Tuesday, September 2, 2025 — 10th Day (cont'd)

TENTH DAY (CONTINUED) --- TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025

The house met at 12 p.m. and was called to order by the speaker.

The roll of the house was called and a quorum was announced present (Record 138).

Present — Mr. Speaker(C); Alders; Allen; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bernal; Bhojani; Bonnen; Buckley; Bucy; Bumgarner; Button; Cain; Campos; Canales; Capriglione; Cole; Collier; Cook; Cortez; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; Darby; Davis, A.; DeAyala; Dorazio; Dutton; Dyson; Fairly; Flores; Frank; Gámez; Garcia, L.; Garcia Hernandez; Gates; Gerdes; Geren; Gervin-Hawkins; González, J.; González, M.; Guillen; Harless; Harris; Harris Davila; Harrison; Hayes; Hefner; Hernandez; Hickland; Hinojosa; Holt; Hopper; Howard; Hull; Hunter; Isaac; Johnson; Kerwin; King; Kitzman; LaHood; Lalani; Lambert; Landgraf; Leach; Leo Wilson; Little; Longoria; Lopez, J.; Lopez, R.; Louderback; Lowe; Lozano; Lujan; Luther; Manuel; Martinez; Martinez Fischer; McLaughlin; McQueeney; Metcalf; Meyer; Meza; Money; Moody; Morales, E.; Morgan; Muñoz; Noble; Olcott; Oliverson; Ordaz; Orr; Patterson; Paul; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Phelan; Pierson; Raymond; Richardson; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; Schatzline; Schofield; Schoolcraft; Shaheen; Shofner; Simmons; Slawson; Smithee; Spiller; Swanson; Talarico; Tepper; Thompson; Tinderholt; Toth; Troxclair; Turner; VanDeaver; Vasut; Villalobos; Virdell; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wharton; Wilson; Wu; Zwiener.

Absent, Excused — Anchía; Dean; Guerra; Jones, J.; Morales Shaw; Plesa.

Absent — Bowers; Bryant; Davis, Y.; Garcia, J.; Goodwin; Jones, V.; Morales, C.; Reynolds; Rodríguez Ramos.

(Goodwin now present)

The invocation was offered by Ron Joy, Texas Department of Public Safety, Leander.

The chair recognized Representative Morgan who led the house in the pledges of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.

LEAVES OF ABSENCE GRANTED

The following member was granted leave of absence for today and the remainder of the week because of illness:

Anchía on motion of Bernal.

The following members were granted leaves of absence for today because of illness:

Dean on motion of Harless.

Guerra on motion of Barry.

The following member was granted leave of absence for today and the remainder of the week because of important business:

Morales Shaw on motion of Howard.

The following members were granted leaves of absence for today because of important business:

J. Jones on motion of Ward Johnson.

Plesa on motion of R. Lopez.

RESOLUTIONS REFERRED TO COMMITTEES

Resolutions were at this time laid before the house and referred to committees. (See the addendum to the daily journal, Referred to Committees, List No. 1.)

COMMITTEES GRANTED PERMISSION TO MEET

Representative Patterson moved that the house grant permission for all committees and subcommittees to meet while the house is in session, through and including tomorrow, pursuant to their committee postings.

Permission to meet was granted.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE GRANTED

The following member was granted leave of absence for the remainder of today because of illness:

E. Morales on motion of Ordaz.

(Patterson in the chair)

SUSPENSION
CONGRATULATORY AND MEMORIAL CALENDAR

The following congratulatory resolutions were laid before the house:

HR 76 (by Vasut), Congratulating Reanna Santos of Angleton on being named Miss Rodeo Texas 2025.

HR 77 (by Meyer), Commemorating the 100th anniversary of John S. Bradfield Elementary School in Dallas.

HR 78 (by Villalobos), Congratulating Andrew Molly on his retirement as chief operating officer of Corpus Christi Water.

HR 82 (by Lalani), Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

HR 83 (by Muñoz), Commemorating the 70th anniversary of Pearson Elementary School in Mission.

HR 88 (by Martinez Fischer), Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Woodlawn Lake Park Swimming Pool in San Antonio.

HR 89 (by Harris Davila), Congratulating Ronald Paul Werner of Taylor on his 90th birthday.

HR 93 (by Buckley), Congratulating Sara Van Dusen of Killeen on her induction into the U.S. Army Operational Testers' Hall of Fame.

HR 94 (by Shofner), Commemorating the 75th anniversary of St. John's Episcopal Church in Carthage.

HR 95 (by Darby), Commemorating the 125th anniversary of Glen Cove Baptist Church.

HR 98 (by Patterson), Congratulating McKinley Wagley on her selection as the 2025 Miss Rodeo North Texas Fair Princess.

HR 101 (by Buckley), Congratulating Linda Huebner of Bartlett ISD on being named the 2025 Region V Teacher of the Year and the 2025 State Teacher of the Year by the Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers Association of Texas.

HR 102 (by Buckley), Congratulating Charles and Lawanda Hardage of Killeen on their 60th wedding anniversary.

HR 104 (by Buckley), Commending the Kliewer family for 34 years of service as the owners of Patriot Buick GMC in Killeen.

HR 105 (by Muñoz), Congratulating the Palmview 16U baseball team on winning the 2025 Colt League Baseball World Series.

HR 107 (by Curry), Commemorating the 175th anniversary of McLennan County.

HR 108 (by V. Perez), Congratulating Michael Neff of Montwood High School on his selection as the 2025 Secondary Teacher of the Year in Socorro ISD.

HR 109 (by Leo Wilson), Commemorating the 175th anniversary of First Lutheran Church of Galveston.

HR 110 (by V. Perez), Congratulating Edith Miranda of Sgt. Roberto Ituarte Elementary School on her selection as the 2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year in Socorro ISD.

HR 111 (by V. Perez), Congratulating Sandra Iglesias of Cielo Vista Elementary School on her selection as the 2024-2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year in El Paso ISD.

HR 112 (by V. Perez), Congratulating Mary Bejarano of Hornedo Middle School on her selection as the Secondary Teacher of the Year in El Paso ISD.

HR 113 (by V. Perez), Congratulating Adair Margo on her induction into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame.

HR 123 (by Button), Commending Scott LeMay for his service as mayor of Garland.

HR 125 (by Flores), Commemorating the 40th anniversary of CapMetro.

The resolutions were adopted.

The following memorial resolutions were laid before the house:

HR 79 (by J. Lopez), In memory of Lionel Charles Betancourt.

HR 80 (by Harris Davila), In memory of Kent Monroe Wattinger of Marble Falls.

HR 81 (by Harris Davila), In memory of Irene Kaye Michna of Taylor.

