Monday, June 2, 2025

EIGHTY-FIRST DAY --- MONDAY, JUNE 2, 2025

The house met at 11 a.m. and was called to order by the speaker.

The roll of the house was called and a quorum was announced present (Record 4166).

Present — Mr. Speaker(C); Alders; Anchía; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bernal; Bhojani; Bonnen; Bowers; Bryant; Buckley; Bucy; Bumgarner; Button; Cain; 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.

Absent, Excused — Allen; Campos.

The invocation was offered by Scot Wall, state minister, Capitol Commission, Austin.

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

LEAVE OF ABSENCE GRANTED

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

Campos on motion of Howard.

CAPITOL PHYSICIAN

The chair presented Dr. Nancy Gegbe of Corinth as the "Doctor for the Day."

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

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

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

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.)

HCR 171 - ADOPTED
(by King)

The following privileged resolution was laid before the house:

HCR 171

WHEREAS, HB 46 has been adopted by the house of representatives and the senate and is being prepared for enrollment; and

WHEREAS, The bill contains a technical error that should be corrected; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas, That the enrolling clerk of the house of representatives be instructed to make the following corrections to the enrolled version of HB 46:

In SECTION 16 of the bill, in added Section 169.006(b), Occupations Code (page 11, lines 16-20), strike "Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, low-THC cannabis prescribed under Subsection (a) for pulmonary inhalation may exceed one percent by weight of tetrahydrocannabinols in each dosage unit of the substance to be aerosolized or vaporized.".

HCR 171 was adopted by (Record 4167): 138 Yeas, 0 Nays, 1 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Alders; Anchía; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bhojani; Bonnen; Bowers; Bryant; Buckley; Bucy; Bumgarner; Button; Cain; Capriglione; Cole; Collier; Cook; Cortez; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; Darby; Davis, A.; Davis, Y.; Dean; DeAyala; Dorazio; Dutton; Dyson; Fairly; Frank; Gámez; Garcia, J.; Garcia Hernandez; Gerdes; Geren; Gervin-Hawkins; González, J.; González, M.; Goodwin; Guerra; Guillen; Harless; 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; McLaughlin; McQueeney; Metcalf; Meyer; Meza; Money; 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; Slawson; Smithee; Spiller; Swanson; Talarico; Tepper; Thompson; Tinderholt; Toth; Troxclair; Turner; VanDeaver; Vasut; Villalobos; Virdell; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wharton; Wilson; Wu; Zwiener.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker(C).

Absent, Excused — Allen; Campos.

Absent — Bernal; Canales; Flores; Garcia, L.; Gates; Harris; Martinez Fischer; Moody; Simmons.

SCR 55 - ADOPTED
(Capriglione - House Sponsor)

The following privileged resolution was laid before the house:

SCR 55, Instructing the enrolling clerk of the senate to make corrections in SB 1964.

SCR 55 was adopted by (Record 4168): 126 Yeas, 12 Nays, 2 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Alders; Anchía; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bernal; Bhojani; Bonnen; Bowers; Bryant; Buckley; Bucy; Bumgarner; Button; 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.; Gates; Gerdes; Geren; Gervin-Hawkins; González, J.; González, M.; Goodwin; Guillen; Harless; Harris; Harris Davila; Hayes; Hefner; Hernandez; Hickland; Holt; Howard; Hunter; Isaac; Johnson; Jones, J.; Jones, V.; King; Kitzman; LaHood; Lalani; Lambert; Landgraf; Leach; Little; Longoria; Lopez, J.; Lopez, R.; Louderback; Lozano; Lujan; Luther; Martinez; McLaughlin; McQueeney; Metcalf; Meyer; Meza; Morales, C.; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Morgan; Muñoz; Noble; Oliverson; Ordaz; Orr; Paul; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Phelan; Pierson; Plesa; Raymond; Reynolds; Richardson; Rodríguez Ramos; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; Schatzline; Schofield; Schoolcraft; Shofner; Simmons; Slawson; Smithee; Spiller; Swanson; Talarico; Tepper; Troxclair; Turner; VanDeaver; Vasut; Villalobos; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wharton; Wilson; Wu; Zwiener.

