REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD RAYMOND: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members, any of us who have introduced a Pastor of the Day I think considers -- certainly I want to say as I introduce our Pastor of the Day and I consider that we in Laredo have a -- in Pastor Norman Howell, one of the great people I met in my life. He was ordained and he's been an ordained minister for thirty-seven years. He and his wife, Sandra, who I also think the world of, founded Latin Harvest, which is a nonprofit corporation in Texas and serves all Hispanic people in every part of the world. Pastor Howell traveled to much of Latin America and help build a seminary in Peru, and made his way north and lived in Monterey, Mexico for some time before settling with us in Laredo. Pastor Howell and his wife, Sandra, founded the Laredo Church of the Crossroads, a bilingual, multicultural church where all people are welcome and broken lives are healed. He has served as the senior pastor of the church for the last twenty-eight years. Members, please welcome our Pastor of the Day, Pastor Norman Howell.
PASTOR OF THE DAY: Thank you. Please join me in prayer. Loving and just God, breathe upon us today, help us to love good, and hate evil; to establish justice within the gates of Texas. From the Red River in the north to the Rio Grande to the south, from the Sabine to the east and the panhandle to the West, may our borders both be safe and yet welcoming of the people to the land you have entrusted into our hands. May our hearts be generous to the foreigner and diligent against those who would mean us harm. I pray we will find your light and hold it in our hearts. Help us even this day to make good choices. May our eyes see with faith towards our future and may our hands be clean and untouched by bribery. Grant us wisdom as we call upon your name. May the words of Jesus be in that golden rule that benefits all mankind, that we would treat others the way we desire to be treated. Guide us with your grace, and forgive us for not listening to you as often as we should. Lord, as your servant, I pray that at the end of the day may each person here find the peace that comes from your loving heart. Amen.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Sheffield to lead us in the pledge.
REPRESENTATIVE RALPH SHEFFIELD: Good morning members and guests, please help me honor our great flags of the nation and the great State of Texas.
(Pledges to the U.S. and the Texas Flag).
THE SPEAKER: Representative Sheffield moves that the House suspends the reading and referral of bills until the end of today's business. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Workman to introduce our Doctor of the Day.
REPRESENTATIVE PAUL WORKMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members, it's my pleasure today to introduce Dr. Monique Cortez from Austin as our Doctor of the Day. Doctor Cortez is a family practice physician who practices at the Austin Regional Clinic. And for those of you who had hoped to get orthopedic knee surgery today, she does not do that, from the football last Tuesday; you will have to go somewhere else. Dr. Cortez is a graduate from the University of Texas Health and Science Center in Houston. And an active volunteer in a number of things including Blue Dog Rescue. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Monique Cortez.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative White.
REPRESENTATIVE JAMES WHITE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have the honor and pleasure to introducing a fine group of east Texans. They are home schoolers. I would like to welcome them to their House. And could you please join me in a warm welcome to them. Stand up, please. Here they are right there. Thank you. Thank you for coming. Welcome to your House. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
THE SPEAKER: The following bills on re-referral.
CLERK: Pursuant to rule 1, Section four 4, the Chair corrects the referral of the following bills and resolutions: HB 3847 by Lavender, relating to the Riverbend Water Resources District, from Natural Resources to Land and Resource Management.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Lozano for a motion.
REPRESENTATIVE JOSE MANUEL LOZANO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members, I'd like to suspend all the necessary rules to take up and consider HR 1326.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out HR 1326. Clerk will read the resolution.
CLERK: HR 1326 by Lozano. WHEREAS, Proud residents of Willacy County are gathering at the State Capitol on April 14, 2011, to celebrate Willacy County Day, and this occasion provides a welcome opportunity to recognize the 100th anniversary of the county's founding; and WHEREAS, Located on the Gulf Coast in the Rio Grande Valley, Willacy County was formed in 1911 from parts of Cameron and Hidalgo Counties and also originally included the land that is now Kennedy County; it was named for state legislator, John G. Willacy, who introduced the bill that established the county; and WHEREAS, Raymondville, the county seat and largest city, was established by Edward Burleson Raymond in 1904; it is home to the Raymondville Historical Museum and hosts a number of special events throughout the year, including the Willacy County Livestock Show, a Fourth of July celebration, and the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Parade; and WHEREAS, Lyford is named for William H. Lyford, an attorney for the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad, and it rings in the holiday season with the annual Lyford Christmas Parade and Festival; farther east, the close-knit community of Santa Monica celebrates the annual Santa Monica Fest during the fall to benefit Santa Monica Catholic Church; and WHEREAS, A number of other communities are also named for prominent figures in the county's early history; Lasara was platted in 1924 and was named for Laura Harding and Sarah Gill, wives of early settlers William Harding and Lamar Gill, while San Perlita takes its name from Pyrle Johnson, the wife of the town developer; settled before 1906, Sebastian was first known as Stillman but was renamed around 1912 in honor of John Sebastian, vice president of the Rock Island Railroad Company, which helped to develop the area; other notable communities in the county include Los Coyotes Porfirio, Port Mansfield, and Willamar; and WHEREAS, Young people in the area benefit from the dedicated efforts of the county's school districts, which include the Raymondville Independent School District, with more than 2,200 students, the Lyford Consolidated Independent School District serving over 1,500 students, Lasara ISD, with an enrollment of nearly 400, and San Perlita ISD, with approximately 300 pupils; and WHEREAS, Willacy County residents are employed in a range of private-sector and government jobs, and the county's proximity to Mexico and six international bridges makes transportation and commercial trade central components of the local economy; and WHEREAS, Ecotourism and heritage tourism also generate employment and income; Willacy County's ranchlands and coastal habitats include a wide range of birds, mammals, wild grasses trees, butterflies, and other species; the county has a well-developed hunting and fishing industry and is a premier destination for those seeking to experience the outdoors; "Wild in Willacy" is an annual event held the last week of October to promote awareness of the area's diverse natural offerings and includes tours of private ranches, lectures on birding, cook-offs, musical entertainment, and more; and WHEREAS, one of the hubs of tourism activity is Port Mansfield, which has unique bird-watching opportunities and is an extremely popular fishing center that hosts a well-known fishing tournament each year; the town's harbor office is run by the Willacy County Navigation District, which also oversees land leases and the county's small-craft airport; and WHEREAS, Willacy County's rich natural environment and its resourceful and productive citizenry make it a great place to live and work, and it is a pleasure to honor this South Texas county as it reflects on a century of growth and progress; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognize April 14, 2011, as Willacy County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and rewarding visit to Austin.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Lozano.
REPRESENTATIVE JOSE MANUEL LOZANO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members, I'm honored today to present you Willacy County and honoring them with their own, very own Willacy County Day. Today we have over forty people from Willacy County and, if you would, please stand up in the gallery all people from Willacy County. And let's give them a warm round of applause. For those of you who don't know, Willacy County is pretty far away. So to get here at this time they have got to get up very early, get on a bus and come out here. On the dias today we have distinguished elected officials and, in addition to in the gallery, we do have our distinguished Willacy County Judge John Gonzalez; and we have several commissioners. Here we have Commissioner Loy Loya*, Commissioner Dori Perez, Commissioner Guerra, and our County Sheriff Larry Spence. Sheriff Spence is one of the longest serving sheriffs in the State of Texas, having served as a sheriff in Willacy County since 1985. And I'd like to give him a warm round of applaud for his distinguished service and such a long service as sheriff. Willacy County is an extremely unique county. It's a rural county and I grew up in a rural county, but one of the things about this specific county is that the minute I step foot, I felt right at home. Willacy County is a testament to the old saying in Spanish, which is (Spanish terminology), which means I would rather die fighting than to live on my knees. And Willacy County, being a rural county, has experienced growth, has actually experienced technological innovation that is unparalleled to any county in the State of Texas; with one of the most extensive fiber optic networks, courtesy of the Great
(inaudible) and the partnership with VPC Valley Telephone Company. This county is thriving as we speak and the future is bright. On one of the days in Willacy County, I actually got to see the sun rise, and the sun was rising on the horizon in Willacy County, and that speaks volumes to the future. When (inaudible) that is proposed in Willacy County that will bring a tremendous amount of tax base to the county, it has a jewel that is what I call a secret, Port Manfield, which is a fisherman's paradise; which is still untouched, essentially. And there is tremendous potential there. They are looking at so many far reaching technological projects, economic developments that you don't see in counties of this size. Members, it is a tremendous honor to have Willacy County here today in your very own Capitol. It's a tremendous honor to be your State Representative. I thank you for all you do and all your hard work. Distinguished guests, I thank you. And members, I move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered.
REPRESENTATIVE JOSE MANUEL LOZANO: Mr. Speaker --
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Lozano.
REPRESENTATIVE JOSE MANUEL LOZANO: Mr. Speaker and members, I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider HR 1350.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Are there any objections? The Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out the following resolution. The Clerk will read the resolution.
CLERK: HR 1350 by Lozano. Honoring Dora Perez, the first woman elected to the Willacy County Commissioners Court.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Lozano.
REPRESENTATIVE JOSE MANUEL LOZANO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members, one of our county commissioners is on the dais. It's Commissioner Dora Perez, who took the oath of office of Commissioner of Willacy County on January 1st, 2011, becoming the first female member of the county's commissioner's court in Willacy County. This is a tremendous honor. And it's actually it's a surprise to her. We were able to expedite this knowing that she was going to be here. But, in this age, it's a tremendous stride for Willacy County to elect its first female commissioner. Dora Perez graduated from the University of Texana (inaudible) with a Bachelor's Degree, and a Master's Degree from Texas A & M University, Kingsville, then Texas A & I. She's a retired teacher who taught for thirty-six years, thirty-three of which were spent with the Consolidated Independent School District. When you see a retired teacher you think of someone that's going to retire and enjoy retirement, essentially. And growing up in a rural county, I always thought my retired teachers, former members of (inaudible) actually go into our community and be our Little League coaches, volunteer at the PTA, and Dora Perez is now volunteering for public service. A retired teacher who could be enjoying her retirement is now back in the pit of politics, serving, but as the first female of Willacy County, members and guests, I ask you to please help me in congratulating Dora Perez as being the first female commissioner of Willacy County. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Hopson.
REPRESENTATIVE CHUCK HOPSON: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members, I would like to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider House Resolution Number 1345.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objections? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out the following resolution. The clerk will read the Resolution.
CLERK: HR 1345 by Hopson, recognizing April 14th, 2011, as the Houston County Day at the State Capitol.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Hopson.
REPRESENTATIVE CHUCK HOPSON: Mr. Speaker and members, it's an honor for me today to have a delegation from Houston County, first, first county in the Republic of Texas. First. And they are still shining brightly. And if I could get you guys to stand up, and we like to welcome you to our Capitol. In this delegation we have a group -- we have the -- the Crockett mayor and the first lady of Crockett. Head of the Chambers. Our County Judges and business leaders and we are glad you are here. I move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Are there any objections? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Hardcastle.
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I've done this several times and this continues to get worse, so this morning I'm going to read you a little piece of the latest out lay. Last week we had massive wildfires raging across Texas. They have charred nearly a half million acres and that figure is likely to grow as conditions are expected to get even get worse. The area of potential fire danger has grown in recent days. It is now on the line that curves down from just west of Dallas-Fort Worth all the day Juan to Frederiksberg and all the way out to Del Rio. In the last week, we've had even more people a risk. Fire service predicted services, department said that wildfires could reach into more densely populated areas. In the past seven days, fire service alone, not counting the emergency management, just the fire service, has responded to eighty-one fires that have burned over four hundred forty two thousand acres, more than nine hundred firefighters from across Texas and thirty three different states have been called in to help battle the blazes; and it's prompted the evacuation of more than five hundred homes. And we, as of this morning, we don't have a total count of how many homes we've lost in the last seven days. So --
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker --
THE SPEAKER: Mrs. Thompson, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Parlia mentary inquiry.
THE SPEAKER: State your inquiry.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Mr. Speaker, would it be possible to have an interpreter when Mr. Hardcastle gives a report to the Legislature, to have an interpretation of his statement?
THE SPEAKER: Speaker Pro Tem is willing to do that.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE KUEMPLE: Thank you. Thank you to all my members up here that have understood every single word. And the point of this story is in this severe drought, the fire potential gets worse and it keeps getting closer to urban areas. So, Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Raymond.
REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD RAYMOND: Thank you Mr. Speaker Kuempel. Members, I just want to take a second to recognize some students here that are here 7th grade group of students from United Day School in Laredo. They are in the north gallery. I'm going to ask them to stand up. Stand up. And don't clap yet, members, because I'm going to introduce some of these folks. Y'all stand up. These are some of the my fine constituents from Laredo, we have teachers, Gigi (inaudible), Laura Lechi*, Alma Rangel*, Lily Gilpen*, Jackie McCawley*, Jerry Salazar. We also have parents joining us. Elsa Lambert*, Sandy Guerrero*, Alma Gomez*, Renas Sentez*, Natalie Rojas and Alicia Trevino. I want to welcome you all to the House of Representatives. Thank you for taking a day to drive up. I know how long the drive is because I drive here every week. Thank you all for being here. Members, let's welcome them to the House of Representatives.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Smith of Harris.
REPRESENTATIVE SMITH: Mr. Speaker and members, thank you. I would like to suspend all rules to take up House Resolution 915. House Resolution 915 honors a league college student, Vesta Grubb of Baytown. Some of the accomplishments have been done include inducted into the Lee College Hall of Fame last year, the highest honor bestowed by the faculty to recognize her service to Lee College and her academic achievement. Accepted into the U of H Honor Transfer Program. Ms. Grubb is also an exceptional candidate for the Jack (inaudible) Cook Foundation Transfer Scholarship, awarded to only thirty students in the nation. And we wish you the best of luck and the result of that scholarship award. She's accompanied by her mother Sarah Grubb, Lee College history professor and Honors Program Coordinator John (inaudible), Lee College Marketing Specialist Bill White. This is Ms. Grubb's first trip to Austin. Welcome to your House. John, would you wave your hand and stand up? I've looking for you and I haven't seen you. Thank you very much. Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. Following resolution. The clerk will read the resolution.
CLERK: HR 915 by Smith of Harris. Congratulating Vesta Grubb for her outstanding achievements as a student at Lee College.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Smith of Harris.
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS: Members, I move passage.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Are there any objections? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Chairman Geren for permission to introduce.
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE GEREN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. I'd like to suspend all necessary rules in order to file House Bill 3853. House Bill 3852 will address the placement of power lines near and over unique reservoir sites that have been designated by the Water Board and by the Legislature.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. It's a record vote, members, on Mr. Geren's permission to introduce. Clerk will ring the bell. Permission to introduce is granted there being 140 ayes and 0 nays, two present not voting. Chair recognizes Representative Pitts.
REPRESENTATIVE JIM PITTS: Mr. Speaker and members, I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider HR 1253.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out the following resolution. Clerk will read the Resolution.
CLERK: HR 1253 by Pitts. WHEREAS, Susan Mann of Hillsboro has earned the Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Library Association; and WHEREAS, For nearly three decades, Ms. Mann's leadership has been integral to the Hillsboro City Library, where she has served as assistant director and, since 1985, as director; through the years her efforts have secured more than $2 million in building and technology grants to benefit the institution and the greater community; and WHEREAS, This skilled administrator and advocate has also worked to increase support for the Texas State Library, as well as public, school, and academic libraries, and she has helped libraries throughout the state receive telecommunications infrastructure funding and E-Rate discounts; and WHEREAS, In 2001, Ms. Mann campaigned for the establishment of the Loan Star Libraries Grant Program, designed to provide additional resources to public libraries in the Texas Library System; more recently, she played a vital role in obtaining $3.5 million for the program and $1.5 million for the system; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to her chosen field, Ms. Mann is active in the Central Texas Library System, American Library Association, and White House Conference on School Libraries; she has held a number of leadership positions with the Texas Library Association, including vice chair of the legislative committee and president of the public library division; a charter member of the TALL Texans Leadership Institute, she also helped to found the Small Community Libraries Round Table (SCLRT), which currently has more than 430 members; and WHEREAS, Ms. Mann has further given back to her fellow residents in her work as management information system director for the City of Hillsboro and as president of the Hillsboro Independent School District Board of Trustees; her many professional and civic contributions have earned her such titles as Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and SCLRT Community Librarian of the Year; and WHEREAS, Recognizing the importance of providing all Texans with greater access to information, Susan Mann has been an invaluable asset to her community and to libraries across the Lone Star State, and her work has helped to enrich the lives of countless citizens; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Susan Mann on earning the Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Library Association and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success with her important work; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ms. Mann as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Pitts.
REPRESENTATIVE JIM PITTS: Mr. Speaker and members, this resolution honors a really good friend of mine, and her name is Susan Mann, and she's the director of the public library in Hillsboro. And yesterday it was my honor to present to her an award as the distinguished service award by the Texas Library Association. Susan has dedicated her career in promoting and preserving and improving the services of Texas libraries and is a strong advocate for economic development in the City of Hillsboro. She is here today with her husband, Art. And please help welcome her to the Texas House.
REPRESENTATIVE JIM PITTS: Mr. Speaker, I move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Are there any objections? Chair hears none. So ordered. Representative Geren, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE GEREN: Mr. Speaker, there's a messenger from the Senate at the door of the House. I think he has something in his hand and it is blue.
THE SPEAKER: Sure is. Admit the messenger.
MESSENGER: Mr. Speaker, I am directed by the Senate to inform the House that Senate is taking the following actions: The Senate has passed following measures.
THE SPEAKER: Representative Cook moves to add all members' names to the following resolution. Are there any objections? Chair hears none. So ordered.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: Parliamentary inquiry.
THE SPEAKER: State your inquiry.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: What do we do when they -- (inaudible) back they just brought us from blue paper, they were not House bills.
THE SPEAKER: Senate messenger's days may be numbered. Chair recognizes Representative Keffer.
REPRESENTATIVE JAMES L. KEFFER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend all necessary rules and take up HCR 136.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out following resolution. The Clerk will read the resolution.
CLERK: HCR 136 by Keffer, commemorating April 14th, 2011, as Safe Digging Month.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Keffer.
REPRESENTATIVE JAMES L. KEFFER: Move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Any objections? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Keffer.
REPRESENTATIVE JAMES L. KEFFER: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. April 2011 is Safe Digging Month in Texas. Members, the people of Texas depend on underground infrastructure for energy, clean water and communication services. Educational outreach is the first step in the effort to prevent damage in this vital network. 811 connects to a local one-call center that can provide utility line locations and the extended dig site. So call before you dig.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Geren for announcement.
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE GEREN: Thank you. Members, we have two announcements: One, tomorrow is the deadline for your mascots, if you have children or grandchildren under the age of twelve who have not been on the composite tomorrow is the deadline for turning that in. Secondly, you will find a postcard on your desk. This is from Texas Legislative Past and Present Postcard. This is a database created by the Legislative Reference Library that contains information such as dates of service, committees, biographical data and more. All about Texas Legislature from 1876 through the present, so that means you. The database is on the library's website, the address is on the back of the card. But also, members, it could be great resource for you and your staff. If you have any additional biographical information or photographs that you'd like to share, contact information is provided on the back of the card. You can also drop by the library, they are on the second floor here on the north wing, and they'll be happy to help you. But card that's in front of you has Jose Antonio Nevado, who is the only native Texan to sign the Declaration of Independence. Edmond Keumple, Barbara Jordan, Frank Madler, William Crockett, Edith Williams, Billy Clayton, Edward Pickett, Irma Rangel, Julius Reid, Manianda Harr, and Edward Paton. Your pictures are in this collection also, so you might stop by there and they can help you update any biographical information that you might want on there.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Aycock and Representative Allen.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: Okay, members, we've had enough work for a little while. Let's talk about some fun. It's time for the Wee Bowling Tournament again. The reigning champion, Mr. Sheffield, won Wee Bowling Tournament equipment for the Boys and Girls Club. This is an opportunity to both have some fun, relax a little bit during the stressful part of the session and do some good work, too. We will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs. No, if we have a special session we may plan another one, but we hope not. But, at any rate, save the date. It's April the 27th, Grundy Hall, from 5:00 until 11:00, so you will have a plenty of time for your committee meetings to come and go. And it's a good cause, for the Boys and Girls Club. It's a chance to have fun among members, spend some quality time just when we are not talking bad about each other.
REPRESENTATIVE ALMA ALLEN: And that's right. Bowl a strike. Come on out.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: But save the 27th of April.
REPRESENTATIVE RALPH SHEFFIELD: That trophy looks pretty good in my office. I don't think it's going to be taken away. So --
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Darby.
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: Thank you Mr. Speaker and members, I move to suspend all necessary rules take up and consider House Resolution 1271.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. It's ordered. Chair lays out the following resolution. The Clerk will read the Resolution.
CLERK: HR 1271 by Darby, commending Golda Marie Foster of Tom Green County for her achievements in the area of historica preservation.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Darby.
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. We're extremely fortunate today to have in the east gallery one of the pillars of our community, Golda Marie Foster, who we're honoring with this resolution. Golda, would you please stand? And I know you brought some of your admiring group with you, would you have them stand, also? Your dedication and service to San Angelo and the San Angelo area, for all the work that you do for our historic commission and all the good folks in our part of the world, thank you publicly, Golda, on behalf of the great State of Texas. We have this resolution for you and we welcome you into your House, and thank you for your service to our community. Thank you.
THE SPEAKER: Representative Darby moves to adopt House Resolution 1271. Are there any objections? Chair hears none. So ordered. Please excuse Representative Laubenberg for today and tomorrow, for important business in the district.
