MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Thursday, April 27, 2023

8:45 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.016

 

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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 Thursday, April 27, 2023, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Paul Bettencourt, Chair

 

Senator Sarah Eckhardt

Senator Drew Springer, Vice Chair

 

Senator Roland Gutierrez

Senator Robert Nichols

 

Senator Bob Hall

Senator Angela Paxton

 

Senator Tan Parker

Senator Royce West

 

 

 

*****

 

The chair called the meeting to order at 8:45 AM. The following business was transacted:

 

The following members arrived after the chair gaveled in:

Senator Nichols

Senator Paxton

Senator West

 

The chair laid out SB 887 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill.

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

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 887 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute for SB 2575.  The chair recognized Senator Zaffirini to explain the committee substitute.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2575 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 2371 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill.

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

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 2371 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1526 and recognized the author, 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 1526 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 480 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill.

 

At 9:00 AM Senator Bettencourt moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 9:25 AM Senator Bettencourt reconvened the meeting. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill (SB 480) 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 480 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2577 and recognized the author, Senator Flores, to explain the bill.

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

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2577 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2605 and recognized the author, Senator Flores, to explain the bill.

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

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2605 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 1699 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Flores, to explain the bill.

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

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

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 1699 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2604 and recognized the author, Senator Miles, to explain the bill.

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

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2604 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SJR 64 and recognized the author, Senator West, to explain the bill.

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

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

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SJR 64 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 9:52 AM Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair and Senator West resumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out SB 1251 and recognized the author, Senator Bettencourt, 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 West moved that SB 1251 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 1382 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Bettencourt, 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 West moved that HB 1382 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 10:08 AM Senator West assumed the chair and Senator Bettencourt resumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out SB 1187 and recognized the author, 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 1187 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

 

The chair laid out SB 334 and recognized Senator Paxton, 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 334 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2572 and recognized Senator Paxton, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.

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

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2572 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2574 and recognized Senator Paxton, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.

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

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2574 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2595 and recognized Senator Paxton, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.

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

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

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2595 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1916 and recognized Senator Paxton, 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 Bettencourt moved that SB 1916 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2596 and recognized Senator West, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.

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

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2596 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2597 and recognized Senator West, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.

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

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2597 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2584 and recognized Senator West, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.

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

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2584 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2585 and recognized Senator West, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.

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

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2585 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2588 and recognized Senator Springer, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.

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

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

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2588 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 10:30 AM Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair and Senator Springer resumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out SB 2599 and recognized the author, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill.

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

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

Senator Springer moved that SB 2599 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2600 and recognized the author, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill.

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

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

Senator Springer moved that SB 2600 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 976 by Senator Middleton, SB 977 by Senator Bettencourt, and SB 978 by Senator Bettencourt simultaneously and recognized Senator Bettencourt to explain all three bills.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bills are shown on the attached list.

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

Senator Springer moved that SB 976, SB 977, and SB 978 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 10:59 AM Senator Springer assumed the chair and Senator Bettencourt resumed the chair.

 

There being no further business, at 10:59 AM Senator Bettencourt moved that the Committee stand recessed until after adjournment of the Senate. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Pursuant to a motion made by Senator Bettencourt to suspend Senate Rules 11.10 and 11.18, and adopted by the Senate, the Senate Committee on Local Government reconvened at 2:16 PM in the Betty King Committee Room, 2E.20.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Paul Bettencourt, Chair

 

Senator Roland Gutierrez

Senator Drew Springer, Vice Chair

Senator Sarah Eckhardt

Senator Hall

 

Senator Tan Parker

Senator Robert Nichols

 

 

Senator Angela Paxton

 

 

Senator Royce West

 

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Paxton

 

 

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 887.

Senator Eckhardt moved that SB 887 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

Senator Eckhardt 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 2572.

Senator Nichols moved that SB 2572 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 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 as a matter of pending business SB 2574.

Senator Nichols moved that SB 2574 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 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 as a matter of pending business SB 2577.

Senator Paxton moved that SB 2577 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 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 2584.

Senator Springer moved that SB 2584 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

Senator Springer 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 2585.

Senator Springer moved that SB 2585 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

Senator Springer 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 2588.

Senator Nichols moved that SB 2588 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 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 as a matter of pending business SB 2595.

Senator West moved to adopt the committee substitute for SB 2595.

Senator West moved that SB 2595 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 called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

Senator West 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 2596.

Senator Hall moved that SB 2596 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 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 2597.

Senator Hall moved that SB 2597 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

Senator Springer 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 2604.

Senator West moved that SB 2604 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

Senator West 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 2605.

Senator Paxton moved that SB 2605 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 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 the committee substitute for SB 2575.

Senator Nichols adopted the committee substitute for SB 2575.

Senator Nichols moved that SB 2575 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 called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 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 as a matter of pending business SB 1187.

Senator Springer moved that SB 1187 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

Senator Springer 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 64.

Senator Eckhardt moved to adopt the committee substitute for SJR 64.

Senator Eckhardt moved that SJR 64 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 called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

 

At 2:31 PM Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair and Senator Springer resumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2599.

Senator Nichols moved that SB 2599 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 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 as a matter of pending business SB 2600.

Senator Hall moved that SB 2600 be reported to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair called for a vote - the motion carried with a record vote of 7 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.

 

At 2:33 PM Senator Springer assumed the chair and Senator Bettencourt resumed the chair.

 

There being no further business, at 2:33 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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Marissa Pryor, Clerk