Nays — Cain; Harrison; Hopper; Kerwin; Leo Wilson; Lowe; Money; Olcott; Patterson; Shaheen; Tinderholt; Toth.

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

Absent, Excused — Allen; Campos.

Absent — Garcia Hernandez; Guerra; Hinojosa; Hull; Manuel; Martinez Fischer; Moody; Thompson.

BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS SIGNED BY THE SPEAKER

Notice was given at this time that the speaker had signed bills and resolutions in the presence of the house (see the addendum to the daily journal, Signed by the Speaker, House List No. 30 and Senate List No. 33).

REMARKS ORDERED PRINTED

Representative Martinez Fischer moved to print remarks by Representative Toth, Representative Paul, and Representative Leo Wilson.

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

HR 1528 - ADOPTED
(by Louderback)

Representative Louderback moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 1528.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 1528, Congratulating the Ganado High School softball team on winning the 2025 UIL 2A Division 1 state championship.

HR 1528 was adopted.

LEAVES OF ABSENCE GRANTED

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

Dorazio on motion of J. Lopez.

(Geren in the chair)

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

Capriglione on motion of Frank.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

A message from the senate was received at this time (see the addendum to the daily journal, Messages from the Senate, Message No. 2).

HR 1511 - ADOPTED
(by Geren)

Representative LaHood moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 1511.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 1511, Commending Region VII of the Texas Department of Public Safety for its service to the Capitol Complex during the 89th Legislative Session.

HR 1511 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Turner, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 1511 as signers thereof.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

The chair recognized Representative LaHood who introduced officers and staff of Region VII of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

(Vasut in the chair)

LEAVE OF ABSENCE GRANTED

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

Harris on motion of Buckley.

HR 1506 - ADOPTED
(by Geren)

Representative Hickland moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 1506.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 1506, Commending the members of the House Committee Coordinator's Office for their work during the 89th Legislative Session.

HR 1506 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Garcia Hernandez, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 1506 as signers thereof.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

The chair recognized Representative Hickland who introduced the staff of the House Committee Coordinator's Office.

HR 1503 - ADOPTED
(by Geren)

Representative Garcia Hernandez moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 1503.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 1503, Honoring Katherine Lindley for her service as Capitol nurse practitioner during the 89th Texas Legislature.

HR 1503 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Zwiener, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 1503 as signers thereof.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

The chair recognized Representative Garcia Hernandez who introduced Katherine Lindley and Anne Milam.

REMARKS ORDERED PRINTED

Representative Money moved to print remarks by Representative Tinderholt, Toth, Schatzline, J. Garcia, J. Jones, Morales Shaw, Harrison, and Dutton.

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

(Speaker in the chair)

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

The chair recognized Representative Wu who introduced Kristy Oliver-Pullings and Yvonne Garcia.

REMARKS ORDERED PRINTED

Representative Simmons moved to print remarks by Representative Wu, Representative Geren, Representative Thompson, and Speaker Burrows.

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

BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS SIGNED BY THE SPEAKER

Notice was given at this time that the speaker had signed bills and resolutions in the presence of the house (see the addendum to the daily journal, Signed by the Speaker, House List No. 31).

HCR 172 - ADOPTED
(by Lalani)

The following privileged resolution was laid before the house:

HCR 172

WHEREAS, SB 441 has been adopted by the senate and the house of representatives and is being prepared for enrollment; and

WHEREAS, The bill contains a technical error that should be corrected; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas, That the enrolling clerk of the senate be instructed to make the following correction to the enrolled version of SB 441:

In SECTION 6 of the bill, in added Section 98B.0022(d)(2), Civil Practice and Remedies Code (page 8, line 17), strike "and how to track the status of the request".