REPRESENTATIVE RUTH JONES MCCLENDON: Memb ers, we are about to begin consideration of the congratulatory and memorial calendars. The following congratulatory resolutions have been previously adopted: HR 1126 and HR 1076. The following congratulatory resolutions have been withdrawn: HR 1185 and HR 1156. Chair lays out the following congratulatory resolutions. The clerk will read the Resolutions:
CLERK: HR 1054 Guillen. Congratulating Doris Howdeshell on her retirement as director of the travel information division of the Texas Department of Transportation. HR 1071 Taylor, Van. Congratulating Judy Drotman on being named the 2010 Citizen of the Year by the Plano Chamber of Commerce. HR 1072 Taylor, Van. Congratulating Lloyd "Skip" Jenkins on the occasion of his retirement from the Plano Independent School District Board of Trustees. HR 1073 Dutton. Honoring Dr. Thomas F. Freeman on his 60th anniversary as pastor at Mount Horem Missionary Baptist Church. HR 1076 Dutton. Recognizing the 2011 inductees to the Kashmere Alumni Association's Alumni Hall of Fame. HR 1077 Dutton. Honoring the Huston-Tillotson University Concert Choir on the occasion of its performance at Trinity United Methodist Church in Houston. HR 1080 Flynn. Congratulating Jack and Bonnie Spring of Commerce on their 50th wedding anniversary. HR 1081 Frullo. Congratulating Charles and Sharon Gass of O'Donnell on their 50th wedding anniversary. HR 1084 McClendon. Honoring Minnie Miles of Gardendale on her 100th birthday. HR 1085 Gonzales. Congratulating the Forbes Middle School Band of Georgetown for winning a Sudler Cup from the John Philip Sousa Foundation. HR 1087 Frullo. Congratulating Harvey and Foy Wilson of Lubbock on their 50th wedding anniversary. HR 1088 Margo. Congratulating Elaine Rosen of El Paso on her retirement as owner and operator of More Than Baskets. HR 1089 Price. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first American manned spaceflight and commending the contributions that Texans have made to U.S. space exploration. HR 1094 Orr. Congratulating Chester and Mildred Smith of Burleson on their 71st wedding anniversary. HR 1095 Gooden. Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Lend-Lease Act and of the founding of the No. 1 British Flying Training School. HR 1101 Pitts. Congratulating the Waxahachie High School girls' soccer team on winning the District 28-4A title. HR 1102 Pitts. Congratulating the Ovilla Christian School boys' basketball team for winning the TAPPS District 3-3A title. HR 1105 Frullo. Congratulating Santos Herrera, Sr., and Dominga Herrera of Lubbock on their 50th wedding anniversary. HR 1106 Frullo. Congratulating Jack and Linda Cloude of Lubbock on their 50th wedding anniversary. HR 1107 Frullo. Congratulating Jacob and Amelia Way of Lubbock on their 65th wedding anniversary. HR 1108 Taylor. Congratulating Gary Base on being named the 2009 Business Executive of the Year by the Plano Chamber of Commerce. HR 1110 Marquez. Commemorating the 85th anniversary of Cathedral High School in El Paso. HR 1113 Marquez. Commemorating the inaugural Don Haskins Memorial Youth Basketball Tournament, hosted by the YMCA of El Paso. HR 1114 Marquez. Congratulating Jaime Barceleau of El Paso on his receipt of the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rio Grande Branch of the Texas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. HR 1115 Burkett. Congratulating Valerie Nelson of Walter L. Wilkinson Middle School on her selection as the 2010-2011 Secondary School Principal of the Year by the Mesquite Independent School District Council of PTAs. HR 1116 Hopson. Congratulating the Henderson High School Lions football team on winning the 2010 UIL 3A Division 1 state championship. HR 1117 Hopson. Congratulating Norma Dell Jones of Lovelady on her selection as Person of the Year for 2010 by Houston County Life magazine. HR 1118 Hopson. Congratulating Carol Vincent of Carthage on being named the 2011 Citizen of the Year by the Panola County Chamber of Commerce. HR 1119 Gallego. Recognizing March 31, 2011, as Reeves County Day at the State Capitol. HR 1120 Gallego. Recognizing March 31, 2011, as Loving County Day at the State Capitol. HR 1121 Gallego. Recognizing March 31, 2011, as Ward County Day at the State Capitol. HR 1124 Aliseda. Honoring Brush Country Republican Women on the 25th anniversary of its founding. HR 1126 Gonzales. Recognizing April 13, 2011, as Williamson County Day at the State Capitol. HR 1127 Schwertner. Congratulating the Georgetown High School girls' basketball team on its successful 2010-2011 season. HR 1128 Schwertner. Congratulating Sean Gingras of Georgetown on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. HR 1134 Howard. Congratulating Austin Ballroom Dancers on its 30th anniversary. HR 1136 Branch. Honoring Pete Schenkel on his receipt of the 82nd annual Linz Award. HR 1137 Branch. Commending Woodrow Wilson High School and J. L. Long Middle School in the Dallas Independent School District for their efforts to offer students the International Baccalaureate program. HR 1139 Johnson. Commending Lamontry Lott for serving as a Democratic Party precinct chair in Dallas County. HR 1140 Johnson. Commending Mark Baker for serving as a Democratic Party precinct chair in Dallas County. HR 1141 Johnson. Commending Kathryn Hines for serving as a Democratic Party precinct chair in Dallas County. HR 1142 Johnson. Commending Daniel Clayton for serving as a Democratic Party precinct chair in Dallas County. HR 1143 Johnson. Commending Deborah Parish for serving as a Democratic Party precinct chair in Dallas County. HR 1144 Johnson. Commending Lorraine Birabil for serving as a Democratic Party precinct chair in Dallas County. HR 1145 Johnson. Commending Jean Ball for serving as a Democratic Party precinct chair in Dallas County. HR 1146 Johnson. Commending Jean P. Mackaly for serving as a Democratic Party precinct chair in Dallas County. HR 1147 Johnson. Commending George Collins for serving as a Democratic Party precinct chair in Dallas County. HR 1148 Madden. Congratulating Plano Police Department volunteer Neal J. Katz on being named a 2010 Outstanding Crime Prevention Citizen by the Texas Crime Prevention Association. HR 1152 Flynn. Congratulating the Martins Mill High School girls' basketball team on a successful 2010-2011 season. HR 1153 Flynn. Congratulating the Canton High School girls' powerlifting team on winning its second consecutive Class 3A state title. HR 1154 Flynn. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Santa Fe Depot, home of the Wolfe City Public Library. HR 1155 Eissler. Congratulating The Woodlands High School on winning the 2009-2010 UIL 5A Lone Star Cup. HR 1156 Harless. Congratulating Dr. David Anthony on his retirement as superintendent of Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. HR 1158 Giddings. Honoring the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Minnie H. Goodlow Page Section on the occasion of its ninth annual Spring Hat Extravaganza and Tea. HR 1160 Anderson. Congratulating the A. J. Moore Academy in Waco on being designated as a Distinguished Academy by the National Academy Foundation. HR 1164 Callegari. Congratulating Dr. Mark Bing on his induction into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. HR 1165 Callegari. Commending Oakmont Healthcare and Rehab Center of Katy for providing an outstanding level of care. HR 1168 Flynn. Congratulating Jesse and Peggy Elmore of Caddo Mills on their 50th wedding anniversary. HR 1169 Flynn. Congratulating Calvin and Naomi Thompson of Canton on their 60th wedding anniversary. HR 1170 Flynn. Congratulating Jerry and Judy Pugh of Canton on their 50th wedding anniversary. HR 1172 Landtroop. Honoring Leadership Plainview for its promotion of civic leadership and volunteerism. HR 1177 Craddick. Congratulating Susie's South Forty Confections, Inc., on its 20th anniversary. HR 1178 Eiland. Commemorating the reopening of the main terminal building at Scholes International Airport at Galveston. HR 1179 Madden. Honoring Conquer Chiari for its efforts in behalf of those with Chiari and syringomyelia. HR 1181 Lyne. Congratulating Taylor Levy on winning first place in the 2010-2011 Texas VFW Voice of Democracy essay contest. HR 1184 Quintanilla. Congratulating Martha Serna on her selection as the 2010-2011 Texas Adult Educator of the Year by the Texas Association for Literacy and Adult Education. HR 1185 Marquez. Congratulating the Mithoff Burton Partners advertising firm in El Paso on its 80th anniversary. HR 1186 Marquez. Congratulating Bob Kitchens on his retirement as the track coach of The University of Texas at El Paso. HR 1187 Marquez. Honoring The University of Texas at El Paso men's basketball team on its achievements during the 2010-2011 season. HR 1189 Flynn. Congratulating Roy DeWitt Deen of Wills Point on his 99th birthday. HR 1191 King, Susan. Congratulating the Wylie High School tennis team on winning the 2011 Texas Tennis Coaches Association 3A state championship. HR 1195 Creighton. Commemorating the dedication of the Lone Star Monument and Historical Flag Park in Conroe. HR 1199 Patrick. Honoring the Pantego Youth Leadership Council for its work to develop community leaders. HR 1200 Taylor. Commending the Friendswood Senior Citizen Program for enriching the lives of seniors in the community. HR 1232 Woolley. Congratulating Village Republican Women on its 50th anniversary. HR 1235 McClendon. Honoring Fiesta San Antonio 2011 and commending the event's organizers. HR 1236 Alonzo. Congratulating the Mountain View College men's basketball team on winning the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III championship. HR 1237 Guillen. Honoring Lori Peterson Perez for her community service in Rio Grande City and Starr County. HR 1239 Guillen. Congratulating the Benavides High School Lady Eagles basketball team on winning district and bi-district championships during the 2010-2011 season. HR 1240 Burkett. Congratulating Elaine Whitlock of Ed Hodges Elementary School on her selection as the 2010-2011 Elementary School Principal of the Year by the Mesquite Independent School District Council of PTAs. HR 1241 Shelton. Congratulating the Paschal High School science team in Fort Worth for winning the 2011 5A Science State Championship sponsored by the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association. HR 1242 Shelton. Congratulating scout executive Dan Clifton on his retirement from the Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America. HR 1911 Johnson. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
REPRESENTATIVE RUTH JONES MCCLENDON: Memb ers, the question is on the adoption of Congratulatory Resolutions read by the clerk. Is there objection? Chair hears none. The Congratulatory Resolutions are adopted. Members, we're about to go to the Memorial Calendar. Would you please take your seats? If you have conversations, please take your conversations outside the rail. The following Memorial Resolutions have been withdrawn. HR 1045, HR 1047, HR 1173, and HR 931. Chair lays out the following Memorial Resolutions. The Clerk will read the resolutions.
CLERK: HR 1042 Pena. In memory of Felipe Lopez of Edinburg. HR 1045 Isaac. In memory of Dr. Bonnie Ann Powers-Prather of Arlington. HR 1047 King, Susan. In memory of Tom Gordon of Abilene. HR 1074 Dutton. In memory of pro football legend and Trinity native Ollie Matson. HR 1075 Dutton. In memory of Felix Derwyn Cook of Houston. HR 1082 Frullo. In memory of Eva Sue Dale of Lubbock. HR 1083 Frullo. In memory of Rick Carlton Hensley of Lubbock. HR 1093 Lyne. In memory of Jane Sellers of Wichita Falls. HR 1100 Raymond. In memory of Sam Kinch, Jr., of Austin. HR 1103 Margo. In memory of Gilda Marie Gonzalez of El Paso. HR 1111 Marquez. In memory of Officer Karl R. McDonough of the El Paso Police Department. HR 1112 Marquez. In memory of Arthur Redelfs and Lesley Enriquez of El Paso. HR 1135 Howard. In memory of Robert W. "Bob" Townsley, Jr., of Austin. HR 1151 Sheffield. In memory of Eldo Johnson of Temple. HR 1159 Anderson. In memory of Arthur Schaffer of Waco. HR 1161 Anderson. In memory of Eileene Musson Anders of Whitney. HR 1162 Anderson. In memory of Edward Maurice Arnold of Bosqueville. HR 1163 Anderson. In memory of Lois Mae Haynes of Waco. HR 1166 Workman. In memory of former Lakeway Mayor Cuth Kenneth "Ken" Shepherd. HR 1171 Vo. Observing the 36th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. HR 1173 Isaac. In memory of Raymond Oren Whisenant, Sr., of Dripping Springs. HR 1175 Zedler. In memory of Peggy Darlene Carriker of Arlington. HR 1188 Marquez. In memory of Hector Licon of El Paso. HR 1201 Fletcher. In memory of Officer Craig G. Story of the Arlington Police Department. HR 1202 Fletcher. In memory of Detention Officer Dionicio M. Camacho of the Harris County Sheriff's Office. HR 1203 Fletcher. In memory of Sergeant Timothy Gerard Olsovsky of the Victoria County Sheriff's Office. HR 1204 Fletcher. In memory of Deputy Sheriff Francis David Blake of the Burnet County Sheriff's Office. HR 1205 Fletcher. In memory of Officer Jesse Thomas Hamilton of the Pasadena Police Department. HR 1206 Fletcher. In memory of Deputy Sheriff Shane Thomas Detwiler of the Chambers County Sheriff's Office. HR 1207 Fletcher. In memory of Officer Henry Canales of the Houston Police Department. HR 1208 Fletcher. In memory of Border Patrol Agent Cruz C. McGuire of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. HR 1209 Fletcher. In memory of Deputy Sheriff D. Martin Robert Harvey of the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office. HR 1210 Fletcher. In memory of Sergeant Randall Dewayne White of the Bridgeport Police Department. HR 1211 Fletcher. In memory of Lieutenant Stuart Jay Alexander of the Corpus Christi Police Department. HR 1212 Fletcher. In memory of Detention Officer Cesar Arreola of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. HR 1213 Fletcher. In memory of Senior Corporal Norman Stephen Smith of the Dallas Police Department. HR 1214 Fletcher. In memory of Officer Jillian Michelle Smith of the Arlington Police Department. HR 1215 Fletcher. In memory of Deputy Sheriff Michael R. Schaefer of the Uvalde County Sheriff's Office. HR 1216 Fletcher. In memory of Officer Ann N. O'Donnell of the University of Houston Police Department. HR 1217 Fletcher. In memory of Officer Andrew J. Rameas of the Harker Heights Police Department. HR 1218 Fletcher. In memory of Trooper Jonathan T. McDonald of the Texas Department of Public Safety. HR 1219 Fletcher. In memory of Officer Sergio A. Antillon of the San Antonio Police Department. HR 1220 Fletcher. In memory of Deputy Sheriff Odell McDuffie, Jr., of the Liberty County Sheriff's Office. HR 1221 Fletcher. In memory of Officer Karl R. McDonough of the El Paso Police Department. HR 1222 Fletcher. In memory of Corporal David Ralph Slaton of the Texas Department of Public Safety. HR 1223 Fletcher. In memory of Corrections Officer Kellie Pena of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. HR 1224 Fletcher. In memory of Officer Leonard Reed of the Cedar Park Police Department. HR 1225 Fletcher. In memory of Officer Craig L. Shaw of the Lancaster Police Department. HR 1226 Fletcher. In memory of Border Patrol Agent Mark Van Doren of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. HR 1227 Fletcher. In memory of Officer Eydelmen Mani of the Houston Police Department. HR 1228 Fletcher. In memory of Officer Rodney T. Holder of the Abilene Police Department. HR 1229 Fletcher. In memory of Deputy Sheriff Jacob Rene Rayos of the Reeves County Sheriff's Office. HR 1230 Fletcher. In memory of Constable John William Brown of the Calhoun County Constable's Office Precinct No. 5. HR 1231 Fletcher. In memory of Officer Timothy Joseph Zurovetz of the Forest Hill Police Department. HR 1233 Margo. In memory of Colonel Milton Leland Haskin of El Paso. HR 1234 Landtroop. In memory of Texas Department of Public Safety trooper Jonathan Thomas McDonald of Post. HR 1238 Guillen. Paying tribute to the life of James Edwin Peterson of Rio Grande City.
REPRESENTATIVE RUTH JONES MCCLENDON: Memb ers, the question is on the adoption of the Memorial Resolutions. Members, these are Memorial Resolutions. All those in favor, please rise. The Memorial Resolutions are adopted. Representative Fletcher, Representative Landtroop moves to add all names to the resolutions for the following peace officers. Is there objection? Chair hears none. The motion is adopted. Members, that concludes our Congratulatory and Memorial Calendars. Thank you for your attention and cooperation. We move into the Local and Consent Calendar with Mayor Pro Tem Woolley, and Chair of the Local and Consent Calendar, Thompson. Members, we're getting ready to go on the Local and Consent Calendars. Chair recognizes Representative Thompson to explain House Bill 1451.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Madam speaker and members, let me go back to January, 2011, and explain Rule 6, Section 23. Rule 6, Section 23 is part of the rules that we are about to govern ourselves here in the legislature. And that rule says that if a bill can be placed on a consent calendar it doesn't have to be a local bill, it could be a statewide bill, and as long as it receives no votes, a hundred percent of the committee voted it out, and it spends no money, House Bill 1451 falls within the (inaudible) of that Rule 6, Section 23. This is the Puppy Mill Bill. It is devised to do very limited things, we are prohibiting animals from being treated cruelly. We're only asking you, those persons who are in the business of raising animals to sell to the public, that you give them clean water, give them some food, and give them a little cage big enough to stretch, and give them some exercise. And the second is one time every year and a half. We don't want you to be selling puppies to the public that is sick, and no one wants to pay five or six hundred dollars for a puppy, take them home, have them to become a member of the family and that puppy dies. Madam Chairman, I move passage of House Bill 1451.
THE SPEAKER: Representative Harless, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE PATRICIA HARLESS: Will the chairwoman yield?
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: I will.
REPRESENTATIVE PATRICIA HARLESS: Represen tative Thompson, can you tell me, does this bill in any way affect livestock?
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: No, it has nothing to do with cows, chickens, pigs, horses, mules; it has only to do with dogs and cats.
REPRESENTATIVE PATRICIA HARLESS: So this is only about dogs and cats, nothing else?
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: That's right. Dogs and cats. And it doesn't have nothing to do with -- it has nothing to do with wildlife, either, nor hunting dogs.
REPRESENTATIVE PATRICIA HARLESS: I appreciate you mentioning that over and over, because there's a lot of misinformation out there.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: N.
REPRESENTATIVE PATRICIA HARLESS: Could you tell, me does this bill does this bill have anything to do with pet stores?
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: The only thing it has to do with pet stores IS that the pet stores buying animals from places that raise them to produce and sell to the public, we want to make sure that they are getting healthy animals. And the animals that are already been infested before they even get them. So we don't have anything to do with pet stores.
REPRESENTATIVE PATRICIA HARLESS: Does this bill prohibit people from breeding their dogs and cats?
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Not at all. It has nothing to do with it. We hope that they continue to do so, so that we will now have an opportunity to be able to purchase those dogs and cats.
REPRESENTATIVE PATRICIA HARLESS: Madam Chair, I've been a joint on this bill for two sessions, and I know that you've worked hard on this with all the different industry groups to make sure that this was an agreed-to bill. Can you tell me a little bit about --
THE SPEAKER: Is there objection to consideration of House Bill 1451? If not, the Chair lays out House Bill 1451 and the clerk will read the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Thank you.
CLERK: House Bill 1451 by Thompson, relating to the licensing and regulation of commercial dog and cat breeders, providing penalties.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Thompson.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: I move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of House Bill 1451.
REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD RAYMOND: Madam Chair?
THE SPEAKER: Representative Raymond, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD RAYMOND: Do I still have time, as Ms. Thompson agreed, that I would ask her one question for the record?
THE SPEAKER: Ms. Thompson, do you yield?
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: I do.
REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD RAYMOND: Thank you Madam Chair. Chairman Branch and I assume, for the record, for the record, the intent that this bill is not intended for hunting dogs or specifically not in the business of selling puppies, that may from time to time have an occasional sale of a hunting or service dog such as a seeing eye dog; is that your understanding?
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: That is my understanding. Not hunting dogs and not seeing eye dogs.
REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD RAYMOND: Madam Speaker, could our exchange be reduced to writing and published in the journal?
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Mr. Simpson raises a point of order for further consideration of House Bill 1451. Mr. Simpson, bring your point of order down front. Representative Simpson temporarily withdraws his point of order. Representative Thompson moves to postpone House Bill 1451 to the end of the calendar. The Chair recognizes Representative Menendez to explain House Bill 35.
REPRESENTATIVE JOSE MENENDEZ: Thank you Madam Speaker and members, upon passage of House Bill 1232 in the 81st Legislative Session, Bexar County established a pilot program that was designated to create a wrap-around collaboration of the parents --
THE SPEAKER: Is there objection to consideration of House Bill 35? The Chair hears none. So ordered. And lays out House Bill 35. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 35 by Menendez. Relating to extending a local behavioral health intervention pilot project.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Menendez.
REPRESENTATIVE JOSE MENENDEZ: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 35. Is there objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Mr. Menendez to explain House Bill 46.
REPRESENTATIVE JOSE MENENDEZ: Thank you Madam Speaker and members, I'd like to tell you that House Bill 46 simply gives the Texas Parks and Wildlife dispatch operator security with the (inaudible) dispatch office --
THE SPEAKER: Is there objection to consideration of House Bill 46? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 46. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 46 by Menendez. Relating to compensatory time off for certain employees of the Parks and Wildlife Department.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Menendez.
REPRESENTATIVE JOSE MENENDEZ: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 46. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Castro to explain House Bill 119. The Chair recognizes Representative --
REPRESENTATIVE MARQUEZ: Yes. HB 119 is relating to protective orders against dating violence. Is there objection to consideration of House Bill 119? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 119. Clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 119 by Castro. Relating to protective orders against dating violence.
THE SPEAKER: Members, the Senate Companion to House Bill 119 is over and eligible. Accordingly, the Chair lays out Senate Bill 116 the Clerk will read the Bill.
CLERK: SB 116 by Uresti. Relating to protective orders against dating violence.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair calls on Representative Marquez to close.
REPRESENTATIVE MARISA MARQUEZ: I move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage of Senate Bill 116 to third reading. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. So ordered. Representative Castro moves to lay -- or House Bill 119 on table subject to call. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Johnson to explain House Bill 184. I understand that this is Mr. Johnson's first bill.
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker and members, House Bill 184 would require the Secretary of State to declare and certify the winner of an uncontested --
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Aycock, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: Gentlem an yield for a few questions?
THE SPEAKER: Do you yield, Mr. Johnson?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: I yield.
THE SPEAKER: The gentleman yields.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: Does this bill have anything to do beards?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: Not exactly, no.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: Why not?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: Well, it's not directly related to the beard.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: Is there a story about your beard that might be interesting to the floor?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: Possibly. I think I know what you are talking about. I have not shaved since I filed my bills, and I'm not going to shave until I get one out of the House.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: And you and I have had considerable discussions about the length of the beards that might be upcoming; is that correct?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you. Sorry.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: You and I had considerable discussion, I believe; is that correct, about the length of your beard?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: We have. We have.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: And if you go long enough before you pass a bill you had said that you would braid your beard?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: I may have agreed to braid the beard if it gets too long, yes.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: Oh, I've been asked if I was upbraiding you. I don't think so, am I?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: I'm sorry --
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: Do you mind if we talk ten minutes about this bill? It would probably go back to the calendars at this point, would probably fail.
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: I've heard that that's how it works, yes.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: In which case, your beard will get longer; is that correct?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: Presumably it would, yes.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: Well, I hope your beard doesn't get too long, freshman.
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: I hope it doesn't, either. Thank you.
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Sheffield, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE RALPH SHEFFIELD: Couple of questions for the representative.
THE SPEAKER: Do you yield, Representative Johnson?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: I do.
THE SPEAKER: The gentleman yields.
REPRESENTATIVE RALPH SHEFFIELD: Represent ative, you got a lot of -- Who is all those guys and gals standing all with you?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: These are my classmates.
REPRESENTATIVE RALPH SHEFFIELD: Do they have any scissors or razors?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: I presume that some of them do, actually.
REPRESENTATIVE RALPH SHEFFIELD: Do you know what happens if we stay here and talk ten minutes?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: Yes, I think I know what would happen.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to further consideration of House Bill 184? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 184.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: I actually have a question about the bill.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair lays out House Bill 184. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 184 by Johnson. Relating to cancellation of a special election to fill a vacancy in the legislature.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Johnson.
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: I move passage.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: Chair, I've got a question of the gentleman.
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Johnson, do you yield to Mr. Phillips?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: I do.
THE SPEAKER: For questions?
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY PHILLIPS: I have a real problem with this bill because I was elected in special election and I'm concerned that -- I'm concerned that the Secretary of State may not declare me the winner. And I'm surprised Mr. Kuempel is there, I think he got elected in special election. And so -- And, I mean, why you brought it yourself and I know you were in a special election. So my concern is -- is this going to open all this back up for her to decide whether we should be here or not?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: It doesn't do that. No, I --
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY PHILLIPS: Are you sure? I mean, that's what it says.
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: No, it doesn't say that. But it says that the Secretary of State has to certify the election two days after a person becomes uncontested in a special election. And that's all it does.
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY PHILLIPS: All right.
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: I promise.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: Madam Speaker?
THE SPEAKER: For what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: Does the gentleman yield?
THE SPEAKER: Do you yield, Mr. Johnson?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: Yes, I do.
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: Okay. Mr. Johnson, you served on the Appropriations Sub-committee that I served, is that not true?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: That is correct.
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: And one of the committee members is also standing right next to you, Representative Gooden; is that correct?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: That is correct.
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: And y'all sit back here together; is that not true?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: That is correct.
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: And you have most of your meals together; is that not true?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: Not so sure about that.
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: Well, is there any truth to the rumor that you are really just brothers separated at birth?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: We're awaiting DNA testing.
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: Okay. Okay. You are a great member and thank you for bringing this bill to us.
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: Thank you, Chairman Darby.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on --
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN SPEAKER: Madam Speaker --
THE SPEAKER: For what purpose?
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN SPEAKER: Would the gentleman yield?
THE SPEAKER: Do you yield, Mr. Johnson?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: Yes, I do.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN SPEAKER: Representativ e Johnson, is it true that you have a wardrobe consultant?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: I do.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN SPEAKER: And did you consult the wardrobe consultant before you laid out your first bill?
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: I did not.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN SPEAKER: And, let me see. I approve.
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage of House Bill 184 to third reading. Is there objection? Chair hears none. So moved. The Chair recognizes Representative Jackson to explain House Bill 360. Mr. Jackson?
REPRESENTATIVE JIM JACKSON: Thank you. House Bill 360 is bill that requires the ballot language to be clear so that the voters know what they are voting on in propositions.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 360? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 360. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 360 by Jackson. Relating to ballot language for a proposition to approve the imposition or increase of tax issue and the issuance of bonds.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Jackson.
REPRESENTATIVE JIM JACKSON: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 360. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Guillen to explain House Bill 423.
REPRESENTATIVE RYAN GUILLEN: Thank you Madam Speaker and members, this grants the governing body for rural transit districts the authorization to create, adopt and maintain --
THE SPEAKER: Is there objection for consideration of House Bill 423? The Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out House Bill 423, the clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 423 by Guillen. Relating to the powers of rural and urban transit districts.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Guillen.
REPRESENTATIVE RYAN GUILLEN: Move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 423. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Villarreal to explain House Bill 533.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE VILLARREAL: Mrs. Speaker and members, this relates to the rendition of property for ad valorem taxes, it allows taxpayers to have --
THE SPEAKER: Is there objection in consideration of House Bill 533? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 533. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 533 by Villarreal. Relating to the rendition of property for ad valorem tax purposes and to the protest of a penalty imposed for a failure to timely file a rendition statement or property report.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Villarreal.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE VILLARREAL: I move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 533. Is there objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair calls upon Representative Craddick to explain House Bill 564.
REPRESENTATIVE TOM CRADDICK: Mrs. Speaker and members, what this does is -- annual maintenance of a fire extinguisher in government bill.
THE SPEAKER: Is there objection to consideration of House Bill 564? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 564. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 564 by Craddick. Relating to inspection of portable fire extinguishes in government owned vehicles and certain governmental jurisdictions.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Craddick.
REPRESENTATIVE TOM CRADDICK: Move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 564. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Parker to explain House Bill 596.
REPRESENTATIVE TAN PARKER: Thank you Madam Speaker. Members, this bill simply adds individuals engaged in water scheme or some of the listed persons --
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection for consideration of House Bill 596? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 596. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 596 by Parker. Relating to offenses of operating a motorboat in a circular course.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Parker.
REPRESENTATIVE TAN PARKER: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 596. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair calls on Representative Harless to explain House Bill 723.
