SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Have all registered? The quorum is present. The House and gallery will please rise for the invocation. The Chair recognizes Representative Lewis to introduce our pastor of the day.
REPRESENTATIVE TRYON LEWIS: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and members. Members, it's my honor to introduce to you Pastor Terry Pew who is here today with his wife, Pam. Pastor Pew is a pastor of First United Pentecostal Church in Odessa, which has been a great blessing to our community and to many members there. Pam, along with their son, Jared, also serves as Music Minister and Assistant Pastor respective of that church. At this time I request Pastor Pew to come forward to lead us in prayer.
PASTOR PEW: Let's all bow our heads. Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed though be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. I pray, Oh God, that your will and your purpose will be fulfilled in our nation. I pray that you will direct the decisions and the actions of those who are leaders of our country. I pray, Father, that you will guide the men and the women who have been elected to serve in leadership roles in the State of Texas. The leaders in this room are faced with difficult challenges and tough decisions, they are dealing with issues that do not have simple solutions. I ask that you will give the leaders in this room wisdom, so they will know what is best for Texas. Also give them the courage to do what is best for Texas. Give to each of them the confidence to stand and the boldness to make tough decision and the compassion to listen to the needs of the powers. I pray, Savior, that you will not only give them wisdom and courage but I pray that you will bless them and their families, keep your hand of protection upon them, let the peace that passes all understanding rule in their hearts and in their homes. Oh God of Heaven, I pray that you will be with all of our soldiers, but especially be close to those who are stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the other hot spots around the world; protect them from harm. Shield their minds from overwhelming fear and let them find a shelter in your presence. In Jesus' name. Amen.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Chair recognizes Senator Margo to lead us in the pledge.
REPRESENTATIVE DEE MARGO: Thank you Mr. Speaker, members and honored guests, will you join me in our respective pledges? (Pledges of allegiance to the flags.)
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Chair will now hear absent excuses for members. Excuse Representative Driver because of legislative business on the motion of Representative Fred Brown. Excuse Representative Oliveira because of illness, on the motion of Representative Deshotel. Excuse Representative Truitt because of important business in the district, on the motion of Representative Brown. Please excuse Representative Wayne Smith because of important business in the district, on the motion of Representative Brown. Is there an objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Representative Margo moves the House suspend the reading of referral of bills until the end of today's business. Is there objection? The Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Kleinschmidt to introduce the doctor of the day. Mr. Speaker, members, guests, we have Dr. Steven Yout here today and he practices in my district in the Basstop area, we are a rural area, obviously, and very proud to have him here watching over us today with our health. Dr. Yout comes to us from a general and family medicine practice in Basstop. He's held various honors and positions with Texas Medical Foundation, Texas Medical Board, State Holder panel, the Rural Medicine Curriculum Task Force. He's on the Board of Directors of the Smithville Regional Hospital, involved with the Board of Governors, Medical Director of Bastrop Nursing and Medical Director of Compass Home Health. He holds many positions that are vital to us in our rural areas. Please help me honor Dr. Yout, and welcome him to our House here today, and your House, thank you.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Excuse Representative Lucio because of important business in the district on the motion of Representative Gonzalez. Is there an objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Madam Doorkeeper.
MADAM DOORKEEPER: Mr Speaker, we have a messenger from the Senate at the door of the House.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Admit the messenger.
MESSENGER: Mr. Speaker, I'm directed by the Senate to inform the House that the Senate is taking the following actions.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Members, if you would take your seat. We're about to be joined by U.S. Trade Ambassador Kirk. Please, take your seats.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: (continuing)Chair recognizes Representative Anchia for a motion.
REPRESENTATIVE RAFAEL ANCHIA: Good morning Mr. Speaker and members, I move to suspend all necessary rules to bring up and consider HR516.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Members, you heard the motion. Is there objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out HR516. The Clerk will read the resolution.
CLERK: HR516 by Anchia. WHEREAS, Ambassador Ron Kirk has distinguished himself in his role as United States trade representative, and his dedicated work in that position is indeed deserving of recognition; and WHEREAS, A well-known figure in his home state of Texas, where he held numerous public offices, Ron Kirk was appointed to his present post by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate in March 2009. As trade representative, he is the President's principal advisor, negotiator and spokesperson on trade issues and is a member of the cabinet; and WHEREAS, Ambassador Kirk's tenure as trade representative has been marked by a renewed focus on assisting the nation's small and medium-sized businesses, as well as on a robust enforcement of existing trade agreements; moreover, his office has worked to resolve issues related to pacts that have been signed with Colombia And Panama and to secure congressional approval of a landmark trade agreement with South Korea, in addition to carrying forth many other initiatives; and WHEREAS, In all of his efforts, Ambassador Kirk is motivated By the belief that proactive, responsible trade policies can play an essential role in economic recovery, create jobs in the United States, and assist American companies and workers as they compete in the global economy; and WHEREAS, This accomplished Texan draws on a broad range of experience; the mayor of Dallas from 1995 to 2001, he also served as Texas Secretary of State under Governor Ann Richards, as chair of the state's General Services Commission, and as a legislative aide To U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen; in the course of his law career, he worked as an assistant city attorney for the City of Dallas and as a partner at Vinson & Elkins LLP; and WHEREAS, Our country's economic well-being and international Stature depend on an effective trade policy, and the determined Leadership that Ron Kirk has demonstrated as U.S. trade Representative is furthering that effort in important ways; now Therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby honor Ambassador Ron Kirk for his outstanding work as United States trade representative and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ambassador Kirk as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Chair recognizes Representative Anchia.
REPRESENTATIVE RAFAEL ANCHIA: Thank you Mr. Speaker and members, today we're honored to have with us in the Texas House Ambassador Ron Kirk, the U.S. Trade Representative and a member of the cabinet for the President of the United States, Barack Obama. Ambassador Kirk is a native of Austin and has the distinction of serving as mayor of Dallas from 1995 to 2001, as Secretary of State under Governor Ann Richards, and as Chair of the State's General Services Commission. And, finally, as a legislative aid to U.S. Senator Lloyd Benson. In the course of his law career Ambassador Kirk worked as the Assistant City Attorney for the City of Dallas and as a partner at Vincent and Elkin, pardon me. Mr. Speaker and members, please join me in thanking Ambassador Ron Kirk for his service to this great state and our great nation. I move passage.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Members, you heard the motion. Is there objection? The Chair hears none. So ordered. Members, we would welcome Ambassador Kirk to make a few comments from the podium.
