MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

9:00 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 Natural Resources was held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Brian Birdwell, Chair	Senator César Blanco
Senator Judith Zaffirini, Vice Chair	Senator Bryan Hughes
Senator Carol Alvarado
Senator Pete Flores
Senator Kelly Hancock
Senator Tan Parker
Senator Kevin Sparks

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. The following business was transacted:

The chair laid out SB 2351 and recognized the author, Senator Alvarado, to explain the bill.

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

The chair moved to pull down the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Birdwell moved that SB 2351 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

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.

The chair laid out SB 2550 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 Birdwell moved that SB 2550 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SCR 48 and recognized the author, Senator Middleton, to explain the

resolution.

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

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

Senator Birdwell moved that SCR 48 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 9:37 AM Senator Hancock assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 2203 and recognized the author, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill.

Senator Birdwell sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Birdwell 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 to pull down the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hancock moved that SB 2203 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 9:44 AM Senator Birdwell resumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 410.

Senator Hancock sent up a committee substitute.  Senator Hancock moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hancock moved that SB 410 do not pass but that CSSB 410 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

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 as a matter of pending business SCR 48.

Senator Zaffirini moved that SCR 48 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

Senator Zaffirini moved that the resolution 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 2351.

Senator Alvarado sent up a committee substitute.  Senator Alvarado moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Alvarado moved that SB 2351 do not pass but that CSSB 2351 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

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 as a matter of pending business SB 2550.

Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 2550 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present not voting, and 2 absent.

Senator Zaffirini moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 9:50 AM Senator Birdwell moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Brian Birdwell, Chair

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Jennifer Trevino, Clerk