HCR 172 was adopted by (Record 4169): 132 Yeas, 0 Nays, 1 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Alders; Anchía; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bernal; Bonnen; Bowers; Bryant; Buckley; Bucy; Button; Cain; Canales; Cole; Collier; Cook; Craddick; Cunningham; Curry; Darby; Davis, A.; Davis, Y.; Dean; Dutton; Dyson; Flores; Frank; Gámez; Garcia, J.; Garcia, L.; Garcia Hernandez; Gates; Gerdes; Geren; Gervin-Hawkins; González, J.; González, M.; Goodwin; Guerra; Guillen; Harless; Harris Davila; Harrison; Hefner; Hernandez; Hickland; Hinojosa; Holt; Hopper; Howard; Hull; Hunter; Isaac; Johnson; Jones, J.; Jones, V.; Kerwin; Kitzman; LaHood; Lalani; Lambert; Landgraf; Leo Wilson; Little; Longoria; Lopez, J.; Lopez, R.; Louderback; Lowe; Lozano; Lujan; Luther; Manuel; Martinez Fischer; McLaughlin; McQueeney; Metcalf; Meyer; Meza; Money; Morales, C.; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Morgan; Muñoz; Noble; Olcott; Oliverson; Ordaz; Orr; Patterson; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Phelan; Pierson; Plesa; Raymond; Reynolds; Richardson; Rodríguez Ramos; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; 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.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker(C).

Absent, Excused — Allen; Campos; Capriglione; Dorazio; Harris.

Absent — Bhojani; Bumgarner; Cortez; DeAyala; Fairly; Hayes; King; Leach; Martinez; Moody; Paul; Schatzline.

STATEMENT OF VOTE

When Record No. 4169 was taken, my vote failed to register. I would have voted yes.

Fairly

LEAVE OF ABSENCE GRANTED

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

Paul on motion of Frank.

INTRODUCTION OF GUEST

The chair recognized Representative Tepper who introduced Nadine Craddick.

HR 1502 - ADOPTED
(by Geren)

Representative Shofner moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 1502.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 1502, Commending the staff of the Texas Legislative Council for its work during the 89th Legislative Session.

HR 1502 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Guillen, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 1502 as signers thereof.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

The chair recognized Representative Shofner who introduced the staff of the Texas Legislative Council.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

A message from the senate was received at this time (see the addendum to the daily journal, Messages from the Senate, Message No. 3).

HR 1536 - ADOPTED
(by Geren)

Representative Barry moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 1536.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 1536, Commending the staff of the Legislative Reference Library for their work during the 89th Legislative Session.

HR 1536 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Moody, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 1536 as signers thereof.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

The chair recognized Representative Barry who introduced the staff of the Legislative Reference Library.

HR 1510 - ADOPTED
(by Geren)

Representative Money moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 1510.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 1510, Commending the employees of the House Business Office for their work during the 89th Legislative Session.

HR 1510 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Moody, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 1510 as signers thereof.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

The chair recognized Representative Money who introduced the staff of the House Business Office.

HR 1522 - ADOPTED
(by Geren)

Representative Wharton moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 1522.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 1522, Commending the staff of the State Preservation Board for their service during the 89th Legislative Session.

HR 1522 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Moody, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 1522 as signers thereof.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

The chair recognized Representative Wharton who introduced the staff of the State Preservation Board.

HR 1512 - ADOPTED
(by Geren)

Representative Curry moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 1512.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 1512, Commending the Legislative Budget Board for its work during the 89th Legislative Session.

HR 1512 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Moody, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 1512 as signers thereof.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

The chair recognized Representative Curry who introduced the staff of the Legislative Budget Board.

HR 1505 - ADOPTED
(by Geren)

Representative McLaughlin moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 1505.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 1505, Commending Jennifer Teigen Doran and the staff of the House Journal Clerk's Office for their service during the 89th Legislative Session.

