THIRTEENTH DAY --- WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2025

The house met at 10 a.m. and was called to order by the speaker.

The roll of the house was called and a quorum was announced present (Record 21).

Present — Mr. Speaker(C); Alders; Allen; Anchía; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bernal; Bhojani; Bonnen; Bowers; Bryant; Buckley; Bucy; Bumgarner; Button; Cain; Campos; Canales; Capriglione; Cole; Collier; Cook; Cortez; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; Darby; Davis, A.; Davis, Y.; Dean; DeAyala; Dorazio; Dutton; Dyson; Fairly; Flores; Frank; Gámez; Garcia, J.; Garcia, L.; Garcia Hernandez; Gates; Gerdes; Geren; Gervin-Hawkins; González, J.; González, M.; Goodwin; Guerra; Guillen; Harless; Harris; Harris Davila; Harrison; Hayes; Hefner; Hernandez; Hickland; Hinojosa; Holt; Hopper; Howard; Hull; Hunter; Isaac; Johnson; Jones, J.; Jones, V.; 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, C.; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Morgan; Muñoz; Noble; Olcott; Oliverson; Ordaz; Orr; Patterson; Paul; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Phelan; Pierson; Plesa; Raymond; Reynolds; Richardson; Rodríguez Ramos; 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.

The invocation was offered by the Most Reverend Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Houston.

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

Representative Paul moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 244.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 244, Honoring the Most Reverend Daniel Cardinal DiNardo for his service as Pastor of the Day on February 12, 2025.

HR 244 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Craddick, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 244 as signers thereof.

The chair recognized Representative Paul who introduced the Most Reverend Daniel Cardinal DiNardo.

The chair presented Dr. Diego Moreno of San Marcos as the "Doctor for the Day."

The house welcomed Dr. Moreno and thanked them for their participation in the Physician of the Day Program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.

A message from the senate was received at this time (see the addendum to the daily journal, Messages from the Senate, Message No. 1).

The following resolution was laid before the house:

SCR 14, Granting the legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days during the period beginning Thursday, February 13, 2025, and ending Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

The chair recognized Representative Harrison who addressed the house in opposition to the resolution, speaking as follows:

With all due respect, is this a joke? Are we seriously going to take up a resolution—we've been here four weeks, and if we pass this today, this will be the fourth long-holiday vacation weekend we have taken. And this is, by the way, especially embarrassing given that President Trump and his administration are working 20 hours a day. And in fact, they have done more in three weeks to combat taxpayer-funded DEI in Texas than this body has done in the three years that I have been here.

Texans are counting on us—Texans who are being taxed out of their homes; Texans who have had their tax dollars weaponized against them, against their children, and against their values by funding DEI in almost all of our public universities. They expect us to take action to protect them.

And by the way, to all of you saying we can't work because we have a constitutional 60-day prohibition on work: Do you know what else the Constitution does not let us do explicitly? Take three-day weekends. I wish folks paid more attention to that prohibition. The prohibition that we are going to suspend right now.

So don't vote against this—I encourage you to vote against this, but don't vote against this because I'm asking you to. I talk to Texans all across this state, and I can assure you—especially if you're one of my colleagues on my side of the aisle—every one of your constituents wants us to vote no on this resolution.

SCR 14 was adopted by (Record 22): 127 Yeas, 21 Nays, 1 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Allen; Anchía; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bernal; Bhojani; Bonnen; Bowers; Bryant; Buckley; Bucy; Bumgarner; Button; Campos; Canales; Capriglione; Cole; Collier; Cook; Cortez; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; Darby; Davis, A.; Davis, Y.; Dean; DeAyala; Dutton; Dyson; Fairly; Flores; Frank; Gámez; Garcia, J.; Garcia, L.; Garcia Hernandez; Gates; Gerdes; Geren; Gervin-Hawkins; González, J.; González, M.; Goodwin; Guerra; Guillen; Harless; Harris; Harris Davila; Hayes; Hefner; Hernandez; Hinojosa; Howard; Hull; Hunter; Isaac; Johnson; Jones, J.; Jones, V.; King; Kitzman; LaHood; Lalani; Lambert; Landgraf; Leach; Leo Wilson; Longoria; Lopez, J.; Lopez, R.; Lujan; Manuel; Martinez; Martinez Fischer; McLaughlin; McQueeney; Metcalf; Meyer; Meza; Moody; Morales, C.; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Muñoz; Noble; Oliverson; Ordaz; Orr; Patterson; Paul; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Phelan; Plesa; Raymond; Reynolds; Rodríguez Ramos; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; Schofield; Schoolcraft; Shaheen; Shofner; Simmons; Slawson; Smithee; Spiller; Swanson; Talarico; Tepper; Thompson; Troxclair; Turner; VanDeaver; Vasut; Villalobos; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wharton; Wilson; Wu; Zwiener.

Nays — Alders; Cain; Dorazio; Harrison; Hickland; Holt; Hopper; Kerwin; Little; Louderback; Lowe; Lozano; Luther; Money; Morgan; Olcott; Pierson; Richardson; Schatzline; Tinderholt; Toth.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker(C).

Absent — Virdell.

When Record No. 22 was taken, I was in the house but away from my desk. I would have voted no.

Virdell

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

Each of the record votes I cast to approve a Senate Concurrent Resolution for adjournment longer than three days was in response to a formal request from the Texas Senate, not the house. These breaks were requested so that committee work and legislative preparation could take place.