REPRESENTATIVE PATRICIA HARLESS: Members, I move this bill to the end of the calendar.
THE SPEAKER: You've heard the motion. Is there objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Callegari to explain House Bill 725.
REPRESENTATIVE BILL CALLEGARI: Madam Speaker and members, this is a -- bill that clarifies certain district powers.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 725? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 725.
CLERK: HB 725 by Callegari. Relating to the operation, powers and duties of certain water districts.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Callegari.
REPRESENTATIVE BILL CALLEGARI: I move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the question of passage of House Bill 725 to the third reading. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair calls on Mr. Chisum to explain House Bill 729. Chair recognizes Representative Chisum to explain House Bill 729.
REPRESENTATIVE WARREN CHISUM: Ms. Speaker and members, House Bill 729 allows Ochiltree County Hospital District to hire.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any question in consideration of House Bill 729? The Chair hears none. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HR 729 by Chisum. Relating to the authority of the board of directors in Ochiltree County Hospital District to employ health care providers.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Chisum.
REPRESENTATIVE WARREN CHISUM: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of House Bill 729. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Kuempel to explain House Bill 790.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN KUEMPEL: Members, this bill requires the Sunset provision of fresh water fishing (inaudible).
THE SPEAKER: Is there objection to consideration of House Bill 790? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 790. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 790 by Kuempel. Relating to continuing issuance of freshwater fishing stamps by the Parks and Wildlife Department.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Kuempel.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN KUEMPEL: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 790. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair calls on Representative Thompson to explain House Bill 902.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Madam Speaker, House Bill 902 is for consideration of a bidder's principal place of business and avoiding --
THE SPEAKER: Is there objection to consideration of House Bill 902? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 902. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 902 by Thompson. Relating to consideration a bidder's principal place of business in awarding certain municipal contracts.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Thompson -- Representative Thompson, to close. Representative Thompson?
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs from passage to third reading of House Bill 902. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Thompson to explain House Bill 908.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Madam Speaker and members, this is a bill that considers division of community property only this is --
THE SPEAKER: Is there objection in consideration of House Bill 908? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 908. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 908 by Thompson. Relating to the division of community property on dissolution of marriage.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Thompson.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 908. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair calls on Representative Thompson to explain House Bill 909.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Madam Speaker and members, this has to do with the termination of the child-parent relationship and the duty to pay child support.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection in consideration of House Bill 909? Members, the Senate Companion to House Bill 909 is over and eligible. Accordingly, the Chair lays out Senate Bill 785. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: SB 785 by Harris. Relating to the termination of the parent-child relationship and the duty to pay child support in circumstances involving mistaken paternity.
THE SPEAKER: Representative -- The Chair recognizes Representative Thompson.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Madam Speaker, members, this is an identical bill to House Bill 909 and I move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage of Senate Bill 90 -- Excuse me. The question occurs on passage to third reading of Senate Bill 785. Is there objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Representative Thompson moves to lay House Bill 909 on the table subject to call. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Darby to explain House Bill 930.
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: Members, this bill simply makes a technical correction to conform with the affidavit provisions with --
THE SPEAKER: Is there objection to consideration of House Bill 930? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 930. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 930 relating to the requirements for an application for a tax warrant authorizing the seizure of personal property for the payment of ad valorem taxes.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Darby.
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 930. Is there objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair calls on Representative Phillips to explain House Bill 935.
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY PHILLIPS: Members, Senate Bill is over and eligible. I move to call Senate Bill 525.
THE SPEAKER: Members, the Senate Companion of House Bill 935 is over and eligible. Accordingly, the Chair lays out Senate Bill 523. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: SB 525 by Deuell. Relating to the protection of water quality in certain bodies of water.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Phillips.
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY PHILLIPS: I would move -- This relates to the -- this is a bill that relates to the local reservoirs in the state that are specifically stated the bill, and they are adding two reservoirs in my district. Actually, one of them is in there and the other one we are adding new. And I believe I got some questions I need to answer.
THE SPEAKER: Do you yield, Mr. Phillips?
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY PHILLIPS: Yes.
THE SPEAKER: The gentleman yields.
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: Representativ e Phillips, is this your first bill?
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY PHILLIPS: This session, maybe.
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: Okay. You asked that question a lot. I just thought -- Anyway, when you brought this bill to Natural Resources, you made it very clear to us that it affects only the (inaudible) reservoir and only that area. In your opinion, it has no effect on any other part of the state of Texas, absolutely a local bill on your part?
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY PHILLIPS: That's right. The only way that it affects -- And again, I will be clear. There are couple of other reservoirs that had already been on the statute, and what we're doing is we're adding Lower Bogart into our -- that statute. And we are taking away the expiration of the -- the other proposed reservoir in that. And both of those are wholly in (inaudible) county. So it has no impact on your county, his county, their counties around. This is a local bill.
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: So it's your opinion then it's a -- this is a local --
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY PHILLIPS: Legislative intent this only -- Adding these -- This affects only local reservoirs in (inaudible) County.
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: Thank you, Representative Phillips. And congratulations on bringing this bill.
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: Madam Speaker?
THE SPEAKER: For what purpose, Mr. Darby?
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: Could I have the conversation between Representative Phillips and myself reduced to writing and place in the --
THE SPEAKER: You've heard the motion, members. Is there any objection? So ordered.
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY PHILLIPS: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of Senate Bill 525. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Representative Phillips moves to lay House Bill 935 on the table subject to call. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Turner to House Bill 960.
REPRESENTATIVE SYLVESTER TURNER: Thank you, Madam Speaker. This bill relates to the powers of the Central Harris County Regional Water Authority.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 960? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 960. The clerk will read will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 960 by Turner. Relating to the power of the Central Harris County Regional Water Authority.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Turner.
REPRESENTATIVE SYLVESTER TURNER: Move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of House Bill 960. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Hartnett to explain House Bill 962.
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Thank you, Madam Speaker and members, this bill relates to the return of citation by a process server. I do want to make clear that it's not my legislative intent to approve creation of the process server review board. This bill merely recognizes that certain of the process servers, as part of that certification created by the Supreme Court, have been vetted and gone through their criminal background check, and crossed over several huddles that would justify the waiver of the notarization requirement for that class.
THE SPEAKER: Is there objection for consideration of House Bill 962?
REPRESENTATIVE RANDY WEBER: Madam Speaker?
THE SPEAKER: For what purpose, Mr. Weber?
REPRESENTATIVE RANDY WEBER: Would my very fine deskmate yield for questions?
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: I yield.
REPRESENTATIVE RANDY WEBER: Thank you, Will. I appreciate that. Will, you know, we have had this discussion about your bill and I just wanted to get this so we can get legislative intent in the record. The purpose of your bill is not -- I want to restate what you said, not to somehow ratify the creation or the existence of the Process Server Review Board; is that right?
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Correct.
REPRESENTATIVE RANDY WEBER: Right. And what you are doing, in your view, is to create a situation where you are streamlining part of the process?
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Correct.
REPRESENTATIVE RANDY WEBER: Okay. And you are not wanting to put a stamp of approval on one system of people to the detriment of others; is that correct?
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Correct.
REPRESENTATIVE RANDY WEBER: So you just want to streamline that process. And, basically, what your process is going to do is say that when a process server serves, does the process, and he or she is certified by the Supreme Court -- is that correct?
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Yes.
REPRESENTATIVE RANDY WEBER: -- or certified by the Supreme Court, then that process coming back does not have to be notarized?
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Correct.
REPRESENTATIVE RANDY WEBER: Currently, is it your understanding is that right now all the processes have to be notarized?
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Yes.
REPRESENTATIVE RANDY WEBER: Okay. And you are not attempting to choose winners or losers in this system, you are just simply saying you want to streamline part of that process?
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Correct.
REPRESENTATIVE RANDY WEBER: Is it fair to assume that most all of the process servers would have the same opportunities to be certified by the Supreme Court, if they so chose to do so?
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Yes.
REPRESENTATIVE RANDY WEBER: Okay. And -- Okay. And just for reclarification, you are not attempting to somehow ratify the existence of the board? Madam Speaker?
THE SPEAKER: For what purpose, Mr. Weber?
REPRESENTATIVE RANDY WEBER: I would like to get our comments into the record for legislative intent, please.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair lays out House Bill 962.
CLERK: HB 962 by Hartnett. Relating to rules regarding the return of service.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Hartnett.
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of House Bill 962. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair calls on Representative Kolkhorst to explain House Bill 988.
REPRESENTATIVE LOIS KOLKHORST: Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 988 extends the amount of time that correctional officers can use their comp time, from twenty months to twenty-four months.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection for consideration of House Bill 988? The Chair hears none. The Chair lays out House Bill 988. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 988 by Kolkhorst. Relating to compensatory time accrued by a correctional officer employed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Kolkhorst.
REPRESENTATIVE LOIS KOLKHORST: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: Members, the question occurs on passage to third reading of House Bill 988. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The chair calls on Representative Gallego to explain House Bill 1040.
REPRESENTATIVE PETE GALLEGO: Madam Speaker and members, House Bill 1040 is relating to a violation (inaudible).
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Gallego, should I call Mr. Hardcastle to interpret for you? One more time, please.
REPRESENTATIVE PETE GALLEGO: Thank you, Madam Speaker. The House Bill 1040 (inaudible).
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 140? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 140. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1040 by Gallego. Relating to the validation of, creation of and certain acts related to, a venue project.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Gallego.
REPRESENTATIVE PETE GALLEGO: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: Is there objection to -- Oh, excuse me. The question occurs on passage to third reading of House Bill 1040. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Elkins to explain House Bill 1083.
REPRESENTATIVE GARY ELKINS: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Last session we passed House Bill 2068 to amend the occupations bill the --
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection in consideration of House Bill 1083? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1083. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1083 by Elkins. Relating to issuance of an identification card to certain honorably retired peace officers.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Elkins.
REPRESENTATIVE GARY ELKINS: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of House Bill 1083. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The chair calls on Representative Johnson to explain House Bill 1106.
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 1106 requires an informant or defendant who is being placed under further adjudication of the right --
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1106? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1106. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1106 by Johnson. Relating to providing certain information to a criminal defendant at the time the defendant is placed on deferred adjudication community supervision and at the time of the dismissal of certain proceedings against the defendant.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Johnson.
REPRESENTATIVE ERIC JOHNSON: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading House Bill 1106. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Aycock to explain House Bill 1136.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: Thank you, Madam Speaker. This bill (inaudible) county sheriffs are notified (inaudible) elections held in their county.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1136? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1136 the clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1136 by Aycock. Relating to application to run for applicable office.
THE SPEAKER: The chair recognizes Representative Aycock.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of House Bill 1136. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The chair calls on Representative Smith of Harris to explain House Bill 1147.
REPRESENTATIVE SMITH: House Bill 1147 requires (inaudible) products that are--
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection in consideration of House Bill 1147? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1147. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1147 by Smith of Harris. Relating to notice by a governmental entity regarding certain geospatial data products.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Smith of Harris.
REPRESENTATIVE SMITH: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage of 1147. Is there objection -- to third reading -- is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Taylor to explain House Bill 1157.
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY TAYLOR: Members, Senate Bill 567 is over and eligible.
THE SPEAKER: Members, the Senate Companion to House Bill 1157 is over and eligible. Accordingly, the Chair lays out Senate Bill 567. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: SB 567 by Williams, relating to the Texas Life, Accident Health and Hospital Service Insurance Guaranty Association.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 567 -- excuse me, Senate Bill 567? The Chair hears none. And Representative Taylor --
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY TAYLOR: Senate Bill 567 makes various changes in the life and health insurance commissioners (inaudible) to the Texas Life and Accident and Health and Hospital Service Insurance Guaranty Association.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection in consideration of Senate Bill 567? Chair hears none and calls on the clerk to read the bill. We did that, didn't we? Didn't we do that?
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY TAYLOR: Move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. The question occurs on passage to third reading of Senate Bill 567. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Accordingly, Representative Taylor moves to lay House Bill 1157 on the table, subject to call. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Geren to explain House Bill 1242.
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE GEREN: Thank you, madam speaker and members. House Bill 1242 regulates the people that buy gold and silver.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1242? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1242. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1242 by Geren. Relating to the regulation of certain metal dealers; providing criminal penalties.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Geren.
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE GEREN: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage of House Bill 1242 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Pickett to -- Excuse me. The Chair recognizes Representative Margo to explain House Bill 1254.
REPRESENTATIVE DEE MARGO: Thank you. Members, this is simply a study of consolidation of the local school districts, police departments; primarily in El Paso --
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1254? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1254. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1254 by Pickett. Relating to the consideration of the consolidation of school district employment of peace officers and security personnel in certain counties.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Margo.
REPRESENTATIVE DEE MARGO: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of House Bill 1254. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Lucio to explain House Bill 1263. REPRESENTATIVE EDDIE LUCIO, III: Thank you, Madam Speaker. This bill will allow a non profit to raise money by selling government bonds to --
THE SPEAKER: Is there objection to consideration of House Bill 1263? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1253. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1263 by Lucio. Relating to the powers, duties and financing of certain facilities finance corporations.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Lucio. REPRESENTATIVE EDDIE LUCIO, III: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage of House Bill 1263 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair calls on Representative Guillen to explain House Bill 1301.
REPRESENTATIVE RYAN GUILLEN: Thank you, Madam Speaker. This would allow the persons to make contributions to the Parks and Wildlife Department.
THE SPEAKER: Is there objection in consideration of House Bill 1301? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1301. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1301 by Guillen. Relating to making a voluntary contribution to the Parks and Wildlife Department when registering a motor vehicle or renewing the motor vehicle registration.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Guillen.
REPRESENTATIVE RYAN GUILLEN: Move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage of House Bill 1301 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none -- Mr. Guillen? Following amendment. The clerk will read the amendment.
CLERK: Amendment by Guillen.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Guillen.
REPRESENTATIVE RYAN GUILLEN: Thank you. Members, this would simply change a program to not opt out rather than not opt in.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to the amendment of House Bill 1301? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Guillen.
REPRESENTATIVE RYAN GUILLEN: Move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of House Bill 1301. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Scott to explain House Bill 1322.
REPRESENTATIVE CONNIE SCOTT: Relating to the possession of fish in the tidal waters of the state.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1322? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1322. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1322 by Scott. Relating to the possession of fish in the tidal water of the state.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Scott.
REPRESENTATIVE CONNIE SCOTT: I move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 1322. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Raymond to explain House Bill 1330.
REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD RAYMOND: Thank you, Madam Speaker and members, HB 1330 amends the statute to include the (inaudible).
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection in consideration of House Bill 1330? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1330. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1330 by Raymond. Relating to the use of safety guards or flaps on certain vehicles or vehicle combinations.
THE SPEAKER: Chair lays out -- Representative Raymond?
REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD RAYMOND: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 1330 -- excuse me, House Bill 1330. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair calls on Representative Guillen to explain House Bill 1346.
REPRESENTATIVE RYAN GUILLEN: Thank you, Madam Speaker. This would take out the term management officer in the Parks and Wildlife code and change to
(inaudible) game warden.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection in consideration of House Bill 1346? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1346. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1346 by Guillen. Relating to the consistent use of the term "game warden" throughout the Parks and Wildlife Code.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Guillen.
REPRESENTATIVE RYAN GUILLEN: Move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage of House Bill 1346 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Anchia to explain House Bill 1379.
REPRESENTATIVE RAFAEL ANCHIA: Madam -- Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. This relates to the purchase of a firearm by honorably retired personnel.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1379? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1379. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1379 by Anchia. Relating to the purchasing of a firearm from the county by an honorably retired law enforcement officer.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Anchia.
REPRESENTATIVE RAFAEL ANCHIA: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage of House Bill 1379 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Elkins to explain House Bill 1400.
REPRESENTATIVE GARY ELKINS: Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 1400 remedies the --
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection in consideration of House Bill 1400? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1400. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1400 by Elkins. Relating to payment of costs of improvements of a public improvement district designated by a municipality or county.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Elkins.
REPRESENTATIVE GARY ELKINS: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage of House Bill 1400 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Chisum to explain House Bill 1413.
REPRESENTATIVE WARREN CHISUM: Madam Speaker and members, House Bill 1413 just relates to Castro County Hospital District.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection in consideration of House Bill 1413? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1413. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1413 by Chisum. Relating to the powers and duties of the Castro County Hospital District.
THE SPEAKER: The clerk recognizes -- the clerk --
REPRESENTATIVE WARREN CHISUM: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 1413. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Farias to explain House Bill 1426.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE FARIAS: Madam Speaker and members, all it does is it changes how the commissioner's court collect the --
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection in consideration of House Bill 1426? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1426. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1426 by Farias. Relating to the collection of court costs, fees, fines and other money by the commissioners courts of certain counties.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Farias.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE FARIAS: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 1426. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair calls on Representative Quintanilla to explain House Bill 1464.
REPRESENTATIVE CHENTE QUINTANILLA: Mr. Speaker, Senate Bill 332 is over and eligible.
THE SPEAKER: Members, the Senate Companion of HB 1464 is over and eligible. Accordingly, the Chair lays out Senate Bill 832. The Clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: SB 832 by Rodriguez. Relating to voter eligibility and registration in El Paso county Water Improvement District Number 1.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of Senate Bill 832 --
REPRESENTATIVE CHENTE QUINTANILLA: I move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage of House Bill 832 to third reading. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. So moved. Representative Quintanilla moves to lay House Bill 1464 on the table for calling. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Hernandez Luna to explain House Bill 1469.
REPRESENTATIVE ANA HERNANDEZ LUNA: Thank you, Madam Speaker. House Bill 1469 would better organization to the (inaudible).
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1469? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1469. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1469 by Hernandez Luna. Relating to exempting certain fraternal and veterans organizations from certain bond requirements to obtain an alcoholic beverage permit or license.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Hernandez Luna.
REPRESENTATIVE ANA HERNANDEZ LUNA: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of House Bill 1469. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Beck to explain House Bill 1482.
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: Members, Senate Bill 727 is ineligible. This bill just clarifies the --
THE SPEAKER: Members, the Senate Companion to House Bill 1482 is over and eligible. Accordingly, the Chair lays out Senate Bill 727. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: SB 727 by Seliger. Relating to groundwater conservation district management plans.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Beck.
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: I move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of Senate Bill 727. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So moved. Members, the Senate --
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: Members, thank you very much for such a smooth passage of my first bill.
THE SPEAKER: Members -- Ms. Kolkhorst, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE LOIS KOLKHORST: Does she yield to the floor? We'll catch her on the next one.
THE SPEAKER: Do we need to move or reconsideration of the -- Motion to reconsider Senate Bill 727. Is there any objection to reconsideration? The Chair hears none. So ordered. Ms. Beck, you are on the hook.
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: Madam Speaker, see, I didn't think anyone would pay any attention.
THE SPEAKER: For what purpose, Ms. Kolkhorst?
REPRESENTATIVE LOIS KOLKHORST: Would the gentle-lady yield?
THE SPEAKER: Do you yield, Ms. Beck?
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: I yield for questions.
THE SPEAKER: The lady yields for questions.
REPRESENTATIVE LOIS KOLKHORST: You know, Ms. Beck, that was pretty smooth.
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE LOIS KOLKHORST: You know, I want to ask you what does this bill do?
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: Not much.
REPRESENTATIVE LOIS KOLKHORST: Not much?
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: No.
REPRESENTATIVE LOIS KOLKHORST: I think you've got a pretty broad caption on it.
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: No, it's a very simple bill. Just clarifies some language.
REPRESENTATIVE LOIS KOLKHORST: I mean it says relating to the groundwater conservation district management plans. Is that -- Are you changing any of the water districts in my district?
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: No, ma'am. I exclusively eliminated all of them in your district.
REPRESENTATIVE LOIS KOLKHORST: I mean does this have Madison County in it, or Leon County, or --
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: No, no, no, ma'am.
REPRESENTATIVE LOIS KOLKHORST: Well, what does it have? I mean, tell me about the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: I don't know. They just brought it to me and asked me to pass it.
REPRESENTATIVE LOIS KOLKHORST: Oh, Ms. Beck, you are setting up some tough times for yourself in the future.
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: Indeed.
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Taylor, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY TAYLOR: Would the gentle-lady yield?
THE SPEAKER: Do you yield?
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: For questions.
THE SPEAKER: Gentle-lady yields for questions.
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY TAYLOR: Ms. Beck, did you just try to pull a fast one on this floor?
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: I sure did. I almost succeeded.
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY TAYLOR: But you didn't know that we had the ability to reconsider things like that, did you? Are you a freshman?
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: I'm a little old to be a freshmen.
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY TAYLOR: You know, you replaced somebody that we all know here on this floor and he may have tried to pull a fast one. And I was really surprised to see you try to pull a fast one like that.
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY TAYLOR: Well, I hope we don't see more of that in the future, that you would be more forthcoming and tell us all about the bill and be prepared to go ahead and take what's coming your way as a freshman and your first bill. But, congratulations. We are glad to have you here.
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: Thank you.
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Coleman, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE GARNET COLEMAN: Does the gentle-lady yield for questions?
THE SPEAKER: Would you yield?
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: Yes.
THE SPEAKER: The gentle-lady yields.
REPRESENTATIVE GARNET COLEMAN: Yes. You have this deskmate that is kind of not there.
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: He's a phantom.
REPRESENTATIVE GARNET COLEMAN: The phantom. You have learned well how to be a phantom.
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: Yes.
REPRESENTATIVE GARNET COLEMAN: Yes, get out of the way --
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: I took lessons from an expert.
REPRESENTATIVE GARNET COLEMAN: Yes, right. So tell me, what is it like to be at a place where there are a lot of people trying to figure the world out and you've already been through more life experience than the rest of them? Do you think we look kind of stupid sometimes?
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: No. I set back and I'm quiet and I observe. I'm taking in a lot.
REPRESENTATIVE GARNET COLEMAN: And, in all sincerity, I'm very proud that you are my deskmate.
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: Thank you.
THE SPEAKER: Representative Larson, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE LYLE LARSON: Would the gentle-lady yield?
THE SPEAKER: Would you yield, Ms. Beck?
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: For questions.
THE SPEAKER: The gentle-lady yields.
REPRESENTATIVE LYLE LARSON: Yes, Marva, I appreciate that you've stepped up here and taken the -- Does this bill have anything to do with vehicles?
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: No, sir, it does not.
REPRESENTATIVE LYLE LARSON: And what type of vehicle do you drive?
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: I drive a yellow Mini Cooper with a black racing --
REPRESENTATIVE LYLE LARSON: Is there --
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: Her name is Merriweather.
REPRESENTATIVE LYLE LARSON: Is that an American made vehicle?
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: She's not only all American made, but she's American delivered and American serviced with American tires on her. Excuse me, she. She wears black patent leather shoes.
REPRESENTATIVE LYLE LARSON: And I have to tell you that I have seen you go through your district in that thing and you go as fast through your district as you went to your desk a minute ago.
REPRESENTATIVE MARVA BECK: Amen.
REPRESENTATIVE LYLE LARSON: Thank you.
THE SPEAKER: Members -- Mr. Bonnen, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE DENNIS BONNEN: Parliamenta ry inquiry.
THE SPEAKER: State your inquiry.
REPRESENTATIVE DENNIS BONNEN: I'm holding onto this microphone because I would request that you, Madam Speaker, not allow all the freshman class to stand behind their members. I'm having a hard time not following them, due to the weight on the floor down there. Could we request only half of them stand behind the members, when they all get up there?
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Bonnen, you can try.
REPRESENTATIVE DENNIS BONNEN: And it will also make the floor very empty. It's like no one here.
THE SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr. Bonnen. All right. The question occurs on passage to third reading of Senate Bill 727. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Alvarado to explain House Bill 1525.
REPRESENTATIVE CAROL ALVARADO: Trying to get through all the traffic. Thank you, Madam Speaker and members, House Bill 1525 is a requirement to serve on the board of directors on the Greater East End Management District in Houston.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1525? Chair hears none. Chair lays out House Bill 1525. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1525 by Alvarado. Relating to board of directors of the Greater East End Management District.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Alvarado.
REPRESENTATIVE CAROL ALVARADO: I move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 1525. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair calls on Representative Miller to explain House Bill 1527.
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: Mrs. Chairman and members, this bill changes the statute of Texas department of agriculture.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1527? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1527. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1527 by Miller. Relating to the certification of the state's primary standards of weights and measures.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Miller.
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 1527. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Aycock to explain House Bill 1550.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: Thank you, Madam Speaker. HB 1515 is a bill that will allow state supported charter schools to participate in --
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1550? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1550. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1550 by Aycock. Relating to participation in state service contracts by open enrollment charter schools.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Aycock.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 1550. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Coleman to explain House Bill 1568.
REPRESENTATIVE GARNET COLEMAN: Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. What this bill does is allow Harris County Hospital Districts and commissioner's court to hire positions of the commissioner's court to --
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1568? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1568. The clerk will read will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1568 by Coleman. Relating to the authority of certain local governmental entities in certain parts of the county to appoint contract for employment --
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Coleman.