HR 1505 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Moody, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 1505 as signers thereof.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

The chair recognized Representative McLaughlin who introduced the staff of the House Journal Clerk's Office.

HR 1508 - ADOPTED
(by Geren)

Representative Villalobos moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 1508.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 1508, Commending Kara Coffee and the staff of the Office of the House Sergeant-at-Arms for their work during the 89th Legislative Session.

HR 1508 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Moody, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 1508 as signers thereof.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

The chair recognized Representative Villalobos who introduced the staff of the House Sergeants-at-Arms' Office.

HR 1507 - ADOPTED
(by Geren)

Representative Richardson moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HR 1507.

The motion prevailed.

The following resolution was laid before the house:

HR 1507, Commending Stephen Brown and the staff of the Chief Clerk's Office for their service during the 89th Legislative Session.

HR 1507 was adopted.

On motion of Representative Moody, the names of all the members of the house were added to HR 1507 as signers thereof.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

The chair recognized Representative Richardson who introduced the staff of the Chief Clerk's Office.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

A message from the senate was received at this time (see the addendum to the daily journal, Messages from the Senate, Message No. 4).

SB 293 - RULES SUSPENDED
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ADOPTED

Representative Leach moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider the conference committee report on SB 293.

The motion prevailed by (Record 4170): 127 Yeas, 15 Nays, 1 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Alders; Ashby; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bernal; Bhojani; Bowers; Bryant; Bucy; Button; Cain; Canales; 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; Geren; Gervin-Hawkins; González, J.; González, M.; Goodwin; Guerra; Guillen; Harless; Harris Davila; Harrison; Hayes; Hefner; Hernandez; Hinojosa; Holt; Howard; Hull; Hunter; Johnson; Jones, J.; Jones, V.; King; Kitzman; LaHood; Lalani; Lambert; Landgraf; Leach; Leo Wilson; Little; Longoria; Lopez, J.; Louderback; Lozano; Lujan; Luther; Manuel; Martinez; Martinez Fischer; McLaughlin; Metcalf; Meyer; Meza; Money; Moody; Morales, C.; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Morgan; Muñoz; Noble; Oliverson; Ordaz; Orr; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Phelan; Pierson; Plesa; Raymond; Reynolds; Richardson; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; Schatzline; Schofield; Schoolcraft; Shaheen; Shofner; Simmons; Slawson; Smithee; Spiller; Swanson; Talarico; Tepper; Thompson; Tinderholt; Toth; Turner; VanDeaver; Vasut; Villalobos; Virdell; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wharton; Wilson; Wu; Zwiener.

Nays — Anchía; Bonnen; Buckley; Bumgarner; Gerdes; Hickland; Hopper; Isaac; Kerwin; Lowe; McQueeney; Olcott; Patterson; Rodríguez Ramos; Troxclair.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker(C).

Absent, Excused — Allen; Campos; Capriglione; Dorazio; Harris; Paul.

Absent — Lopez, R.

STATEMENT OF VOTE

When Record No. 4170 was taken, I was shown voting yes. I intended to vote no.

Toth

Representative Leach submitted the conference committee report on SB 293.

Representative Leach moved to adopt the conference committee report on SB 293.

The motion to adopt the conference committee report on SB 293 prevailed by (Record 4171): 114 Yeas, 26 Nays, 4 Present, not voting.