AMBASSADOR RON KIRK: Mr. Speaker and members, first of all, thank you so much for the warm reception. Thank you for the resolution. It is an incredible joy to return home to Texas, more so to return home to my native city of Austin to see so many friends here. I am here as part of a broader effort to move around the country and meet with legislators, mayors, farmers and ranchers and talk about what we're doing in the Obama administration to establish trade as a vital part of America's economic recovery. It's an easier sell in a state like Texas, we are the number one state in exports by a huge margin. It is incredibly important to our economy, so I will have an opportunity to meet with farmers and small business people throughout the balance of my trip. But I am honored and humbled by your recognition. I look forward to working with all of you as we confront some very serious economic challenges, but understand that selling more of what we make and grow is a great way to help put Texans and Americans back to work, and that's what we want to do. And, again, thank you for the recognition. Mr. Speaker, I especially thank you for your hospitality.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Representative Reynolds moves to add all members name. Is there objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Cain.
REPRESENTATIVE ERWIN CAIN: Mr. Speaker, members, I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider House Resolution 458 in honor of the 70th wedding anniversary of Earl and Evelyn Glenn of Sulphur Springs.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. Motion carried. Chair lays out HR458. Clerk will read the order.
CLERK: HR458 by Cain. WHEREAS, A 70th wedding anniversary marks a lifetime of mutual devotion and shared experiences, and Earl and Evelyn Glenn of Sulphur Springs celebrated this joyous milestone in their marriage on January 18, 2011; and WHEREAS, Earl Glenn and the former Evelyn Wallace were joined in matrimony in 1941 at a ceremony held in Yantis; through the Years, they have been blessed with a treasured family that includes a son, Don, and two grandchildren, Justin and Stacy; and WHEREAS, Respected members of their community, Mr. Glenn is retired from a notable career with the Texas Department of Public Safety and Mrs. Glenn has been a dedicated homemaker throughout their marriage; and WHEREAS, This inspiring couple have enjoyed seven decades of abiding love and affection for one another, and they are among an exceptional group of men and women who can claim such a lasting commitment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Earl and Evelyn Glenn on their 70th wedding anniversary and extend to them sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Glenn as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Chair recognizes representative Cain.
REPRESENTATIVE ERWIN CAIN: Thank you Mr. Speaker fellow members today I'm pleased to honor some very special constituents of mine. On January 18th, Earl and Evelyn Glenn of Sulphur Springs celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Over seven decades together Evelyn and Earl have created a family and become representative members of the Sulphur Springs community. Please join me in honoring their longevity and dedication together. Thank you Mr. Speaker I move House Adoption 458.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. Resolution is adopted. Chair recognizes representative Sarah Davis of Harris.
REPRESENTATIVE SARAH DAVIS: Thank you Mr. Speaker, I ask to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider House Resolution 472 honoring the Joseph "Jo Jo" Westmoreland Scholarship Fund and Bar B Queue.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. Motion adopted. Chair lays out HR472.
CLERK: HR472 by Lavender honoring Joseph "Jo Jo" Westmoreland scholarship fund Bar B Queue.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Chair recognizes representative Davis from Harris.
REPRESENTATIVE SARAH DAVIS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move adoption.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Members, you've heard the motion. Any objection? Chair hears none. Motion adopted.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Chair recognizes Representative Flynn.
REPRESENTATIVE DAN FLYNN: Thank you Mr. Speaker and members, I would like to have your attention, if I could. I would like to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider House Resolution 591 recognizing the opening of the John Duey Municipal Center and paying tribute to the lack of service of Lake Jackson City Attorney John Duey.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Members, you've heard the motion. Are there any objections? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out HR591.
CLERK: HR591 by Bonnen, commemorating the dedication of John Duey Municipal Center in Lake Jackson.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Chair recognizes Representative Flynn.
REPRESENTATIVE DAN FLYNN: Mr. Speaker, members, I move adoption.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Hopson for a very important announcement.
REPRESENTATIVE CHUCK HOPSON: Thank you Mr. Speaker, members, Vicki's not here today and she's asked me to announce that the Lecasey boots will be for sale starting Tuesday, March the 1st, Wednesday, March the 2nd and Thursday, March the 3rd from 9:00 to 5:00. And they're going to take an hour break for lunch at 1:00 o'clock. Location is 3W9, directly behind the House of Chambers here. Thank you very much. It will be March 1st through March 3rd, 9:00 to 5:00.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Chair recognizes Representative Weber.
REPRESENTATIVE RANDY WEBER: Thank you Mr. Speaker, members, I'd like to suspend all necessary rules to take up House Resolution Number 555.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out HR555. Clerk will read the order.
CLERK: HR555 by Weber. WHEREAS, Proud residents of Pearland are gathering in Austin on February 23, 2011, to celebrate Pearland Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Located in Brazoria County, Pearland was originally established as Mark Belt in 1893, but in November of that year, its name was changed to Pearland to reflect the large number of pear trees in the area; by 1898, the town had a newspaper, 12 businesses and 75 residents; however, its growth slowed considerably and many of its fruit trees were destroyed when it was hit by the Galveston Hurricane in 1900; the planting of oranges and figs helped revive local agriculture, until the freeze of 1918 caused another wave of damage; Pearland bounced back a second time, though, and in 1934 oil and gas were discovered in the area, prompting significant growth in the decades that followed; and WHEREAS, Today, while enjoying the benefits of its proximity to Houston and such sites as the Johnson Space Center and Galveston Beach, Pearland maintains its own unique character; in 1999, it was named an All-America City by the National Civic League, and its notable attractions include Cole's Antique Village and Flea Market which features more than 900 dealers from across the state, and Pearland Town Center; and WHEREAS, With a colorful history, an abundance of natural resources, and a small-town feel, Pearland is a desirable community in which to live, work, and raise a family, and its residents may indeed take justifiable pride in the place they call home; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 23, 2011, as Pearland Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting delegation that is present at the Capitol today.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Chair recognizes Representative Weber.
REPRESENTATIVE RANDY WEBER: Thank you Mr. Speaker, I move passage.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Weber.