REPRESENTATIVE GARNET COLEMAN: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage of House Bill 1568 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Munoz to explain House Bill 1768. REPRESENTATIVE SERGIO MUNOZ, JR.,: Members , HB 1768 is relating to the regulation of roadside vendors and solicitors.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1768? Representative Hartnett, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Would the gentleman yield for questions?
THE SPEAKER: Will you yield, Mr. Munoz? REPRESENTATIVE SERGIO MUNOZ, JR.,: Yes, I will yield for questions.
THE SPEAKER: Yes, the gentleman yields.
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Is this your first bill or is it -- REPRESENTATIVE SERGIO MUNOZ, JR.,: No, Representative Hartnett. It's actually my third one.
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Okay. Good, good, good, good. And this doesn't outlaw Kool Aid stands, does it, or Girl Scout Cookies? REPRESENTATIVE SERGIO MUNOZ, JR.,: No, no, it doesn't.
THE SPEAKER: Representative Hardcastle, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: Will the gentleman yield?
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Munoz, do you yield? REPRESENTATIVE SERGIO MUNOZ, JR.,: Yes, I will yield for questions.
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: I noticed in your bill you specifically excluded livestock. You are not trying to sneak into the cattle business, are you? REPRESENTATIVE SERGIO MUNOZ, JR.,: No, Representative Hardcastle, I made sure I had that exception in there, for yourself.
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: And the county does pass the ordinance to amendment whatever you are going to outlaw on street vendors or -- REPRESENTATIVE SERGIO MUNOZ, JR.,: Yes, what this will do is the county commissioners will have to do the regulations to regulate them.
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: Okay. Thank you. REPRESENTATIVE SERGIO MUNOZ, JR.,: Thank you, Representative.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1768? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1768. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1768 by Munoz. Relating to the regulation of roadside vendors and solicitors in certain counties.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Munoz. REPRESENTATIVE SERGIO MUNOZ, JR.,: I move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage of House Bill 1768 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Howard.
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE HOWARD: The House Bill 1778 has a companion Senate Bill, 684, which is over and eligible.
THE SPEAKER: Members, the Senate Companion to House Bill 1778 is over and eligible. Accordingly, the Chair lays out Senate Bill 684. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: SB 684 by Huffman. Relating to the transfer of the assets and the dissolution of the Fort Bend County Water Control and Improvement District Number 1.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Howard.
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE HOWARD: This is all in the water district -- taken to the city. Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage of House Bill 684 to the third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Representative Howard of Fort Bend moves to lay House Bill 1758 on the table subject to call. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Lucio to explain House Bill 1814. REPRESENTATIVE EDDIE LUCIO, III: Thank you, Madam Speaker and members, HB 1814 allows
(inaudible) to have liability protection (inaudible).
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1814? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1814. And the clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1814 by Lucio. Relating to the provision of water and certain equipment by water supply or sewer service corporations for use in fire suppression and the liability of those corporations.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Lucio. REPRESENTATIVE EDDIE LUCIO, III: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 1814. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Naishtat to explain House Bill 1829.
REPRESENTATIVE ELLIOTT NAISHTAT: Members, this bill allows officers to transport mental health patients from to the ER to a mental health facility.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1829? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1829. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1829 by Naishtat. Relating to transfer to a mental hospital of a person admitted to a facility for emergency detention.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Naishtat.
REPRESENTATIVE ELLIOTT NAISHTAT: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 1829. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair calls on Representative Ritter to explain House Bill 1832.
REPRESENTATIVE ALLAN RITTER: Madam Speaker and members, House Bill 1832 updates and modernizes laws that --
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1832? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1832. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1832 by Ritter. Relating to the law governing the Lower Neches Valley Authority; providing authority to issue bonds.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Ritter.
REPRESENTATIVE ALLAN RITTER: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage of House Bill 1832 to third reading. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair calls on Representative Keffer to explain House Bill 1901.
REPRESENTATIVE JAMES L. KEFFER: Thank you, Madam Speaker. The House Bill, 1901 would extend the TCEQ bond exemption to the --
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1901? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1901. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1901 by Keffer. Relating to the applicability of provisions concerning bond approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to certain water areas.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative -- Representative Keffer.
REPRESENTATIVE JAMES L. KEFFER: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage of House Bill 1901 to the third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Hilderbran to explain House Bill 1944.
REPRESENTATIVE HARVEY HILDERBRAN: Mrs. Speaker and members this bill just deals with the Crockett County Water District.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1944? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1944. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1944 by Hilderbran. Relating to relating to the election of board of directors at the Crockett County Water Control and Improvement District Number 1.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes -- calls on Representative Hilderbran.
REPRESENTATIVE HARVEY HILDERBRAN: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage of House Bill 1944 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair calls on Representative Thompson to explain House Bill 1955.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Madam Speaker and members, House Bill 1955 is relating to certain conduct indicating a need --
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1955? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1955. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1955 by Thompson. Relating to contracting with a lottery operator by the Texas Lottery Commission.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes -- Oh, the following amendment, the clerk will read the amendment.
CLERK: Amendment by Thompson.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Thompson to explain the amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: This amendment deals with the supervision of children who have been accused of prostitution.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of the amendment? Chair hears none. So ordered. We're back on the bill, members. The question occurs on the final passage of House Bill 1955 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Hardcastle to explain House Bill 1990.
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: House Bill 1990 is Hardeman county and I have my interpreter.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Members , I have -- I have -- beyond the (inaudible) say that this is bill that's representing Hardeman County. I'm trying to interpret for him. It relates to hospital districts.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 1990? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 1990. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1990 by Hardcastle. Relating to the authority of the board of directors of the Hardeman County Hospital District to employ physicians and other health care providers.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Thompson to interpret for Representative Hardcastle.
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: Move passage.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Members , he moves passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of House Bill 1990. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Thompson to explain House Bill 2015.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Members , house Bill 2015 is a bill relating to the need of care and supervision.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection in consideration of House Bill 2015? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 2015. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 2015 by Thompson. Relating to certain conduct indicating a need for supervision and the sealing of records related to that conduct.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Thompson.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 2015. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes -- The Chair recognizes Representative Hamilton to explain House Bill 2039.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE HAMILTON: Madam Chair, the Speaker, the Senate Bill is over and eligible.
THE SPEAKER: Members, the Senate Companion to House Bill 2039 is over and eligible. Accordingly, the Chair lays out Senate Bill 890. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: SB 890 by Corona. Relating to certain promotional activities for certain alcoholic beverages permit holders.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Hamilton.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE HAMILTON: These are basically letting the distributors clean up the wine keg.
THE SPEAKER: Did you move passage?
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE HAMILTON: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of Senate Bill 890. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Representative Hamilton moves to lay House Bill 2039 on table subject to call. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Smith of Harris to explain House Bill 2266.
REPRESENTATIVE SMITH: Members, this provides for fire marshals to continue --
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 2266? Chair hears none. And asks the clerk to read the bill.
CLERK: HB 2266 by Smith of Harris. Relating to the fire code certificates of compliance.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Smith of Harris.
REPRESENTATIVE SMITH: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 2266. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Ritter to explain House Bill 2296.
REPRESENTATIVE ALLAN RITTER: Madam Chair, House Bill 2296 just creates Jefferson County Management District Number 1.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 2296? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 2296. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 2296 by Ritter. Relating to creating the Jefferson County Management District Number 1 to; providing authority to impose an assessment, impose a tax, and issue bonds.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Ritter.
REPRESENTATIVE ALLAN RITTER: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of House Bill 2296. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Larson to explain House Bill 2240.
REPRESENTATIVE LYLE LARSON: Members, I request that House Bill 2340 be postponed until time certain of Thursday, May 5th, 2011. This allows the companion Senate Bill 988 to come across. I move to postpone to local calendar.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you have heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Hamilton to explain his bill, 2375.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE HAMILTON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. This legislation addresses the housekeeping issues for the Texas Appraiser Licensing certification.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 2375. Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 2375. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 2375 by Hamilton. Relating to practices and professions regulated by the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Hamilton.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE HAMILTON: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage of House Bill 2375 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Reynolds on his very first bill --
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Members, HB --
THE SPEAKER: To explain bill 2463.
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Thank you, Madam Speaker and members, HB 243 will help the Texas Work Force Commission address the confidentiality of their record.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 2463? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 2463. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 2463 by Reynolds. Relating to access to certain records regarding an employment discrimination claim.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Reynolds.
REPRESENTATIVE REYNOLDS: I move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Hartnett, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Would the gentleman yield for questions?
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: I most certainly will.
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Is this your first bill?
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Yes, it is.
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Is it a good bill?
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: It's a great bill.
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: And tell us what's good.
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Well, currently, right now, under our federal statute, the equal employment opportunity commission has certain records that maintains that are maintained to be confidential. The state law needs to be moving to the federal requirements so that the Texas Work Force Commission doesn't have to give up records like Social Security numbers, personal addresses and personal financial records. So this provision would allow the Texas Work Force Commission to maintain certain information confidential.
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Now, is this going to put the Social Security numbers on the internet, like we just saw with the other agency?
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Absolutely not. This would certainly prohibit that.
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: And is this going to basically turn over our law to the federal government?
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: No, absolutely not. We would never want to do that in Texas.
REPRESENTATIVE WILL HARTNETT: Thank you very much.
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE HOWARD: Madam Speaker, would the gentleman yield for questions?
THE SPEAKER: Do you yield, Mr. Reynolds?
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: To someone who is in my county, absolutely.
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE HOWARD: Representa tive Reynolds, are you Fort Bend County?
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Absolutely, the best county in the state.
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE HOWARD: I know it is. And I remember having a discussion with you and you said that you wouldn't do anything that would adversely affect our county.
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: That's absolutely right, Charlie, I did say that.
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE HOWARD: You are positive?
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: I am absolutely, unequivocally certain.
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE HOWARD: All right, thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: Ma'am Speaker?
THE SPEAKER: Representative Walle, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: Will Reverend Ron Reynolds yield for questions?
THE SPEAKER: Would you yield for questions, Mr. Reynolds?
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: For a fellow
(inaudible) member, absolutely, yes.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: Thank you, Rev. Representative Howard mentioned that you guys are from Fort Bend County.
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Yes. That's correct.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: And I know you are a proud Fort Bend County guy, but every time that I go to events in Houston, you seem to be around.
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Well, I also represent the City of Houston, Fort Bend County. So I do like to represent my our constituents in Houston as well.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: You know I'm really concerned, I hope your constituents know that you are working hard for them in Houston.
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: That's right. I do. I do that.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Thank you, Armando.
THE SPEAKER: Representative Pena, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE AARON PENA: Oh, just ask some questions.
THE SPEAKER: Would you yield to Mr. Pena for questions?
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: For one question from Mr. Pena.
REPRESENTATIVE AARON PENA: Okay. Does this bill help the least, the lost and the -- what's the last one?
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: I thought I taught you better than that. The least, the last and the lost. It certainly would.
REPRESENTATIVE AARON PENA: It would?
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Yes, sir.
REPRESENTATIVE AARON PENA: The least, the last and the lost?
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: That's right.
REPRESENTATIVE AARON PENA: Can we put that down as the quote of the day and like in a newspaper, that this bill --
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: If you would like to, and you don't object, and you don't run my time out; I would do that.
REPRESENTATIVE AARON PENA: Okay. The least, the last and the lost. That is what this bill does? Very good. You have a good bill. Congratulations.
REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Thank you. Members, I move passage.
THE SPEAKER: Members, the question occurs on the passage of House Bill 2463 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Vo to explain House Bill 2538.
REPRESENTATIVE VO: Members, I would like to make a motion to postpone this bill to the next local and consent calendar and wait for the Senate Bill to come over.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Harless to explain House Bill 2616.
REPRESENTATIVE PATRICIA HARLESS: Madam Speaker, Members, the Senate Bill Companion is over and eligible for consideration.
THE SPEAKER: Members, the Senate Companion to House Bill 2616 is over and eligible. Accordingly, the Chair lays out House Bill -- Excuse me, Senate bill 983. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: SB 983 by Corona. Relating to the elimination of certain requirements for certain customer specific communications contracts.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Harless.
REPRESENTATIVE PATRICIA HARLESS: SB 983 removes (inaudible) filing requirements for certain customer contracts. This legislation has recommendation from the Sunset Commission for PUC. I move passage.
THE SPEAKER: Members, the question occurs on passage of Senate Bill 983 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Representative Harless moves to lay House Bill 2616 on the table subject to call. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Miles to explain House Bill 2670.
REPRESENTATIVE BORRIS MILES: Thank you, Madam Speaker. 2670 expands the boundaries of Harris County Improvement District Number 5.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 2670? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 2670. The clerk will read the Bill.
CLERK: HB 2670 by Miles. Relating to validating certain acts and proceedings of Harris County Improvement District Number 5 and to the boundaries of the district.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Miles.
REPRESENTATIVE BORRIS MILES: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 2670. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair calls on Representative Darby to explain House Bill 2716.
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. This bill simply sets up a way to create preservation of --
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 2716? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 2716. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 2716 by Darby. Relating to the management and preservation of the county clerk's records and to the county clerk's records archived.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Darby.
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage of House Bill 2716 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair calls on Representative Hunter to explain House Bill 2794.
REPRESENTATIVE TODD HUNTER: Relating to the creation of the Calhoun County Groundwater Conservation District.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 2794? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 2794. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 2794 by Hunter. Relating to the creation of Calhoun County Groundwater Conservation District.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Hunter.
REPRESENTATIVE TODD HUNTER: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of House Bill 2794. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Darby to explain House Bill 2831.
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: Madam Speaker, this simply relates to extended unemployment benefits.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 2831? The Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 2831. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 2831 by Darby. Relating to maximizing federal funding of extended unemployment benefits.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Darby.
REPRESENTATIVE DREW DARBY: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 2831. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Smith of Harris to explain House Bill 2971.
REPRESENTATIVE SMITH: Mr. Speaker and members, this grants our school teachers administrative confidentiality for performance evaluations.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 2971. Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 2971. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 2971 by Smith of Harris. Relating to confidentiality of documents evaluating the performance of public schools teachers and administrators.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Smith.
REPRESENTATIVE SMITH: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 2971. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Thompson to explain House Bill 3000.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Mrs. Speaker and members, this bill increases the penalties for those persons who encourages human trafficking.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 3000? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 3000. Clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 3000 by Thompson. Relating to creating an offense of continuous trafficking of persons; providing a penalty and other civil consequences.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Thompson.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage to third reading of House Bill 3000. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Pena to explain House Bill 3333.
REPRESENTATIVE AARON PENA: This is a bill about protecting state and our private computer networks from malicious cyber attacks.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 3333? Chair hears none and lays out House Bill 3333. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 3333 by Pena. Relating to the authority of the governor to order the disconnection of the state computer networks from the internet.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Pena.
REPRESENTATIVE AARON PENA: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage to third reading of House Bill 3333. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair calls on Representative Geren to explain HCR 63.
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE GEREN: Thank you, Mrs. Speaker. HCR 63 authorizes Lieutenant Governor
(inaudible) to form and appoint an interim joint committee.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of HCR 63? The Chair hears none and lays out HCR 63. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HCR 63 by Geren. Relating to authorizing the lieutenant governor and speaker to appoint interim joint committee.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Geren.
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE GEREN: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on passage of HCR 63 to third reading. Is there any objections? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Larson to explain HR 557.
REPRESENTATIVE LYLE LARSON: Yes, members. This is granting the Texas College of Republicans permission to use the House chamber on March 24th, 2012.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection in consideration of HR 557? The Chair hears none and lays out HR 557. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HR 557 by Larson. Relating to the Texas college of Republicans to use the House chambers on March 24th, 2012.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Larson.
REPRESENTATIVE LYLE LARSON: Move for passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage of HR 557 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative workman to explain HR 735.
REPRESENTATIVE PAUL WORKMAN: Ms -- Madam Speaker and members, this resolution just creates the ability for the Aggies to use the House chamber on April 21st, for Aggie Muster.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of HR 735? Chair hears none and lays out HR 735. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HR 735 by Workman. Granting Texas Aggie Muster to use the House chamber on April 21st, 2011.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Workman.
REPRESENTATIVE PAUL WORKMAN: Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage of HR 735 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Representative Larson moves to reconsider the motion to move House Bill 2340 to the next local calendar. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair lays out House Bill 2340. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 2340 by Larson. Relating to the creation of a cyber-security, education, and economic development council.
THE SPEAKER: Is there any objection to consideration of House Bill 2340? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Larson.
REPRESENTATIVE LYLE LARSON: This bill -- What this cyber security council does is brings in academia from the -- folks from the private sector. We will bring together the state wide coalition to promote it. It's a eight billion dollar industry out in San Antonio. We see this is as technology that Texas can take the lead on for the balance of the country. Move passage. Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: The question occurs on the passage of House Bill 2340 to third reading. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. So ordered. Representative Castro moves to reconsider the vote by which Senate Bill 116 was adopted. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair lays out Senate Bill 116. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: SB 116 by Uresti. Relating to protective orders against dating violence.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Castro to explain the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE JOAQUIN CASTRO: Madam Speaker and members, I would like to lay Senate Bill 116 on the table to subject to call, and move to consider, take up House Bill 119.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So moved. Members, we're now considering House Bill 119. The Chair recognizes Representative Castro to explain House Bill 119.
REPRESENTATIVE JOAQUIN CASTRO: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Members, this is the protective order bill for the House version. The Senate version we put on, and we need to take it off, because it needs to be changed up a little bit. So I want to go ahead and pass up the House version.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. The question occurs on the passage of House Bill 119 to third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair lays out House Bill 451. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 451 by Thompson. Relating to the licensing and regulation of commercial dog and cat breeders; providing penalties.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes --
REPRESENTATIVE SIMPSON: Mr. Speaker, I would like to raise a point of order. Ms. Speaker, excuse me. I'd like to raise point of order. Madam Speaker?
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Hilderbran, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE HARVEY HILDERBRAN: Madam Speaker, parliamentary inquiry.
THE SPEAKER: State your inquiry.
REPRESENTATIVE HARVEY HILDERBRAN: Did Mr. Simpson say that he's calling a point of order or is he simply --
THE SPEAKER: Calling a point of order --
REPRESENTATIVE HARVEY HILDERBRAN: Or is he withdrawing point of order?
THE SPEAKER: No, he's calling a point of order. The Chair recognizes Representative Thompson.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Madam Speaker and members, Mr. Simpson has raised a point of order that an exception of the bill that has been referred by the bill analysis is not in the place, in which the bill analysis heard. I would ask for a permission of the House to recommit the bill so that the bill analysis can be corrected. Mr. Simpson, this is normally -- what we normally do is Mr. Simpson refuses to permit that privilege. And I am going to allow him to be able to make his statement that he would like to make. But I would ask the House for permission to recommit.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes -- The point of order is withdrawn. The Chair recognizes Representative Thompson to explain House Bill 1451.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Madam Speaker and members, House Bill 1451 --
REPRESENTATIVE DAVID SIMPSON: Mr. Speaker?
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Simpson, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE DAVID SIMPSON: I would like to ask --
THE SPEAKER: Is it your intent to speak for ten minutes?
REPRESENTATIVE DAVID SIMPSON: My intent is to see this debated on the general calendar.
THE SPEAKER: Is it your intent to speak ten minutes on this bill?
REPRESENTATIVE DAVID SIMPSON: If necessary.
THE SPEAKER: Is it your intent to speak for ten minutes?
REPRESENTATIVE DAVID SIMPSON: Yes.
THE SPEAKER: Thank you. With that, House Bill 1451 is withdrawn from the calendar.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: Madam Speaker, may I be recognized, please?
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Thompson.
REPRESENTATIVE SENFRONIA THOMPSON: I would like House Bill 451 to be recommitted to the local -- the Committee on License and Regulation so that they may be able to make the corrections that the point of order addresses.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion to recommit House Bill 451 to the Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedure. Is there any objection? The chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Harless to explain House Bill 723.
REPRESENTATIVE PATRICIA HARLESS: Madam Speaker and members, the Senate Companion is over and eligible for consideration.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair lays out Senate Bill -- Members, the Senate Companion of House Bill 723 is over and eligible. Accordingly, the Chair lays out Senate Bill 386. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: SB 386 by Williams. Relating to the Lone Star College System District Service Area.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Harless.
REPRESENTATIVE PATRICIA HARLESS: Members, Senate Bill 386 formally changes the name of the North Harris Montgomery College System District to Lone Star College District. I move passage.
THE SPEAKER: Members, the question occurs on the passage of Senate Bill 386. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Representative Harless moves to lay House Bill 723 on the table subject to calling. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Members, we are about to take a lunch break until 1:30. Members, if you have any announcements it's okay to walk slowly to the front. Following announcements. The clerk will read the announcements.
CLERK: The Committee on Energy Resources will meet upon first adjournment today April 14th, 2011, at House Chamber Desk Number 108. This will be a formal meeting to consider pending business. The Committee on Ways and Means will meet upon first adjournment on April 14th, 2011, at Desk Number 9 in the House Chamber. This will be a formal meeting to consider pending business. The Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence will meet upon first adjournment on April 14th, 2011, at House Chamber Desk Number 92. This will be a formal meeting to consider pending business. The Committee on Land and Resource Management will meet upon first adjournment on April 14th, 2011, at Desk Number 71 in the House Chamber. This will be a formal meeting to consider pending business. The Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures will meet upon first adjournment today, April 14th, 2011, at Desk Number 122 in the House Chamber. This will be a formal meeting to consider HB 451 and pending business.
THE SPEAKER: The Chair recognizes Representative Farrar.
REPRESENTATIVE JESSICA FARRAR: Mr. Speaker and members, this is an announcement that the Democratic Caucus will meet during the lunch break immediately after we leave the floor, in the Old Supreme Court Room.
THE SPEAKER: Members, are there any other announcements? Members, if there are no further announcements we are going to adjourn until 1:35. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered.
(The House stands adjourned until 1:35 p.m.)
THE SPEAKER: The House will come to order. Members, please register. Quorum is present. The House will come to order. Representative Thompson asks for unanimous consent for those members granted leave of absence on the previous legislative day to be excused on this legislative day. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Representative Thompson moves to suspend all necessary rules to consider the Local and Consent Calendar Bills on third reading. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Representative Thompson asks for unanimous consent to use the vote on the first record vote for all bills that require record votes, with the understanding that a member may record a vote on any bill with a journal clerk. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair lays out House Bill 35 and the clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 35 by Menendez. Relating to extending a local behavioral health intervention pilot project.
REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY WOOLLEY: The Chair recognizes Representative Menendez and the Chair recognizes Representative Anchia to explain House Bill 35.
REPRESENTATIVE RAFAEL ANCHIA: Thank you, Madam Chair and members, this relates to extending a local behavioral health intervention pilot project.
REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY WOOLLEY: The question occurs on the final passage of House Bill 35. This is a record vote. The clerk will ring the bell. Show Representative Kolkhorst voting aye. Have all members voted? Have all members voted? There being 142 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present not voting, 7 absent; the bill is finally passed. The Chair lays out the following bills on third reading and final passage, to be passed on the record vote just recorded on House Bill 35. The clerk will read the bills.
CLERK: HB 46 by Menendez. Relating to compensatory time off for certain employees of the Parks and Wildlife Department. HB 184 by Johnson. Relating to the certain cancellation of a special election to fill a vacancy in the legislature. HB 360 by Jackson. Relating to ballot language for a proposition to approve the imposition of an increase of tax or the issuance of bonds. By 423 by Guillen. Relating to the powers of rural and urban transit districts.
(Inaudible)
REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY WOOLLEY: There being 142 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present not voting, 7 absent; the bill is passed, finally passed. The Chair lays out the following bills on third reading and passage to be passed and the record vote just recorded on House Bill 35. The clerk will read the bills.
