MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS & COMMERCE

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

9:30 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

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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 Business & Commerce was held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Charles Schwertner, Chair	None
Senator Phil King, Vice Chair
Senator César Blanco
Senator Donna Campbell
Senator Brandon Creighton
Senator Nathan Johnson
Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Senator José Menéndez
Senator Mayes Middleton
Senator Robert Nichols
Senator Judith Zaffirini

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The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:30 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called:

Senator César Blanco

Senator Brandon Creighton

Senator Nathan Johnson

The Chair laid out SB 72 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. The Chair moved that SB 72 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator King assumed the chair.

The Chair laid out SB 21 and recognized the author, Senator Schwertner, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

There being no further business, at 10:25 AM Senator King moved that the Committee stand recessed until after adjournment of the Senate. Without objection, it was so ordered.

At 1:00 PM Senator Schwertner reconvened the meeting.

Senator King assumed 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. The Chair moved that SB 21 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Schwertner resumed the chair.

The Chair laid out SB 627 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. The Chair moved that SB 627 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 703 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. The Chair moved that SB 703 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 764 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. The Chair moved that SB 764 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 372 and recognized the author, Senator Campbell, 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. The Chair moved that SB 372 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 262 and recognized the author, Senator Perry, to explain the bill. Senator King sent up the 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. The Chair moved that SB 262 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 370 and recognized the author, Senator Perry, 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. The Chair moved that SB 370 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 140 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. The Chair moved that SB 140 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out SB 495 and recognized the author, Senator Sparks, 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. The Chair moved that SB 495 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Nichols assumed the chair.

The Chair laid out SB 842 and recognized the author, Senator Schwertner, 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. The Chair moved that SB 842 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Schwertner resumed the chair.

There being no further business, at 2:24 PM Senator Schwertner moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the Chair. Without objection, it was so ordered. 

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Senator Charles Schwertner, Chair

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Daniela Velez-Blanc, Clerk