REPRESENTATIVE RANDY WEBER: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Members, we have from our fine city of Pearland people here in the gallery. We want to turn in our direction. Would y'all stand up from Pearland? You see them in the back? Thank y'all very much. For those of you members who may not know where Pearland is, Houston is one of our suburbs. On the dais behind me we have the Honorable Mayor Tom Reed. Mayor, raise your hand. Mayor, thank you for being here. We have Ramone Lazano, vice president of Economic Development Cooperation. We have Carol Loscheck, president of Pearland Chamber of Commerce. Otis Cob, Cob Finley, Austin, (inaudible) and we have Walt, also co-chair and also chairman. Thank y'all for being here. We're going to take a picture. Thank you very much. And thank y'all for your attention. And thank y'all for being and welcome to your House.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Chair recognizes Representative Taylor for an introduction.
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY TAYLOR: Thank you Mr. Speaker and members. I just want to recognize a couple of folks from back home. We have members of the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership. We call it Bay Tran. They're here with us today. Bay Tran was formed in 1990 as a regional transportation management in order to address transportation, mobility and air qualifications for the Greater Bay Area Houston Region, which includes Southwest Harris County, Galveston, Brazoria County including Pearland we just talked about. And we have a couple members here in gallery here. Would y'all stand up so we can recognize you? Welcome to your House and thank you for coming.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Chair recognizes Representative Miller.
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: thank you Mr. Speaker. I'd like to suspend all rules to take up and consider HR449.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Members, you've heard the motion? Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out HR449. Clerk will read the motion.
CLERK: HR4949 by Miller. WHEREAS, Students from the New Braunfels Christian Academy U.S. politics and government college-level advanced placement class are visiting the State Capitol on February 24, 2011; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1981, New Braunfels Christian Academy is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International; The institution offers a number of advanced courses and extracurricular activities to nearly 400 students on two campuses; and WHEREAS, In attendance today are seniors Sarah Adams, Sydney Clark, Dominick Cuppetilli, Sarah Lehmann, Caitlin McKinney, Edward Miller, John Miller, Dylan Ott, Sam Shute, Rachel Starnes, and Kayci Zinkgraf; accompanying the class is educator Laura West, who also teaches pre-AP world geography, pre-AP world history, and German; and. WHEREAS, Committed to providing high-quality, faith-centered education, New Braunfels Christian Academy is helping its students succeed personally and academically, and in so doing, it is building a solid foundation for their future achievement; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby welcome Ms. West and the AP U.S. politics and government class from the New Braunfels Christian Academy to the State Capitol and extend to them sincere best wishes for a memorable trip to Austin; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the group as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Chair recognizes Representative Miller.
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: Mr. Speaker, I move passage.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Miller.
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: Mr. Speaker, members, I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome those 12 senior high school students from New Braunfels Christian Academy that are with us today. They are up in the east side of gallery and I would like for them to stand up and be recognized by the group here. Their -- their teacher, Laura West, is very involved in the community and felt strongly enough that -- about the program and what we do here in the Texas House to bring them to their Capitol, and I've got to tell you, this Christian Academy that was formed in 1981 with only two students has grown to a size of over 400 students now, all working and learning at an advanced rate; with many of them working towards an college preparatory level, including this A.P. class. So I want to congratulate them at New Braunfels Christian Academy and thank you for coming to your Capitol.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Chair recognizes Representative King.
REPRESENTATIVE TRACY O. KING: Thank you Mr. Speaker, members, I move that we suspend all rules necessary to take up and consider House Resolution No. 540.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out HR540. Clerk will read the order.
CLERK: HR540 by King of Zavala. Commemorating the 2011 Fort Clark Days and the Lipan Apache Band of Texas Pow Wow.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Chair recognizes Representative King.
REPRESENTATIVE TRACY O. KING: Mr. Speaker , I move adoption.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes representative Landtroop for recognition.
REPRESENTATIVE JIM LANDTROOP: Thank you Mr. Speaker and members, we are fortunate to have with us today some outstanding sixth graders from up in God's country, Lorenzo, Texas. They're in the gallery up there. If they will please stand. If you will join me in giving them a welcome to their Texas Capitol.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Chair recognizes Representative Lozano -- Munoz. REPRESENTATIVE SERGIO MUNOZ, JR.: Mr. Speaker, members, may I just have your attention for just a second? I would like to recognize two people that are here in the gallery, Miguel (inaudible). Will you please rise? They are the parents of our reading clerk here, Alex, that is here to the left. They are here in the Capitol today and watching him do such a great job. So if we can have a round of applause welcoming them here to the Capitol? And also, if Alex could come here and if he could read this on behalf of the speaker.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Will the reading clerk please read the statement.