CLERK: HB 46 by Menendez. Relating to compensatory time off for the employees of the Parks and Wildlife Department. HB 184 by Johnson. Relating to cancellation of a special election to fill vacancies of the legislature. HB 360 by Jackson. Relating to the ballot language for a proposition to approve the imposition or increase of a tax or the issuance of bonds. HB 423 by Guillen. Relating to the powers of rural and urban transit districts. HB 533 by Villarreal. Relating to the rendition of property of ad valorem tax purposes and for the protest of a penalty imposed for a failure to timely file a rendition statement, or property report. HB 564 by Craddick. Relating to maintenance of portable fire extinguishers in government owned vehicles and certain local governmental jurisdictions. HB 596 by Parker. Relating to businesses operating a motor boat in a circular course. HB 725 by Callegari. Relating to the operation, powers and duties of certain water districts. HB 229 by Chisum. Relating to the authority of the board of directors of the Ochiltree County Hospital District to employ healthcare providers. HB 790 Author: Kuempel. Relating to the continuing issuance of freshwater fishing stamps by the Parks and Wildlife Department. HB 902 by Thompson. Relating to consideration of a bidder's principal place of business in awarding certain municipal contracts. HB 908 by Thompson. Relating to the division of community property on dissolution of marriage. SB 785 by Harris. Relating to termination of the parent child relationship and the duty to pay child support in circumstances involving mistaken paternity. 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. HB 525 by Deuell. Relating to protection of water quality in certain bodies of water. HB 960 by Turner. Relating to the powers of the Central Harris County Regional Water Authority. HB 962 by Hartnett. Relating to rules regarding return of service. HB 988 by Kolkhorst. Relating to compensatory time accrued by a correctional officer employed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. HB 1020 by Miller. Relating to minimum liability insurance coverage amounts for persons convicted of offenses related to the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated. HB 1040 by Gallego. Relating to the validation of the creation of, and certain acts related to, a venue project. HB 1083 by Elkins. Relating to the issuance of an identification card to certain honorably retired peace officers. HB 1106 by Johnson. Relating to providing certain information to a criminal defendant at the time the defendant is placed on deferred adjudication community supervision and at the time of the dismissal of certain proceedings against the defendant. HB 1136 by Aycock. Relating to requiring an election authority to provide notice to certain county chairs regarding certain election activities. HB 1147 by Smith, Wayne. Relating to notice by a governmental entity regarding certain geospatial data products. SB 567 by Williams. Relating to Texas Life, Accident, Health and Hospital Service Insurance Guraranty Association. HB 1242 by Geren. Relating to the regulation of certain metal dealers; providing criminal penalties. HB 1254 by Pickett. Relating to consideration of the consolidation of school district employment of peace officers and security personnel in certain counties. HB 1263 by Lucio. Relating to the powers, duties, and financing of certain facilities finance corporations. HB 1301 by Guillen. Relating to making a voluntary contribution to the Parks and Wildlife Department when registering a motor vehicle or renewing a motor vehicle registration. HB 1322 by Scott Relating to the possession of fish in the tidal water of this state. HB 1330 by Raymond. Relating to the use of safety guards or flaps on certain vehicles or vehicle combinations. HB 1346 by Guillen. Relating to the consistent use of the term "game warden" throughout the Parks and Wildlife Code. HB 1379 by Anchia. Relating to the purchasing of a firearm from the county by an honorably retired law enforcement officer. HB 1400 by Elkins. Relating to payment of costs of improvements of a public improvement district designated by a municipality or county. HB 1413 by Chisum. Relating to the powers and duties of the Castro County Hospital District. HB 1426 by Farias. Relating to the collection of court costs, fees, fines, and other money by the commissioners courts of certain counties. SB 832 by Rodriguez. Relating to voter eligibility and registration in El Paso County Water Improvement District Number 1. HB 1469 by Hernandez Luna. Relating to exempting certain fraternal and veterans organizations from certain bond requirements to obtain an alcoholic beverage permit or license. SB 727 by Seliger. Relating to groundwater conservation district management plans. HB 1525 by Alvarado. Relating to the board of directors of the Greater East End Management District. HB 1527 by Miller. Relating to the certification of the state's primary standards of weights and measures. HB 1550 by Aycock Relating to participation in state travel service contracts by open-enrollment charter schools. HB 1568 by Coleman Relating to authority of the Harris County Hospital District and certain local governmental entities to appoint, contract for, or employ physicians. HB 1768 by Munoz, Jr. Relating to the regulation of roadside vendors and solicitors. SB 684 by Huffman. Relating to the transfer of the assets of and dissolution of the Fort Bend County Water Control and Improvement District Number 1. HB 1814 by Lucio. Relating to the provision of water and certain equipment by water supply or sewer service corporations for use in fire suppression and the liability of those corporations. HB 1829 by Naishtat. Relating to the transfer to a mental hospital of a person admitted to a facility for emergency detention. HB 1832 by Ritter. Relating to the law governing the Lower Neches Valley Authority; providing authority to issue bonds. HB 1901 by Keffer. Relating to the applicability of provisions concerning bond approval by the Texas Commission on environmental Quality to certain water entities. HB 1944 by Hilderbran. Relating to the election of the board of directors of the Crockett County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1. HB 1953 by Kuempel. Relating to notice by sign of an alcoholic beverage permit or license application. HB 1955 by Thompson. Relating to contracting with a lottery operator by the Texas Lottery Commission. HB 1990 by Hardcastle. Relating to the authority of the board of directors of the Hardeman County Hospital District to employ physicians and other health care providers. HB 2015 by Thompson. Relating to certain conduct indicating a need for supervision and the sealing of records related to that conduct. SB 890 by Corona. Relating to certain promotional activities for certain alcoholic beverage permit holders. HB 2266 by Smith of Harris. Relating to fire code certificates of compliance. HB 2296 by Ritter. Relating to the creation of Jefferson County Management District No. 1; providing authority to impose an assessment, impose a tax, and issue bonds. HB 2340 by Larson. Relating to the creation of a cybersecurity, education, and economic development council. HB 2375 by Hamilton. Relating to practices and professions regulated by the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. HB 2463 by Reynolds. Relating to access to certain records regarding an employment discrimination claim. SB 983 by Corona. Relating to the elimination of certain requirements for certain customer specific communications contracts. HB 2670 by Miles. Relating to validating certain acts and proceedings of Harris County Improvement District No. 5 and to the boundaries of the district. HB 2716 by Darby Relating to the management and preservation of the county clerk's records and to the county clerk's records archive. HB 2794 by Hunter. Relating to the creation of the Calhoun County Groundwater Conservation District. HB 2831 by Darby. Relating to maximizing federal funding of extended unemployment benefits. HB 2971 by Smith. Relating to the confidentiality of documents evaluating the performance of public school teachers and administrators. HB 3000 by Thompson. Relating to creating the offense of continuous trafficking of persons; providing a penalty and other civil consequences. HB 3333 by Pena. Relating to the authority of the governor to order the disconnection of state computer networks from the internet. HCR 63 by Geren. Authorizing the lieutenant governor and speaker to appoint interim joint committees. HR 557 by Larson. Granting Texas College Republicans permission to use the House chamber on March 24th, 2012. HR 735 by Workman. Granting Texas Aggie Muster permission to use the House chamber on April 21st, 2011. HB 2340 by Larson. Relating to the creation of a cybersecurity, education and economic development counsel. HB 119 by Castro. Relating to protective orders against dating violence. HB (inaudible) by Williams. Relating to the Lone Star College in certain district areas.
REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY WOOLLEY: Chair declares both bills just read by the clerk, as well as HCR 63, HR 557 and HR 735 to be finally passed by the record vote on -- recorded on HB 35, with the understanding that a member may record a vote with a journal clerk. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. So ordered. The bills are finally passed. The following bills on first reading and referral -- Representative Anchia moves that the following bills on first reading and referral to committee be postponed or moved to the end of the business day. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The House announces the finding of the following --
CLERK: SB 312. SB 716.
REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY WOOLLEY: Members, we're about to go on the regular calendar.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Excuse Representative Giddings for medical reasons, on the motion of Representative Turner. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out on third reading of final passage SB 18. Clerk, read the Bill.
CLERK: SB 18 by Estes. Relating to the use of eminent domain authority.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Geren.
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE GEREN: Members, I want to thank all of you again for your patience yesterday, and I move third reading on the Eminent Domain Bill that just passed to engrossment.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Question occurs on the final passage of SB 18. Clerk, ring the bell. Have all voted? Have all voted? Show Mr. Martinez voting aye. Have all voted? Show Representative Susan King voting aye. Have all voted? Show Representative Gallego voting aye. Being 144 ayes and 0 nays, SB 18 is finally passed. Chair lays out on third reading and final passage SB 737. Clerk, read the bill.
CLERK: SB 737 by Hegar. Relating to the management of groundwater production by groundwater conservation districts.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Price. REPRESENTATIVE WALTER "FOUR" PRICE: Thank you, members. This is the bill that we voted on yesterday, giving the groundwater conservation district flexibility to manage production to achieve a desired future condition.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Anyone wishing to speak on, for, or against SB 737? Question occurs on final passage of SB 737. Clerk, ring the bell. Have all voted? Being 142 ayes and 2 nays, SB 737 is finally passed. Chair lays out on second reading of SB 309. Clerk, read the bill.
CLERK: SB 309 by Harris. Relating to events to receive funding through a major events trust fund.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Patrick.
REPRESENTATIVE DIANE PATRICK: Mr. Speaker, the Senate Bill is over and eligible. Senate Bill 309. SB 309. Currently, the State of Texas has a major rent trust program, which is overseen by the comptroller of the public account. This program allows cities and counties to compete with other states in hosting major events, such as the NBAA final four tournament games, which was played recently in Houston. These events provide our state with economic activity that wouldn't occur otherwise. In the absence of these events, the state's economy would lack the increased revenue derived from dramatic increases and wholesale occupancy due to shopping, food, tobacco, and beverage consumption. Shopping, enhanced franchise taxes, utility passes, gas, air and car travel, entertainment and so forth. Senate Bill 309 simply allows the addition of the Academy of Country Music Award and a national political convention of the Republican National Committee or the Democratic National Committee, and National Cutting Horse Association to be included as an event that has access to the program. This legislation is at no cost to the state but instead produces economic activity that increases revenue in Texas and employment for Texans. I move passage.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Anyone wishing to speak for or against SB 309? Question occurs on passage to engrossment of Senate Bill 309. All those in favor say aye and all opposed, nay. The ayes have it. SB 309 is passed to engrossment. Chair lays out on third reading House Bill 1020.
CLERK: HB 1020 by Miller. Relating to minimum liability insurance coverage amounts for persons convicted of offenses related to the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Miller.
REPRESENTATIVE DOUG MILLER: Mr. Speaker and members, this is a bill that requires people that are habitual drunk drivers, to raise their insurance accordingly. Move passage.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Anyone wishing to speak for or against HB 1020? Question occurs on the final passage of House Bill 1020. Clerk, ring the bell. Have all voted? Have all voted? There being 146 ayes and 0 nays, the House Bill 1020 is finally passed. Chair recognizes Representative Oliveira for a motion.
REPRESENTATIVE RENE OLIVEIRA: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. Land and Management Resource Committee needs to hear a bill on Monday, and I need to suspend the rules, the 5-Day Posting Rule, so we can consider House Bill 3847 on Monday at 2:00 p.m., or on adjournment. That's Monday, April 18th, in E2012. I so move.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Deshotel for a motion.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE DESHOTEL: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Members, I'd like to suspend the 5-Day Posting Rule to allow the Committee on Business and Industry to consider House Bill 2254 at 8:30 a.m., April 18th, 2011, in room E2.016.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out on third reading of final passage of 1953. Clerk, read the Bill.
CLERK: HB 1953 by Kuempel. Relating to the notice by sign of an alcoholic beverage permit or license application.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Kuempel.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN KUEMPEL: Thank you Mr. Speaker and members. HB 1953 is relating to the notice sign of alcoholic beverage permit or license application. Move passage.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Anyone wishing to speak for or against House Bill 1953? The question occurs on final passage of House Bill 1953. Clerk, ring the bell. Have all voted? Show Mr. Anchia voting aye. Have all voted? There being 142 ayes and 0 nays, House Bill 1953 is finally passed. Chair lays out on a matter of postponed business House Bill 10 to second reading. Clerk will read the Bill.
CLERK: HB 10 by Branch. Relating to eligibility for a TEXAS grant and to administration of TEXAS grant program.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Branch.
REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRANCH: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I move to postpone for further consideration until the time certain, next Monday, April the 20th at 9:00 a.m.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out as a matter of postponed business the second reading of House Bill 234. Clerk read the Bill.
CLERK: HB 234 by Otto. Relating to liability for interest on ad valorem taxes on improvements that escaped taxation in a previous year.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Otto.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN OTTO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I move to postpone further consideration of House Bill 234 until time certain being next Thursday, April 21st at 10:00 a.m.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out as a matter of postponed business House Bill 345. Clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 346 by Kleinschmidt. Relating to award of costs and attorney's fees in certain proceedings concerning mechanic's contractor's or materialman's liens.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Kleinschmidt.
REPRESENTATIVE TIM KLEINSCHMIDT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members, I move to postpone House Bill 346 until the a certain being next Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., April 19th at 10:00 a.m.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out on second reading House Bill 1000. Clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1000 by Branch. Relating to the distribution of money appropriated from the National Research University Fund and to one or more audits of certain general academic teaching institutions in connection with that distribution; making an appropriation.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Branch.
REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRANCH: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. Members, House Bill 1000 is the continuation of the story that started last session with respect to emerging chair one universities, which you all -- those who were here helped pass. It establishes how we will distribute the funds to emerging research universities, once they qualify for the National Research University Fund. This fund is one of the pools that we created in our tier one package from last session. Voters approved the creation of this fund, with their approval of Prop 4, Proposition 4, the constitutional amendment in November of 2009 as you recall. Proposition 4 re-dedicated the existing
(inaudible) fund in the use for the National Research University Fund, now valued 613 million. What -- Hang on members. What House Bill 1000 accomplishes is two things. And I think we have two amendments. It creates a distribution model that awards schools who qualify, and qualify early, but not so much that it's unsustainable. It puts money back into the funds as well. The second thing it does, members, is it returns a portion of the funds each biennium to help further build the corpus of the National Research University Fund. There's a chart here at the left, if you are interested, which shows how the seven emergents here. Those are Texas Tech University, that's University of Houston, that's four Texas schools. And sometimes the chart looks better when it's sideways. Thank you, Representative Martinez Fischer. And also the four UT schools, UT Arlington, UT Dallas. UT San Antonio and UT El Paso. And I believe that we have some amendments.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Following amendment. The clerk will read the bill -- the amendment.
CLERK: Amendment by Branch.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Branch.
REPRESENATIVE BRANCH: The first amendment just cleans up some language. We did put an audit in this, to make sure that the research numbers are what they claim to be. And so this is a perfecting amendment from the author to clean up the audit to make sure -- not only is there an audit but there are standards that apply to state research samples, and that the state auditor know how to accomplish his audit. And it's acceptable to the author.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Mr. Branch sends up an amendment. The amendment is acceptable to the author. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. amendment is adopted. Chair recognizes -- following amendment, The clerk will read the amendment.
CLERK: Amendment by Madden.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Madden.
REPRESENTATIVE JERRY MADDEN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. Currently, the standard for universities entering this fund is being the -- for two consecutive years for the biennium. This amendment allows universities to enter the fund mid biennium, the tier one initiative is erased, the amendment will incentivize and reward universities for reaching the benchmarks and goals. We set faster at no cost to the fund or the budget. I move adoption.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Representative Madden sends up an amendment. The amendment is acceptable to the author. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. Amendment is adopted. Mr. Coleman, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE GARNET COLEMAN: Would the --
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Members --
REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRANCH: Example, the way this fund works is it calls the universities to reach the constitutionally dedicated fund, which has been growing. When we were talking about this two years ago with four hundred and something million, it's now six hundred and something million. That's a good thing for our higher ed and our tier one effort, despite our tough economy and some other tough budget issues that we all are aware of. What this does is when you have the first eligible university, which we have -- No one is currently eligible. But we do believe that the University of Houston and Texas Tech are particularly close and are likely to come in very soon. The first eligible university would get one-half of the fund, the 4.5 percent of the average net value of the fund; and then the other half would go back to the corpus to build. When two eligible universities come in, then they would a third each and then one third would go back to the fund and so on, until we got to all seven. And when all seven get in, for future, if we had more, then there would be nothing going back to the fund and it would all go to the universities. So, again, this is a constitutionally dedicated fund and the constitutional amendment prevents you from spending anything but the -- you ultimately have to preserve the corpus and you ultimately have to preserve the corpus plus inflation or purchasing power. So the spending of four and a half percent is only for off the top, not from the corpus. And I would yield to my good friend from Houston.
REPRESENTATIVE GARNET COLEMAN: Thank you Mr. Speaker, would the gentleman yield for questions?
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Gentleman yield?
REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRANCH: Absolutely.
REPRESENTATIVE GARNET COLEMAN: Thank you. Chairman Branch, first of all, I would like to thank you for the work on behalf of the State of Texas. Particularly making sure that institutions from all around the state have an opportunity to move to these places of excellence. And without your work last session, and this session, this would have never happened. I mean it just would not have ever happened.
REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRANCH: Well, it was a collective effort, and I know you are one of the joint authors, and it's been a really -- for me, a positive experience to have our seven emerging tier one universities work together. And even on this issue, they've all come together in agreement with this approach to distributing the proceeds. And, as you know, University of Houston is likely to be the first entrant, along with the other good news they have gotten from the Carnegie and from the Princeton Review.
REPRESENTATIVE GARNET COLEMAN: And, and again, really appreciate your working with the University of Houston, and everyone from our area delegation appreciates that as well, because you know this has been a long term effort for the University of Houston. I know we have a lot of U of H grads in the room today, and I know particularly it's just all around the state. Speaker Pro Tem Woolley raised her hand. So again, this is on behalf of all the people from the area delegation grads like Yvonne Davis and Leticia Van De Putte and others. We just want to thank you very much for being so accommodating and looking at the formulas that are laid out and working with the folks from all over the state, but particularly from the Houston area.
REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRANCH: Thank you, Representative. And as you know the two real requirements, you have to be designated an emerging tier one, which University of Houston and the other schools were, and then you have to have some of the actual -- how to get eligible? And the first thing is to have two years of forty five million dollars of what we call restricted research, two years in a row. And that's what it appears the University of Houston is about to accomplish first, so congratulations to -- I know that's a school that's very important to you and your area.
REPRESENTATIVE GARNET COLEMAN: Yes, sir. And look forward to seeing the other schools around the state and all the reasons moving in that direction quickly.
REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRANCH: And I guess just to add after that, once you have this research then you also have to meet six other criteria, which University of Houston, to my understanding, has met those and is waiting for the research numbers to be verified.
REPRESENTATIVE GARNET COLEMAN: I say again, we all appreciate your work and thank you so much for leading this effort.
REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRANCH: Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: Mr. Chairman?
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Mr. Aycock, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: Would the gentleman yield for questions?
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Mr. Branch, do you yield?
REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRANCH: Be happy to yield.
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: Chairma n Branch, thank you for your work on this for more than one session now. And, as you know, I'm very supportive of your bill. I have one concern, when you use props it generally has a bad influence on your bad outcome, aren't you a little concerned about using a prop for this important measure?
REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRANCH: Yes, I'm always nervous about using charts, but it's always helpful to explain complex bills that -- if you see an image it's often easier. But I think that the fact that members moved in different direction and the help I got in presenting it --
REPRESENTATIVE JIMMIE DON AYCOCK: I noticed you had some assistance --
REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRANCH: -- and sometimes diagrams work better.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Anyone wishing to speak for or against House Bill 1000? Question occurs on passage of House Bill 1000. All those in favor say aye, opposed nay. The ayes have it. House Bill 1000 is passed to engrossment.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair lays out on second reading House Bill 600. The clerk, read the Bill.
CLERK: HB 600 by Solomons. Relating to the composition of the districts for the election of members of the State Board of Education.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Solomons.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. I've been asked if I would -- by Mr. Anchia if I could postpone this bill for just a few minutes. I am going to postpone this bill until 2:20.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Hunter for a motion.
REPRESENTATIVE TODD HUNTER: Mr. Speaker and members, I request permission for the Committee on Calendars to meet while the House is in session at 3:00 p.m. today, April 14th. The place is 3W15 to consider a calendar.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Following announcement, the clerk will read the announcement.
CLERK: The Committee on Calendars will meet at 3:00 p.m. on April 14th, at 3W.15. This will be a formal meeting to consider studying a calendar.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair lays out on second reading House Bill 1861. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1861 by Anchia. Relating to the continuations and functions of the Commission on State Emergency Communications.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Anchia.
REPRESENTATIVE RAFAEL ANCHIA: Thank you Mr. Speaker, and members, the Commission on State Emergency Communications, otherwise known as the TSECS, preserves and enhances public safety in Texas by doing two really important things. The first one is contracting with the twenty-four regional planning commissions to provide 911 services to about one third of Texans in mostly rural area in the state. And second, they administer the Texas Poison Control Network by funding and overseeing the six regional poison control centers. The Sunset Advisory Commission reviewed this agency and realized that there's a clear and ongoing need to provide emergency communication services, but that the current 911 system has not kept pace with evolving technology. So what this Sunset Bill does is three main things. The first one is that it continues the Commission on State Emergency Communication as an independent agency for twelve years, until September 1st, 2023. The second thing is that it authorizes the commission to coordinate and lead the development and implementation of the an interconnected, state level digital emergency communications network. And the third thing is that it clarifies the commission's authority to establish an advisory committee to assist with the development and implementation of the state level network and the state's next generation of emergency communication systems.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, does the gentleman yield?
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Mr. Anchia, do you yield?
REPRESENTATIVE RAFAEL ANCHIA: I do.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: Mr. Anchia, I noticed that in the process y'all removed the negotiated rule making, and was there a reason for that?
REPRESENTATIVE RAFAEL ANCHIA: No, I believe it's added. I think if you look on page one, line fourteen through to the end of the page, and then continuing on page two from lines one through eleven, there's an across the board recommendation made by Sunset to the negotiated rule making it alterative resolution, so that is in the bill.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: So it is in the bill?
REPRESENTATIVE RAFAEL ANCHIA: Yeah.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: Okay. Thank you very much.
REPRESENTATIVE RAFAEL ANCHIA: Okay. Thank you. Move passage.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Anyone wishing to speak for or against House Bill 1861? Question occurs on passage to engrossment of House Bill 1861. All those in favor say aye, all those opposed, nay. Ayes have it. House Bill 1861 is passed to engrossment. Chair lays out on second reading House Bill 600. The Clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 600 by Solomons. Relating to the composition of the district for the election of members of the State Board of Education.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Solomons.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. Let's see here what we have. We have committee substitute for House Bill 600 and it represents the proposed district of the State Board of Education. We actually have a little visual aid, if that would help you all. In order to meet the equal representation requirements of the U.S. Constitution, we need to apportion the twenty three percent growth in the state among fifteen districts with fifty-three percent of the current districts are under the ideal. And their districts need to grow in size, or make some very strategic changes in the areas they represent. The committee substitute before you has a total deviation of 1.86 percent, with a mean of 0.49 percent deviation. In order to meet the requirements of the Voting Rights Act, we cannot regress. The five minority -- majority districts to elect their candidate of their choice. All five of these districts need to add population. Of the five minority majority districts, all have remained about seventy percent Hispanic and black voting age population. A retrogression analysis has been done on all the districts to meet the legal requirements for Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The district are as compact as possible for the districts which have an ideal population, greater than the population of states like Vermont, New Hampshire, Delaware, Rhode Island, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Montana. Of the two West Texas districts, District 15 has a net gain of only four counties and District 1 has a net gain of only three counties. The districts actually are cohesive, and where possible I enhanced the strength of the prevailing party of the candidate of choice of the district. The district has maintained communities of interest, except for one person, one vote apportionment and the core of previous district's counties and cities maintained as a whole. The district could not only protect its populations, but also communities with similar interests before the school board. I tried to make districts which represent rural, urban, and suburban counties; as well as counties which have common issues of past growth, school districts with similar cultural populations. The current districts that you may be looking at are nine counties where the current districts that they have with nine counties. This bill that I'm laying before you today is only for six. I started with the core of each district and while some districts have seen some major changes, it's only because the pressures from the shift districts around them picking up population in attempt to keep these districts with cohesive communities of interest. The community substitute does not pair any incumbent. In addition to these constitutional federal requirements, and the traditional redistricting principles, I attempted to respond to the limited public testimony which we heard on March 15th. Board member Charlie Garza requested to reduce the geographical size of this district so as to improve his ability to travel in his district and represent his constituents. Although I have commended sympathy for this appeal, I gave what I could. I wish I could have done more. But the numbers are what they are and I was limited by the set number of districts. As I mentioned before, in our committee, I will be committing to speakers office a request that we review additional members to the -- board as an interim charge or some sort of restructuring method. I believe Mr. Garza made a compelling testimony that it is difficult for a member of this board to adequately represent a district larger than thirty states geographically. The other part of the testimony we heard is from board member Tom (inaudible), Who requested that we keep as many school districts as whole as possible. The current map had two hundred seventy-three school districts split, while the committee substitute has only a hundred and thirty-six, which was a reduction of a hundred and thirty-seven. Now, I know that some members are interested in a variety of different issues involving the -- but let me tell you right now, the ideal district for an SBO district is 1,676,371. That's a lot of people. And, quite frankly, I think we have done what we needed to do. We have a legal map and I think we've addressed all the issues, and I would actually move passage; except that I think there's some amendments proposed.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Following amendment. The Clerk will read the amendment.
