EIGHTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION
PROCEEDINGS
THIRTIETH DAY — WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2009
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 (Recordi45).
Present — Mr. Speaker; Allen; Alonzo; Alvarado; Anchia; Anderson; Aycock; Berman; Bohac; Bolton; Bonnen; Branch; Brown, B.; Brown, F.; Burnam; Button; Callegari; Castro; Chavez; Chisum; Christian; Cohen; Coleman; Cook; Corte; Crabb; Craddick; Creighton; Crownover; Darby; Davis, J.; Davis, Y.; Deshotel; Driver; Dukes; Dunnam; Dutton; Edwards; Eiland; Eissler; Elkins; England; Farabee; Farias; Farrar; Fletcher; Flores; Flynn; Frost; Gallego; Gattis; Geren; Giddings; Gonzales; Gonzalez Toureilles; Guillen; Gutierrez; Hamilton; Hancock; Hardcastle; Harless; Harper-Brown; Hartnett; Heflin; Hernandez; Herrero; Hilderbran; Hochberg; Hodge; Homer; Hopson; Howard, C.; Howard, D.; Hughes; Hunter; Isett; Jackson; Jones; Keffer; Kent; King, P.; King, S.; King, T.; Kleinschmidt; Kolkhorst; Kuempel; Laubenberg; Legler; Leibowitz; Lewis; Lucio; Madden; Maldonado; Mallory Caraway; Marquez; Martinez; Martinez Fischer; McCall; McClendon; McReynolds; Menendez; Merritt; Miklos; Miller, D.; Miller, S.; Moody; Morrison; Naishtat; Oliveira; Olivo; Orr; Ortiz; Otto; Parker; Patrick; Paxton; Peña; Phillips; Pickett; Pierson; Pitts; Quintanilla; Raymond; Riddle; Rios Ybarra; Ritter; Rodriguez; Rose; Sheffield; Shelton; Smith, T.; Smith, W.; Smithee; Solomons; Strama; Swinford; Taylor; Thibaut; Thompson; Truitt; Turner, C.; Turner, S.; Vaught; Veasey; Villarreal; Vo; Walle; Weber; Woolley; Zerwas.
The invocation was offered by Reverend Lisa Marshall, associate pastor, First United Methodist Church, Denton, as follows:
Gather us in, O living God. Gather us in to your presence this morning. As these women and men come together this day to do the work they have been called and chosen to do, may they feel your spirit working among them.
Bless this body of people, save them from discord and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every path that leads away from justice and truth. Empower with the spirit of wisdom those to whom we entrust the authority of government, that there may be peace and justice in this state. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve the people.
We pray today that grace and peace soothe old political wounds and bring these people together in a common goal of seeking the very best for the State of Texas. May past slights and mistakes be put aside so they may be unified in serving the people and great things may be accomplished.
We lift up today the work of this day. May each person here be focused, ready, and thoughtful as decisions are made, policies put in place, laws are created, and may this work of the house of representatives be work that is pleasing to you. May all tiredness, weariness, and fears be forgotten. Send your renewing strength and courage for the tasks set before these here today who seek to discern the very best for the people, for the resources, and for the land of this State of Texas. Give these leaders the faith and courage together to seek your plan, and finding it, to enact it, knowing that when it is God-inspired, you will open the way through all obstacles.
Bless these men and women, bless their homes and their families. Bless their thoughts and their actions this day. May your grace abound in their hearts. We lift this prayer to you, giving thanks for your great goodness to us through your son, Jesus the Christ. Amen.
The speaker recognized Representative Parker who led the house in the pledges of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.
CAPITOL PHYSICIAN
The speaker recognized Representative P. King who presented Dr. Mark Eidson of Weatherford as the "Doctor for the Day."
The house welcomed Dr. Eidson and thanked him for his participation in the Physician of the Day Program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.
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 No. 11).
HR 284 - ADOPTED
(by Naishtat)
Representative Naishtat moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HRi284.
The motion prevailed.
The following resolution was laid before the house:
HR 284, In memory of Lane Alton Zivley of Pflugerville.
HR 284 was read and was unanimously adopted by a rising vote.
634 81st LEGISLATURE — REGULAR SESSION
HR 768 - ADOPTED
(by Cook)
Representative Cook moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HRi768.