CLERK: She sells seashells by the seashore.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Thank you very much Mr. Clerk. Members, Representative Solomons would like to talk to you about redistricting. May we have your attention?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT R. SOLOMONS: Thank you Mr. Speaker and members, I need -- I would like y'all to pay just a little bit of attention to this. I would like to read some stuff because I think it's relevant to what we need you to do, if you want to try and get a map done this session. I want to give you an update on a what the committee is doing and what you can expect and need. There's all kinds of rumors flying around Austin and Washington and, you know, but it's the intention of the past redistricting bill for the Texas Congressional District, the Texas House, the Texas Senate and the State Board of Education, and you know it is our constitutional duty. And, quite frankly, it benefits all of us that we get a map that y'all feel is a member driven map that can hold up, and you don't have to go the courts unnecessarily. Yesterday the committee posted the plan we have for public hearings on all the maps, Congressional State Board of Education, the House District maps. And the dates for those hearings are -- Next Tuesday, the committee is going to have a -- on March 1, about 3:00 o'clock, we're going to have an organization meeting. And a meeting on Tuesday March 15th, we're going to have a meeting at 9:00 a.m. on the State Board of Education maps or districts of what people want and think about. And then a meeting on Thursday and Friday of March 24th and 25th, starting at 9:00 a.m. on the Texas House Districts. And so there's kind of a deadline for you -- not a deadline, but it's a idea that people are going to start coming to the capitol to talk about that to the committee. And then we are going to have a meeting on April 7th at 9:00 a.m. on the Texas Congressional District maps, and the meetings will all be here in the auditorium here in the extension building, as far as we know right now. And it's my intent to send the redistricting maps to the House floor, hopefully before the end of April. As you-all know, that have been here before, we have some time deadlines and you know how May is, at the end; so my hope is to try and get some work completed by the end of April so that we have a little window in here we all have to deal with. As for the House districts, all of you have had a chance to review the census data by now. If you haven't, I'm sorry, but hopefully your staff has and you're getting a better idea of what you're going to need and not need to meet the requirements. After reviewing the numbers as they relate to House districts, there appear to be eight drop-in districts, meaning those that -- the population in those districts are close enough with in the deviations to the ideal district population that the members in those counties will not be able to cross county lines to make up their districts. Right now it looks like Bear County would have ten seats, Dallas County with fourteen, Denton County with four, El Paso County with five, New Axis County with two seats, Torrent County with eleven seats, and Travis County with six seats and Harris County with twenty-five seats. I'd like to request that all the delegations for those counties get together and try to agree on a suggested map for their area. You know, sometimes it may or may not be that easy. Hopefully most of the time y'all will come to some agreement. But I would encourage y'all to work together for the best resolution for your constituents. I'd like you-all to remember that y'all need to come up with the best scenarios. Y'all are going to have the best scenario, the best idea of what you want. You may have to have a plan B but, at the end of the day, the more y'all work together as a delegation the easier this is going to be for everybody. And if you need any guidance on the criteria I'd ask you to work with our redistricting attorneys, and let counsel and our redistricting staff. They're there to help you. In fact, some of you, I have been talking to several members for several days now, obviously. And a lot of the members sort of have an idea of what they want to do and sort of have an idea what to do. Some of the members don't. Some of them haven't been through it, some of them are unsure about the process. These guys will all help you. I'll help you. Everybody is there to help you come up with some idea of what you need to do. And in order for us to have input before the Committee on the House seats, I'd like to request that you have suggestions into the Redistricting Committee by March 23. It takes time to put everything together so the earlier the better. Some districts -- Actually, some delegations I've talked to are really close with coming up with some agreements. On the other hand, March 23 could be a deadline you might want to be aware of. You don't need to file a bill for your district. I'll be filing shell bills for these maps, and then the Redistricting Committee will be working to achieve the best and fair and legal map to address the concerns of the Texas citizens while meeting the legal requirements that guide us. Y'all know we have legal requirements and we're all going to try and work within those legal requirements. And -- But y'all don't need to run out and file separate bills because I'm going to have shell bills. But what we'll do, as we reach agreements, we'll drop those into the final bill and then we'll have a bill on the floor of the House, or several bills on the floor of the House. And, with that, that's basically what I wanted tell you. There are some deadlines, hearing schedules and the idea that the sooner y'all start working together it will make it a lot easier. And, besides that, your own schedules for your own personal legislation, the sooner you get this behind you I think the better off you will be. Yes, I would be happy to yield.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker will the gentleman yield?
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Representative Trey Martinez Fischer, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE TREY MARTINEZ FISCHER: May I yield for some questions, please?
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Absolutely.
REPRESENTATIVE TREY MARTINEZ FISCHER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Burt. Burt, I appreciate the update and thank you for laying all that out. I think this is going to be very important. I do have a couple of questions just based on what you said. You laid out a tentative timeline to hear SBOE maps, House maps and so forth. I am also sort of tracking what I believe to be, you know, the Governor's designated emergency items when the budget is coming to the floor. And to the extent that we'll have some conflict where members may be concentrating on the budget, or members maybe concentrating on emergency matters that may have considerable debate, how sensitive is the committee to being flexible to make sure that any member that wants to participate in either a State Board event, a matter or House matter; that they have that opportunity and will not be torn between focusing on what they need to do on the floor versus what's going on in committee.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT R. SOLOMONS: Well, I've got to have committee hearings. And, right now, this is our proposed plan to when we are going to have hearings about -- from citizens and provide testimony and members, whoever wants to come talk to the committee I've got to have some hearings and those are the dates that I've planned right now. I think, at the end of the day, everybody is going to find time. If they need or want to come down and talk to the committee before or after, during, there is plenty of time to do it. I know everybody is busy but this is something that we got to do.
REPRESENTATIVE TREY MARTINEZ FISCHER: Let's just -- I mean I agree with you, but let's say the budget is scheduled to be debated on March 15th and you have that set for an SPO hearing, how do you put the membership of the committee and the -- to choose between being available for the budget --
REPRESENTATIVE BURT R. SOLOMONS: Well, at the end of the day, I don't think we're going to have the budget on March 15th. But, if we did, we'll make adjustments as we need to.
REPRESENTATIVE TREY MARTINEZ FISCHER: Tha t's all I'm asking. I appreciate that. And you also talked about delegations coming together and working on delegation maps. And I think you said, you know, something to the extent you will give it great consideration. I mean how much difference are you going to give the counties like -- big urban counties like Bear, Harris, and Dallas if they come up with agreed to maps? Is it your position that you're going to defer to those delegations to make up their own minds?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT R. SOLOMONS: My intent is and my goal is to have members agree to whatever they think they can agree to. I do not want to have to, but I will make final decisions if there are disagreements and all. But, at the end of the day, I'm hoping that this body understands if what we're trying to do is come up with a member driven map as to what their agreements are, that will meet the guidelines and be fair, equitable and meet the legal retirements.
REPRESENTATIVE TREY MARTINEZ FISCHER: But assuming all that is in place, it's your intent to let delegations work out their business and present fair maps to the committee?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT R. SOLOMONS: If they can work it out, fine. But, at the end of the day, I intend to have a map.
REPRESENTATIVE TREY MARTINEZ FISCHER: And with respect to the -- there's a distinction, and if you would explain a little bit; there's a distinction between your redistricting staff and then the redistricting staff that works for the House. And could you tell us who they are and make sure that every member of the House knows that if there is redistricting staff attorneys and counsel attorneys that are available to the entire membership, that they know who they can be working with?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT R. SOLOMONS: Well, we have Ryan Douten down the committee office who's a lawyer and also helping draw maps, we have Eduardo here in the Speaker's office helping the members. They're here to actually help the members on questions, issues of concern, on numbers where things -- You know, just explain what -- To help them to get to make their decisions.
REPRESENTATIVE TREY MARTINEZ FISCHER: And they help -- work for the body?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT R. SOLOMONS: Not here but -- Yeah, work for the body. They're not here to tell you what you should do, they're here to tell you sort of what maybe the permeameters may be based on the numbers and help you-all make the decisions. You know me pretty well by now and I'm pretty member driven. My intent is to try and come up with the best member driven map we can. But, at the end of the day, if I have to make some decisions I will. But we're going to have an opportunity to debate those maps on the floor.