Yeas — Alders; Anchía; Barry; Bell, C.; Bell, K.; Bernal; Bhojani; Bowers; Bryant; Bucy; Button; Cain; Canales; Cole; Collier; Cook; Cortez; Craddick; Cunningham; Darby; Davis, A.; Davis, Y.; Dean; DeAyala; Dutton; Dyson; Fairly; Flores; Frank; Gámez; Garcia, J.; Garcia, L.; Garcia Hernandez; Geren; Gervin-Hawkins; González, J.; González, M.; Goodwin; Guerra; Harless; Harris Davila; Hayes; Hernandez; Hinojosa; Holt; Howard; Hull; Hunter; Johnson; Jones, J.; Jones, V.; King; Kitzman; LaHood; Lalani; Lambert; Landgraf; Leach; Little; Longoria; Lopez, J.; Lopez, R.; Louderback; Lozano; Lujan; Manuel; Martinez; Martinez Fischer; McLaughlin; Meyer; Meza; Money; Moody; Morales, C.; Morales, E.; Morales Shaw; Muñoz; Noble; Oliverson; Ordaz; Orr; Perez, M.; Perez, V.; Phelan; Plesa; Reynolds; Richardson; Rodríguez Ramos; Romero; Rose; Rosenthal; Schatzline; Schoolcraft; Shaheen; Shofner; Simmons; Smithee; Spiller; Swanson; Talarico; Tepper; Thompson; Tinderholt; Turner; VanDeaver; Villalobos; Virdell; Vo; Walle; Ward Johnson; Wharton; Wilson; Wu; Zwiener.

Nays — Ashby; Bonnen; Buckley; Bumgarner; Curry; Gates; Gerdes; Guillen; Harrison; Hefner; Hickland; Hopper; Isaac; Kerwin; Leo Wilson; Lowe; Luther; McQueeney; Metcalf; Olcott; Patterson; Raymond; Schofield; Slawson; Toth; Troxclair.

Present, not voting — Mr. Speaker(C); Morgan; Pierson; Vasut.

Absent, Excused — Allen; Campos; Capriglione; Dorazio; Harris; Paul.

STATEMENT OF VOTE

When Record No. 4171 was taken, I was shown voting yes. I intended to vote no.

Tinderholt

SB 293 was returned to the senate for further action.

REASONS FOR VOTE

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

I voted against the conference committee report for SB 293, the proposed judicial pay raise. Under the current system, such a raise will directly increase my own pension. While I respect the importance of fair compensation for members of the judiciary, I believe it is inappropriate to support any measure that results in a personal financial benefit. Public service demands that we prioritize transparency, integrity, and the public interest above all. For that reason, I could not in good conscience support this legislation.

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

Judicial pay and retirement annuities are matters of critical importance to the integrity of our state's judicial system. The legislature has not raised the base pay for district judges since 2013 (total inflation since 2013–34.5 percent), a failure we must urgently address. This long-standing inaction undermines the strength of our judiciary.

I submit this statement into the House Journal to affirm my unequivocal support for increasing judicial pay and to voice my firm opposition to any corresponding increase in legislative pensions as a result of the passage of SB 293.

As Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock noted in his 2025 State of the Judiciary Address, Texas ranks 48 out of 50 states in compensation for district judges. This dismal ranking threatens our ability to attract and retain highly-qualified judicial officers to not only administer justice, but ensure public safety, in our co-equal branch of government.

While I voted Aye on SB 293, to increase the starting salary of district judges to $175,000 (this increase in compensation only takes our judges from 48 of 50 states, to the mid 30s out of 50 states), the bill passed with legislator pensions still coupled to the compensation of district judges until 2030. While I am encouraged that the two will ultimately be decoupled, I urge my colleagues to continue this discussion related to legislative pensions with the Texas Ethics Commission through the interim and into the 90th Legislative Session.

In the meantime, I hereby commit to working with the Employees Retirement System (ERS) of Texas to ensure that my pension is NOT indexed to the new $175,000 annual base salary for district judges established by the bill, instead that it continues to be indexed under current law. In the event it is not possible for ERS to keep my retirement benefit under current law, my wife Tonya Cook and I hereby commit to donate any increase that results from the passage of SB 293 to Mission Arlington and/or Mansfield Mission Center.