The motion prevailed.
The following resolution was laid before the house:
HR 768, Recognizing March 11, 2009, as Corsicana/Navarro County Day at the State Capitol.
HR 768 was adopted.
HR 718 - ADOPTED
(by Gonzalez Toureilles)
Representative Gonzalez Toureilles moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HRi718.
The motion prevailed.
The following resolution was laid before the house:
HR 718, Recognizing March 11, 2009, as Atascosa County Day at the State Capitol.
HR 718 was read and was adopted.
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS
The speaker recognized Representative Gonzalez Toureilles who introduced a delegation from Atascosa County.
HR 779 - ADOPTED
(by Pickett)
Representative Pickett moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HRi779.
The motion prevailed.
The following resolution was laid before the house:
HR 779, Honoring State Representative Jose Menendez on his 40th birthday.
HR 779 was read and was adopted.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE GRANTED
The following member was granted leave of absence for the remainder of today because of illness:
S. Miller on motion of Callegari.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 HOUSE JOURNAL — 30th Day 635
HR 748 - ADOPTED
(by Rios Ybarra)
Representative Rios Ybarra moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HRi748.
The motion prevailed.
The following resolution was laid before the house:
HR 748, Recognizing March 11, 2009, as Kingsville Day at the State Capitol.
HR 748 was adopted.
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS
The speaker recognized Representative Rios Ybarra who introduced a delegation from Kleberg County.
HR 746 - ADOPTED
(by Anderson)
Representative Anderson moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HRi746.
The motion prevailed.
The following resolution was laid before the house:
HR 746, Recognizing March 11, 2009, as Hewitt Day at the State Capitol.
HR 746 was adopted.
HR 754 - ADOPTED
(by Dukes)
Representative Dukes moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HRi754.
The motion prevailed.
The following resolution was laid before the house:
HR 754, Honoring the Mother/Daughter Program at Gus Garcia Middle School in Austin.
HR 754 was adopted.
HR 772 - ADOPTED
(by Edwards)
Representative Edwards moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HRi772.
The motion prevailed.
The following resolution was laid before the house:
HR 772, Recognizing March 11, 2009, as Israel Block Party Day.
HR 772 was adopted.
(Hochberg in the chair)
636 81st LEGISLATURE — REGULAR SESSION
HR 764 - ADOPTED
(by Gallego)
Representative Gallego moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HRi764.
The motion prevailed.
The following resolution was laid before the house:
HR 764, Recognizing March 11, 2009, as Uvalde County Day at the State Capitol.
HR 764 was read and was adopted.
(Speaker in the chair)
On motion of Representative Hilderbran, the names of all the members of the house were added to HRi764 as signers thereof.
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS
The speaker recognized Representative Gallego who introduced a delegation from Uvalde County.
HR 760 - ADOPTED
(by Hunter)
Representative Hunter moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HRi760.
The motion prevailed.
The following resolution was laid before the house:
HR 760, Recognizing March 11, 2009, as Port Lavaca Day at the State Capitol.
(Rodriguez in the chair)
HR 760 was read and was adopted.
On motion of Representative Martinez, the names of all the members of the house were added to HRi760 as signers thereof.
HR 689 - ADOPTED
(by Martinez)
Representative Martinez moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HRi689.
The motion prevailed.
The following resolution was laid before the house:
HR 689, Recognizing March 11, 2009, as Mid-Valley Day at the State Capitol.
(Speaker in the chair)
HR 689 was read and was adopted.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 HOUSE JOURNAL — 30th Day 637
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS
The speaker recognized Representative Martinez who introduced a delegation from the Mid-Valley area.
HR 703 - ADOPTED
(by Burnam)
Representative Burnam moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HRi703.
The motion prevailed.
The following resolution was laid before the house:
HR 703, Honoring Rahr & Sons Brewing of Fort Worth.
(Oliveira in the chair)
HR 703 was read and was adopted.
HR 769 - ADOPTED
(by Rodriguez)
Representative Rodriguez moved to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider at this time HRi769.
The motion prevailed.
The following resolution was laid before the house:
HR 769, Honoring Ruben G. Hernandez for continuing the proud musical legacy of the Nash Hernandez Orchestra.