HR 84 (by Martinez Fischer), In memory of Terrill A. Cover of San Antonio.

HR 85 (by Martinez Fischer), In memory of Richard Cyril Bernal of San Antonio.

HR 86 (by Martinez Fischer), In memory of the 13 victims of catastrophic flooding that occurred in San Antonio on June 11 and 12, 2025.

HR 87 (by Martinez Fischer), In memory of Robert Barrett of San Antonio.

HR 90 (by Martinez Fischer), In memory of Richard J. Vane.

HR 91 (by Martinez Fischer), In memory of Martin Henry Garza Sr. of San Antonio.

HR 92 (by Martinez Fischer), In memory of Thomas Irving Hennigan of San Antonio.

HR 96 (by Shofner), In memory of Dale Alan Nixon.

HR 97 (by Hunter), In memory of Daniel Anthony Pedrotti of Corpus Christi.

HR 100 (by Buckley), In memory of Jack R. Wade.

HR 103 (by Buckley), In memory of Oscar Rolando "Rolly" Correa of Salado.

HR 106 (by Bowers), In memory of Linda Joyce Cox.

HR 114 (by DeAyala), In memory of Chloe Madeline Childress of Houston.

HR 115 (by DeAyala), In memory of Molly Claire DeWitt of Houston.

HR 116 (by DeAyala), In memory of Lucy Dillon of Houston.

HR 117 (by DeAyala), In memory of Katherine Frances Ferruzzo of Houston.

HR 118 (by DeAyala), In memory of Kellyanne Elizabeth Lytal of San Antonio.

HR 119 (by DeAyala), In memory of Sarah Catherine Marsh of Mountain Brook, Alabama.

HR 120 (by Wu), In memory of Mary Kathryn Jacobe of Houston.

HR 121 (by DeAyala), In memory of Margaret Gaffney Sheedy of Houston.

HR 122 (by DeAyala), In memory of Renee Marilyn Smajstrla of Ingram.

HR 124 (by Kitzman), In memory of Virginia Larins Hollis of Bellville.

The resolutions were unanimously adopted by a rising vote.

(Geren in the chair)

LEAVES OF ABSENCE GRANTED

The following member was granted leave of absence for the remainder of today because of illness:

Zwiener on motion of Bhojani.

The following member was granted leave of absence for the remainder of today because of important business:

J. González on motion of Hinojosa.

SB 10 - MOTION TO ADOPT CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT

Representative Meyer submitted the conference committee report on SB 10.

Representative Meyer moved to adopt the conference committee report on SB 10.

(Speaker in the chair)

LEAVE OF ABSENCE GRANTED

The following member was granted leave of absence for the remainder of today because of illness:

Manuel on motion of Rose.

(Bryant now present)

SB 10 - (consideration continued)

The motion to adopt the conference committee report on SB 10 was lost by (Record 139): 60 Yeas, 71 Nays, 1 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bonnen; Buckley; Button; Cain; Capriglione; Cook; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; DeAyala; Dyson; Fairly; Frank; Gates; Gerdes; Geren; Guillen; Harless; Harris; Harris Davila; Hayes; Hefner; Hickland; Hull; Hunter; Isaac; Kerwin; King; Kitzman; Lambert; Landgraf; Leach; Leo Wilson; Lujan; McQueeney; Metcalf; Meyer; Noble; Oliverson; Orr; Patterson; Paul; Phelan; Raymond; Schofield; Shaheen; Slawson; Spiller; Swanson; Tepper; Troxclair; VanDeaver; Vasut; Villalobos; Wharton; Wilson.

Nays — Alders; Allen; Bernal; Bhojani; Bryant; Bucy; Bumgarner; Canales; Cole; Collier; Cortez; Darby; Davis, A.; Dorazio; Dutton; Flores; Gámez; Garcia, L.; Garcia Hernandez; Gervin-Hawkins; González, M.; Goodwin; Harrison; Hernandez; Hinojosa; Holt; Hopper; Howard; Johnson; LaHood; Lalani; Little; Longoria; Lopez, J.; Lopez, R.; Louderback; Lowe; Lozano; Luther; Martinez; Martinez Fischer; McLaughlin; Meza; Money; Moody; Morgan; Muñoz; Olcott; Ordaz; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Pierson; Richardson; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; Schatzline; Schoolcraft; Shofner; Simmons; Smithee; Talarico; Thompson; Tinderholt; Toth; Turner; Virdell; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wu.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker(C).

Absent, Excused — Anchía; Dean; González, J.; Guerra; Jones, J.; Manuel; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Plesa; Zwiener.

Absent — Bowers; Campos; Davis, Y.; Garcia, J.; Jones, V.; Morales, C.; Reynolds; Rodríguez Ramos.

STATEMENTS OF VOTE

When Record No. 139 was taken, I was temporarily out of the house chamber. I would have voted no.

Bowers

When Record No. 139 was taken, I was temporarily out of the house chamber. I would have voted no.

Y. Davis

When Record No. 139 was taken, I was away from my desk in protest of the special session. I would have voted no.

C. Morales

When Record No. 139 was taken, I was away from my desk in protest of the special session. I would have voted no.

Rodríguez Ramos

REASONS FOR VOTE

Representative Guillen submitted the following reason for vote to be printed in the journal:

Although I support and voted in favor of SB 10 and its conference committee report, I strongly believe that it doesn't go nearly far enough to provide the property tax relief that Texans require.

Representative Hopper submitted the following reason for vote to be printed in the journal:

When SB 10 was before the floor of the house, I voted for it. And yet, the conference committee stripped out numerous amendments from the house. In particular, one of those amendments subjected municipal utility districts to limits by this bill, which would have made a tremendous difference for many rural Texans. For this reason, I am voting to not adopt the conference committee report and believe this bill should go back to conference committee.

Representative LaHood submitted the following reason for vote to be printed in the journal:

I voted in favor of SB 10 in the house, as amended. I voted against the conference committee report because the house amendments were stripped from the bill and should be reconsidered. The bill returned from the senate eliminated municipalities under 75,000 population, and I believe that all families deserve the same property tax guardrails as the rest of the state.

Representative J. Lopez submitted the following reason for vote to be printed in the journal:

Although I am very much in favor of property tax relief, I voted against adopting the conference committee report for SB 10 because it stripped important public service protections and other meaningful tax-cutting amendments that had been adopted in the house.

Representative Pierson submitted the following reason for vote to be printed in the journal:

I voted in favor of SB 10 in the house, as amended. I voted against the conference committee report because the house amendments were stripped from the bill and should be reconsidered. Though Rockwall County would have a minuscule impact, the bill returned from the senate eliminated every single municipality in Rockwall County. All families in my district deserve the same property tax guardrails as the rest of the state.

