MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS

Thursday, April 10, 2025

9:00 AM

Senate Chamber

*****

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, April 10, 2025, in the Senate Chamber.

*****

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

*****

The chair called the meeting to order at 9:20 AM.

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Bettencourt, Senator Birdwell, Senator Hinojosa, Senator Parker, Senator Paxton, Senator Perry, and Senator Zaffairini.

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

The chair laid out SB 1065 and recognized the author, 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 SB 1065 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2742 and recognized the author, Senator Hagenbuch, to explain the bill. Witnesses 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 2742 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2743 and recognized the author, Senator Hagenbuch, to explain the bill. Senator Hughes sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Hagenbuch 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 2743 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 9:56 AM Senator Hughes moved that the Committee stand recessed until after adjournment of the Senate. Without objection, it was so ordered.

At 4:26 PM Senator Hughes reconvened the meeting.

The chair laid out SB 2117 and recognized the author, Senator Parker, to explain the bill. Witnesses 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 2117 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 4:34 PM Senator Hall assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 2881 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill.

At 4:36 PM Senator Hughes 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. Senator Hughes moved that SB 2881 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2363 and recognized the author, Senator Creighton, to explain the bill. Senator Hall sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Creighton 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 2363 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 3013 and recognized the author, Senator Creighton, to explain the bill. Senator Perry sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Creighton to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. Witnesses 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 3013 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 3014 and recognized the author, Senator Creighton, to explain the bill. Senator Hall sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Creighton to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. Witnesses 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 3014 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 5:04 PM Senator Perry assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 2217 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill.

At 5:08 PM Senator Hughes 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. Senator Hughes moved that SB 2217 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 5:18 PM Senator Perry assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 2964 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill.

At 5:20 PM Senator Hughes resumed the chair.

Witnesses 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 2964 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2533 and recognized Senator Perry, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill. Senator Hall sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Perry to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. Witnesses 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 2533 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1721 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 Middleton moved that SB 1721 do not pass but that CSSB 1721 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 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 517 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 Middleton moved that SB 517 do not pass but that CSSB 517 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 SB 240 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 Middleton moved that SB 240 do not pass but that CSSB 240 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 3 absent.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2051 and recognized the author, Senator Birdwell. Senator Perry moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hall moved that SB 2051 do not pass but that CSSB 2051 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 SJR 68 and recognized the author, Senator Birdwell. Senator Hall moved that SJR 68 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 SB 801 and recognized the author, Senator Menéndez. Senator Hall moved that SB 801 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 3 ayes, 3 nays, 0 present not voting, and 5 absent. Senator Hughes moved to reconsider the vote by which SB 801 failed to pass; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved that SB 801 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1200 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst. Senator Hall moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hall moved that SB 1200 do not pass but that CSSB 1200 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 SB 1410 and recognized the author, Senator Campbell. Senator Hall moved that SB 1410 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 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 2626 and recognized the author, Senator Campbell. Senator Perry moved that SB 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.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2681 and recognized the author, Senator Bettencourt. Senator Hall moved that SB 2681 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 SB 1717 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 Middleton moved that SB 1717 do not pass but that CSSB 1717 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 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 SJR 63 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 Middleton moved that SJR 63 do not pass but that CSSJR 63 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 3 absent.

At 5:55 PM Senator Paxton assumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1626 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 Hall moved that SB 1626 do not pass but that CSSB 1626 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 3 absent.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1845 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes. Senator Hughes moved that SB 1845 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 1862 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes. Senator Hughes moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hinojosa moved that SB 1862 do not pass but that CSSB 1862 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 3 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 SB 1863 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes. Senator Hughes moved that SB 1863 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.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2216 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes. Senator Hughes moved that SB 2216 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.

Senator Bettencourt submitted a Motion In Writing voting aye on the following bills: SB 240, SB 517, SB 1200, SB 1410, SB 1626, SB 1717, SB 1721, SB 1845, SB 1862, SB 1863, SB 2051, SB 2216, SB 2626, SB 2681, SJR 63, and SJR 68.

Senator Birdwell submitted a Motion In Writing voting aye on the following bills: SB 240, SB 517, SB 1200, SB 1410, SB 1626, SB 1717, SB 1845, SB 1862, SB 1863, SB 2051, SB 2216, SB 2626, SB 2681, SJR 63, and SJR 68.

Senator Zaffirini submitted a Motion In Writing voting aye on the following bills: SB 517, SB 1200, SB 1721, SB 1845, SB 2051, SB 2216, SB 2626, SB 2681, and SJR 68.

At 6:01 PM Senator Hughes resumed the chair.

There being no further business, at 6:02 PM Senator Hughes moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

__________________________________________

Senator Bryan Hughes, Chair

__________________________________________

Victoria Ross, Clerk