MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

2:00 PM or upon adjournment

Capitol Extension, Room E1.028

 

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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 Local Government was held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Paul Bettencourt, Chair

 

Senator Roland Gutierrez

Senator Drew Springer, Vice Chair

 

 

Senator Sarah Eckhardt

 

 

Senator Bob Hall

 

 

Senator Robert Nichols

 

 

Senator Tan Parker

 

 

Senator Angela Paxton

 

 

Senator Royce West

 

The following members arrived after gaveling in:

Senator Springer, Vice Chair

Senator Eckhardt

Senator Hall

Senator Parker

Senator Paxton

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 4:37 PM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

 

 

 

The chair laid out SB 706 and recognized the author, Senator Miles, to explain the bill.

Senator West sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Miles to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.

Public testimony was opened, but there was no testimony heard.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 706 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1449 and recognized the author, Senator Miles, to explain the bill.

Senator West sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Miles 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 1449 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 849 and recognized the author, Senator Blanco, to explain the bill.

Senator Eckhardt sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Blanco to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.

Public testimony was opened, but there was no testimony heard.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 849 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1155 and recognized the author, Senator Menéndez, to explain the bill.

Senator West sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Menéndez to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.

Public testimony was opened, but there was no testimony heard.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 1155 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1794 and recognized the author, 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 1794 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

 

 

The chair laid out SB 1771 and recognized the author, Senator King, 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 1771 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The roll was called at 5:32 PM - Senator Gutierrez remained absent.

 

The chair laid out SB 369 for a vote. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Springer moved that SB 369 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

 

The chair laid out the committee substitute for SB 491 and recognized Senator Springer to explain the differences between the bill as filed and the committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Springer to adopt the committee substitute. The chair called for the committee substitute to SB 491 be laid out for a vote. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Springer moved that the committee substitute for SB 491 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass, but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.

 

The chair laid out SB 561 for a vote. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Paxton moved that SB 561 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

 

The chair laid out the committee substitute for SB 1412 and recognized Senator Springer to explain the differences between the bill as filed and the committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Springer to adopt the committee substitute. The chair called for the committee substitute to SB 1412 be laid out for a vote. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. The chair moved that the committee substitute for SB 1412 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass, but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed. 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 the committee substitute for SB 1130 and recognized Senator West to adopt the committee substitute. The chair laid out the committee substitute for a vote. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Eckhardt moved that the committee substitute for SB 1130 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass, but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed. 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 the committee substitute for SB 2209  and recognized Senator Springer to adopt the committee substitute. The chair laid out the committee substitute for a vote. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Springer moved that the committee substitute for SB 2209 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass, but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.

 

At 5:39 PM Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair and Senator Springer resumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out SB 1999 for a vote. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Nichols moved that SB 1999 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. 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 SB 2035 for a vote. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Nichols moved that SB 2035 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

 

The chair laid out SB 2037 for a vote. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Nichols moved that SB 2037 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. 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 SB 2038 for a vote. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Nichols moved that SB 2035 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

 

The chair laid out SB 2350 for a vote. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Nichols moved that SB 2350 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. Senator Parker moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 5:45 PM Senator Springer assumed the chair and Senator Bettencourt resumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out SB 2575 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 2575 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2576 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but there was no testimony heard.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2576 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2579 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill. Public testimony was opened, but there was no testimony heard.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2579 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2608 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but there was no testimony heard.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2608 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1214 and recognized the author, Senator Schwertner, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but there was no testimony heard.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 1214 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2005 and recognized the author, Senator LaMantia, 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 2005 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1626 and recognized the author, Senator LaMantia, to explain the bill.

Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator LaMantia 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 1626 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1430 and recognized the author, Senator Hinojosa, 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 1430 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1056 and recognized the author, Senator Hinojosa, to explain the bill.

Senator Eckhardt sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Hinojosa 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 1056 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2512 and recognized the author, Senator West, 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 2512 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 138 and recognized the author, Senator West, 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 138 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2192 and recognized the author, Senator Hall, to explain the bill.

Senator Parker sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Hall to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.

Public testimony was opened, but there was no testimony heard.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2192 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2580 and recognized the author, Senator Nichols, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but there was no testimony heard.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2580 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2594 and recognized the author, Senator Nichols, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but there was no testimony heard.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2594 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 719 and recognized the author, Senator Paxton, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but there was no testimony heard.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 719 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 699 and recognized the author, Senator Eckhardt, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but there was no testimony heard.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 699 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2571 and recognized Senator Parker, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but there was no testimony heard.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2571 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1334 and recognized Senator Parker, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but there was no testimony heard.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 1334 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2583 and recognized Senator Parker, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but there was no testimony heard.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2583 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2603 and recognized Senator Parker, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.

Public testimony was opened, but there was no testimony heard.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2603 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

There being no further business, at 7:18 PM Senator Bettencourt moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Paul Bettencourt, Chair

 

 

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Giovanni Catanzaro, Clerk