Representative Richardson submitted the following reason for vote to be printed in the journal:

SB 10 only affects five percent of taxing districts. We need tax relief for 100 percent of Texans.

Representative Virdell submitted the following reason for vote to be printed in the journal:

I voted no on SB 10 because the root of our problem is much greater than this bill addresses. I like that we have limited sources for state funding. Currently, we have a sales tax, franchise tax, and property tax. I dislike the franchise tax, and I dislike the current version of our property tax. Because we are a state that local funding comes from limited sources, it makes sense that our property taxes are higher than other states with other tax sources for local governments. However, our property taxes are still too high in many counties.

One of the main problems is that our federal government printed off $10 trillion out of thin air in 2020. Add in that issue with our state governments shutting down businesses, it has led to massive inflation rates that skyrocketed home values. Our property taxes are based on home values, and naturally, as the homes are valued higher, the property taxes increase also. Compounding that problem is the comptroller's office telling counties (incorrectly) that they have undervalued houses and that the CADs must increase home value appraisals.

Another issue is that we have provided exemptions for certain people that then puts the burden of local government funding on everyone who wasn't exempted. Now, the non-exempted citizens are paying for the exempted citizens. That sounds an awful lot like socialism.

We also have to acknowledge that some local governments are spending taxpayer money on luxury amenities in addition to basic needed infrastructure. And at the same time, some people claim they want lower or no taxes, and yet they don't want to give up the socialized amenities that they participate in. That creates a real conundrum that could be considered unreasonable by observers.

We also have to acknowledge that our state keeps increasing its budget without restraint. Why is it that the state demands so much from local governments but refuses to follow those same principles?

I think it is fair and accurate to say we have a multilevel problem. Federal spending and debt out of control, some local communities spending taxpayer money on luxury amenities, state governments prohibiting commerce, excessively inflated contract costs, bad tax policy on the books, and hypocrisy of some wanting luxury for free. We need real property tax reform, spending reform, infrastructure priority reform, etc. Oswald Spengler pointed out that a society like ours, as with most, will fail as we shift from a cultural society with values to a civilized society. I fear Spengler is correct and that our trajectory is irreversible, but we must at least try to save this country and this state from the doom it is on.

GENERAL STATE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILLS
SECOND READING

The following bills were laid before the house and read second time:

HB 18 ON SECOND READING
(by Shaheen, Gerdes, et al.)

HB 18, A bill to be entitled An Act relating to the making to or acceptance of political contributions by, and the making of political expenditures by, a member of the legislature during certain absences from the state; authorizing a civil penalty.

Amendment No. 1

Representative Shaheen offered the following amendment to HB 18:

Amend HB 18 (house committee report) by striking all below the enacting clause and substituting the following:

SECTION 1. Chapter 301, Government Code, is amended by adding Subchapter G to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER G. PROHIBITED ACTIONS DURING IMPEDING ABSENCE

Sec. 301.101. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Impeding absence" means an unexcused absence by a member of either house of the legislature during a legislative session in which the member is at a location outside of this state for purposes of impeding the actions of the member's house if:

(A) the member's house has:

(i) compelled the attendance of absent members under Section 10, Article III, Texas Constitution;

(ii) ordered the house's sergeant-at-arms to arrest absent members; and

(iii) issued civil warrants of arrest for the absent members;

(B) the member has not:

(i) been granted a leave of absence by the member's house; or

(ii) returned to the member's house; and

(i) is not physically present in this state; and

(ii) has indicated by word or deed that the member is not present in this state.

(2) "Political contribution," "political expenditure," and "specific-purpose committee" have the meanings assigned by Section 251.001, Election Code.

Sec. 301.102. EXERCISE OF RULEMAKING POWER. This subchapter is enacted by the legislature as an exercise of the rulemaking power granted to each house of the legislature under Sections 10 and 11, Article III, Texas Constitution.

Sec. 301.103. PROHIBITED ACCEPTANCE OF POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND MAKING OF POLITICAL EXPENDITURES. Notwithstanding any other law, a member of the legislature or a specific-purpose committee supporting or assisting the member during an impeding absence may not knowingly:

(1) accept political contributions, and shall refuse any political contributions received, that in the aggregate from a single person exceed the per diem set by the Texas Ethics Commission for each day of a regular or special legislative session under Section 24a(e), Article III, Texas Constitution; or

(2) make a political expenditure for travel, food, or lodging expenses in connection with the member's impeding absence.

Sec. 301.104. REQUIRED RETURN OF PROHIBITED POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS. (a) A member of the legislature or a specific-purpose committee supporting or assisting the member that receives and refuses a political contribution or contributions in violation of this subchapter during the member's impeding absence shall return the contribution or contributions to the contributor not later than the fifth day after the date of receipt.

(b) A political contribution made by United States mail or by common or contract carrier is not considered received during an impeding absence if the contribution was properly addressed and placed with postage or carrier charges prepaid or prearranged in the mail or delivered to the contract carrier before the beginning of the absence. The date indicated by the post office cancellation mark or the common or contract carrier documents is considered to be the date the contribution was placed in the mail or delivered to the common or contract carrier unless proven otherwise.

Sec. 301.105. CIVIL PENALTY. In accordance with the procedure provided by this subchapter, a person who accepts a political contribution or makes a political expenditure in violation of this subchapter is subject to a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $5,000. For purposes of this section, each contribution accepted and each expenditure made in violation of this subchapter is a separate violation.

Sec. 301.106. CIVIL PENALTY: STATEMENT OF FACTS TO PRESIDING OFFICER OF APPLICABLE LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER; CERTIFICATION TO DISTRICT COURT. (a) If a person accepts a political contribution or makes a political expenditure in violation of this subchapter, a statement of facts that, if true, makes a prima facie showing that a violation of this subchapter likely occurred may be reported to and filed with the president of the senate or speaker of the house of representatives by any member of the same house of the legislature as the absent member.

(b) If the president of the senate or speaker of the house of representatives receives a statement of facts described by Subsection (a), the president or speaker shall certify the statement of facts under the seal of the senate or house of representatives, as appropriate, to the district court for the county in which the person resided at the time of the violation. The person's residence is determined in accordance with Section 15.002, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, except that if a person is a member of the legislature, that person's residence is determined based on the county in which the person claims a residence homestead under Chapter 41, Property Code.

Sec. 301.107. CIVIL PENALTY: DISTRICT COURT DUTIES. (a) The district court to which a statement of facts is certified under Section 301.106(b) shall, not later than 72 hours after the court receives the statement and without any intervention, pleading, or motion, enter an order that:

(1) provides a person who is the subject of the statement notice of the allegations; and

(2) directs the person to show cause why the conduct in which the person is alleged to have engaged does not constitute a violation of this subchapter.