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

While I understand the urgent need to increase judicial pay to attract and retain qualified judges, I voted no because I do not believe the legislative pensions should be tied to judicial salaries. Any discussion about pensions for lawmakers should be a separate conversation, addressed on its own merits and at a more appropriate time. I could not, in good conscience, support a measure that would result in increasing legislative pensions.

Representatives Hopper and Olcott submitted the following reason for vote to be printed in the journal:

Whereas I fully support a pay increase for our judges and have voted twice for such an increase in the house version of SB 293, I cannot support the conference committee report that includes an increase in my own pension. Additionally, while I support decoupling the legislative pension from judicial compensation, I oppose a wholesale transfer of our legislative authority on this matter to the bureaucracy of the Texas Ethics Commission.

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

When SB 293 came to the house, I supported Representative Leach's amendment to decouple legislative pensions from judicial pay increases—and I voted for the bill with that safeguard in place. Unfortunately, the senate has since removed that provision. While I fully support raising judicial salaries, I cannot in good conscience vote for a measure that would increase my own pension. I came here to serve, not to enrich myself.

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

I believe every vote on the conference committee report for SB 293 is equally defensible. I personally decided to vote PNV. I strongly believe our judges need a pay raise—the major thrust of the bill, which is why I did not vote nay. I oppose keeping the 25 percent increase in judicial pay in the conference committee report for SB 293 linked to legislator pensions this year, which is the only reason I did not vote aye. The only way I believed I could effectively communicate this position on the voting board was to vote present, not voting.

(Patterson in the chair)

SUSPENSION
CONGRATULATORY AND MEMORIAL CALENDAR

The following congratulatory resolutions were laid before the house:

HR 1478 (by Smithee), Commemorating the centennial of Route 66.

HR 1479 (by Villalobos), Congratulating Isaac Cancio of Corpus Christi on his participation in the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee.

HR 1480 (by Noble), Congratulating Matt Russell on his retirement as principal of Allen High School.

HR 1482 (by Anchía), Commending Kate Tucker for her service as a legislative aide in the office of State Representative Rafael Anchía.

HR 1483 (by Anchía), Commending Nia Nickens for her service as a PowerHouse Texas energy policy fellow in the office of State Representative Rafael Anchía.

HR 1484 (by Anchía), Commending Hrishi Marakani for her service as a Texas Legislative Internship Program fellow in the office of State Representative Rafael Anchía.

HR 1485 (by Anchía), Commending Ginny Mendez for her service as a Mexican American Legislative Leadership Fellow in the office of State Representative Rafael Anchía.

HR 1486 (by Anchía), Commending Jake Broyles for his service as a communications aide in the office of State Representative Rafael Anchía.

HR 1487 (by Anchía), Commending Kendall Meachum on her service as a legislative aide in the office of State Representative Rafael Anchía.

HR 1488 (by Allen), Congratulating The University of Texas rugby club on winning the 2025 Lonestar Conference 7s state championship.

HR 1489 (by Garcia Hernandez), Commending Maria Froemming for her service as district director in the office of State Representative Cassandra Garcia Hernandez.

HR 1490 (by Bucy), Congratulating Penfold Theatre Company in Round Rock on its inaugural season in its new performing arts venue.

HR 1493 (by C. Bell), Commending the staff of State Representative Cecil Bell Jr. for their exemplary service.

HR 1497 (by Morgan), Commending MeLissa Nemecek for her 30 years of service to the Texas House of Representatives.

HR 1516 (by Noble), Commending the Honorable Henry Lessner for his service as mayor of Fairview.

HR 1517 (by Dyson), Congratulating the Dixie Chicken in College Station on receiving a Texas Treasure Business Award from the Texas Historical Commission.

HR 1518 (by Dyson), Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Martin's Place in Bryan.

HR 1520 (by Darby), Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the West Texas Legislative Summit and commending the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce for hosting the event.

HR 1521 (by Patterson), Congratulating Jack Baxley on his retirement as vice president of governmental affairs for TEXO, The Construction Association.