HR 769 was adopted.
INTRODUCTION OF GUEST
The chair recognized Representative D. Miller who introduced U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Hagee (ret.).
(Harper-Brown in the chair)
COMMITTEES GRANTED PERMISSION TO MEET
Representative Oliveira requested permission for the Committee on Ways and Means to meet while the house is in session, during bill referral today, in E2.010, for a public hearing.
Permission to meet was granted.
Representative Kuempel requested permission for the Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures to meet while the house is in session, during bill referral today, in E2.016, to consider HB 1299 and HB 1963.
Permission to meet was granted.
(Oliveira in the chair)
638 81st LEGISLATURE — REGULAR SESSION
FIVE-DAY POSTING RULE SUSPENDED
Representative Morrison moved to suspend the five-day posting rule and all necessary rules to allow the Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Business and Economic Development, to consider LBB recommendations on Article VII and Article VIII.
The motion prevailed.
COMMITTEE MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
The following committee meeting was announced:
Appropriations, Subcommittee on Business and Economic Development, upon adjournment of the Committee on Appropriations meeting today, JHR 131, for a public hearing, to consider LBB recommendations on Article VII and Article VIII.
PROVIDING FOR ADJOURNMENT
Representative Naishtat moved that, at the conclusion of the reading of bills and resolutions on first reading and referral to committees, the house adjourn until 10 a.m. tomorrow in memory of Lane Alton Zivley of Pflugerville.
The motion prevailed.
BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS ON FIRST READING
AND REFERRAL TO COMMITTEES
CORRECTIONS IN REFERRAL
Bills and joint resolutions were at this time laid before the house, read first time, and referred to committees. Pursuant to Rule 1, Section 4 of the House Rules, the chair at this time corrected the referral of measures to committees. (See the addendum to the daily journal, Referred to Committees, List No. 1.)
(Hughes in the chair)
ADJOURNMENT
In accordance with a previous motion, the house, at 11:59 a.m., adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow.
AAAAAADDENDUMAAAAA
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:
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 HOUSE JOURNAL — 30th Day 639
List No. 1
HB 2407 (By Naishtat), Relating to participation in the group benefits program by certain retired state employees and their dependents.
To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services.
HB 2408 (By Farias), Relating to the extension of consumer credit to certain members of the Texas National Guard and armed forces of the United States and their dependents; providing a penalty.
To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services.
HB 2409 (By Farias), Relating to the conduct of early voting by personal appearance on Saturday.
To Elections.
HB 2410 (By Anchia), Relating to exceptions to the requirements that certain persons register under the lobby law.
To Elections.
HB 2411 (By Fletcher), Relating to the criminal penalty for unlawfully obtaining, lending, possessing, or using a driver's license or personal identification certificate.
To Public Safety.
HB 2412 (By C. Howard), Relating to the registration and compulsory inspection of certain street rods and custom vehicles.
To Transportation.
HB 2413 (By Anchia), Relating to business leave time accounts for police officer employee organizations in certain municipalities.
To Urban Affairs.
HB 2414 (By Bolton), Relating to the regulation of stormwater management by certain counties.
To Natural Resources.
HB 2415 (By Leibowitz), Relating to the enforcement of a court order requiring an inmate imprisoned in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to pay child support.
To Corrections.
HB 2416 (By Leibowitz), Relating to attorney general participation in proceedings involving charitable trusts.
To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
HB 2417 (By Leibowitz), Relating to the definition of charitable trust for purposes of court jurisdiction.
To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
HB 2418 (By McClendon), Relating to the coordination of the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of a statewide passenger rail system by the Texas Department of Transportation.
To Transportation.
640 81st LEGISLATURE — REGULAR SESSION
HB 2419 (By Laubenberg), Relating to allowing the governing bodies of certain municipalities to order a local option election relating to the sale of alcoholic beverages.
To Licensing and Administrative Procedures.
HB 2420 (By McClendon), Relating to ad valorem and sales and use tax exemptions for high-speed passenger rail facilities.
To Ways and Means.
HB 2421 (By Solomons), Relating to the governing body of an independent organization for a power region.
To State Affairs.