(b) After a hearing at which the house of the legislature that originated a statement of facts certified under Section 301.106(b) and the person who is the subject of the statement are heard, the district court shall:

(1) determine whether the person accepted a political contribution or made a political expenditure in violation of this subchapter; and

(2) if the court determines that a violation occurred, impose a civil penalty under Section 301.105.

Sec. 301.108. CIVIL PENALTY: APPEAL AND PROHIBITED CONTINUANCE. (a) The Fifteenth Court of Appeals has exclusive intermediate appellate jurisdiction over a matter arising out of or related to a proceeding under this subchapter.

(b) Section 30.003, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, does not apply to a proceeding under this subchapter.

SECTION 2. Subchapter G, Chapter 301, Government Code, as added by this Act, applies only to a political contribution accepted or a political expenditure made on or after the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect on the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.

(Harris in the chair)

(Y. Davis now present)

Pursuant to Rule 5, Section 28, of the House Rules, Representative Collier requested an extension of speaking time on Amendment No. 1.

The request was granted by (Record 140): 89 Yeas, 42 Nays, 2 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Allen; Barry; Bell, K.; Bernal; Bhojani; Bonnen; Bryant; Buckley; Bucy; Button; Canales; Capriglione; Cole; Collier; Cortez; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; Darby; Davis, A.; Davis, Y.; DeAyala; Dorazio; Dutton; Dyson; Fairly; Flores; Frank; Gámez; Garcia, L.; Garcia Hernandez; Geren; Gervin-Hawkins; González, M.; Goodwin; Guillen; Hernandez; Hinojosa; Howard; Hull; Hunter; Johnson; King; Kitzman; LaHood; Lalani; Lambert; Landgraf; Longoria; Lopez, J.; Lopez, R.; Lujan; Martinez; Martinez Fischer; McLaughlin; McQueeney; Meyer; Meza; Money; Moody; Morgan; Muñoz; Ordaz; Orr; Paul; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Phelan; Pierson; Raymond; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; Schoolcraft; Shaheen; Simmons; Spiller; Talarico; Tepper; Thompson; Turner; VanDeaver; Villalobos; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wharton; Wilson; Wu.

Nays — Alders; Ashby; Bell, C.; Bumgarner; Cain; Cook; Gates; Gerdes; Harless; Harris Davila; Harrison; Hayes; Hefner; Hickland; Holt; Hopper; Isaac; Kerwin; Leach; Leo Wilson; Little; Louderback; Lowe; Lozano; Luther; Metcalf; Noble; Olcott; Oliverson; Patterson; Richardson; Schatzline; Schofield; Shofner; Slawson; Smithee; Swanson; Tinderholt; Toth; Troxclair; Vasut; Virdell.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker; Harris(C).

Absent, Excused — Anchía; Dean; González, J.; Guerra; Jones, J.; Manuel; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Plesa; Zwiener.

Absent — Bowers; Campos; Garcia, J.; Jones, V.; Morales, C.; Reynolds; Rodríguez Ramos.

Pursuant to Rule 5, Section 28, of the House Rules, Representative Gervin-Hawkins requested a second extension of speaking time on Amendment No. 1.

There being objection, the request was not granted by (Record 141): 46 Yeas, 83 Nays, 2 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Allen; Bernal; Bhojani; Bryant; Bucy; Cole; Collier; Cortez; Davis, A.; Davis, Y.; Dutton; Flores; Gámez; Garcia, L.; Garcia Hernandez; Gervin-Hawkins; González, M.; Goodwin; Hernandez; Hinojosa; Howard; Johnson; Lalani; Lambert; Longoria; Lopez, R.; Martinez; Martinez Fischer; Meza; Moody; Muñoz; Ordaz; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Raymond; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; Simmons; Talarico; Thompson; Turner; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wu.

Nays — Alders; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bonnen; Buckley; Bumgarner; Button; Cain; Capriglione; Cook; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; Darby; DeAyala; Dorazio; Dyson; Fairly; Frank; Gates; Gerdes; Guillen; Harless; Harris Davila; Harrison; Hayes; Hefner; Hickland; Holt; Hopper; Hull; Hunter; Isaac; Kerwin; King; Kitzman; LaHood; Landgraf; Leach; Leo Wilson; Little; Lopez, J.; Louderback; Lowe; Lozano; Lujan; Luther; McLaughlin; McQueeney; Metcalf; Meyer; Money; Morgan; Noble; Olcott; Oliverson; Orr; Patterson; Paul; Phelan; Pierson; Richardson; Schatzline; Schofield; Schoolcraft; Shaheen; Shofner; Slawson; Smithee; Spiller; Swanson; Tepper; Tinderholt; Toth; Troxclair; VanDeaver; Vasut; Villalobos; Virdell; Wharton; Wilson.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker; Harris(C).

Absent, Excused — Anchía; Dean; González, J.; Guerra; Jones, J.; Manuel; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Plesa; Zwiener.

Absent — Bowers; Campos; Canales; Garcia, J.; Geren; Jones, V.; Morales, C.; Reynolds; Rodríguez Ramos.

Amendment No. 2

Representative Rose offered the following amendment to Amendment No. 1:

Amend Amendment No. 1 by Shaheen to HB 18 as follows:

(1) On page 1, lines 27 and 28, strike "contribution," "political expenditure," and" and substitute "contribution" and".

(2) On page 2, line 6, strike "AND MAKING OF POLITICAL EXPENDITURES".

(3) Strike page 2, lines 9 through 16, and substitute "during an impeding absence may not knowingly accept political contributions, and shall refuse any political contributions received, that in the aggregate from a single person exceed the per diem set by the Texas Ethics Commission for each day of a regular or special legislative session under Section 24a(e), Article III, Texas Constitution."

(4) On page 3, line 4, strike "or makes a political expenditure".

(5) On page 3, line 7, strike "and each expenditure made".

(6) On page 3, line 12, strike "or makes a political expenditure".

(7) On page 4, line 13, strike "or made a political expenditure".

(8) On page 4, line 25, strike "or a political expenditure made".

Amendment No. 2 failed of adoption by (Record 142): 46 Yeas, 85 Nays, 2 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Allen; Bernal; Bhojani; Bryant; Bucy; Canales; Cole; Collier; Cortez; Davis, A.; Davis, Y.; Dutton; Flores; Gámez; Garcia, L.; Garcia Hernandez; Gervin-Hawkins; González, M.; Goodwin; Hernandez; Hinojosa; Howard; Johnson; Lalani; Longoria; Lopez, R.; Martinez; Martinez Fischer; Meza; Moody; Muñoz; Ordaz; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Raymond; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; Simmons; Talarico; Thompson; Turner; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wu.