CLERK: Amendment by Alonzo.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Members, this is map plan 115. Chair recognizes Representative Alonzo.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members, before I discuss my amendment I want to thank Chairman Solomons for all his work. You know, this is probably the first time that we've had a major discussion about the State Board of Education and even though we are talking about redistricting, the discussion of the State Board of Education comes up. And I know he's worked really hard with the concerns he had that he mentioned. The districts are big, I mean they are humongous, and even those that participated in some of the drawings we find is stressful. But I think we still had opportunities, and that's why I rise to offer this amendment. And members, I rise because as I spoke at the committee, in discussing the State Board of Education, in my opinion we have to do everything we can to make sure that the diverse opinions of the state, as it relates to the State Board of Education, in my capacity as a redistricting member, I have looked for opportunities to create more districts in the state that gave an opportunity for Hispanics to get elected. And that's going to be a continuous discussion that I will have with this House. And the reason for that is to relate to State Board of Education is if you recall the last -- a couple of weeks ago there was a report put out by the State -- the Texas Education Agency that said over fifty three percent of the kids that -- in the schools that are Hispanics are -- over thirteen percent are African American, and over four percent Asian American so now the state is very diverse and we believe -- or I believe, that we should hear the diverse opinion. In addition, we are all aware that in the last ten years there was a big population shift, a big growth, and the results we are getting now in the congressional districts. And those numbers of Hispanic population is over fifty five percent.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: So what I would try to do in this amendment is first, first of all, from my perspective it will correct (inaudible) and senate board district -- house -- State Board of Education in the District 1 of El Paso in the Texas region of the State. GSAC as proposed causes a 4.9 retrogression in the Hispanic voting age population, down to 58.7 from 73.6 in the current districts in 2010 SBOE did not elect the Hispanic candidate of choice for that region of the state.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, would the gentleman yield for questions?
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: For what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Let me finish this third -- Additionally, this amendment (inaudible) and restores HBAP and SBOE 1 to 75 percent by doing three things. SBO 1 and 15 -- members 16 and metro counties, three high turnout counties are not in the existing SBOE but were added indeed SBO 1 but the committee plan to remove. Briefly, I would also say that one of the things that we also do in this amendment is to create a new district, Latino district, in Harris County. With this Mr. -- One of the things that we've been doing in the state and have a representative in Houston, and in Dallas and around the state, is to let people know that the diverse population and the growth of the Hispanic community, for example, the more Hispanics in the Houston area, down in the valley, and this is an opportunity to create that kind of district. And also there's more Hispanics in north Texas than are down in the valley. And that's one of the areas we are looking at. Mr. Speaker, I yield to Mr. Walle.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Mr. Walle, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: Would the gentleman yield for a couple questions?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: I yield.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Gentleman yields.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: Representat ive Alonzo, thank you for your amendment because as you mentioned earlier, you are aware that Harris County currently has 1.7 Latinos that reside within our county, and it's only fitting that we would have an opportunity to elect or influence a particular district an elect that could be somebody of our -- a candidate of our choice; is that correct?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: That is correct, Mr. Walle. And I can tell you that it reminds of a conversation I had with a Governor Bullock eighteen years ago. He said that the (inaudible) caucus and acknowledged that there are more Hispanics in Houston than there are in the valley. And I commended him for acknowledging that. So our folks in any -- I -- at that time I also reminded him that there are more Hispanics in north Texas. Then about thirty days later he said thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: And in Harris County, with this amendment, you creating this fourth Latino opportunity district. You know that we have four members of the Latino Delegation we have that could benefit the voters in those districts. Those districts can benefited by electing somebody of their choice, Representative Farrar's district, Representative Villarreal's district, my district, and Representative Hernandez Luna, Senator Gallego's Senate district, and Congressman Gene Green's Congressional district. This would be beneficial to give an opportunity for those districts, those voters, to have somebody that they could influence in a particular year. In reference to that issue, influence that candidate so that when they vote on controversial issues, such as curriculum on history and the textbook and the contributions that the Latinos have made to this state and to this country, I think that your amendment does a great service to folks in our part of the state.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: It does. And Mr. Walle, just here recall that -- the State Board of Education is high priority. I mean, we're thinking about taking care of kids now and in the future. And, in fact, we had the discussion in the higher ed committee last night that I'm a member of. We discussed about how community management, Mr. Walle, they were trying to take Cesar Chavez from the curriculum. And we had a big discussion on that. And there was finally, you know worked -- it was finally informed that the committee that they had to recommend it, the board eventually changed their mind as it related to Cesar Chavez. But if anything that effects our community I think we should have a (inaudible) table and what this amendment does is keep at the table for the Hispanics of Harris County.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: Thank you for the amendment. I think it's great, particularly because of the size of these districts, the population size of these districts. You could, in essence, what is currently being proposed, retrogress the Latino voting strength in the State of Texas and particularly, again, as I mentioned before in Harris County, where over 1.7 million folks have Spanish surnames.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Can you repeat that number again?
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: 1.7 million.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: Thank you.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN SPEAKER: Madam Speaker?
THE SPEAKER: For what purpose?
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN SPEAKER: Would the gentleman yield?
THE SPEAKER: Does the gentleman yield?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Yes, I do.
THE SPEAKER: The gentleman yields.
REPRESENTATIVE DONNA HOWARD: Thank you. Representative Alonzo, I'm looking at the part here that you have for Travis County in Central Texas, and those of us in Travis County are appreciative of your efforts of how to try to make us whole again. Do you know that Travis County was split in the last redistricting process?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Yes, ma'am. And what I -- In looking around the state I looked at what is the best thing, not only for Hispanics, what is the best thing for Texas. And one of the things that are good for Texas that I included in this amendment was that in the central Texas community what we do is (inaudible) Travis county. I felt that and I do this knowing the importance it is for Travis county to stay whole. And, in addition, one of the things that we voted in the whole population change and growth of Texas it came to mind that -- Just like it did ten years ago and twenty years for Houston and Dallas, that there is a big growth of the Hispanic community in the corridor between Austin -- Austin and San Antonio.
REPRESENTATIVE DONNA HOWARD: I know that part of the effort here in the redistricting process is to put together communities of interest, is that not correct?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: That is correct.
REPRESENTATIVE DONNA HOWARD: And also what you did accomplish, I believe, is you made sure that we that we created the minority opportunity districts, we maintained deviation, avoided carrying incumbents, that sort of thing was included in your map; is that right?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Yes, ma'am.
REPRESENTATIVE DONNA HOWARD: Well, the communities of interest is particularly what I want to ask you about. Are there any other school districts? I know Chairman Solomons said that they reduced the number of school districts, but are there any other school districts that you are aware of the size of Austin ISD that has been split?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Yes, in looking at that, in fact, -- Travis county has split school districts unnecessarily and (inaudible) football districts. Of the ten fourteen and five four-A and the five -- that include service district schools. -- thirty two of those teams are located in the four counties in the proposed District 10 in my amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE DONNA HOWARD: So are football teams considered communities of interest here in Texas?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: We live and breathe football in Texas.
REPRESENTATIVE DONNA HOWARD: Let me bring up one other community of interest that I think is extremely important to us, and we try to --
THE SPEAKER: Representative Taylor raises a point of order. The gentleman's time has expired. The point of order is well taken and sustained.
REPRESENTATIVE DONNA HOWARD: Madam Speaker, move to the extend time.
THE SPEAKER: Representative Howard moves to extend time Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered.
REPRESENTATIVE DONNA HOWARD: Thank you. We try to look at things in our state in a regional way, because we know that there are so many issues that is we're dealing with nowadays that require a regional approach. Here in Travis County, when we look at the communities of interest, are you aware of the fact that we have a metropolitan statistical area here that the federal government, the census bureau, recognizes?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Yes.
REPRESENTATIVE DONNA HOWARD: And are you aware that it includes four of the five counties that are on your map?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Yes.
REPRESENTATIVE DONNA HOWARD: And so would that not mean that we're looking at what is a federally recognized community of interest through the MSA that you have put together in your map?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: That's correct. But we're doing it with the recommended and
(inaudible) and obviously we are protective of Austin, Texas, and that's what we are trying to do with this proposal.
REPRESENTATIVE DONNA HOWARD: So the map that's been laid out by Chairman Solomons divides Travis County in half, puts us with other counties that are not part of our MSA. Does that seem to be putting us together with the community of interest?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: I think it is theological with that the district being so big and that we could accommodate Travis County. My proposal accommodates Travis County.
REPRESENTATIVE DONNA HOWARD: Thank you very much, appreciate your amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: You are welcome.
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Veasey, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Gentleman yield?
THE SPEAKER: Do you yield, Representative?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Yes, I do.
THE SPEAKER: The Representative yields.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Mr. Alonzo, thank you very much. I appreciate your diligence in asking questions and taking it very public at this time. SBOE map that we had before the Redistricting Committee and the one district that I was particularly concerned about was District 4, are you familiar with that district?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Yes, I am. In fact, we did some amendments. We did -- The amendment also deals where is a District 4 as well, out of Harris County.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Okay. Well, it looks like this district includes part of the City of Houston and it crosses the county lines that include most of Ron Reynolds' House District, which is the Fort Bend area. And it appears to have -- retrogression taking place, which we know is illegal. Can you go into detail about that a little bit?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Yes, sir. In District 4, which is the district that you are talking about, you proposed a plan on the floor reduces the African American population in District 4 by three percent. From thirty two point nine to twenty nine point seven, which is caused by removing all the African American community in the north east Fort Bend County and the existing district, except for the incumbent. My amendment would include the African American population, the thirty four point four percent that (inaudible) the northeast Fort Bend community and their -- African American population growth.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Well, I appreciate you doing that. You have talked about how the State Board was trying to change the curriculum and how it's important that the particular (inaudible) or Cesar Chavez or Thurgood Marshal, which some of the majority of the board didn't think should be in the textbook. And you talked very eloquently about how the -- most of the children are Latino and African American, that the board needed to more accurately reflect that. And I think that your fix does that. And so I appreciate you particularly looking at District 4, which is represented by an African American in the Fort Bend area. Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Thank you, Mr. Veasey. In fact, it is critically important that a perspective you heard from the diverse community affected. But let me tell you what I like to mention, if you recall, about two weeks ago when we had to hear the State Board of Education, I asked the chairwoman of the State Board of Education to come to testify, I asked her, what are the percentage of Hispanics in the schools? And she mentioned fifty percent. Actually, fifty three percent is closer. And then I asked if she knew what the percentage of African Americans were and she could not say. She said well, we cannot be delegating a meeting and making decisions unless we know who we are affecting, and I believe that this amendment would make a clear statement that we create a new Hispanic district and we correct the retrogression that is in the current plan.
REPRESENTATIVE ANA HERNANDEZ LUNA: Madam Speaker?
THE SPEAKER: For what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE ANA HERNANDEZ LUNA: Would the gentleman yield for questions?
THE SPEAKER: Do you yield?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: I do.
THE SPEAKER: He yields.
REPRESENTATIVE ANA HERNANDEZ LUNA: Thank you. Representative Alonzo, I know a lot of us are referring to this map, and I appreciate you bringing this amendment that would create Latino (inaudible) the district in Harris County that would overlap with my area. You mentioned earlier that fifty percent of the Texas Public School students are Latinos, but yet the current map only reflects only twenty percent of the current representation. Your map would change that, correct?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Correct. And I think, in fact, it would not only change it it would draw attention, like I try to do for north Texas, I pointed to Houston; the close I had in the (inaudible) we know that the Hispanic community is there by
(inaudible) representatives like yourself and Ms. Farrar and a couple other folks. But by showing this map will show that Latinos will count for the decisions that are being at the State Board of Education level, and we might (inaudible) to make sure that the voice of Houston is heard.
REPRESENTATIVE ANA HERNANDEZ LUNA: Do you think it's important that having this over fifty percent of public school students being Latino, that that representation be applied to the State Board of Education?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: That's correct.
REPRESENTATIVE ANA HERNANDEZ LUNA: And we learned a lot about that during the textbook debate earlier, and I think that was a little more focused on these districts. How will you explain to you? Can you elaborate how important it is to have that representation at the table?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Well, anytime we are making decisions, what we do here in the House, you can have an urban perspective, you can have a rural perspective. We have the (inaudible) things in mind. But this amendment plays an importance
(inaudible) well at least what I try to do is it relates to increasing the Hispanic population district to have the Hispanic perspective heard. So people will say we are all Texans, we are all, you know, that's correct, we are all Texans. But we all come from a different -- we must remember, because of our experiences, our experiences are heard and it counts a lot.
REPRESENTATIVE ANA HERNANDEZ LUNA: Well, thank you for bringing forward a map that provides for a Latino opportunity district in our area.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Thank you.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN SPEAKER: Madam Speaker?
THE SPEAKER: For what purpose?
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN SPEAKER: Would the gentleman yield for questions?
THE SPEAKER: Would the gentleman yield?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: I do.
THE SPEAKER: The gentleman yields.
REPRESENTATIVE CAROL ALVARADO: Representa tive Alonzo, do you feel that your amendment helps to give a better reflection of the SBOE members to the student population in Texas?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Yes, I do.
REPRESENTATIVE CAROL ALVARADO: And that's by creating this district in Houston Harris County District 6 which, by the way, does encompass my district, Representative Farrar, Walle and Hernandez Luna and Hochberg; which all of us have majority Latino districts. I take it you took all of that into consideration.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: I sure did. And I also even tried to create a district in North Texas. And I'm glad you asked me that, because I wanted to also clear that in North Texas, but because of the designs and because of the small numbers, I was thankful we were about to get to Houston. Whatever we can get to make sure we move into the future, this is an opportunity to do that.
REPRESENTATIVE CAROL ALVARADO: And how important do you think it is to have a State Board of Education that reflects the student population? Does that spill over into the decisions that are made on things like the contents that go into textbooks?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: That is correct. One of the big things for me, Ms. Alvarado, is history. Because I believe if you know where you come from, you know where you are going. One of the things we need to make sure is that our children, our children, have the history, the background. Because once you know, you know who you are. You know, you do more and by getting this and having that perspective heard is very helpful.
REPRESENTATIVE CAROL ALVARADO: Thank you for your amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Thank you. Move passage.
(Inaudible) district to the office.
THE SPEAKER: Representative Solomons to speak against the amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Thank you members and Madam Speaker. Appreciate Ms. Alonzos' efforts on this, but if you really look at the amendment it focuses on Harris County, but also pairs with some other folks; including three sets of Republicans and Pitts and a Republican against one Democrat. Members, this map breaks up District 4, a coalition majority minority Democrat district, District 6. And Anglo majority Republican district to consolidate in an attempt to create an open Hispanic
(inaudible) in Harris County. The effect is Mr. Alonzo appears to have
(inaudible) Republican district, which runs from Harris County all the way to McCullin County, and he moves the African American incumbent and pairs him with a Republican into what appears to be a coalition district to the east of Harris County. Now Representative Alonzo is also attempting to create an additional Hispanic (inaudible) in Harris County, but he is potentially creating a violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by diluting the voting rights of the Hispanic population. In the Committee Subject For House Bill 600, District 4 has a black voting age population of thirty point four percent and a Hispanic surname voting registration of twenty eight point zero percent for a coalition district of fifty eight point four percent. Representative Alonzo also seeks to break up this district to create a new District 4 with thirty three point nine percent black voting aged population and a fourteen point four percent Hispanic surname voting registration, for a coalition of only forty eight point three percent, which is a dilution of their voting strength. He does this to create a new Hispanic District 6. That district has a black voting population -- black voting age population of thirteen point two percent, and a Hispanic surname voting registration of thirty point nine percent for a coalition of forty four point one percent. That's what we think it does. And these are, these districts can be considered a performing majority minority district. And, for this reason alone, members, I believe this map could open the door for Section 2 challenge of the map. And, therefore, I'm going to move to table Mr. Alonzo's amendment.
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Veasey, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Would the gentleman yield?
THE SPEAKER: Do you yield?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: I do.
THE SPEAKER: The gentleman yields.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Chairman Solomons, I wanted to ask you a couple questions. I know you were concerned about the Section 2. But the retrogression that Representative Alonzo spoke of earlier in District 4, does that not serve you at all? Because wouldn't that open the map up also to a legal challenge of retrogression, which in District 4 there would be a retrogression of about three percent in African American voting.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Well, I think as we have it drawn now, and I know this won't be the answer you want to hear in specifics, but what we did now was we maintained what we think is a legal map as to the Voting Rights Act. I think what Mr. Alonzo is doing, well intentioned as it may be, is -- I'm not saying it is an absolute violation of the Voting Rights Act. What I am saying is that it does have some problems with the Voting Rights Act. And, in our opinion, it opens the door for a challenge of the -- how he's trying to reconsolidate and reconfigure those two districts. And by doing so I don't think what he's really accomplishing what he is trying to do. And I think it does open the door for voting rights. And that's why I'm going to oppose it, quite frankly. And I do think that for those members who are concerned, it does set -- it pairs three sets of Republican members, and it takes a Republican member to against a black Democrat, Mr. Allen. And I don't think it's necessary to do that at this point. So that's why I am going to move to oppose it.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: What about communities of interest? That is a legitimate area that we look at in redistricting, wouldn't you agree?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Absolutely.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: What about the points that Representative Howard of Travis made earlier in regards to the communities of interest in Travis county? I thought it was a very compelling question that she asked. Again, in particular, about all of the 3014s in Travis County and their UIL alignment and keeping those communities of interest together.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: The map as a whole tried to do that where we could. We -- you know, I understand where Ms. Howard is coming from. Some of the Travis county folks are somewhat concerned. But at this point I think we did what we needed to do in connection with communities of interest. And if somebody wants to talk about that, they can. But I think we've done what we needed to do on that.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Why were those communities --
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: -- it's actually more or less the numbers. It's reconfiguration, I think, more than anything else. It's just how -- to come over an ideal district of those kinds of sizes was well difficult, it was difficult to do, and we tried to -- as I mentioned earlier, we did try to consolidate and not break up counties where necessary, and we also tried to reduce the number of breakups in school districts. I don't think that we could avoid what we did in Travis County with the district, as they are configured currently and try to move them into this current map.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: I appreciate it. Thank you. Members, I'm going to move to table this amendment. And, anyway, I'm going to move to table the amendment.
THE SPEAKER: Representative Alonzo to close on the amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Members, let me first off by saying as I said at the hearing: What we're going to do here on the floor of the House is what's fair. But in redistricting we open to issues, we look at what's fair and what's legal. What's going to be fair is what we decide on the floor. The other part of what we have to do is what's legal. You heard that Chairman Solomons said that he thinks -- he thinks that this might be a violation of the Voting Rights Act. He thinks. Well, that is one opinion. And my opinion is that I think, I think, that the plan that you see before you to my left is against the Voting Rights Act. But not only do I think that it's a violation, what I do is offer an opportunity to fix what I think is wrong. And what I did is in the West Texas area make a couple of recommendations and offer to fix it, number one. Number two, I offer that we create a new Hispanic district in Harris County. Third, aside from that we will have some discussion about Perry. Yes, it does happen. And --
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Villarreal, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE VILLARREAL: Would the gentleman yield for questions?
THE SPEAKER: Do you yield for questions?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: In just one minute, Mr. Villarreal. I know it's uncomfortable to pair, and we just went through that kind of exercise yesterday and a couple of other members were paired. But what I try to do in this amendment is to consider what's fair and legal, with all due respect to the pairing. Last week, last week, as we done in this amendment clearly, members, clearly, clearly, clearly, what we're trying to say for Travis County is we're trying to create an opportunity for you to be whole. If you look at the map, if you look at the map, Travis County is split. In my proposal I bring the county back together, make it a better community of interest. And you heard from Ms. Howard that is a concern coming from the folks from Travis County. So I tried to do several things with this amendment. And with that, members, I ask you to vote no on the motion to table.
THE SPEAKER: Representative Villarreal, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE VILLARREAL: Would the gentleman yield for questions?
THE SPEAKER: Would the gentleman yield for questions?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: I do.
THE SPEAKER: The gentleman yields.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE VILLARREAL: First, I want to thank you, Mr. Alonzo, for bringing the map. I did not think it was possible, originally, that an additional Latino district could be drawn. And you have found a way to do that. I think that's important, given the rapid growth of the Latino community, particularly in the school age population. I want to ask you a simple question on this district. Did you have to go out of your way to figure out how to draw that?
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: A little bit.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE VILLARREAL: Well, it seems to me that given the Latino population in Harris, you couldn't help but to draw that district.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: That is correct.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE VILLARREAL: And it might have taken some studying and looking at precincts and blocks, but it actually doesn't -- it seems to perform well. You cited some statistics of fifty seven percent Latino, with the Latino voting age population of fifty two point three.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: That is correct.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE VILLARREAL: And finally, the African American district is currently represented by SBOE Member Allen.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: That's right.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE VILLARREAL: Tell me, is that paired? I heard that it was but it doesn't appear to be paired.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: From my research, it's not, from my research.
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE VILLARREAL: Okay. Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Members, thank you. Again, I ask you to vote no on the motion to table. Let's vote for the future. Let's vote for the change. There's a big change already occurring. I think this amendment will reflect that change, reflect that opportunity for all voices to be heard. Please vote no on the motion to table.
THE SPEAKER: Representative Alonzo sends up an amendment. Representative Solomons moves to table. The question occurs on the motion to table. Vote aye, vote nay. Clerk will ring the bell. Show Representative Solomons voting aye. Show Representative Alonzo voting nay. Members, please excuse Representative Pickett because of important business in the district, on the motion of Representative Menendez. Have all members voted? Have all members voted? There being 98 ayes, 45 nays, 4 present not voting; the motion to table prevails. Following amendment, The Clerk will read the amendment.
CLERK: Amendment by Martinez Fischer.
THE SPEAKER: Members, this is Plan 113. Chair recognizes Representative Martinez Fischer.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: Thank you Madam Speaker and members, I have an amendment to the amendment and I want to lay out first before I lay out my amendment.
THE SPEAKER: The following amendment to the amendment.
CLERK: Amendment to the amendment by Martinez Fischer.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Martinez Fischer. Members, this is Plan 116.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. Members, this is an amendment to the amendment that evens out deviations in the map that I prefiled to (inaudible) and also involves the pairings current -- members. The pairings were made inadvertently to prefile a decline. Changes are technical. The amendment to the amendment is acceptable to me as the author and I offer the amendment to the amendment.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Representative tray Martinez Fischer sends up an amendment to the amendment. It is acceptable to the author. Is there any objection? Hearing none. So adopted. We're now on the Martinez Fischer amendment as amended. Chair recognizes Representative Martinez Fischer.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. Members, this is an amendment, I think you heard the some of the similar arguments and I believe there's a map that the Sergeant's Office put out for anybody who wants to look at this. But not to delay the point, I want to thank Chairman Solomons for doing what I know is very hard work. I think when we all join the visual district it takes a lot of time. When you are from a big county it even takes more time to try to find consensus and common ground amongst the delegations. And to do it
(inaudible) I understand it's a challenge. This amendment was also done under a challenge, because you only have a certain number of days to respond to the map that that's produced in the redistricting community. So this amendment is a reaction to the maps in Committee subject to House Bill 600. Let me just lay out a few of the data points that motivated me to file this map. We all know that in this last decade that eighty nine percent of all growth that this State realized was minority growth. And that of -- of that eighty-nine percent sixty five percent alone was a Latino growth. Today, the combined minority voting age population of this state is forty five percent. As it relates to our children and our public school system, fifty percent of our school children in the public school system are Latino, fifty eight percent of school children in Texas are minority. The map that is currently before us, the State Board of Education only accounts for twenty percent of the SBA districts, all over fifty percent Spanish surname registration and only twenty percent of those districts are over fifty percent Hispanic voting age population. House Bill 600 is a status quo map. It represents the status quo of ten years ago, meaning that ten years ago the SBO League had three districts over fifty percent Spanish surname voting age population, they had three districts that were Hispanic voting age population and fifty percent or more at five districts that were African American Hispanic voting age population at fifty percent or more, and that's exactly what we have today; despite the undeniable and undisputable, uncontested fact that ninety percent of our growth of our state was a minority growth. That, I believe, is retrogression. That, I believe, is a question of fact for somebody who will challenge this and determine whether we did our best work when we drew our maps. I submit to you that the amendment that I offer suggests that we could do it in another way. And, in so doing, we can increase the Latino representation in the State Board of Education. In Houston we can modify the State Board of Education District 1, so we can make it clear that that district is truly a minority opportunity district, where the minority candidates will be the choice of the minority community. I think there was statistical data that will support that that is not what occurred in the last election. I believe there's statistical data that will support that minorities did not have the opportunity to elect the candidate of their choice. So this is what this amendment does, it increases SBOE District with over fifty percent Hispanic voting age population before to current plan (inaudible) three and the number of SBO districts with over fifty percent minority voting age population will increase to six, and the current plan under House Bill 600 maintains that number as five. And all though this amendment does not reach the complete equality of the representation, this amendment does recognize the importance of minority population increases in Texas, maintaining the current level of majority Hispanic districts and majority DOP districts would be retrogression of the Hispanic and African American voting (inaudible) because it would fail to recognize the dramatic growth in the minority community, and the Hispanic community in particular. I will not belabor all the arguments that were presented under the Alonzo amendment because I believe they are similar. But this is what this is. I would ask members who are contemplating their vote on this to be consistent. Just yesterday afternoon many of us received a first draft of what the House Districts will look like. I went home to be with my kids and my wife last night, so I didn't get to participate in the communications that took place yesterday evening; but this morning, when I came here, most of my conversations were about how many people were upset about their maps and were upset about how there were changes that occurred that impacted minority status, that impacted geographic status, that impact the community of interest. And I would say to those members that if you feel that the House maps don't reflect your wills and desires, you should be consistent with this State Board of Ed map because it is the very same argument. We're talking about ninety percent of minority growth of the State, last decade. And the status quo map will not satisfy the Voting Rights Act in any form, whether it be DOJ or DC Circuit Court.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: Mr. Speaker?