HB 2422 (By Morrison), Relating to the automatic admission of undergraduate students to general academic teaching institutions.
To Higher Education.
HB 2423 (By Morrison), Relating to the procedures governing certain bail bonds.
To Criminal Jurisprudence.
HB 2424 (By Morrison), Relating to exempting Lamar State College–Orange and Lamar State College–Port Arthur from the requirement that an applicant for admission to a general academic teaching institution complete the recommended or advanced high school curriculum.
To Higher Education.
HB 2425 (By Morrison), Relating to engineering recruitment programs established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
To Higher Education.
HB 2426 (By Gattis), Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general and the appointment of deputy inspector generals at the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Youth Commission, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Department of Transportation; providing penalties.
To State Affairs.
HB 2427 (By Deshotel), Relating to the rights and responsibilities of residential tenants.
To Business and Industry.
HB 2428 (By Deshotel), Relating to immunity from liability for doctors performing certain medical services at the request of the Division of Workers' Compensation.
To Business and Industry.
HB 2429 (By Deshotel), Relating to return-to-work coordination services and the return-to-work reimbursement program for employers participating in the Texas workers' compensation system.
To Business and Industry.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 HOUSE JOURNAL — 30th Day 641
HB 2430 (By Button), Relating to lobbying by former members of the legislature; creating an offense.
To State Affairs.
HB 2431 (By T. Smith), Relating to mediation of out-of-network health benefit claim disputes between enrollees and health benefit plan issuers.
To Insurance.
HB 2432 (By T. Smith), Relating to defendant's eligibility to be placed on deferred adjudication for certain intoxication offenses and to the consequences of that deferred adjudication.
To Criminal Jurisprudence.
HB 2433 (By W. Smith), Relating to the powers of certain freight rail districts.
To Transportation.
HB 2434 (By W. Smith), Relating to the supervision by the Texas Department of Transportation of money appropriated by the federal government for the construction and maintenance of rail facilities.
To Transportation.
HB 2435 (By Phillips), Relating to the location of an arbitration trial.
To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
HB 2436 (By Phillips), Relating to the zoning authority of counties around certain bodies of water.
To Land and Resource Management.
HB 2437 (By McCall), Relating to a major events trust fund and an events trust fund for sporting and non-sporting events.
To Technology, Economic Development, and Workforce.
HB 2438 (By McCall), Relating to requirements regarding motor vehicle retail installment transactions.
To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services.
HB 2439 (By McCall), Relating to compensation for the use of the public transportation system of a regional transportation authority.
To Transportation.
HB 2440 (By McCall), Relating to scholarships for fifth-year accounting students.
To Higher Education.
HB 2441 (By Rose), Relating to the authority of conservation and reclamation districts in Hays County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of recreational facilities.
To Ways and Means.
HB 2442 (By Rose), Relating to the limitation on paid leave for state employees at health and human services agencies pending a criminal history background check.
To Human Services.
642 81st LEGISLATURE — REGULAR SESSION
HB 2443 (By Rose), Relating to benefits and services for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
To Human Services.
HB 2444 (By Rose), Relating to the investigation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded.
To Human Services.
HB 2445 (By Rose), Relating to the prohibition of off-premise signs on certain roads.
To Transportation.
HB 2446 (By Rose), Relating to eligibility for public school prekindergarten classes of children residing with a grandparent.
To Public Education.
HB 2447 (By Flynn), Relating to the abolition of the Board of Tax Professional Examiners and the transfer of its functions to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
To Licensing and Administrative Procedures.
HB 2448 (By Eiland), Relating to reducing the amount paid to purchase attendance credits by certain school districts in disaster areas.
To Public Education.
HB 2449 (By Eiland), Relating to unencumbered surplus or guaranty fund requirements for county mutual insurance companies.
To Insurance.
HB 2450 (By Eiland), Relating to a determination of home ownership by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs following a disaster.
To Urban Affairs.
HB 2451 (By Eiland), Relating to insurance premium finance agreements regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance.
To Insurance.
HB 2452 (By Eiland), Relating to size limitations for certain physical education classes in public schools.
To Public Education.
HB 2453 (By Eiland), Relating to helping employees and newly unemployed persons maintain access to employer-sponsored health insurance.