Nays — Alders; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bonnen; Buckley; Bumgarner; Button; Cain; Capriglione; Cook; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; Darby; DeAyala; Dorazio; Dyson; Fairly; Frank; Gates; Gerdes; Geren; Guillen; Harless; Harris Davila; Harrison; Hayes; Hefner; Hickland; Holt; Hopper; Hull; Hunter; Isaac; Kerwin; King; Kitzman; LaHood; Lambert; Landgraf; Leach; Leo Wilson; Little; Lopez, J.; Louderback; Lowe; Lozano; Lujan; Luther; McLaughlin; McQueeney; Metcalf; Meyer; Money; Morgan; Noble; Olcott; Oliverson; Orr; Patterson; Paul; Phelan; Pierson; Richardson; Schatzline; Schofield; Schoolcraft; Shaheen; Shofner; Slawson; Smithee; Spiller; Swanson; Tepper; Tinderholt; Toth; Troxclair; VanDeaver; Vasut; Villalobos; Virdell; Wharton; Wilson.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker; Harris(C).

Absent, Excused — Anchía; Dean; González, J.; Guerra; Jones, J.; Manuel; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Plesa; Zwiener.

Absent — Bowers; Campos; Garcia, J.; Jones, V.; Morales, C.; Reynolds; Rodríguez Ramos.

STATEMENT OF VOTE

When Record No. 142 was taken, I was temporarily out of the house chamber. I would have voted yes.

Bowers

Amendment No. 3

Representative Martinez Fischer offered the following amendment to Amendment No. 1:

Amend Amendment No. 1 by Shaheen to HB 18 as follows:

(1) On page 2, line 7, strike "Notwithstanding any other law," and substitute "(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b),".

(2) On page 2, between lines 16 and 17, insert the following:

(b) This section does not apply to a person during the period beginning on the date the person files an application for a place on the ballot, makes an application for nomination by convention, or makes a declaration of write-in candidacy, and ending on election day of the primary or general election, as applicable, at which voters may vote for the person.

Amendment No. 3 failed of adoption by (Record 143): 46 Yeas, 85 Nays, 2 Present, not voting.

Nays — Alders; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bonnen; Buckley; Bumgarner; Button; Cain; Capriglione; Cook; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; Darby; DeAyala; Dorazio; Dyson; Fairly; Frank; Gates; Gerdes; Geren; Guillen; Harless; Harris Davila; Harrison; Hayes; Hefner; Hickland; Holt; Hopper; Hull; Hunter; Isaac; Kerwin; King; Kitzman; LaHood; Lambert; Landgraf; Leach; Leo Wilson; Little; Lopez, J.; Louderback; Lowe; Lozano; Lujan; Luther; McLaughlin; McQueeney; Metcalf; Meyer; Money; Morgan; Noble; Olcott; Oliverson; Orr; Patterson; Paul; Phelan; Pierson; Richardson; Schatzline; Schofield; Schoolcraft; Shaheen; Shofner; Slawson; Smithee; Spiller; Swanson; Tepper; Tinderholt; Toth; Troxclair; VanDeaver; Vasut; Villalobos; Virdell; Wharton; Wilson.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker; Harris(C).

Absent, Excused — Anchía; Dean; González, J.; Guerra; Jones, J.; Manuel; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Plesa; Zwiener.

Absent — Bowers; Campos; Garcia, J.; Jones, V.; Morales, C.; Reynolds; Rodríguez Ramos.

STATEMENT OF VOTE

When Record No. 143 was taken, I was temporarily out of the house chamber. I would have voted yes.

Bowers

Amendment No. 4

Representative Little offered the following amendment to Amendment No. 1:

Amend the proposed floor substitute to HB 18 as follows:

(1) On page 2, line 8, between "committee" and "supporting", insert "or legislative caucus".

(2) On page 2, line 19, between "committee" and "supporting", insert "or legislative caucus".

Amendment No. 4 - Point of Order

Representative Martinez Fischer raised a point of order against further consideration of Amendment No. 4 under Rule 11, Section 2, of the House Rules.

HOUSE AT EASE

At 1:55 p.m., the chair announced that the house would stand at ease.

(Bowers now present)

The chair called the house to order at 2:32 p.m.

HB 18 - (consideration continued)

The speaker sustained the point of order, announcing his decision to the house as follows:

Mr. Martinez Fischer raises a point of order against further consideration of the Little Amendment under Rule 11, Section 2, on the grounds that the amendment is not germane.

The class embraced by the bill is individual members and special-purpose political committees which operate as a member's alter ego. The bill has a single class which is members and their alter egos, which are SPACs. Legislative caucuses are not special purpose political committees. They are formed for very specific purposes related to research, policy development, and other legislative activity. Compare Section 253.0341, Election Code, with Section 251.001(13), Election Code. The scope of other legislative activity is limited to those that are like policy development and research. Caucuses also do not have a statutory purpose of supporting or opposing candidates or assisting one or more identified officeholders. Under Texas law, "[a] contribution to or expenditure by a legislative caucus . . . is not considered to be an officeholder contribution or officeholder expenditure[.]" Section 251.009, Election Code.

The Little Amendment adds a second, distinct class that is not of the same kind or type as the class in the bill. Therefore, it is not germane. See 87 H. Jour. 2181 (2021).

Accordingly, the point of order is well-taken and sustained.

The ruling precluded further consideration of Amendment No. 4.

Amendment No. 5

Representative Little offered the following amendment to Amendment No. 1:

Amend the Shaheen Amendment to HB 18 as follows:

(1) On page 1 by inserting the following after line 29:

(3) "Legislative caucus" means a legislative caucus, as defined by Section 253.0341(e), Election Code, that also has a principal purpose of a special-purpose committee, as defined by Section 251.001(13), Election Code.

(2) On page 2, line 8, between "committee" and "supporting", insert "or legislative caucus".

(3) On page 2, line 19, between "committee" and "supporting", insert "or legislative caucus".

Pursuant to Rule 5, Section 28, of the House Rules, Representative Romero requested an extension of speaking time on Amendment No. 5.