It is also important to understand that, under the Texas Constitution, the house is limited in what it can consider during the first 60 days of session, unless four-fifths of the members vote to suspend the rules. We did not have the votes necessary to suspend the rules during those early weeks. In addition, the governor did not release his emergency legislative priorities until February 2, 2025, which further limited the legislation that could be taken up during that period.

It is important to set the record straight. Even when we approved these adjournments at the senate's request, house members, including myself, were hard at work.

The legislative process does not only happen on the house floor. During these early months, I spent many hours meeting with constituents, stakeholders, and advocates to develop and refine the legislation I intended to pass. It takes significant behind-the-scenes work to get a bill to the floor, and that work does not stop when the chamber is not in session.

Just because your county commissioner is not in court does not mean they are not working. In the same way, I spent countless hours in my office during what many called "long weekends," doing the work that the people of Chambers and Galveston Counties elected me to do. Legislative service includes research, negotiation, and advocacy, much of which takes place outside of public view but is essential to passing effective policy.

Representative Harris moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 229.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 229, In memory of U.S. Army Captain Curtis Wayne Fitzgerald of Palestine.

The chair recognized Representative Harris who addressed the house, speaking as follows:

Today, I rise in honor to memorialize the passing of a true American hero, U.S. Army Captain Curtis Wayne Fitzgerald of Palestine.

In 1969, Mr. Fitzgerald began six years of active duty with the United States Army, piloting Bell UH-1 aircraft for the 189th Assault Helicopter Company, "Ghost Riders." He took part in a number of major operations. During the Battle of Hamburger Hill, he flew multiple resupply missions. In the Siege of Ben Het, he completed a supply run after his helicopter sustained heavy gunfire. He went on to serve as the air mission commander for the initial invasion of Cambodia, and during long-range reconnaissance patrols into Cambodia and Laos, he identified enemy positions before returning his damaged aircraft to safety. Ultimately rising to the rank of captain, he flew 1,600 hours in combat and was shot down six times. Subsequently, he volunteered for another six-month tenure in support of incoming units.

For his remarkable courage, Captain Fitzgerald was awarded the Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Star Medals, 19 Air Medals, and the Purple Heart. Captain Fitzgerald lent his time and expertise to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans service organizations, and area PTSD support groups. A University of Houston graduate, he established and operated a real estate firm specializing in farm and ranch sales back home in Palestine. Captain Fitzgerald lived a rich and purposeful life, and he leaves behind a legacy of service to his country and his community that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him like I did.

HR 229 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote.

On motion of Representative Ashby, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 229 as signers thereof.

Representative Moody moved to print remarks by Representative Harris on HR 229.

The motion prevailed.

Representative Smithee moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 198.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 198, Recognizing February 11 and 12, 2025, as Panhandle Days at the State Capitol.

HR 198 was adopted.

On motion of Representative King, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 198 as signers thereof.

The chair recognized Representative Smithee who introduced a delegation from the Texas Panhandle.

Representative M. Perez moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 178.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 178, Recognizing February 12, 2025, as Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Day at the State Capitol.

HR 178 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Paul, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 178 as signers thereof.

The chair recognized Representative M. Perez who introduced representatives of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.

Representative Leo Wilson moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 109.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 109, Recognizing February 12, 2025, as Chambers County Day at the State Capitol.

HR 109 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Vasut, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 109 as signers thereof.

The chair recognized Representative Leo Wilson who introduced a delegation from Chambers County.

Representative Leo Wilson moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 28.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 28, Commemorating the naming of the Adrian Combs Memorial Highway in Chambers County.

HR 28 was adopted.

Representative Villalobos moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 130.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 130, Recognizing February 12, 2025, as Coastal Bend Day at the State Capitol.

HR 130 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Hunter, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 130 as signers thereof.

The chair recognized Representative Villalobos who introduced a delegation from the Coastal Bend.

(Harris in the chair)

Representative Lowe moved to print remarks by Representative Harrison on SCR 14.

The motion prevailed.

Representative Troxclair moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 239.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 239, Commemorating the 27th anniversary of Leadership Boerne.

HR 239 was adopted.

Representative Holt moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 224.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 224, Commending Michael Fawzi Tarabay of Sour Lake for his act as an organ donor.

HR 224 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Wilson, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 224 as signers thereof.

Representative Rose moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 218.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 218, Honoring the Black Heart Association for its work to eliminate heart health disparities among communities of color.

HR 218 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Reynolds, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 218 as signers thereof.

Representative Guillen moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 215.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 215, Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Texas State Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

HR 215 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Moody, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 215 as signers thereof.

(Speaker in the chair)

Representative Guillen moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 225.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 225, Recognizing February 12, 2025, as Rita L. Littlefield Kidney Day at the State Capitol.

HR 225 was adopted.

Representative Flores moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 208.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 208, Congratulating Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr. on his retirement as chief advocacy officer of Ascension Texas.

HR 208 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Howard, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 208 as signers thereof.

Representative Geren moved that the house adjourn until 9 a.m. tomorrow.

The motion prevailed.

The house accordingly, at 11:20 a.m., adjourned until 9 a.m. tomorrow.

The following messages from the senate were today received by the house:

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

SENATE CHAMBER

Austin, Texas

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

The Honorable Speaker of the House

House Chamber

Austin, Texas

Mr. Speaker:

I am directed by the senate to inform the house that the senate has taken the following action:

THE SENATE HAS PASSED THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:

Granting the legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days during the period beginning Thursday, February 13, 2025, and ending Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

Respectfully,

Patsy Spaw

Secretary of the Senate