HR 1524 (by Geren), Congratulating Gary Calfee on his retirement as an attorney.

HR 1525 (by Dutton), Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the community of Barrett.

HR 1529 (by Cortez), Congratulating State Representative Ryan Guillen and State Representative Richard Peña Raymond on becoming the longest-serving desk mates in the history of the Texas House.

HR 1530 (by Canales), Commemorating the 2025 Harvest Christian Academy BBQ Cook Off in Edinburg.

HR 1531 (by Dyson), Honoring former state representative Kyle Kacal for his service to the Texas House of Representatives.

HR 1532 (by K. Bell), Congratulating the Trinity Valley Community College cheer team on winning the Advanced Small Coed Junior College Division championship at the 2025 NCA & NDA College Nationals.

HR 1533 (by Rodríguez Ramos), Congratulating Diego Narro on his graduation from the University of North Texas.

HR 1535 (by Toth), Commending Ben Cooper for his service as a policy analyst in the office of State Representative Steve Toth.

HR 1537 (by Villalobos), Congratulating the Calallen High School softball team on winning the 2025 UIL 4A Division 1 state championship.

HR 1538 (by Ashby), Honoring Crockett city attorney Donna Gordon Kaspar for her professional accomplishments.

HR 1539 (by Curry), Commending Abby Wells for her service as chief of staff in the office of State Representative Tom Craddick.

HR 1540 (by Curry), Commending Jenna Harlan for her service as legislative director in the office of State Representative Pat Curry.

HR 1541 (by Curry), Commending Ethan Surdy for his service as a legislative aide in the office of State Representative Pat Curry.

HR 1542 (by Curry), Commending Ashley Walter for her service as chief of staff in the office of State Representative Pat Curry.

HR 1544 (by V. Perez), Commending Mark Chavez for his service as a policy analyst in the office of State Representative Vincent Perez.

The resolutions were adopted.

The following memorial resolutions were laid before the house:

HR 1481 (by Toth), In memory of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim.

HR 1492 (by Flores), In memory of Antonio Gonzales of Austin.

HR 1494 (by C. Bell), In memory of Joshua Daniel King of Weatherford.

HR 1498 (by Villalobos), In memory of Godfrey Vela of Corpus Christi.

HR 1500 (by Bucy), In memory of the Reverend Henry Lee Pendergrass of Midland.

HR 1526 (by Dutton), In memory of José Griñán, former broadcast journalist for FOX 26 Houston.

HR 1527 (by Dutton), In memory of the Reverend Dr. Byrd Lacey Jr. of Houston.

HR 1534 (by Isaac), In memory of Terrin Allan Solbrig of New Braunfels.

HR 1543 (by Toth), In memory of Dave Welch.

The resolutions were unanimously adopted by a rising vote.

(Speaker in the chair)

PROVIDING FOR ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE

At 3:52 p.m., Representative Moody moved that, at the conclusion of the receiving of messages from the senate, the signing of bills and resolutions, and the completion of administrative tasks the house stand adjourned sine die.

The motion prevailed.

BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS SIGNED BY THE SPEAKER

Notice was given at this time that the speaker had signed bills and resolutions in the presence of the house (see the addendum to the daily journal, Signed by the Speaker, House List No. 32).

HOUSE AT EASE

At 3:53 p.m., the chair announced that the house would stand at ease.

The chair called the house to order at 5:11 p.m.

BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS SIGNED BY THE SPEAKER

Notice was given at this time that the speaker had signed bills and resolutions in the presence of the house (see the addendum to the daily journal, Signed by the Speaker, Senate List Nos. 34 and 37).

ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE

In accordance with a previous motion, Speaker Burrows, at 5:12 p.m., pronounced the House of Representatives of the Regular Session of the Eighty-Ninth Legislature adjourned sine die.

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 1531 (By Dyson), Honoring former state representative Kyle Kacal for his service to the Texas House of Representatives.