The request was granted by (Record 144): 82 Yeas, 42 Nays, 2 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Allen; Bell, K.; Bernal; Bhojani; Bonnen; Bowers; Bryant; Buckley; Bucy; Button; Canales; Capriglione; Cole; Collier; Darby; Davis, A.; DeAyala; Dorazio; Dutton; Fairly; Flores; Frank; Gámez; Garcia, L.; Garcia Hernandez; Gates; Geren; Gervin-Hawkins; Goodwin; Guillen; Harless; Hernandez; Hinojosa; Howard; Hunter; Johnson; Kitzman; LaHood; Lalani; Lambert; Landgraf; Little; Longoria; Lopez, J.; Lopez, R.; Louderback; Lozano; Lujan; Martinez; Martinez Fischer; McLaughlin; McQueeney; Meyer; Meza; Money; Morgan; Muñoz; Orr; Paul; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Phelan; Pierson; Raymond; Richardson; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; Schoolcraft; Shaheen; Simmons; Slawson; Spiller; Talarico; Tepper; Thompson; Turner; VanDeaver; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wu.

Nays — Alders; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bumgarner; Cain; Cook; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; Dyson; Gerdes; Harris Davila; Harrison; Hayes; Hefner; Hickland; Holt; Hopper; Hull; Isaac; Kerwin; King; Leach; Metcalf; Noble; Olcott; Oliverson; Patterson; Schatzline; Schofield; Shofner; Smithee; Swanson; Tinderholt; Toth; Troxclair; Vasut; Villalobos; Virdell; Wharton; Wilson.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker; Harris(C).

Absent, Excused — Anchía; Dean; González, J.; Guerra; Jones, J.; Manuel; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Plesa; Zwiener.

Absent — Campos; Cortez; Davis, Y.; Garcia, J.; González, M.; Jones, V.; Leo Wilson; Lowe; Luther; Moody; Morales, C.; Ordaz; Reynolds; Rodríguez Ramos.

Amendment No. 5 - Point of Order

Representative Dutton raised a point of order against further consideration of Amendment No. 5 under Rule 11, Section 2, of the House Rules on the grounds that the amendment is not germane. The point of order was withdrawn.

Amendment No. 5 - Point of Order

Representative Dutton raised a point of order against further consideration of Amendment No. 5 under Article III, Section 40, of the Texas Constitution. The speaker overruled the point of order, announcing his decision to the house as follows:

Mr. Dutton raises a point of order against further consideration of the Little Amendment under Article III, Section 40, Texas Constitution on the grounds that the subject matter of the amendment is not included in the governor's proclamation .

The chair previously held that the class embraced by the bill is individual members and special-purpose political committees which operate as members' alter ego. 89 H. Jour. 2d C.S. ____ (2025). It follows that since special-purpose political committees operate as alter egos for legislators, they are encompassed within the governor's call language of "legislation to impose penalties or punishments for legislators who willfully absent themselves during a session." The pending amendment applies to a legislative caucus only if the caucus "also has a principal purpose of a special-purpose committee." Just as special-purpose committees are encompassed within the governor's call, so are legislative caucuses as defined by the amendment. Thus, the amendment falls within the governor's call.

Accordingly, the point of order is respectfully overruled.

Amendment No. 5 was adopted by (Record 145): 85 Yeas, 47 Nays, 2 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Alders; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bonnen; Buckley; Bumgarner; Button; Cain; Capriglione; Cook; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; Darby; DeAyala; Dorazio; Dyson; Fairly; Frank; Gates; Gerdes; Geren; Guillen; Harless; Harris Davila; Harrison; Hayes; Hefner; Hickland; Holt; Hopper; Hull; Hunter; Isaac; Kerwin; King; Kitzman; LaHood; Lambert; Landgraf; Leach; Leo Wilson; Little; Lopez, J.; Louderback; Lowe; Lozano; Lujan; Luther; McLaughlin; McQueeney; Metcalf; Meyer; Money; Morgan; Noble; Olcott; Oliverson; Orr; Patterson; Paul; Phelan; Pierson; Richardson; Schatzline; Schofield; Schoolcraft; Shaheen; Shofner; Slawson; Smithee; Spiller; Swanson; Tepper; Tinderholt; Toth; Troxclair; VanDeaver; Vasut; Villalobos; Virdell; Wharton; Wilson.

Nays — Allen; Bernal; Bhojani; Bowers; Bryant; Bucy; Canales; Cole; Collier; Cortez; Davis, A.; Davis, Y.; Dutton; Flores; Gámez; Garcia, L.; Garcia Hernandez; Gervin-Hawkins; González, M.; Goodwin; Hernandez; Hinojosa; Howard; Johnson; Lalani; Longoria; Lopez, R.; Martinez; Martinez Fischer; Meza; Moody; Muñoz; Ordaz; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Raymond; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; Simmons; Talarico; Thompson; Turner; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wu.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker; Harris(C).

Absent, Excused — Anchía; Dean; González, J.; Guerra; Jones, J.; Manuel; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Plesa; Zwiener.

Absent — Campos; Garcia, J.; Jones, V.; Morales, C.; Reynolds; Rodríguez Ramos.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE GRANTED

The following member was granted leave of absence for today because of important business:

Reynolds on motion of Y. Davis.

HB 18 - (consideration continued)

Amendment No. 1 - Point of Order

Representative Martinez Fischer raised a point of order against further consideration of Amendment No. 1 under Article III, Section 40, of the Texas Constitution on the grounds that the subject matter of the amendment is not included in the field of legislation designated by the governor's proclamation. The point of order was withdrawn.

Amendment No. 6

Representative Bucy offered the following amendment to Amendment No. 1:

Amend Amendment No. 1 by Shaheen to HB 18 on page 2, lines 12 through 14, by striking "the per diem set by the Texas Ethics Commission for each day of a regular or special legislative session under Section 24a(e), Article III, Texas Constitution" and substituting "$2 million".

Amendment No. 6 failed of adoption by (Record 146): 44 Yeas, 85 Nays, 2 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Allen; Bernal; Bhojani; Bowers; Bryant; Bucy; Canales; Cole; Collier; Cortez; Davis, Y.; Dutton; Gámez; Garcia Hernandez; Gervin-Hawkins; González, M.; Goodwin; Hernandez; Hinojosa; Howard; Johnson; Lalani; Longoria; Lopez, R.; Martinez; Martinez Fischer; Meza; Moody; Muñoz; Ordaz; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Raymond; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; Simmons; Talarico; Thompson; Turner; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wu.

Nays — Alders; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bonnen; Buckley; Bumgarner; Button; Cain; Capriglione; Cook; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; Darby; DeAyala; Dorazio; Dyson; Fairly; Frank; Gates; Gerdes; Geren; Guillen; Harless; Harris Davila; Harrison; Hayes; Hefner; Hickland; Holt; Hopper; Hull; Hunter; Isaac; Kerwin; King; Kitzman; LaHood; Lambert; Landgraf; Leach; Leo Wilson; Little; Lopez, J.; Louderback; Lowe; Lozano; Lujan; Luther; McLaughlin; McQueeney; Metcalf; Meyer; Money; Morgan; Noble; Olcott; Oliverson; Orr; Patterson; Paul; Phelan; Pierson; Richardson; Schatzline; Schofield; Schoolcraft; Shaheen; Shofner; Slawson; Smithee; Spiller; Swanson; Tepper; Tinderholt; Toth; Troxclair; VanDeaver; Vasut; Villalobos; Virdell; Wharton; Wilson.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker; Harris(C).

