MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

8:00 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 Transportation was held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Robert Nichols, Chair

 

Senator Sarah Eckhardt

Senator Royce West, Vice Chair

 

 

Senator Carol Alvarado

 

 

Senator Kelly Hancock

 

 

Senator Phil King

 

 

Senator Borris Miles

 

 

Senator Tan Parker

 

 

Senator Charles Perry

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM. The following business was transacted:

 

The chair laid out HB 3125 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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 Nichols moved that HB 3125 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 2083 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Sparks, to explain the bill. The chair opened the floor for public testimony. There being no public testimony, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Nichols moved that HB 2083 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 1964 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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 Nichols moved that HB 1964 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 1277 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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 Nichols moved that HB 1277 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 2921 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Alvarado, to explain the bill. The chair opened the floor for public testimony. There being no public testimony, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Nichols moved that HB 2921 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 3989 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Alvarado, to explain the bill.

 

The roll was called, and a quorum was established.

 

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 Nichols moved that HB 3989 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 3643 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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 Nichols moved that HB 3643 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 659 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Parker, to explain the bill. The chair opened the floor for public testimony. There being no public testimony, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Nichols moved that HB 659 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 898 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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 Nichols moved that HB 898 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2195 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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 Nichols moved that HB 2195 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 282 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill. Senator Hancock sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Hancock to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.  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 Nichols moved that HB 282 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 4797 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Hancock, 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 Nichols moved that HB 4797 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 1275 and recognized Senator Alvarado, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, 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 Nichols moved that HB 1275 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator West assumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out HB 627 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Nichols, 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 627 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 628 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Nichols, 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 628 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 1846 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Nichols, 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 1846 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 1885 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Nichols, 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 1885 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 2901 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Nichols, to explain the bill. The chair opened the floor for public testimony. There being no public testimony, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Nichols moved that HB 2901 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 HB 627, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator Nichols moved that HB 627 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 HB 628, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator Nichols moved that HB 628 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 HB 1846, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator Nichols moved that HB 1846 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 HB 1885, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator Nichols moved that HB 1885 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Nichols resumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out HB 282, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator Hancock moved adoption of a committee substitute sent up earlier in the hearing; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hancock moved that HB 282 do not pass but that CSHB 282 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 1 absent. Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hancock moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 659, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator Hancock moved that HB 659 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hancock moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 898, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator West moved that HB 898 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 HB 1275, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator West moved that HB 1275 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 HB 1277, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator West moved that HB 1277 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 HB 1964, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator West moved that HB 1964 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.  Senator Parker requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 HB 2083, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator West moved that HB 2083 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 HB 2195, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator West moved that HB 2195 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 HB 2921, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator Alvarado moved that HB 2921 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Alvarado moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 3125, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator West moved that HB 3125 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 HB 3643, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator King moved that HB 3643 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 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 HB 3989, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator Alvarado moved that HB 3989 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Alvarado moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 4797, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing. Senator Hancock moved that HB 4797 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hancock moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 1263, which had been left pending at a previous hearing. Senator Miles moved that HB 1263 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Miles moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

As a matter of pending business, the Chair laid out HB 3099, in lieu of SB 1542. Senator West sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator West to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.  Senator West moved adoption of  the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator West moved that HB 3099 do not pass but that CSHB 3099 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 1 absent. Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator West moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

As a matter of pending business, the Chair laid out HB 3156, in lieu of SB 2179.  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 Nichols moved that HB 3156 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2376, which had been left pending at a previous hearing. Senator Alvarado moved that SB 2376 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 1 absent.  Senator Parker and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

There being no further business, at 9:14 AM Senator Nichols moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

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Senator Robert Nichols, Chair

 

 

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Amy Jeter, Clerk