THE SPEAKER: Yes, Representative Walle, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: Would Representative Martinez Fischer yield for just a few questions?
THE SPEAKER: Do you yield for questions?
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: I yield for questions.
THE SPEAKER: He yields.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: Representat ive Martinez Fischer, do you think that the current map under HB 600 violates the Voting Rights Act?
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: In my opinion, I believe it does. But that is that's for another form for another day. But I believe we have ninety percent minority voting -- minority increase, eighty nine percent voting, with the (inaudible) the last decade, which is the very, sole reason why Texas stands to gain so much in congressional apportionment. You can't accept those data points for the sake of taking four congressional seats and then ignore the very thing data points when it comes to drawing State Board of Education maps. It doesn't have the common senses.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: Do you believe that these SDOE districts could be too large where you -- because they are so large, they dilute minority influence in a particular district; because what you want to do is at least have influence and elect somebody of their choice, let alone if they are not Latino or African American.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: If you look at the map that I have on the floor here, you will see that the newly drawn District 6 in Houston is one of the most compact districts of all the State Board of Education maps. It can be done. And let me submit to you this: I mean, you have to give Chairman Solomons credit for doing his job and I'm sure that he didn't volunteer for, and I'm not saying that I am (inaudible) to this map. But if you want to protect the current status quo of minority opportunity seats, you can do that. If you want to add the additional Hispanic seats, you can do that. And you can draw the rest of the maps any way you want, whether you want to pair people or not pair people. We are not tied to the philosophy of the entire map we have to draw an entire map, so I believe there is room for a consensus and compromise. But those two things, that respects the goals and opportunities that Chairman Solomons is trying to advance, but at the same time staying true to the principles of one person one vote to both Section 5 and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. And that's the part that I believe I try to bring with this amendment. And if we can somehow marry those two concepts, we can certainly have a map that makes a lot of people happier and perhaps there would be a map that more people could support. And, frankly, it could be a map that may not have as much scrutiny as the current House Bill 600 would certainly get once it is out of the chamber.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: Are you aware that there's over a million, pushing two million Hispanic surnamed folks that reside in Harris County?
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: I do.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: And, for us, it's important to have somebody that we can at least have a influence on electing somebody that we can confide in, that we can come to. When we are talking about curriculum, as I mentioned in my question to Representative Alonzo, when we talk about curriculum and taking a child out of his curriculum, and taking folks of that nature that really had a significant impact in the Latino community, and in particular to our history as far as Latinos and back then mostly Mexican Americans influence in this state and how important those folks are.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: They are very important. And I think we all are, you know, the reflections of the policies that we represent. And when you have individuals and communities of interest that have concerns and they want to address those concerns, when it come to state house, they can just go down the block. But when it comes to the State Board of Ed, you know, they are going to need a couple of tanks of gas or a bus ticket, because sometimes it's just impossible to get to your SBOE members when you have a district as large as the one proposed in House Bill 600.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN OTTO: Madam Speaker?
THE SPEAKER: Yes, Mr. Otto, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN OTTO: Will the gentleman yield for questions?
THE SPEAKER: Would the gentleman yield for questions?
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: I yield.
THE SPEAKER: The gentleman yields.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN OTTO: Representative Martinez Fischer, in looking at the map -- I have a question, because in looking at my home county of Liberty County, you have basically diced it up into three different SBOE districts. And where most of the population is, in the southern part of the county, it looks like it's split in half. So my question is, as you were drawing your map did you not consider the communities of interest of the county?
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: No. Well, in fact, I did. But let me tell you what my first overall principle was, is I asked the drafters to look at maximizing minority opportunities. And now before, before I comment any further, I just want to make sure that the map that you and I am I'm talking about --
THE SPEAKER: Representative Taylor raises the point of order, the gentleman's time has expired. The point of order is well taken and sustained.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: Move adoption of the amendment.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Solomons to speak in opposition to the amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. Just briefly let me just point out a few things for the record anyway. In part, this is about -- This is an important issue. These districts are really, really large. It's really hard to cluster minority neatly in a 1.6 -- well, 1,676,371 for an ideal district. It's kind of hard to neatly cluster minorities in a district like that. But, just so you know how much this Hispanic population has grown in this state, it's grown forty eight -- forty one point eight percent. While that's the second largest demographic in the State of Texas, it's not the fastest growing demographic in the state. In fact, three ethnic groups actually grew faster than Hispanics. Asians grew seventy one percent, native Hawaiians grew fifty percent. I would have thought they like being in Hawaii but I mean native Hawaiians grew fifty percent, and American Indians grew forty four percent. So when you talk about percentages, the numbers may not be as bad. They grew quicker, they grew faster than the Hispanic population did in that context. The other thing I want to point out is that while all of the districts are well above seventy percent, all of the districts are well above seventy percent majority minority in population. And the degrees in voting age population did not change. The majority minority populations continue to build and select the candidates of their choice in a regression analysis. And, I said before, minorities in this state apparently would defense (inaudible) figures would not cluster neatly in growth of 1.6 million and above. Now, I submit to Mr. Martinez Fischer's plan as well meaning as it is, it breaks up District 4, the majority minority Democratic district, and District 6, an Anglo majority Republican district. It consolidates Hispanics in an attempt to create an open Hispanic seat in Harris County. But the effect of it is he pairs still three sets of Republicans and, quite frankly, in a district that runs from Harris County to all the way to College Station, he is attempting to create a additional Hispanic district, as I said in Harris County. It is potentially creating a violation -- that is potentially, I'm not saying he is, but potentially creating a violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by diluting the voting strength of this Hispanic population for the district we already have drawn on the map. And I believe that what he's doing is opening the door for Section 2 violation, even though he's attempting to do this well meaning. I think there is some ramifications from this. And I am going to move and ask you all to table his amendment. Thank you.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Martinez Fischer to close on his amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: I want to say this, one thing that Chairman Solomons said that I agree with, and that it is a well meaning map. So I think the notion that this amendment creates a potential Section 2 violation assumes that the bill before us isn't already a Section 2 violation or a Section 5 violation. Every single minority opportunity district in this amendment is a performing district. While it may, if there's some slight retrogression in District 4, it still performs extremely well and it's still
(inaudible) the minority candidate of the community's choice. It doesn't have the retrogressive effect that Chairman Solomons is seeking to suggest. But, you know, here is the question: Maps should reflect the demographics. You know the demographics, I just showed them what they are. And I just stated to the Chairman, we can redraw this map any way he wants, any way he wants; so long we take into account the current minority opportunities that exist in this map, and take into account the potential for a new minority opportunity district in Harris County. Short of that, he can draw these lines however he wants. Save and accept the opportunities for minorities to elect the candidate of their choice. That's what this amendment demonstrates the potential -- that can be done. It doesn't say that this is the only way it can be done, but to suggests that House Bill 600 is our best work and take all of the demographic attributes into account is simply wrong. So I ask you that if you truly care about maps that reflect our population, not just in our own house maps, and not just in our congressional maps, but if you truly care about that and you care about the composition of the the State Board of Education, albeit it's slightly more challenging because it's less districts. But we can do better than this. The Voting Rights Act will dictate that we can do better than this. And vote will -- Will not have the last word and nor will I. But I do believe, in examining the few amendments, the amendment to the bill, you will find that this amendment holds true to the concept of one person, one vote. I ask you to vote no on the motion to table.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Representative Martinez Fischer sends up an amendment. Representative Solomons moves to table. This is on the motion to table. Clerk, ring the bell. Show Mr. Solomons voting aye. Show Mr. Martinez-Fischerer voting no. Have all voted? There being 100 ayes, 43 nays; motion to table prevails.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Mr. Speaker.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Mr. Veasey, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Parliamentary inquiry.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: State your inquiry.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: I was curious as to, you know, people will ask to have the debate to be reduced in writing so it can be placed in the journal. And I was wondering in regard to this debate, because we're talking about retrogression and Section 2, and so many legal aspects, obviously, this plan and all the plans will have to go to the Justice Department; if we wanted to do an inquiry to have this entire debate placed in writing and put into the record, can we do that now or do we do it at the end of the debate?
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: You can do that now.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Okay. Parliamentary inquiry.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: State your inquiry.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: I would like ask that this entire debate be reduced to writing and placed in the journal.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Anyone wishing to speak on, for, or against House Bill 600? If not, -- Chair recognizes Representative Solomons.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: --
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Taylor, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE VAN TAYLOR: Couple questions for the gentleman.
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Solomons, do you yield?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: I yield.
REPRESENTATIVE VAN TAYLOR: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Solomons. Now a lot of us have been made aware here in the last hour, or today, basically, of a number of issues, some SBOE numbers we are having. And we are getting some emails from our districts and you are aware of that?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Yes, I am.
REPRESENTATIVE VAN TAYLOR: And if this bill passes today it goes to the Senate, and once it goes to the Senate there's some opportunity to work on the map, but there's some changes that need to be made. The SBOE members could fill out some input at that time.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: This is just like any other bill. Hopefully, if the House passes the bill today we still are going to do the reading and it will go to the Senate, and the Senate will have an opportunity to take that up. And anybody who is interested in continue -- continue the interest in this and talk to the senators and whatever happens with the bill happens with the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE VAN TAYLOR: And some members are being encouraged to vote no on this bill. What happens if this bill fails today?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: If this bill fails to pass the Texas House there's is not a Senate Bill, a companion bill, and so what would happen is you have an issue on the SBOE redistricting, it goes straight to the federal courthouse.
REPRESENTATIVE VAN TAYLOR: So we don't have another shot at it, it goes to the court?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: No, sir.
REPRESENTATIVE VAN TAYLOR: It goes to the court.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: It goes to the courthouse.
REPRESENTATIVE VAN TAYLOR: Thank you, Mr. Solomons.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Thank you.
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Veasey, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Mr. Mr. Speaker would the gentleman yield?
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Solomons, do you yield?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: I yield.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Representativ e Solomons, just wanted to clarify earlier, and would just ask you to take a second look at the -- and I know that you are probably not going to change your mind before the end of the day, but take a second close look at the Harris County School District, because -- or the Fort Bend District. I do not believe that the district pairs Representative Allen and -- with another incumbent.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: The first one did. Mr. Martinez Fischer's amendment did not do that, but still pairs other Republicans. Other incumbents.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Okay.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Thank you very much for your patience. And I'm going to move passage of this bill. Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Question occurs on passage to engrossment of House Bill 600. Chair recognizes Representative Alonzo.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Members, I'm going to be brief because we had a big debate on this. I just want to rise and -- with all due respect to my chairman, Bert Solomons, I am just going to remind you of the arguments I made and the presentations on my amendment and ask you to vote no on the bill. Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: The question occurs on the passage of House Bill 600. Record vote has been requested. The record vote has been granted. Clerk ring the bell. Have all voted? Have all voted? There being 99 ayes and 44 nays, House Bill 600 is passed to engrossment. Chair lays out on second reading House Bill 33.
REPRESENTATIVE JESSICA FARRAR: Mr. Speaker?
REPRENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Ms. Farrar, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE JESSICA FARRAR: Parliament ary inquiry.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: State your inquiry.
REPRESENTATIVE JESSICA FARRAR: Is this redistricting committee going to be holding one or more meetings in the next few days?
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: My understanding is that they are meeting on Friday and on Sunday.
REPRESENTATIVE JESSICA FARRAR: And have those meetings been posted? Have the posting rules been suspended? I must have missed it.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Yes, those rules were suspended, I believe, yesterday.
REPRESENTATIVE JESSICA FARRAR: Did the chair of the redistricting committee plan on voting out the map on Sunday, the House map?
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Solomons.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: I'm sorry, I yield. Yes.
REPRESENTATIVE JESSICA FARRAR: Mr. Solomo ns, is the committee planning on voting out the House map on Sunday?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: No, ma'am.
REPRESENTATIVE JESSICA FARRAR: Could we have order, Mr. Speaker? What was your answer?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: No, ma'am, we are not. It's not my intent, as the chairman of the committee, to ask the committee members to vote out of committee the Texas House map. It was previewed last night or late afternoon. We are going to hold public testimony on the Texas House map as it was proposed, and it's that -- that is going to take place on Friday afternoon and Sunday afternoon to allow people that want to show up on either Friday or Sunday or over the weekend to do it the afternoon. But we are going to move forward. We have a calendar -- For all members, I think y'all might want to listen up. We have one of the most things we do personally. We have an enormous calendar facing us as members of this body within our deadline. So it's not as if the committee has an enormous amount of time to process everything. We are going to try to do everything as quickly as possible as we can. We need, in my opinion, and it's the House's map, if we need to do something we need to do it in a way that is with some sense of I wouldn't say urgency, but of quickness, because everything else is facing us before our deadline. So it is my intent, as chairman, to bring and ask the committee to vote for the map very shortly after that, whether it be Monday or Tuesday. It is going to be a very short time frame.
REPRESENTATIVE JESSICA FARRAR: So the map that was released to the public yesterday will be heard tomorrow and Sunday?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: And Sunday.
REPRESENTATIVE JESSICA FARRAR: And when members of the public come can they testify on either day, on any part of the map?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Yes, ma'am. The map is out there for the public to view, for the House members to view, to testify for or against or things that they like or dislike about it; in your district, or in any districts around the state, or just academically or otherwise. Now the issue is, however, we are -- and I am going to suggest to the House and the committee that we cannot wait forever to do this. If we do that, then we might as well just send the map to the LRB.
REPRESENTATIVE JESSICA FARRAR: I understand the urgency. However, what was the reasoning, just concerned why we didn't release the map sooner if we were in such an urgent state, between the time that the map was released and one of the first hearings is -- would be only forty eight hours, and that's only forty eight hours for the public and members to analyze the map. Could you address your reasoning for that?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Well, I attempted to have this bill be a member driven map. We have a hundred-fifty members, including myself, and asking for input from the members. And it takes a while to get through that process. If you are drawing a map in a vacuum you can try to draw a map in a vacuum and you probably can do it a little faster. But, at the end of the day, I've got the members and I was trying to have the members have as much input as possible, try to let the public have as much input as possible; but you know and I know that we are under a timeframe, and it kind of came out from the standpoint to getting finalized as best I could to have a map proposed and it came out when it did yesterday. And I just did the best I could.
REPRESENTATIVE JESSICA FARRAR: Will there be a calendar rule on second reading for the amendment?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: We are going to try to have a calendar rule for the amendment because that's another thing that -- Well, all members need to be concerned about is the legality of what they want to amend or do with the map.
REPRESENTATIVE JESSICA FARRAR: And will there -- How would the amendment to the amendment be handled? Will there be a lay out period?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: For the amendment to the amendment? I'm not sure yet. I just know that we are going to need some sort of calendar rule for the benefit of the members and the district and the public, so that we are not here amending a map with things that would be illegal.
REPRESENTATIVE SYLVESTER TURNER: Mr. Speaker?
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Turner, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE SYLVESTER TURNER: Would the gentleman yield?
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Solomons, do you yield?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Yes, I do.
REPRESENTATIVE SYLVESTER TURNER: Yes. Chairman Solomons, in terms of the timeline, I know the committee will be meeting Friday and Sunday. But in terms of the timeline where members can also amend this to your committee to be considered in the committee process, what is that timeline?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: I would probably say very much sooner than later.
REPRESENTATIVE SYLVESTER TURNER: Okay.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: So as far as I can tell, I don't have the exact time that I'm going to say that we are going to bring this bill up for a vote at a particular moment in time on Monday, or even Tuesday. But I can assure you what my intent is is to get as much input I can get in a short period of time to see what we can do, and check for the legalities for the members that may have -- wanting to flip precincts or counties, or whatever they want to do. And if they can get agreements, those would be the best to try to deal with that. And we are going to try to process as quickly as possible. I don't want to do something too quickly, but I don't want to wait, either. So it's hard for me to give you an exact time. I wish I could just say oh, at a certain time that's when I'm going to bring it up, but I don't know that yet. But it is going to be sooner than later.
REPRESENTATIVE SYLVESTER TURNER: The reason why I ask the question, I have looked at several maps, I have looked at several maps that is the Republicans have drawn even as it relates to Harris County, and I have looked at maps that the Democrats have drawn. But the maps that I look at for example, from my district, did not look like any of those maps. You know, there were significant sections that were different. And it came out on yesterday. So what I am asking is basic fairness, to give people like myself an opportunity to respond to what I saw on yesterday. I mean, in terms of input, if I'm looking at Republican maps for Harris County and I'm looking at Democratic maps for Harris County, and if I think that those are okay; and then I look at the map that the committee submitted on yesterday, and it's different from the map that was presented before, then I think, in all fairness, we think we should have due time to respond adequately to the change that came out yesterday.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: That's why we are having this discussion today, so that every member knows about their sense that if you have some adjustments that you want to make, my suggestion is try to get as many things as you can done. I'll listen to the members. But I do feel like we need to have a committee consider for -- something within a reasonable length of time. Your definition and my definition may be slightly variant. But I want you to have the opportunity to talk to your colleagues in Harris County, the members around you, see what can be adjusted, see what everybody agrees to. If you -- I mean, I am not preventing you from doing that, but I would ask you to basically do it; or any other member on this House floor. If you have issues, try to get them resolved as soon as you can to give it to us.
REPRESENTATIVE SYLVESTER TURNER: The only thing I ask, for example, if the committee is going to be voting on the map on Monday I would like to know it's Monday. If it's going to be on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, I would like to know that it's going to be on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: I don't know that.
REPRESENTATIVE SYLVESTER TURNER: And that's what I'm saying, I would hate -- I would hate to -- for us to come back on Monday and then there's an announcement made that the committee is going to be voting out these maps on Monday afternoon or Tuesday. So the only -- What I am asking is to at least give us forty eight hours notice to when the committee is going to be voting on on the maps so that we will have time.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Let me just say this: Today is Thursday, for the members alone. Now this does include possible testimony from the public who may come in and something we would look at it and say oh, my goodness, we need to adjust something for the public. But, at the end of the day, it's Thursday now. It is 3:33 in the afternoon, today on Thursday. I was out yesterday evening. I know everybody had some time to absorb it yesterday and this morning. But it's Thursday today. So even if the bill kicks out -- or even if the bill is brought up for vote on Monday, it wouldn't be Monday morning, it would be Monday later in the day; but it's still rest of the day today, this evening, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday; probably working at whatever we need to do. You know as well as I know my committee staff has worked very hard. We are trying to do whatever we can. That's assuming that it even does hit Monday. I don't know that. I would be happy to tell this body what time or what day for sure but even if it's Tuesday, that's an extra day. But I don't know the exact time. But if you are asking me today, forty eight hours, seventy two hours, today is Thursday. You have the rest of the day, today you have Friday, Saturday and, Sunday to work with your neighbors; make any adjustments. If we need to help you we will help you. My staff is around, we'll be around. We can basically try help you any way we can for the members of this body. That's at least Friday, Saturday and Sunday, much less the rest of the day and tonight and some part of the day on Monday. And then, if it goes Tuesday, it's even more. I'm not locked in to a particular time. But I am locked in to the fact that I think we have to move forward and not postpone consideration of a map, because then it has to go from our committee, it has to be checked again for whatever is done; it goes to the calendars. Calendars has to take possession of it. It has to be scheduled for calendars. We have timeframes running and we have days moving on. We have the Easter break. We have a variety of things going on and we are sort of locked in to our timeframe here on the House for our entire calendar.
REPRESENTATIVE SYLVESTER TURNER: Do you anticipate this bill to be on the floor before Easter?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: I don't know that. Perhaps. It perhaps -- But it could be after. If you are asking me today I might have a better answer on Monday, but I don't really know today.
REPRESENTATIVE SYLVESTER TURNER: Okay. All right. Well --
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: It depends on what we have going on for me to be able to make an assertive statement to the House when I think it's going to be there. But, at the end of the day, Mr. Hunter might be the one to be asking as well, because whatever the committee does, as you know, it has to go on the calendars.
REPRESENTATIVE SYLVESTER TURNER: Okay. May I ask that you consider not voting in the committee prior to Tuesday?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: I will take that under consideration.
REPRESENTATIVE SYLVESTER TURNER: Okay. Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: Mr. Speaker.
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Martinez, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: Would the gentleman yield?
THE SPEAKER: Gentleman, do you yield?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Of course I do.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: Mr. Chairman, thank you for your leadership on this. And -- but -- I just have a quick question in regard to us going to the hearings and submitting our information. If that is done by a member, would there be an additional proposal then sent out by you as opposed to what's already in place? Or would you --
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Let me tell you this: The hardest part of this, I've been telling the members one-on-one, the hardest part of this job, that I can tell up to this point anyway, has been getting something or trying to put something together so that I could at least say here's a proposal. It's now in the committee's hands as a proposal. It is in the body's hands as a proposal. If you come tomorrow with changes that you would like to see made and want to propose them to the committee, I am sure the committee will consider whatever you are bringing. We are going to check it for legality and the committee will make that decision, and then it will come forth based on whatever the committee decided to do and then whatever happens, happens. You have the committee you can talk to, you have these -- your colleagues are here on the House floor. We just still have to move it through the House floor. It doesn't just magically out of the committee and comes directly to this House floor and then everything is going to be rushed in that context. There is a sense of movement but it is sort of methodical.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: And I guess my question is that if we are in committee, and we take our proposals into the committee, will it be amended before the committee or --
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: It could be --
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: Okay.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Yes, sir. It could be amended in the committee, or if there's a problem with it and they don't -- either the committee doesn't agree, or there's some more legalities that need to be resolved, it doesn't prevent you from coming to the floor of the House and convincing your colleagues to change the map. It is the House map.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: And I know that a -- A lot of the members in Hidalgo County had that question, is it a House map? That the maps that we had drawn really weren't specified on the proposal. Although our county judge has also called and his concern is the fact that due to population growth in the county we don't have an additional seat anchored down out of Hidalgo. So that's their concern. Those are the concerns that we are going to be bringing to the board committee for you.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: I do understand. And based on the newspaper stories over night and continue -- and the members are going to receive continued input in their areas, whether they like or don't like it, have suggestions; that's all in this process. But it's not a long period of process that we have left here for this house to consider their own districts.
REPRESENTATIVE MARTINEZ: Thank you for your leadership.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Thank you. Appreciate it.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Mr. Speaker, does the gentleman yield?
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Solomons, do you yield?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: I yield.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you Mr. Solomons. I apologize for asking this question because it's kind of been asked. But, just to be clear, tomorrow we will have a hearing on the district; is that correct?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Tomorrow, I think I -- Yes. I think it starts around noon. Hopefully I can get a quorum together and we can start taking public testimony.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Okay. Next question is -- I'm sorry, and tomorrow we will not vote out the bill?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: We're not voting out anything tomorrow.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Okay. On Sunday, we are going to be having a hearing, again, on redistricting; is that correct?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Assuming there's a quorum there we are going to have public testimony on Sunday to take more public testimony, from either the members or the public.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Okay. And Sunday we are not voting out the bill?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: We're not voting out, it is not my intent at all to try to vote out a bill on Sunday.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Okay. Now, Mr. Chairman, I know your practice has been, the bill is out there. We have testimony at a hearing and some time later we vote on it; is that correct?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Like any other bill.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Yes, but on this point I know Representative Turner asked you what day you kind of think it will be brought it for the vote, for the committee. And you said sooner than later. But --
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: I said very sooner than later, but not Sunday. Could be Monday, could be Tuesday, it could be Wednesday. I don't know yet. If I knew for sure I would be happy to tell this body.
REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO ALONZO: Okay. Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIS: Mr. Speaker, would the gentleman yield?
THE SPEAKER: Ms. Davis, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIS: May I ask chairman a question, please?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: I yield.
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIS: Thank you, Chairman Solomons. Let me ask you with regard to those of us who turn in maps based on your request and input. To the extent we turn in maps, do we need to turn those in again, or submit new maps or you have that information or --
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: My suggestion to each and every member of this body is if you think that your district as it was proposed is good, fine, don't -- you don't need to do anything. If you think it needs to be tweaking and needs some change in some form or fashion, my suggestion is you may want to not only tell us what it is, but talk to your neighbors to see if there's some general agreement; let us know as soon as possible. Let us help you to come up with what you need to do, if it is possible.
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIS: And so my question is those of us who turn in a map that we like, that we agree to; do we need to resubmit it or would you take a map that was previously committed to you?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: You -- Yes, ma'am. You may want to rebring -- you might want to reaffirm that somehow the map that we drew or the map that I posed is not exactly what you thought it was going to be, and you want to make some changes. Or if you already have an agreement or you think everything is fine you don't have to do anything.
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIS: You are not answering my question exactly.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Well, it's hard to hear you.
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIS: Well, ask the chairman to --
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Well, maybe if you just speak a little louder I can hear you.