Absent, Excused — Anchía; Dean; González, J.; Guerra; Jones, J.; Manuel; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Plesa; Reynolds; Zwiener.

Absent — Campos; Davis, A.; Flores; Garcia, J.; Garcia, L.; Jones, V.; Morales, C.; Rodríguez Ramos.

Amendment No. 7

Representative Goodwin offered the following amendment to Amendment No. 1:

Amend Amendment No. 1 by Shaheen to HB 18 as follows:

On page 4, immediately following line 22, insert the following:

Sec. 301.109. FALSE STATEMENT OF FACTS; CIVIL PENALTY. (a) A member of the legislature who reports or files a statement of facts under Section 301.074(e) alleging conduct that did not occur is liable for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $5,000 for each statement reported or filed that is determined to not be true.

(b) A person against whom a statement of facts is reported or filed that is determined to not be true under Subsection (a) may bring an action to recover the civil penalty under that subsection

Amendment No. 7 failed of adoption by (Record 147): 44 Yeas, 85 Nays, 2 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Allen; Bernal; Bhojani; Bowers; Bryant; Bucy; Canales; Cole; Collier; Cortez; Davis, A.; Davis, Y.; Dutton; Flores; Gámez; Garcia Hernandez; Gervin-Hawkins; Goodwin; Hernandez; Hinojosa; Howard; Johnson; Lalani; Longoria; Lopez, R.; Martinez; Martinez Fischer; Meza; Muñoz; Ordaz; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Raymond; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; Simmons; Talarico; Thompson; Turner; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wu.

Nays — Alders; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bonnen; Buckley; Bumgarner; Button; Cain; Capriglione; Cook; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; Darby; DeAyala; Dorazio; Dyson; Fairly; Frank; Gates; Gerdes; Geren; Guillen; Harless; Harris Davila; Harrison; Hayes; Hefner; Hickland; Holt; Hopper; Hull; Hunter; Isaac; Kerwin; King; Kitzman; LaHood; Lambert; Landgraf; Leach; Leo Wilson; Little; Lopez, J.; Louderback; Lowe; Lozano; Lujan; Luther; McLaughlin; McQueeney; Metcalf; Meyer; Money; Morgan; Noble; Olcott; Oliverson; Orr; Patterson; Paul; Phelan; Pierson; Richardson; Schatzline; Schofield; Schoolcraft; Shaheen; Shofner; Slawson; Smithee; Spiller; Swanson; Tepper; Tinderholt; Toth; Troxclair; VanDeaver; Vasut; Villalobos; Virdell; Wharton; Wilson.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker; Harris(C).

Absent, Excused — Anchía; Dean; González, J.; Guerra; Jones, J.; Manuel; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Plesa; Reynolds; Zwiener.

Absent — Campos; Garcia, J.; Garcia, L.; González, M.; Jones, V.; Moody; Morales, C.; Rodríguez Ramos.

Amendment No. 8

Representatives Bucy and Little offered the following amendment to Amendment No. 1:

Amend Amendment No. 1 by Shaheen to HB 18 by striking all below the enacting clause and substituting the following:

SECTION 1. The heading to Section 253.034, Election Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 253.034. RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS DURING AND FOLLOWING [~~REGULAR~~] LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

SECTION 2. Section 253.034, Election Code, is amended by adding Subsection (a-1) and amending Subsections (b) and (c) to read as follows:

(a-1) During the period beginning on the date a special legislative session convenes and continuing through the date of final adjournment of the special legislative session, a person may not knowingly make a political contribution to:

(1) a statewide officeholder;

(2) a member of the legislature; or

(3) a specific-purpose committee for supporting, opposing, or assisting a statewide officeholder or member of the legislature.

(b) A statewide officeholder, a member of the legislature, or a specific-purpose committee for supporting, opposing, or assisting a statewide officeholder or member of the legislature may not knowingly accept a political contribution, and shall refuse a political contribution that is received, during an applicable [~~the~~] period prescribed by Subsection (a) or (a-1). A political contribution that is received and refused during that period shall be returned to the contributor not later than the 30th day after the date of receipt. A contribution made by United States mail or by common or contract carrier is not considered received during that period if it was properly addressed and placed with postage or carrier charges prepaid or prearranged in the mail or delivered to the contract carrier before the beginning of the period. The date indicated by the post office cancellation mark or the common or contract carrier documents is considered to be the date the contribution was placed in the mail or delivered to the common or contract carrier unless proven otherwise.

(1) in an election held or ordered during a [~~the~~] period prescribed by Subsection (a) or (a-1) in which the person accepting the contribution is a candidate if the contribution was made after the person appointed a campaign treasurer with the appropriate authority and before the person was sworn in for that office;

(2) to defray expenses incurred in connection with an election contest; or

(3) by a person who holds a state office or a member of the legislature if the person or member was defeated at the general election held immediately before the session is convened or by a specific-purpose political committee that supports or assists only that person or member.

SECTION 3. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to a political contribution made on or after the effective date of this Act. A political contribution made before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the contribution was made, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect on the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.

Amendment No. 8 - Point of Order

Representative Vasut raised a point of order against further consideration of Amendment No. 8 under Rule 11, Section 2, of the House Rules on the grounds that the amendment is not germane.

(Landgraf in the chair)

The point of order was withdrawn.

Amendment No. 8 was withdrawn.

Amendment No. 1, as amended, was adopted by (Record 148): 85 Yeas, 45 Nays, 2 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Alders; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bonnen; Buckley; Bumgarner; Button; Cain; Capriglione; Cook; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; Darby; DeAyala; Dorazio; Dyson; Fairly; Frank; Gates; Gerdes; Geren; Guillen; Harless; Harris; Harris Davila; Harrison; Hayes; Hefner; Hickland; Holt; Hopper; Hull; Hunter; Isaac; Kerwin; King; Kitzman; LaHood; Lambert; Leach; Leo Wilson; Little; Lopez, J.; Louderback; Lowe; Lozano; Lujan; Luther; McLaughlin; McQueeney; Metcalf; Meyer; Money; Morgan; Noble; Olcott; Oliverson; Orr; Patterson; Paul; Phelan; Pierson; Richardson; Schatzline; Schofield; Schoolcraft; Shaheen; Shofner; Slawson; Smithee; Spiller; Swanson; Tepper; Tinderholt; Toth; Troxclair; VanDeaver; Vasut; Villalobos; Virdell; Wharton; Wilson.

