At 10:50 AM, the Chair moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair.

 

At 5:26 PM, Vice Chair King called the meeting back to order and reopened public testimony on SB 986.

 

Senator Schwertner resumed the Chair.

 

The Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair moved that SB 986 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 814 and recognized the author, Senator Creighton, to explain the bill. The Chair sent up the committee substitute to SB 814. The Chair recognized the author to explain the difference in the substitute and the 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. The Chair moved that SB 814 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

There being no further business, at 7:09 PM, the Chair moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Charles Schwertner, Chair

 

 

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Annika Vandayar, Clerk