To Insurance.
HB 2454 (By Eiland), Relating to a one-time supplemental annuity payment by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services.
HB 2455 (By Eiland), Relating to a one-time supplemental annuity payment by the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 HOUSE JOURNAL — 30th Day 643
HB 2456 (By Eiland), Relating to insurance agent qualifications to sell certain products or product lines.
To Insurance.
HB 2457 (By Eiland), Relating to the duty of the General Land Office to clean, maintain, and clear debris from a public beach affected by a declared disaster.
To Land and Resource Management.
HB 2458 (By Eiland), Relating to requiring insurers to offer conversion of group policies.
To Insurance.
HB 2459 (By Solomons), Relating to tax credits for business development in low-income communities.
To Ways and Means.
HB 2460 (By Harper-Brown), Relating to the exemption from ad valorem tax of certain property owned by a religious organization.
To Ways and Means.
HB 2461 (By Deshotel), Relating to publishing certain images of private property on the Internet; providing a criminal penalty.
To Business and Industry.
HB 2462 (By Keffer), Relating to public interest in a county road.
To Transportation.
HB 2463 (By Farias), Relating to appeals to the commissioner of education and to recommendations by hearing examiners concerning public school teacher employment decisions.
To Public Education.
HB 2464 (By Chavez), Relating to intergovernmental affairs between the state of texas and federally recognized indian tribes.
To Border and Intergovernmental Affairs.
HB 2465 (By Chavez), Relating to taking a deposition of an elderly or disabled victim of an offense.
To Criminal Jurisprudence.
HB 2466 (By Rodriguez), Relating to including playgrounds in the designation of certain places as drug-free zones for purposes of the criminal penalties that apply to certain drug-related offenses.
To Criminal Jurisprudence.
HB 2467 (By Rodriguez), Relating to the definition of a playground for purposes of certain places protected from certain criminal activities.
To Criminal Jurisprudence.
HB 2468 (By Rodriguez), Relating to public access to the examination and approval of voting systems used in an election.
To Elections.
644 81st LEGISLATURE — REGULAR SESSION
HB 2469 (By Rodriguez), Relating to certain mass transit entities.
To Transportation.
HB 2470 (By Gattis), Relating to the establishment of the Texas Mutual Health Benefit Plan Company.
To Insurance.
HB 2471 (By Keffer), Relating to career and technical education in the public schools and high school graduation requirements.
To Public Education.
HB 2472 (By Kolkhorst), Relating to persons authorized to perform a marriage ceremony.
To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
HB 2473 (By Kolkhorst), Relating to the composition of the First, Tenth, and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals Districts.
To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
HB 2474 (By Olivo), Relating to providing to parents notice of and information regarding school district codes of conduct.
To Public Education.
HB 2475 (By Olivo), Relating to discipline of public school students who fail to report possession or use of prescription medication on or near school premises, at school or school-related activities, or on a school bus.
To Public Education.
HB 2476 (By Olivo), Relating to discipline management in public schools.
To Public Education.
HB 2477 (By Olivo), Relating to placement of a student who has engaged in conduct for which the student may be expelled from public school.
To Public Education.
HB 2478 (By Olivo), Relating to discipline for certain conduct of a student enrolled in a school district special education program.
To Public Education.
HB 2479 (By Olivo), Relating to best practices for public school student dropout prevention and recovery.
To Public Education.
HB 2480 (By Hochberg), Relating to school district agreements with junior colleges for courses for joint high school and junior college credit.
To Public Education.
HB 2481 (By Hochberg), Relating to financial accountability for school districts.
To Public Education.
HB 2482 (By C. Howard), Relating to the display of emergency lighting on the personal vehicle of a reserve peace officer.
To Transportation.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 HOUSE JOURNAL — 30th Day 645
HB 2483 (By Pickett), Relating to the repeal of the authority for the establishment and administration of the Border Health Institute in the city of El Paso.
To Border and Intergovernmental Affairs.
HB 2484 (By C. Howard), Relating to the creation of the Aliana Management District; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds.
To Urban Affairs.
HB 2485 (By P. King), Relating to the inclusion of gas and electric transmission and distribution costs in the cost of goods sold for purposes of the franchise tax.
To Ways and Means.