REPRESENTATIVE TREY MARTINEZ FISCHER: And I appreciate what you said about wanting to pass a map and not wanting to have an LRB fiasco and not have a litigation fiasco. But, I mean -- I think you have to acknowledge there is litigation going on already in Sherman, Texas, it deals with population counts.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT R. SOLOMONS: Apparent ly I live in the eastern district of Texas and there's -- I guess they were trying to be convenient for me. But, at the end of the day, I understand there's litigation, anyway. But, at the end of the day, too, this is an opportunity for the body of this -- for this body to decide what they think they need to do to satisfy and meet the legal requirements, and for their constituents; and try to come up with a map that they think is a good map for their constituents. That's what I'm trying to get to.
REPRESENTATIVE TREY MARTINEZ FISCHER: Wel l, I appreciate it. I look forward to working with you and thank you for all the information.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT R. SOLOMONS: Thank you, Trey, I appreciate it.
WOMAN SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield for a question?
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Representative Harper Brown.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT R. SOLOMONS: Yes, I do.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: For what purpose? REPRESENTATIVE LINDA HARPER-BROWN: Thank you. Mr. Solomons, you've mentioned several dates today. Have you communicated those to our offices so that we might have those?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT R. SOLOMONS: Well, I'm starting -- I tried to get some of these cards to the committee members but some of them have been here and I caught them and some I haven't. We have posted already, so your staff should have already picked that up. If you think a memo to your office is necessary we will be happy to send the memo out. But, at the end of the day, yeah, everybody is going to know when these are. REPRESENTATIVE LINDA HARPER-BROWN: As long as the deadlines are already out there, thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT R. SOLOMONS: And we actually posted a tentative schedule. That doesn't mean I couldn't repost and change something. But, at the end of the day, this is something you can start looking at in planning your schedule; along with the March 23rd deadline of trying to help us getting to where we need to go. REPRESENTATIVE LINDA HARPER-BROWN: All right. Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT R. SOLOMONS: Thank you, Linda. Appreciate it. Thank you members, very much. Thank you, Mr. Speaker
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: Members, we have a motion to excuse Representative Larry Gonzalez because of illness, on a motion from Representative Otto. Is there objection? Hearing none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Hughes.
REPRESENTATIVE BRYAN HUGHES: Thank you Mr. Speaker, members, I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time House 592 honoring the responsible pet owners of Alliance.
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: Members, you heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out HR592. The Clerk will read the resolution.
CLERK: HR592 by Hughes. WHEREAS, Advocates for responsible pet care are gathering in Austin on February 24, 2011, to participate in Responsible Pet Owners Alliance Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Pets play an important role in the lives of many Texans, and they are more than just adorable balls of fur, they are living, breathing prescriptions for what often ails us; their joy and spirit encourage us, and their mere presence as silent understanding companions comforts us and chases the blues away; our pets run, walk, crawl, slither, and fly into our hearts, and, in doing so, they improve our physical and mental well-being; and WHEREAS, The Responsible Pet Owners Alliance was founded in 1992 to develop solutions for pet-related problems and to alleviate the need for so many animals to be left at shelters; the group works to improve the quality of life for pets and people by educating individuals about animal behavior and health and by preparing them for the commitment involved in pet ownership; and WHEREAS, To advance its mission, the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance collaborates with other animal-support organizations on the Pet Education, Assistance, and Rescue Program, which includes rescue and adoption services, counseling for owners who are considering giving up their pets, and a telephone hotline for assistance with any animal-related issues; moreover, the program sponsors Paws for Service, an initiative in which teams of dogs and their owners visit hospitals and nursing homes, bringing joy and comfort to the patients; and WHEREAS, The Responsible Pet Owners Alliance is affiliated with the American Kennel Club and the Southwest Texas Animal Care and Control Association; it endorses the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program as a method for developing well-trained dogs and promoting responsible ownership; and WHEREAS, Well-behaved pets are not born but are the result of care, attention, and training, and in return, our pets give us a lifetime of devotion and companionship; the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance works hard to ensure that this special bond between pet owners and their animals is strengthened and protected; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 24, 2011, as Responsible Pet Owners Alliance Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those associated with the alliance sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: Chair recognizes Representative Hughes.
REPRESENTATIVE BRYAN HUGHES: Thank you Mr. Speaker, members, I want to let you know that we have as our special guest in the back hall -- House rules didn't allow this guest to be on the floor, but the mascot for the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance Uno. Uno was the winner of Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Dog Show, the first Beagle ever to win that honor and the first Texan for over a hundred years. Many members have already been back there and he has been receiving guests in the back hall and posing for photographs. So Uno, their mascot, is back there. And also we have in the east gallery the delegation of the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance. Would you guys rise to be welcomed? Members, please welcome them to their Capitol. And with that, Mr. Speaker, members, I move adoption of House Resolution 592.
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: Members, you heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes representative Otto for an announcement.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN OTTO: Thank you Mr. Speaker, members, I move to suspend the five day posting rule so that the sub committee on Article III of the Appropriations Committee can meet upon adjournment of the Appropriations Committee, February 25th, 2011, in room E1030.
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: Members, you heard the motion. Is there objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Callegari.
REPRESENTATIVE BILL CALLEGARI: Mr. Speaker, members, I request permission for all committees, any and all committees to meet today -- for the rest of today for reading and referral of bills, the resolution.
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: Mr. Callegari moves to suspend all necessary rules to allow all committees to meet today during the reading and referral of bills. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Creighton.
REPRESENTATIVE BRANDON CREIGHTON: Mr. Speaker, members, today we are fortunate to have the Texas Building Owners and Managers Association with us today. They are industry leaders in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives. They have also been the EPA Partner of the Year Award recipient for the past four years. Along with supporting over 625,000 jobs they provide two and a half billion in new personal earnings and contribute over 7.8 billion to the Texas economy. Today they have folks from all over Texas here visiting their State Capitol. If you're with the Building and Owners Managers Association, please stand. And, members, let's give them a big welcome. Thank you for being here today.
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: Members, we're about to begin the congratulatory memorial calendar.