Nays — Allen; Bernal; Bhojani; Bowers; Bryant; Bucy; Canales; Cole; Collier; Cortez; Davis, Y.; Dutton; Gámez; Garcia, L.; Garcia Hernandez; Gervin-Hawkins; González, M.; Goodwin; Hernandez; Hinojosa; Howard; Johnson; Lalani; Longoria; Lopez, R.; Martinez; Martinez Fischer; Meza; Moody; Muñoz; Ordaz; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Raymond; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; Simmons; Talarico; Thompson; Turner; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wu.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker; Landgraf(C).

Absent, Excused — Anchía; Dean; González, J.; Guerra; Jones, J.; Manuel; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Plesa; Reynolds; Zwiener.

Absent — Campos; Davis, A.; Flores; Garcia, J.; Jones, V.; Morales, C.; Rodríguez Ramos.

HOUSE AT EASE

At 4:28 p.m., the chair announced that the house would stand at ease.

The chair called the house to order at 4:32 p.m.

(Speaker in the chair)

HB 18 - (consideration continued)

HB 18, as amended, was passed to engrossment by (Record 149): 86 Yeas, 46 Nays, 1 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Alders; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bonnen; Buckley; Bumgarner; Button; Cain; Capriglione; Cook; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; Darby; DeAyala; Dorazio; Dyson; Fairly; Frank; Gates; Gerdes; Geren; Guillen; Harless; Harris; Harris Davila; Harrison; Hayes; Hefner; Hickland; Holt; Hopper; Hull; Hunter; Isaac; Kerwin; King; Kitzman; LaHood; Lambert; Landgraf; Leach; Leo Wilson; Little; Lopez, J.; Louderback; Lowe; Lozano; Lujan; Luther; McLaughlin; McQueeney; Metcalf; Meyer; Money; Morgan; Noble; Olcott; Oliverson; Orr; Patterson; Paul; Phelan; Pierson; Richardson; Schatzline; Schofield; Schoolcraft; Shaheen; Shofner; Slawson; Smithee; Spiller; Swanson; Tepper; Tinderholt; Toth; Troxclair; VanDeaver; Vasut; Villalobos; Virdell; Wharton; Wilson.

Nays — Allen; Bernal; Bhojani; Bowers; Bryant; Bucy; Canales; Cole; Collier; Cortez; Davis, A.; Davis, Y.; Dutton; Flores; Gámez; Garcia, L.; Garcia Hernandez; Gervin-Hawkins; Goodwin; Hernandez; Hinojosa; Howard; Johnson; Lalani; Longoria; Lopez, R.; Martinez; Martinez Fischer; Meza; Moody; Muñoz; Ordaz; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Raymond; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; Simmons; Talarico; Thompson; Turner; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wu.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker(C).

Absent, Excused — Anchía; Dean; González, J.; Guerra; Jones, J.; Manuel; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Plesa; Reynolds; Zwiener.

Absent — Campos; Garcia, J.; González, M.; Jones, V.; Morales, C.; Rodríguez Ramos.

STATEMENTS OF VOTE

When Record No. 149 was taken, I was away from my desk in protest of the special session. I would have voted no.

C. Morales

When Record No. 149 was taken, I was away from my desk in protest of the special session. I would have voted no.

Rodríguez Ramos

REMARKS ORDERED PRINTED

Representative Thompson moved to print all remarks on HB 18.

The motion prevailed. [The text of the debate was not available at the time of printing.]

GENERAL STATE CALENDAR
SENATE BILLS
SECOND READING

The following bills were laid before the house and read second time:

SB 54 ON SECOND READING
(Shaheen - House Sponsor)

SB 54, A bill to be entitled An Act relating to election procedures regarding accepting a voter with a residence address that is not current and the immediate effect of a voter's registration after the registrar's receipt of certain change of address notices.

SB 54 was passed to third reading by (Record 150): 87 Yeas, 46 Nays, 1 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Alders; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bonnen; Buckley; Bumgarner; Button; Cain; Canales; Capriglione; Cook; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; Darby; DeAyala; Dorazio; Dyson; Fairly; Frank; Gates; Gerdes; Geren; Guillen; Harless; Harris; Harris Davila; Harrison; Hayes; Hefner; Hickland; Holt; Hopper; Hull; Hunter; Isaac; Kerwin; King; Kitzman; LaHood; Lambert; Landgraf; Leach; Leo Wilson; Little; Lopez, J.; Louderback; Lowe; Lozano; Lujan; Luther; McLaughlin; McQueeney; Metcalf; Meyer; Money; Morgan; Noble; Olcott; Oliverson; Orr; Patterson; Paul; Phelan; Pierson; Richardson; Schatzline; Schofield; Schoolcraft; Shaheen; Shofner; Slawson; Smithee; Spiller; Swanson; Tepper; Tinderholt; Toth; Troxclair; VanDeaver; Vasut; Villalobos; Virdell; Wharton; Wilson.

Nays — Allen; Bernal; Bhojani; Bowers; Bryant; Bucy; Cole; Collier; Cortez; Davis, A.; Davis, Y.; Dutton; Flores; Gámez; Garcia, L.; Garcia Hernandez; Gervin-Hawkins; González, M.; Goodwin; Hernandez; Hinojosa; Howard; Johnson; Lalani; Longoria; Lopez, R.; Martinez; Martinez Fischer; Meza; Moody; Muñoz; Ordaz; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Raymond; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; Simmons; Talarico; Thompson; Turner; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wu.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker(C).

Absent, Excused — Anchía; Dean; González, J.; Guerra; Jones, J.; Manuel; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Plesa; Reynolds; Zwiener.

Absent — Campos; Garcia, J.; Jones, V.; Morales, C.; Rodríguez Ramos.

STATEMENTS OF VOTE

When Record No. 150 was taken, I was away from my desk in protest of the special session. I would have voted no.

C. Morales

When Record No. 150 was taken, I was away from my desk in protest of the special session. I would have voted no.

Rodríguez Ramos

ADJOURNMENT

Representative Shaheen moved that the house adjourn until 5:11 p.m. today.

The motion prevailed.

The house accordingly, at 5:06 p.m., adjourned until 5:11 p.m. today.

ADDENDUM

REFERRED TO COMMITTEES

The following bills and joint resolutions were today laid before the house, read first time, and referred to committees, and the following resolutions were today laid before the house and referred to committees. If indicated, the chair today corrected the referral of the following measures:

List No. 1

HR 126 (By Olcott), Honoring the first responders, government officials, volunteers, and donors who have assisted in the recovery from the May 2025 tornado in Gordon.