HB 2486 (By P. King), Relating to the consolidation of more than one water or sewer system under a single tariff by an investor-owned utility.
To Natural Resources.
HB 2487 (By Eiland), Relating to the establishment, funding, and operation of the Texas natural disaster catastrophe fund and the disaster preparedness and mitigation grant council.
To Insurance.
HB 2488 (By Hochberg), Relating to open-source textbooks for public schools.
To Public Education.
HB 2489 (By Harper-Brown), Relating to the allocation of revenue from the motor vehicle sales tax to the state highway fund.
To Ways and Means.
HB 2490 (By Harper-Brown), Relating to the designation of the Diamond Interchange.
To Transportation.
HB 2491 (By Patrick), Relating to disclosure of certain personal information of applicants for employment with and current and former employees of public school entities.
To Public Education.
HB 2492 (By Strama), Relating to the creation, operation, and funding of the Texas YouthBuild Program.
To Technology, Economic Development, and Workforce.
HB 2493 (By Castro), Relating to a notification requirement if a counselor is not assigned to a public school campus.
To Public Education.
HB 2494 (By Dunnam), Relating to the termination of the parent-child relationship and the duty to pay child support in circumstances involving mistaken paternity.
To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
646 81st LEGISLATURE — REGULAR SESSION
HB 2495 (By Dunnam), Relating to the consideration of the cumulative effects of emissions from proposed facilities in actions by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on applications for certain air contaminant emissions permits or permit amendments.
To Environmental Regulation.
HB 2496 (By Dunnam), Relating to the posting of statements, registrations, and reports filed with the Texas Ethics Commission on the commission's Internet website.
To State Affairs.
HB 2497 (By Dunnam), Relating to a conditional reduction of nitrogen oxides emissions from certain coal-fired electric generating facilities.
To Environmental Regulation.
HB 2498 (By Dunnam), Relating to admitting certain residents to nursing homes or related institutions.
To Human Services.
HB 2499 (By Dunnam), Relating to the appropriation of money from the property tax relief fund.
To Appropriations.
HB 2500 (By Dunnam), Relating to the governor's flag.
To Culture, Recreation, and Tourism.
HB 2501 (By Leibowitz), Relating to the creation of the Scenic Loop–Boerne Stage Road Driving Trail.
To Transportation.
HB 2502 (By Hartnett), Relating to the adoption of a nonsubstantive revision of provisions of the Texas Probate Code relating to decedents' estates and the redesignation of certain other provisions of the Texas Probate Code, including conforming amendments and repeals.
To State Affairs.
HB 2503 (By Swinford), Relating to agreements for limitations on appraised value under the Texas Economic Development Act.
To Ways and Means.
HB 2504 (By Kolkhorst), Relating to requiring a public institution of higher education to make available to the public on the institution's Internet website certain course information; authorizing a penalty.
To Higher Education.
HB 2505 (By Kolkhorst), Relating to the rates and imposition of the state sales and franchise taxes and to the allocation of certain revenue.
To Ways and Means.
HB 2506 (By Villarreal), Relating to a limitation on causes of action related to permits issued by political subdivisions.
To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 HOUSE JOURNAL — 30th Day 647
HB 2507 (By Chisum), Relating to the establishment of an interoperable statewide emergency radio infrastructure and the imposition of an emergency radio infrastructure fee on certain telephone services.
To Public Safety.
HB 2508 (By Castro), Relating to the sheriff's department civil service system in certain counties; imposing a criminal penalty.
To County Affairs.
HB 2509 (By Geren), Relating to the payment of a lottery prize awarded to a minor.
To Licensing and Administrative Procedures.
HB 2510 (By Jones), Relating to the admissibility of a statement made by an accused in a criminal case.
To Criminal Jurisprudence.
HB 2511 (By T. Smith), Relating to political contributions to and political expenditures made by or on behalf of candidates, officeholders, and political committees; providing a criminal penalty.
To Elections.
HB 2512 (By Aycock), Relating to authorization to make an audio recording of a meeting or proceeding arising from a grievance reported by a public school employee.
To Public Education.
HB 2513 (By Hopson), Relating to the procedures for registering to vote and accepting a voter at a polling place; providing a criminal penalty.
To Elections.