REPRESENTATIVE RUTH JONES MCCLENDON: The following congratulatory resolutions have been withdrawn: HR119, HR121, HR122, HR123, HR124, HR130, HR237, HR18, HR103, HR132, and HR138. The following congratulatory resolutions have been previously adopted: HR116 and HR155. Chair lays out the following congratulatory resolutions. The Clerk will read the resolutions.
CLERK: HCR59 by Berman, designating February 28 to March 1st, 2011, East Texas Coalition Days at the State Capitol. HR20 by Flynn, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the First State Bank, by Ben Wheeler. HR21 by Alonzo, congratulating Reynaldo Lopez on being the Coach of the Year by NTSA USA. HR28 by Alonzo, recognizing the 24th Annual Grand Prairie Cinco de Mayo Celebration. HR29 by Alonzo, recognizing the 25th Annual Grand Prairie Cinco de Mayo celebration. HR30 by Alonzo, commemorating the 108th anniversary of Oak Cliffs annexation of Dallas. HR31 by Alonzo, commemorating the 109th anniversary of Oak Cliffs annexation to Dallas. HR34 by Menendez, commemorating the seventy-fifth anniversary of Texas Alcoholic Beverage and Commission. HR35 by Hardcastle, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce. HR36 by Alonzo, commemorating the 42nd anniversary of the 1969 Crystal City student walk out. HR 37 (by Alonzo), Commemorating the 43rd anniversary of the 1969 Crystal City student walkout. HR 40 (by Alonzo), Honoring the Dallas Association for Bilingual Education for its outstanding record of service to the community and congratulating its 2011 officers. HR 41 (by Alonzo), Honoring the Dallas Association for Bilingual education for its outstanding record of service to the community and congratulating its 2012 officers. HR 42 (by Alonzo), Commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Dallas Mega March for American Values and Justice on April 9, 2011. HR 43 (by Alonzo), Commemorating the sixth anniversary of the Dallas Mega March for American Values and Justice on April 9, 2012. HR 46 (by Alonzo), Honoring participants in the University of North Texas Roberto R. Alonzo Bilingual/ESL Education Scholars Program for 2011. HR 47 (by Alonzo), Honoring participants in the University of North Texas Roberto R. Alonzo Bilingual/ESL Education Scholars Program for 2012. HR 49 (by Hochberg), Congratulating Rushan Gao of Houston on his achievements in and support of senior games competition. HR 50 (by Craddick), Congratulating State Representative Beverly Woolley and Lynn Woolley on their 50th wedding anniversary. HR 52 (by Craddick), Congratulating Sherman and Elaine Wright.
THE CHAIR: (continuing)Members, there are no further announcements. Representative Anderson would like too move that the House stay adjourned until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, pending the referral of the bills and resolutions.
THE CHAIR: Following the bills first reading and referral.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: (continuing)Chair recognizes Representative Martinez Fischer.
REPRESENTATIVE TREY MARTINEZ FISCHER: Tha nk you, members. I want to remind the members we will have a meeting upon adjournment at the Malling office in the redistricting and briefing room. We will talk about redistricting. We will have a rebriefing from a former state demographer, Steve Murdock. That will be upon adjournment. Lunch will be served. Thank you.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Members, are there any further announcements? If not, Representative Branch moves that the House stands adjourned pending the reading and referring of bills and resolutions until 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 28th; in memory of Representative Lozanos' grandfather and William B. Travis, as a tribute to his bravery during the siege of the Alamo as evidenced in his famous letter of 175 years ago today; and the two known carriers of that letter, Albert Marten and Lancelot Smither. House stands adjourned until 11:30 a.m. on Monday. The following bills on first reading and referral. First reading and referral of bills.
SECRETARY: HB 253 (By Hilderbran), Relating to the protection of children by enforcing compulsory public school attendance requirements, ensuring reports of abuse or neglect, protecting children from abuse and neglect, ensuring that births are reported, and prosecuting the offense of bigamy; providing criminal penalties. To Human Services. HB 762 (By Lozano), Relating to establishing a pill splitting program to reduce health plan costs for certain public employees. To Insurance. HB 842 (By J. Davis), Relating to telemedicine medical services, telehealth services, and home telemonitoring services provided to certain Medicaid recipients. To Public Health. HB 843 (By Geren), Relating to the use of electronic means for the delivery of ad valorem tax bills to certain property owners and agents. To Ways and Means. HB 844 (By Geren), Relating to the sale or lease of property by certain municipalities owning land near the shoreline of certain lakes. To Urban Affairs. HB 845 (By Murphy), Relating to the computation of public high school grade point averages. To Public Education. HB 846 (By Aycock), Relating to the civil liability of a political party on primary election day. To Elections. HB 847 (By Aycock), Relating to the date for a political partys’ precinct conventions. To Elections. HB 848 (By Guillen), Relating to an agreement authorizing certain persons to make decisions regarding a child during an investigation of child abuse or neglect. To Human Services. HB 849 (By S. Miller), Relating to notice of an application for a permit to dispose of oil and gas waste in a commercial disposal well; creating an offense. To Natural Resources. HB 850 (By Craddick), Relating to the Rankin County Hospital District. To County Affairs. HB 851 (By S. Miller), Relating to the Hamilton County Hospital District. To County Affairs. HB 852 (By Dutton), Relating to abolishing the death penalty. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 853 (By Dutton), Relating to the penalty for certain offenders for possession of a small amount of certain controlled substances. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 854 (By Dutton), Relating to access to certain law enforcement corrections, and prosecutorial records under the public information law. To State Affairs. HB 855 (By Dutton), Relating to the extent of a defendants’ criminal responsibility for the conduct of a coconspirator in certain felony cases. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 856 (By Dutton), Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and other entities regarding water and sewer utilities. To Environmental Regulation. HB 857 (By Hughes), Relating to exempting certain judicial officers from certain requirements for obtaining or renewing a concealed handgun license and to the authority of certain judicial officers to carry certain weapons. To Homeland Security and Public Safety. HB 858 (By Gonzalez), Relating to the authority of the El Paso County hospital District to employ and commission peace officers. To County Affairs. HB 859 (By Hunter), Relating to the educational scope of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. To Higher Education. HB 860 (By Patrick), Relating to the categories of performance for which a public school campus may receive a distinction designation. To Public Education. HB 861 (By Patrick), Relating to membership of the state continuing advisory committee for special education services. To Public Education. HB 862 (By Patrick), Relating to placing the State Board of Education and the State Board for Educator Certification under periodic review by the Sunset Advisory Commission. To Public Education. HB 863 (By Christian), Relating to the creation of the Timber Springs Municipal Management District; providing authority to impose a tax, levy an assessment, and issue bonds. To Urban Affairs. HB 864 (By Fletcher), Relating to the punishment for the offense of evading arrest or detention. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 865 (By Creighton), Relating to the composition and use of money in the rural water assistance fund. To Natural Resources. HB 866 (By Flynn), Relating to tuition assistance for members of the Texas State Guard. To Higher Education. HB 867 (By Darby), Relating to the eligibility of a person convicted of certain sex offenses for jury-recommended community supervision. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 868 (By Huberty), Relating to the calculation of the rollback tax rate of a taxing unit other than a school district. To Ways and Means. HB 869 (By Creighton), Relating to the franchise tax and alternative revenue sources and spending priorities for this state. To Ways and Means. HB 870 (By Y. Davis), Relating to creating an offense for the trapping of wild deer by a deer breeder and to the civil and criminal consequences of engaging in certain conduct associated with deer breeding; providing penalties. To Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. HB 871 (By Y. Davis), Relating to indigent health care services provided by a county. To County Affairs. HB 872 (By Y. Davis), Relating to the right of a person exempt from registration as a property tax consultant who files a protest with the appraisal review board on behalf of a property owner to receive notices from the board regarding the property subject to the protest. To Ways and Means. HB 873 (By Y. Davis), Relating to the deadline for filing a suit to compel an appraisal review board to change an appraisal roll. To Ways and Means. HB 874 (By C. Howard), Relating to the provision of information by tax officials related to ad valorem tax rates. To Ways and Means. HB 875 (By C. Howard), Relating to the identification of certain defendants as foreign nationals who were not lawfully admitted to the United States or whose lawful status has expired and to their release on bail. To State Affairs. HB 876 (By C. Howard), Relating to the filing of personal financial disclosure statements by municipal officers and candidates, members of the boards of trustees of school districts, and directors of sports and community venue districts. To Elections. HB 877 (By C. Howard), Relating to the definition of controlling interest for purposes of the franchise tax. To Ways and Means. HB 878 (By C. Howard), Relating to the participation of governmental entities and other employers in a federal work authorization verification program; establishing an unlawful employment practice. To State Affairs. HB 879 (By C. Howard), Relating to the limitation on increases in the appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes. To Ways and Means. HB 880 (By Alonzo), Relating to making an appropriation to the Texas Department of Transportation for a streetcar line in Dallas. To Appropriations. HB 881 (By Alonzo), Relating to abolishing the State Board of Education and transferring the functions of the board to the Texas Education Agency and the commissioner of education. To Public Education. HB 882 (By Alvarado), Relating to the creation of an offense prohibiting certain transactions involving caffeinated malt beverages. To Licensing and Administrative Procedures. HB 883 (By Alvarado), Relating to minimum efficiency standards for certain products; providing a civil penalty. To Energy Resources. HB 884 (By D. Howard), Relating to a limited waiver of sovereign immunity for state and local governmental entities in certain employment lawsuits filed by nurses. To Public Health. HB 885 (By Rodriguez), Relating to the operation and movement of a vehicle when certain traffic-control signals do not display an indication. To Transportation. HB 886 (By W. Smith), Relating to the creation of the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 528; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds; granting a limited power of eminent domain. To Natural Resources. HB 887 (By Geren), Relating to registration of a motor vehicle alleged to have been involved in a violation detected by a photographic traffic signal enforcement system. To Transportation. HB 888 (By Guillen), Relating to considering ownership interests of disabled veterans in determining whether a business is a historically underutilized business for purposes of state contracting. To State Affairs. HB 889 (By Lewis), Relating to the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of a real property interest in oil or gas in place. To Ways and Means. HB 890 (By C. Howard), Relating to the registration and compulsory inspection of certain street rods and custom vehicles. To Transportation. HB 891 (By C. Howard), Relating to the computation of cost of goods sold for purposes of the franchise tax by certain affiliated taxable entities. To Ways and Means. HB 892 (By C. Howard), Relating to the creation of the offense of unlawful transport of an illegal alien. To State Affairs. HB 893 (By C. Howard), Relating to the meetings of certain property owners' associations. To Business and Industry. HB 894 (By C. Howard), Relating to the composition of the board of directors of the Gulf Coast Water Authority. To Natural Resources. HB 895 (By C. Howard), Relating to certain project powers and duties of the Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 7. To Natural Resources. HB 896 (By C. Howard), Relating to auxiliary members of an appraisal review board. To Ways and Means. HB 897 (By C. Howard), Relating to restrictions on the automatic renewal of contracts. To Business and Industry. HB 898 (By C. Howard), Relating to certain requirements relating to the issuance of a marriage license or the recording of a declaration of informal marriage and to the maintenance of marriage and divorce indexes by the bureau of vital statistics. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 899 (By Gutierrez), Relating to the use of certain professional titles by licensed specialists in school psychology. To Public Health. HB 901 (By Thompson), Relating to spousal maintenance. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 902 (By Thompson), Relating to consideration of a bidders’ principal place of business in awarding certain municipal contracts. To Urban Affairs. HB 903 (By Thompson), Relating to the payment of certain costs and expenses of a juvenile case manager. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 904 (By Thompson), Relating to court costs imposed on conviction and deposited to the municipal court building security fund. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 905 (By Thompson), Relating to the admissibility of certain hearsay statements of a child in hearings on an application for a protective order. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 906 (By Thompson), Relating to appointments made in and the appeal of certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 907 (By Thompson), Relating to the duration of a protective order against family violence. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 908 (By Thompson), Relating to the division of community property on dissolution of marriage. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 909 (By Thompson), Relating to the termination of the parent-child relationship and the duty to pay child support in circumstances involving mistaken paternity. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 910 (By Thompson), Relating to gestational agreements. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 911 (By Berman), Relating to the application of foreign laws and foreign forum selection in this state. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 912 (By Dutton), Relating to the foreclosure of certain liens on real property. To Business and Industry. HB 913 (By Dutton), Relating to the automatic expunction of criminal records. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 914 (By Hancock), Relating to the applicability of certain laws to open-enrollment charter schools. To Public Education. HB 915 (By Christian), Relating to the authority of advanced practice registered nurses to make medical diagnoses and to prescribe and order prescription drugs and devices. To Public Health. HB 916 (By Allen), Relating to corporal punishment in public schools. To Public Education. HB 917 (By Allen), Relating to benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 918 (By Allen), Relating to permit application requirements for solid waste facilities. To Environmental Regulation. HB 919 (By Allen), Relating to monitoring, permitting, and reducing emissions of certain air contaminants and pollutants. To Environmental Regulation. HB 920 (By Allen), Relating to educational involvement agreements setting forth the respective responsibilities of students, parents, teachers, and principals in public schools. To Public Education. HB 921 (By Lewis), Relating to the reimbursement of certain medical dental, or health-related services as a condition of community supervision and to the revocation of community supervision for failure to make certain payments. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 922 (By Riddle), Relating to the penalty for theft of an automated teller machine. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 923 (By Frullo), Relating to the board of hospital managers of the Lubbock County Hospital District. To County Affairs. HB 924 (By Bonnen), Relating to the eligibility of certain Texas Rangers for burial in the state cemetery. To Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. HB 925 (By Bonnen), Relating to credit in the Texas Municipal Retirement System for certain service as a reserve police officer. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 926 (By Harper-Brown), Relating to the use of information from the internal verification system of the Department of Public Safety for voter registration purposes. To Elections. HB 927 (By Harper-Brown), Relating to the punishment for the offense of indecent exposure. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 928 (By Harper-Brown), Relating to requiring the use of an ignition interlock device on conviction of certain intoxication offenses. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 929 (By Darby), Relating to the execution docket and other records of certain court clerks. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 930 (By Darby), Relating to the requirements for an application for a tax warrant authorizing the seizure of personal property for the payment of ad valorem taxes. To Ways and Means. HB 932 (By Paxton), Relating to the franchise tax liability of certain taxable entities. To Ways and Means. HB 933 (By T. Smith), Relating to the imposition and use of certain court costs for breath alcohol testing programs. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 934 (By T. Smith), Relating to an administrative fee for defendants required by a court to perform community service in lieu of serving a term of confinement in county jail. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 935 (By Phillips), Relating to the protection of water quality in certain bodies of water. To Natural Resources. HB 936 (By Harless), Relating to the establishment, operation, and funding of open-enrollment charter schools. To Public Education. HB 937 (By Harless), Relating to the issuance and renewal of a real estate inspector license. To Licensing and Administrative Procedures. HB 938 (By Smithee), Relating to the issuance of specialty license plates for women veterans. To Defense and Veterans’ Affairs. HB 939 (By Gonzalez), Relating to the amount of the fee paid by a defendant for certain services performed by a peace officer. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 940 (By Dukes), Relating to persons subject to prosecution for improper relationship between educator and student. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 941 (By Dukes), Relating to use of compensatory education allotment funding to provide assistance with child care to students at risk of dropping out of school. To Public Education. HB 942 (By Dukes), Relating to an exemption for school districts from security for court costs and appeal bond. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 943 (By Dukes), Relating to reporting requirements concerning missing persons, including missing children in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services. To Human Services. HB 944 (By Dukes), Relating to membership and duties of local school health advisory councils. To Public Health. HB 945 (By Dukes), Relating to the establishment of an interagency council for addressing disproportionality. To Human Services. HB 946 (By Guillen), Relating to the identification of courses included in the common course numbering system to be offered by and the transferability of those courses among public institutions of higher education. To Higher Education. HB 947 (By Lozano), Relating to a pilot program to expand access to career and technical education partnerships in rural areas. To Agriculture and Livestock. HB 948 (By Lozano), Relating to the creation of a county court at law in Willacy County. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 949 (By Lozano), Relating to consumer goods and services covered under the Texas Telemarketing Disclosure and Privacy Act. To Business and Industry. HB 950 (By Lozano), Relating to eligibility for and the establishment of service credit in the Employees Retirement System of Texas for military service. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 1752 (By Larson), Relating to the appointment of a conservator for and authorizing the dissolution of the Bexar Metropolitan Water District. To Natural Resources. HCR 70 (By Coleman), Recognizing February 28, 2011, as Texas Southern University Day at the State Capitol. To Rules and Resolutions. HCR 175 (By Branch), Commemorating the 175th anniversary of the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence. To Rules and Resolutions. HJR 79 (By C. Howard), Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes to 105 percent or more of the appraised value of the property for the preceding tax year. To Ways and Means. HJR 96 (By Alonzo), Proposing a constitutional amendment abolishing the State Board of Education and transferring the boards’ constitutional functions to the Texas Education Agency. To Public Education. HJR 100 (By Creighton), Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution to require a balanced federal budget. To Select State Sovereignty. HR 550 (By Schwertner), Congratulating Blake A. Vanier on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 551 (By Rodriguez), Welcoming visitors from YMCAs across Texas to the State Capitol on February 23, 2011. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 552 (By Kolkhorst), In memory of John Henry Fuchs, Jr., of Huntsville. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 556 (By Weber), Recognizing March 8, 2011, as Brazoria County Day at the State Capitol. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 558 (By Hamilton), Recognizing February 28 to March 1, 2011, as Golden Triangle Days at the State Capitol. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 559 (By Straus), Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Caring for Children Foundation of Texas and commending all those associated with that organization. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 560 (By Martinez), Recognizing Dr. Audrey Jones for her contributions to the medical profession and her service to the Texas Legislature as Physician of the Day for February 23, 2011. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 561 (By Martinez), Recognizing March 9, 2011, as Mid-Valley Day at the State Capitol. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 562 (By Giddings), Honoring the volunteer service organization The Links, Incorporated, and its members from the Western Area. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 563 (By Hopson), Congratulating the Carthage High School football team for winning its third consecutive UIL 3A Division 2 state championship. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 564 (By Kuempel), Congratulating the football team of Byron P. Steele II High School in Cibolo on winning the UIL 5A Division II state championship. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 565 (By S. King), In memory of Officer Rodney Holder of the Abilene Police Department. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 566 (By Perry), Congratulating the Idalou High School football team on winning the 2010 UIL 2A Division 2 state championship. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 568 (By Phillips), In memory of Gregory Scott Coleman of Austin. To Rules and Resolutions.