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIS: Ask him to get some order. Okay. My question specifically was we submitted a map based on your asking us to -- requesting for us to provide you with some input. And to the extent of the map for the plan that you recently released does not represent what we submitted to you, would we need to resubmit the same information or would you be -- consider to go back and look at what we previously submitted?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: You may want to resubmit it. And here is my point, you may not want to resubmit it and say oh, change it back to this, because there may have been an issue what we could do where you submitted it, or you could have made a mistake. So, at the end of the day, you may want to up come down maybe with you and your neighbors or colleagues and say we like this, or just you, Ms. Davis; or any member, come down and say, I'm not sure why this came out this way, and make sure what we are doing -- I mean, I'm not saying that, you know, I think we did what members wanted but if there is some reason we didn't, there may have been a good reason why we didn't do it. And you may want to know that and try to see if you and your neighbors can readdress that.
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIS: Because we attempted to provide you with a map that, Representative, what many of us wanted near each other; that were (inaudible) each other; and none of that is reflected in your map. And that is why I'm asking, do we need to resubmit it or --
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: I'm not guaranteeing you that it would be changed because there may be some reasons why it needs to be way it is. But it's a hard decision that sometimes I have to make. But I'm more than happy to try to continue to work with every member, and so is my staff.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Gentleman yield?
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Solomons, do you yield?
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: I yield.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Representativ e Solomons, will you briefly go over the memo to table that you sent out about when we are anticipating voting on the map and when the -- is there any changes that need to be made? You sent out a memo that you submitted yesterday. Because that may would be a little bit more clear, because I think there's some people who are having a misunderstanding about exactly when we are going to vote and --
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: I don't have the memo in front of me, but I think the idea of the -- whatever I sent out, I think -- or my -- basically was we want to assure that you knew that we are going to have testimony on Friday and Sunday. The consideration is we probably could cut -- off -- we could probably vote out a map as early as Monday, sometime. But that's not locked and concrete.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: But that -- Why don't we do this? I think it would be good to clear up for the rest of the members, and why don't you read the memo that you sent out? I'm having a hard time printing it up, but let me see if we can figure out a way how to get to memo. Maybe Bonny can --
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Maybe Bonny can re read the memo out.
REPRESENTATIVE MARC VEASEY: Yeah, because I think it would be good for the members, because a lot of members have come up to me and asked.
REPRESENTATIVE BURT SOLOMONS: Yeah, we'll do that. We'll get a memo out to you. Thank you. Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Hunter.
REPRESENTATIVE TODD HUNTER: Mr. Speaker and members, on Monday we are going to be taking up the Workers Compensation Sunset Bill. So according to the House rules, you got to give your amendments filed on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in the Chief Clerk's Office. So for your scheduling, Monday we will be talking up the Workers' Compensation Sunset Bill. You can file your amendment with the Chief Clerk. Deadline under the House rule is 1:00 p.m., Sunday.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair lays out on second reading House Bill 33. Clerk, read the Bill.
CLERK: HB 33 by Branch. Relating to measures to increase the affordability of textbooks used for courses at public or private institutions of higher education.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Branch.
REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRANCH: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and members. House Bill 33 is a book about trying to reduce the cost of college textbooks. As the cost of attending college rises, so does the price of textbooks and other course materials. Members, House Bill 33 helps our faculty and students make more informed decisions about their books and courses, and also helps manage their overall education cost for our students. HB 33 also brings our state statute into alignment with the Federal Higher Education Opportunity Act, an act that has been existence for many years, but was recently reauthorized in 2008. This tells textbook publishers and higher ed institutions how to get the word out, how to create transparency for our students. It makes a reasonable effort to inform students about programs to rent textbooks, purchase used textbooks, programs that guarantee textbook buy backs and other cost savings for students. It also encourages faculty to select their textbooks earlier and to let students be aware of the details of those textbooks thirty days before their classes begin. I don't think we have any -- No amendments. I move adoption.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Anyone wishing to speak for or against House Bill 33? Question occurs on the passage of House Bill 33 to engrossment. All those in favor say aye. All opposed, nay. House Bill 33 is passed for engrossment. Chair recognizes Representative Branch.
REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRANCH: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. Members, I want to make clear that my postponement on House Bill 10 was for Wednesday, April the 20th at 9:00 a.m. Not Monday. Wednesday, April 20th at 9:00 a.m. Time certain for House Bill 10. Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out on second reading of House Bill 115. The Clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 115 by McClendon. Relating to the creation of a commission to investigate convictions after exoneration and to prevent wrongful conviction.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative McClendon.
REPRESENTATIVE RUTH JONES MCCLENDON: Than k you, Mr. Speaker and members, I am going to move to postpone this bill until Tuesday, April 19th, 2011, at 10:00 o'clock a.m. But before I make that motion, I just wanted to say a few words about the miscommunication and the misunderstanding that is occurring with this particular bill. This particular bill is creating an innocence commission, and this innocence commission is one that was recommended by the Timothy Coals Advisory Counsel during the interim. The commission is one that is supported by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas. There seems to be some confusion about what this commission will be allowed to do. And I just want to briefly say that the purpose of the innocence commission would be to study cases of exoneration. And exoneration occurs after a person has spent time in prison and, through the sequence of lawyers and court cases, they are found to have not committed the crimes that they served. And, at that point, the people who are in prison are exonerated. And so they will be studying the exonerated cases based on wrongful convictions. And so the purpose of this bill is to establish a commission charged with the responsibility of studying actual innocence cases where exonerations have already been declared.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Mr. Gallego, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE PETE GALLEGO: Mr. Speaker, would the lady yield?
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Ms. McClendon, do you yield?
REPRESENTATIVE RUTH JONES MCCLENDON: Yes, I do.
REPRESENTATIVE PETE GALLEGO: Ms. McClendon , your bill establishes a nine member commission to study essentially causes of wrongful conviction; does it not?
REPRESENTATIVE RUTH JONES MCCLENDON: Abso lutely.
REPRESENTATIVE PETE GALLEGO: It doesn't have anything -- It does not one way or the other touch ongoing cases, or potential convictions, or potential executions in the future?
REPRESENTATIVE RUTH JONES MCCLENDON: Corr ect.
REPRESENTATIVE PETE GALLEGO: All it does is -- There are five specific purposes for the commission, and there are five specific purposes that are enumerated in your bill, and none of them have anything to do with ongoing legal proceedings or potential convictions or any of that kind of things for the future; is that correct?
REPRESENTATIVE RUTH JONES MCCLENDON: That 's correct.
REPRESENTATIVE PETE GALLEGO: So when I saw the information that says that your bill somehow would intrude upon the judicial system in terms of the ongoing cases, or future convictions; that would not be in any way, shape or form accurate?
REPRESENTATIVE RUTH JONES MCCLENDON: That would not be accurate at all. Neither does it have anything whatsoever to do with addressing any issues in the death penalty cases.
REPRESENTATIVE PETE GALLEGO: Ms. McClendon , the five specific purposes for which the commission is established, I believe it is on page 3 of your bill. Would you read those?
REPRESENTATIVE RUTH JONES MCCLENDON: Well , on page 3 it's removal of --
REPRESENTATIVE PETE GALLEGO: If you look with me on page 4 of your bill on line 9, the commission is to identify the causes of wrongful conviction.
REPRESENTATIVE RUTH JONES MCCLENDON: Right . And number two is to ascertain --
REPRESENTATIVE PETE GALLEGO: -- ascertain errors and defects in the laws, rules, proof and procedure.
REPRESENTATIVE RUTH JONES MCCLENDON: Corr ect.
REPRESENTATIVE PETE GALLEGO: Identify errors and defects in the criminal justice process. Consider and develop solutions and identify procedures, programs and educational and training opportunities that will eliminate or minimize wrongful convictions.
REPRESENTATIVE RUTH JONES MCCLENDON: That 's correct.
REPRESENTATIVE PETE GALLEGO: Five things.
REPRESENTATIVE RUTH JONES MCCLENDON: Five things and five things only.
REPRESENTATIVE PETE GALLEGO: And none of them intrude on the criminal justice process, nothing to do with ongoing cases or potential executions?
REPRESENTATIVE RUTH JONES MCCLENDON: Corr ect. Thank you. Thank you, members and Mr. Speaker. I'm going to move to postpone this bill until Tuesday, April 19th, 2011, at 10:00 o'clock a.m.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Branch for an introduction.
REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRANCH: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. We are privileged and honored to today to have some assembly members from the great State of California with us in the gallery, up here to my right. And stand up and we'll introduce Assembly Woman Diane Harchy, Assembly Man Garett, Assembly Woman Kathleen Johnny, Assembly Woman Shannon Groves, Assembly Man Steven Knight, Assembly Man Don Wagner, Mike Moral, Brian Jones, Connie Conway and the Republican Minority Leader. Welcome, and we are really honored to have you here in the great State of Texas from the great State of California.
REPRESENTATIVE SYLVESTER TURNER: Mr. Speaker? Mr. Speaker? Mr. Speaker?
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Turner, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE SYLVESTER TURNER: Can I move that the comments between Representative Solomons and myself be reduced to writing and placed into the record?
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out on second reading House Bill 253. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 253 by Hilderbran. Relating to the protection of children by enforcing 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.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Hilderbran.
REPRESENTATIVE HARVEY HILDERBRAN: Mr. Speaker and members, there is going to be an amendment. Here it is, right here. Okay. This bill deals with continuing the deal with the polygamous -- Out in my district, in West Texas, have caused some problems for our enforcement of child protective services. I've got amendment that I'm accepting that will make the bill totally agreed to.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Following amendment. The clerk will read the amendment.
CLERK: Amendment by Hughes.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Taylor.
REPRESENTATIVE VAN TAYLOR: Thank you. Members, this amendment strikes three sections of the bill and improves the bill. It reflects concerns from outside groups as well as the Texas Supreme Court opinions that have been recently rendered. It is acceptable to the author.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: The amendment is acceptable to the author. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Hilderbran.
REPRESENTATIVE HARVEY HILDERBRAN: I move passage.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Anyone wishing to speak for or against House Bill 253? Question occurs on passage to engrossment of House Bill 253. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. House Bill 253 is passed to engrossment. Chair lays out on second reading House Bill 521. The clerk will read the the bill.
CLERK: HB 521 by Elkins. Relating to the applicability of certain laws governing corporations to limited liability companies.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Elkins.
REPRESENTATIVE GARY ELKINS: Mr. Speaker, members, the Senate Bill is eligible and I move that we postpone House Bill 521 to time certain 10:00 a.m., April 19th.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out on second reading House Bill 588. Clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 588 by Guillen. Relating to the surcharges under the Drivers Responsibility Program.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Mr. Guillen.
REPRESENTATIVE RYAN GUILLEN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, this allows for up front payments on Driver's Responsibility surcharges. Right now there are only -- it says three times over three years. This gives them the option to pay it up front.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Following amendment. The clerk will read the amendment.
CLERK: Amendment by Walle.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Walle.
REPRESENTATIVE ARMANDO WALLE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This amendment would allow the booth and collections for the Driving Responsibility Program and my amendment creates the incentive to booth collection. Move adoption. I think it's acceptable to the author.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: The amendment is acceptable to the author. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. so ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Guillen.
REPRESENTATIVE RYAN GUILLEN: Move passage.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Anyone wishing to speak for or against House Bill 588? Question occurs on passage of engrossment of House Bill 588. All those in favor say aye. All those oppose say nay. The ayes have it. House Bill 588 is passed to engrossment. Chair lays out on second reading House Bill 743. Clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 743 by Sheffield. Relating to requiring public institutions of higher education to notify the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System regarding the withdrawal or nonattendance of certain foreign students.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Sheffield.
REPRESENTATIVE RALPH SHEFFIELD: Mr. Speaker and members, I move to postpone the consideration of House Bill 743 until date and time certain, Tuesday April 9th, 2011, at 9:00 a.m.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out on second reading House Bill 975. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 975 by Dutton. Relating to eligibility to serve on the appraisal review board in an appraisal district.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Dutton. REPRESENTATIVE HAROLD V. DUTTON, JR.,: Th ank you, Mr. Speaker and members. Members, this bill simply qualifies that a person on the review board can do that without having to get off and go back on.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Anyone wishing to speak for or against House Bill 975. Question occurs on passage to engrossment of House Bill 975. All those in favor say aye. All opposed, nay. Ayes have it. House Bill 975 passed to engrossment. Chair lays out on second heading House Bill 1050. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1050 by Woolley. Relating to initial claims of the unemployment compensation system.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Woolley.
REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY WOOLLEY: Mr. Speaker and members, the Senate Bill is over and eligible.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Members, Senate Companion to House Bill 1050 is over and eligible. Accordingly, the Chair lays out Senate Bill 458. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: SB 458 by Seliger. Relating to the claims due to the unemployment compensations system.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Woolley.
REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY WOOLLEY: Mr. Speaker and members, House Bill 1050 -- excuse me, Senate Bill 458 seeks to close a loophole in the unemployment benefits. The Senate Bill -- Currently an employer who fires an employee for cause can end up covering the unemployment for a former employers who takes temporary weekends off. I move passage.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Anyone wishing to speak for or against Senate Bill 458? Question occurs on passage to engrossment of Senate Bill 458. All those in favor say aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. Senate Bill 458 is passed to engrossment. Representative Woolley moves to lay House Bill 1050 on the table for any calling. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out House Bill 1075 to the second reading. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 1075 by Anderson of Dallas. Relating to the consolidation of certain alert systems to a single statewide alert system, and to the addition of other factors that will prompt an alert of the other consolidated system.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Anderson of Dallas for his first bill.
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: Mr. Speaker?
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Hardcastle, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: Would the gentleman yield and quit shuffling his papers?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: I haven't even started yet, Mr. Hardcastle. I've got an amendment that I need to put on here first.
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: Okay. Do your amendment, but quit shuffling your papers.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: I have an amendment that I need to add. It is acceptable to the author.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Following amendment. The clerk will read the amendment.
CLERK: Amendment by Anderson of Dallas.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Anderson.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: It's a Cinderella story, but I do yield to the gentleman at the back.
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: Well, my question would be on the third page of your bill.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Yes, sir.
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: And I would like you to read specifically line 2 in paragraph 3, or on the third page. This marked in yellow.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: That was very nicely played there. Now I would like you for you to read that, because what you have in your hands, sir, is not that which was originally filed. Can you read it in English please, sir?
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: It says this bill is the best first bill ever a freshman has filed.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: That is correct on that one right there. But Mr. Taylor has the actual -- I do -- But what else does it say behind that, Mr. Hardcastle?
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: Go ahead and adopt your amendment. We don't want to kill your bill.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: I would like to adopt my amendment. I am perfectly okay with this amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Mr. Anderson sends up an amendment. Amendment is acceptable to the author. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Amendment is adopted.
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: Mr. Speaker, would our kind and gentle freshman yield, even though he's got his whole main class back behind him?
THE SPEAKER: Gentleman, would you yield?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Yes, sir.
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: So in your definition, in your bill, are you trying to say that I could qualify, because I'm mainly handicapped, for an Amber Alert?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: You? No, sir. I believe you would qualify for the Silver Alert. And that is one reason that I, in my original filing, we removed the Silver Alert in this case and just made it the Amber Alert. We've now added it so that those with intellectual disabilities would qualify, over the age of seventeen but under the age of sixty, would qualify for the Amber Alert to be issued.
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: And what is it going to cost for us to add all these Amber Alerts to our system?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: According to the council and LRB there will be zero costs associated with this. There is no fiscal note.
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: Well, you asked council and you asked LRB, did you ask the DPS who is going to do the Amber Alert what the added cost would be?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Yes, sir, we did. In conjunction with Representative Truitt's office we made absolutely certain that we got DPS on board so that there was no fiscal note, as well as the other law enforcement in it.
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: So now are you telling me my classmate, Ms. Truitt, was back here to (inaudible) from taking to you and (inaudible) here?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: No, sir, I am not saying that at all. I'm saying that Representative Truitt was very helpful in making sure that when we did this bill that we have the correct language in the bill, when it's read in English.
REPRESENTATIVE RICK HARDCASTLE: If we let you pass it?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Yes, sir, that is correct.
THE SPEAKER: Ms. Truitt, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE VICKI TRUITT: Would the gentleman yield?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Yes, ma'am.
THE SPEAKER: Would the gentleman yield?
REPRESENTATIVE VICKI TRUITT: I noticed you had an amendment that you've said was acceptable to the author.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Yes, ma'am.
REPRESENTATIVE VICKI TRUITT: And that was a professing amendment?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Yes, ma'am.
REPRESENTATIVE VICKI TRUITT: And how did you come to have a language for that amendment?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: We came with that language by way of a gentleman by the name of Dan, who happens to be the chief of staff in Representative Truitt's or in Chairman Truitt office.
REPRESENTATIVE VICKI TRUITT: That was a good, perfecting amendment; don't you think?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Yes, ma'am. It was spectacular.
REPRESENTATIVE VICKI TRUITT: And was there a similar bill to yours filed by a senior member?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Yes, ma'am, there was. There was a very similar bill that would have amended the Silver Alert for -- my distinguished colleague to my right, that would have allowed -- that would have added it onto the Silver Alert.
REPRESENTATIVE VICKI TRUITT: And did your bill proceed to this level because of the benevolence of that interesting member?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Without question it was. Yes, ma'am.
REPRESENTATIVE VICKI TRUITT: And is that senior member's name on your bill anywhere?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Yes, ma'am. This senior member's name is a joint author, Representative Vicki Truitt is the representative that is also on this bill.
REPRESENTATIVE VICKI TRUITT: Thank you. And congratulations.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE VICKI TRUITT: Well, unless the board (inaudible) read, which it might.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Which it might.
THE SPEAKER: Representative --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: Would the gentleman yield?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Yes, sir.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE SPEAKER: Representative Anderson as the senior member and chair of the Anderson Caucus, let me say that this bill looks like a very good bill. My question being, was this misdelivered to your office?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: was this what? I couldn't hear -- REPRESENTATIVE CHARLES "DOC" ANDERSON: Wa s this misdelivered to you your office?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Yes, sir, it was. REPRESENTATIVE CHARLES "DOC" ANDERSON: Al l right. Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Thank you.
REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY WOOLLEY: Mr. Speaker?
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Ms. Woolley, for what purpose?
REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY WOOLLEY: Would the gentleman yield for a question?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Yes, ma'am.
REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY WOOLLEY: Did you say that there was a perfecting amendment?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: Yes, ma'am.
REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY WOOLLEY: Would you please tell me why you think you are capable of producing something perfect when you are only a freshman?
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON: I would -- Yes. As a speaker Pro Tem I am trying to use my words carefully. Yes, ma'am. Move passage.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Anyone wishing to speak for or against House Bill 1075? Members, a division vote has been requested. Mr. Johnson in Dallas votes aye. Have all voted? Have all voted? There being 100 -- The ayes have it. House Bill 1075 passed to engrossment. Chair lays out on second reading House Bill 2257. The clerk will read the bill.
CLERK: HB 2257 by Phillips. Relating to communication during a disaster or an emergency by public service provider.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Phillips.
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY PHILLIPS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members, I do have an amendment on here that I was to put on there by some of the telecommunication providers.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Following amendment. The clerk will read the amendment.
CLERK: Amendment by Phillips.
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY PHILLIPS: This just adds another criteria for those that wish to perform this. And I move adoption. And it's acceptable to the author.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Mr. Phillips sends up an amendment. The amendment is acceptable to the author. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. Amendment is dominated.
REPRESENTATIVE LARRY PHILLIPS: Thank you, members. 2257 is something that came about because of some of the disasters we have had. And this allows for those with operation of those service information systems to have some standards that they can comply with, so that when we have such issues as the hurricane, such as a power outage, so we make sure that we have a guaranteed safe way. Move passage.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Anyone wishing to speak for or against House Bill -- Wishing to speak for or against House Bill 2257? Question occurs on the passage of House Bill 2257 to engrossment. All those in favor say aye, all opposed, nay. The ayes have it. House Bill 2257 is passed to engrossment. Members, if you have any announcements bring them down front. Members, it is the Chair's intention to come in tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. Following announcements. Clerk will read the announcements.
CLERK: The Committee on Defensive Veteran's Affairs will meet on upon adjournment today at Desk 49 in the House Chamber. This will a formal meeting to consider pending business. The Committee on Natural Resources will meet upon final adjournment on April 14th, 2011, at 1-W.14. This will be a formal meeting to consider pending business and SB 630, SB 900, SB 914, SB 341, SB 656, SB 692 and SB 1097. The Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence will meet upon adjournment on April 14th, 2011, at 3W.9. This will be a formal meeting to consider pending business. The Committee on Business and Industry will meet at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, April 18th, 2011, at E2.016. This will be a public hearing to consider posted items in HB 2254.
REPRESENTATIVE JOE STRAUS: Are there any other announcements? Representative Callegari moves that the House stands adjourned until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow, pending the reading and referral of bills and resolutions, in memory of Representative Callegari's dear friend, Jim Box* of Houston who passed away last night. The House stands adjourned. Following bills on first reading and referral.
CLERK: HB three fifty two by Pitts. Referred to Natural Resources Relating to the creation of the Midlothian Municipal Management District No. 2; providing authority to impose a tax, levy an assessment, and issue bonds. HB 3853 by Geren. Referred to Natural Resources Relating to a limitation of authority of a gas or electric corporation in the acquisition of land designated as a reservoir. SB 6 by Shapiro. Referred to Public Education Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools. SB 20 by Williams. Referred to Energy Resources Relating to a grant program for certain natural gas motor vehicles. SB 201 by Uresti. Referred to Ways & Means Relating to the calculation of ad valorem taxes on the residence homestead of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran for the tax year in which the veteran qualifies or ceases to qualify for an exemption from taxation of the homestead. SB 285 by Harris Referred to Homeland Security & Public Safety 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. SB 293 by Watson. Referred to Public Health Relating to telemedicine medical services, telehealth services, and home telemonitoring services provided to certain Medicaid recipients. SB 449 by Watson. Referred to Ways & Means Relating to the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of open-space land devoted to water stewardship purposes on the basis of its productive capacity. SB 501 by West Referred to Human Services Relating to the dis-proportionality of certain groups in the juvenile justice, child welfare, health, and mental health systems and the dis-proportionality of the delivery of certain services in the education system. SB 597 by Shapiro Referred to Ways & Means Relating to the guarantee of open-enrollment charter school bonds by the permanent school fund. SB 652 by Hegar Referred to State Affairs Relating to governmental entities subject to the sunset review process. SB 653 By Nichols. Referred to Public Health Relating to the continuation and functions of the State Committee of Examiners in the Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments; providing an administrative penalty. SB 688 by Nichols. Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence Relating to the investigation, prosecution, and punishment of criminal Medicaid fraud and certain other offenses related to Medicaid fraud; providing penalties. SB 693 by Estes Referred to Natural Resources Relating to permit application and amendment hearings conducted by groundwater conservation districts and the State Office of Administrative Hearings. SB 746 by Davis Referred to Public Education Relating to membership of the state continuing advisory committee for special education services. SB 758 by Deuell Referred to Ways & Means Relating to sales and use tax information provided to certain local governmental entities. SB 776 by Zaffirini Referred to Ways & Means Relating to customs brokers. SB 904 by Patrick. Referred to Elections Relating to the eligibility of certain citizens residing outside the United States to vote a full ballot. SB 932 by Williams Referred to Culture, Recreation & Tourism Relating to oyster beds and shells and an oyster shell recovery and replacement program. SB 937 by Lucio Referred to State Affairs Relating to priorities for restoration of electric service following an extended power outage. SB 978 by Hinojosa Referred to Border & Intergovernmental Affairs Relating to procedures for the dissolution of the Hidalgo County Water Improvement District No. 3. SB 980 by Carona. Referred to State Affairs Relating to communications services and markets. SB 1019 by Rodriguez Referred to County Affairs Relating to the county ethics commission for certain counties. SB 1153 by Williams Referred to State Affairs Relating to the authority of the Public Utility Commission of Texas to participate in certain proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. SB 1195 by Rodriguez Referred to Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Relating to postponement of jury service in certain counties. SB 1301 by Deuell Referred to Public Health Relating to manufacturers' inclusion of denatonium benzoate in certain products containing ethylene glycol. SB 1341 by Seliger Referred to Ways & Means Relating to the participation by a taxing unit in a suit to compel an appraisal review board to order a change in an appraisal roll. SB 1416 by Hinojosa. Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence Relating to the creation of the offense of possession, manufacture, transportation, repair, or sale of a tire deflation device; providing criminal penalties. SB 1490 by Uresti. Referred to Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Relating to the recording of proceedings and the issuance of a warrant to take physical custody of a child in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship; creating an offense. SB 1625 by Hegar. Referred to Natural Resources Relating to the administration, powers, duties, and operation of the Edwards Aquifer Authority. SB 1630 by Birdwell Referred to Licensing & Administrative Procedures Relating to the regulation of residential appliance installation, including pool-related electrical devices, under the Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act. SB 1846 by Lucio Referred to Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Relating to organizations that are covered by the Charitable Immunity and Liability Act of 1987. SB 1904 by Wentworth Relating to the definition of a governmental body for the purposes of the open meetings and public information laws. SB 1905 by Uresti Relating to the provison of emergency services in certain rural counties using admission fees charged at state parks. SJR 16 by Estes. Referred to Ways & Means Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of open-space land devoted to water-stewardship purposes on the basis of its productive capacity.
THE SPEAKER: The House stands adjourned until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.
