MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS

Thursday, March 27, 2025

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, March 27, 2025, in the Senate Chamber.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Bryan Hughes, Chair	Senator Charles Schwertner
Senator Angela Paxton, Vice Chair
Senator Paul Bettencourt
Senator Brian Birdwell
Senator Bob Hall
Senator Adam Hinojosa
Senator Mayes Middleton
Senator Tan Parker
Senator Charles Perry
Senator Judith Zaffirini

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:11 AM.

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Bettencourt, Senator Birdwell, Senator Hall, Senator Hinojosa, Senator Middleton, Senator Parker, Senator Paxton, Senator Zaffirini.

Upon the arrival of Senator Paxton a quorum was present. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

At 9:12 AM Senator Perry assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 31 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

At 9:18 AM Senator Hughes resumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 33 and recognized the author, Senator Campbell, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

Senator Hughes moved that SB 31 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hughes moved that SB 33 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 9:50 AM Senator Hughes moved that the Committee stand recessed until 30 minutes after adjournment of the Senate. Without objection, it was so ordered.

At 1:20 PM Senator Hughes reconvened the meeting.

The chair laid out SJR 27 and recognized the author, Senator Huffman, 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 SJR 27 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 1:44 PM Senator Hall assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 2880 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

At 1:51 PM Senator Hughes resumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 33 and recognized the author, Senator Campbell.

At 2:10 PM Senator Hall assumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 31 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes. 

At 2:10 PM Senator Hughes resumed the chair.

Public testimony resumed on SB 31 and SB 33, in addition to SB 2880.  The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that SB 31, SB 33, and SB 2880 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2024 and recognized the author, Senator Perry, to explain the bill. Senator Hall sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized the author to explain the difference 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 2024 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1868 and recognized the author, Senator Perry, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

At 5:17 PM Senator Paxton assumed the chair.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Paxton moved that SB 1868 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 6:50 PM Senator Hughes resumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 779 and recognized the author, Senator Middleton. Senator Middleton sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized the author to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. Senator Middleton moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Parker moved that SB 779 do not pass but that CSSB 779 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 3 absent.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1378 and recognized the author, Senator Parker. Senator Birdwell moved that SB 1378 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 SB 1386 and recognized the author, Senator Huffman. Senator Parker moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Middleton moved that SB 1386 do not pass but that CSSB 1386 be reported back 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 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 SB 287 and recognized the author, Senator Miles. Senator Parker moved that SB 287 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 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 SB 291 and recognized the author, Senator Schwertner. Senator Hall moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hall moved that SB 291 do not pass but that CSSB 291 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 Hinojosa 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 292 and recognized the author, Senator Schwertner. Senator Hall moved that SB 292 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 SB 508 and recognized the author, Senator Bettencourt. Senator Hall moved that SB 508 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 SB 618 and recognized the author, Senator Sparks. Senator Parker moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Parker moved that SB 618 do not pass but that CSSB 618 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 Hinojosa 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 901 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst. Senator Middleton moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Middleton moved that SB 901 do not pass but that CSSB 901 be reported back 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 Hinojosa 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 1436 and recognized the author, Senator Bettencourt. Senator Middleton moved that SB 1436 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 Hinojosa 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 1494 and recognized the author, Senator Johnson. Senator Parker moved that SB 1494 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 Parker moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 7:04 PM Senator Paxton assumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 29 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes. Senator Hall sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized the author 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 SB 29 do not pass but that CSSB 29 be reported back 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 Hinojosa 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 964 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes. Senator Paxton sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized the author 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 SB 964 do not pass but that CSSB 964 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 Hall 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 2312 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill. Senator Paxton sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized the author 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 SB 2312 do not pass but that CSSB 2312 be reported back 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 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 SB 1719 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill. Senator Hughes moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that SB 1719 do not pass but that CSSB 1719 be reported back 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 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 SB 1333 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill. Senator Paxton sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized the author 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 SB 1333 do not pass but that CSSB 1333 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 Birdwell moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt submitted a Motion In Writing voting aye on the following bills: SB 29, SB 287, SB 291, SB 508, SB 618, SB 779, SB 901, SB 964, SB 1333, SB 1378, SB 1386, SB 1436, SB 1494, SB 1719, and SB 2312.

Senator Perry submitted a Motion In Writing voting aye on the following bills: SB 29, SB 287, SB 291, SB 292, SB 508, SB 618, SB 901, SB 964, SB 1333, SB 1386, SB 1436, SB 1494, SB 1719, and SB 2312.

Senator Zaffirini submitted a Motion In Writing voting aye on the following bills: SB 29, SB 287, SB 901, SB 1378, SB 1386, SB 1494, SB 1719, and SB 2312.

The chair laid out SB 2309 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

At 7:28 PM Senator Hughes resumed the chair.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that SB 2309 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SJR 40 and recognized the author, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill. Senator Birdwell sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized the author to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.

The chair laid out SB 871 and recognized the author, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill. Senator Birdwell sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized the author to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.

Witnesses testifying and registering on SJR 40 and SB 871 are shown on the attached list.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed on SB 871; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that SB 871 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed on SJR 40; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that SJR 40 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SJR 39 and recognized the author, 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 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 SJR 39 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2166 and recognized the author, 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 Hughes moved that SB 2166 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 510 and recognized Senator Hall, in the absence of the author, 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 510 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 8:24 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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Victoria Ross, Clerk