HB 2514 (By Hopson), Relating to creating an offense for impersonating a United States citizen.
To Criminal Jurisprudence.
HB 2515 (By T. Smith), Relating to the minimum dollar amount for certain requirements to apply to certain public contracts.
To State Affairs.
HB 2516 (By Chisum), Relating to the use of alternative fuels by a county mass transit authority.
To Energy Resources.
HB 2517 (By S. Turner), Relating to the dedication of certain civil penalties for violations of the Business & Commerce Code to provide civil legal services to the indigent.
To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
HB 2518 (By Menendez), Relating to authorization by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for certain public junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs.
To Higher Education.
648 81st LEGISLATURE — REGULAR SESSION
HB 2519 (By Parker), Relating to alternative methods of obtaining criminal history information and registration of private vendors to obtain criminal history information; providing a civil penalty.
To Technology, Economic Development, and Workforce.
HB 2520 (By Swinford), Relating to the state's goal for electric generating capacity derived from emerging renewable energy resources.
To State Affairs.
HB 2521 (By Pickett), Relating to a preference in state purchasing for certain media-related services offered by businesses based in Texas.
To State Affairs.
HB 2522 (By Pickett), Relating to the circumstances under which the Department of Public Safety may issue a silver alert for a missing senior citizen.
To Public Safety.
HB 2523 (By Anchia), Relating to the purchasing of a firearm from the county by an honorably retired law enforcement officer.
To Public Safety.
HB 2524 (By Anchia), Relating to the accuracy, security, and reliability of certain electronic voting systems.
To Elections.
HB 2525 (By T. Smith), Relating to political expenditures made by a corporation or labor organization to finance the establishment and administration of a political committee.
To Elections.
HB 2526 (By Anchia), Relating to the notice required regarding the application of certain residential rental payments.
To Business and Industry.
HB 2527 (By Aycock), Relating to the regulation of commercial fertilizer.
To Agriculture and Livestock.
HB 2528 (By Aycock), Relating to the requirements for obtaining a veterinarian's special license.
To Agriculture and Livestock.
HB 2529 (By Harless), Relating to the terms of office of commissioners of certain emergency services districts.
To County Affairs.
HB 2530 (By Harless), Relating to the authority of a county assessor-collector or the Texas Department of Transportation to refuse to register certain vehicles.
To Transportation.
HB 2531 (By Chavez), Relating to a reporting requirement regarding the Texas emerging technology fund.
To Technology, Economic Development, and Workforce.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 HOUSE JOURNAL — 30th Day 649
HB 2532 (By Bonnen), Relating to coordinating information regarding the location of infrastructure to which the supply of electric service is critical to the public health and safety or for emergency management purposes.
To State Affairs.
HB 2533 (By Bonnen), Relating to damages to affected business entities for project completion delays on highway projects.
To Transportation.
HB 2534 (By Bonnen), Relating to the total revenue exemption for the franchise tax.
To Ways and Means.
HB 2535 (By Creighton), Relating to the regulation and enforcement of dam safety by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; providing civil and administrative penalties.
To Natural Resources.
HB 2536 (By Creighton), Relating to the floodplain management account.
To Natural Resources.
HB 2537 (By Creighton), Relating to the certification of sheriffs and deputy sheriffs to enforce commercial motor vehicle safety standards.
To Transportation.
HB 2538 (By Guillen), Relating to the career and technology education program.
To Public Education.
HB 2539 (By Eiland), Relating to a disaster recovery insurance claims mediation program.
To Insurance.
HB 2540 (By Eiland), Relating to the establishment and operation of a disaster recovery insurance claims mediation program.
To Insurance.
HB 2541 (By Eissler), Relating to the funding and operation of open-enrollment charter schools.
To Public Education.
HB 2542 (By Eissler), Relating to excused absences in public schools for students visiting institutions of higher education.
To Public Education.
HB 2543 (By Eissler), Relating to certain limitations on the ad valorem tax rate of a school district.
To Ways and Means.
HB 2544 (By Giddings), Relating to the payment of attorneys' fee liens in certain workers' compensation benefit matters.
To Business and Industry.
650 81st LEGISLATURE — REGULAR SESSION
HB 2545 (By Isett), Relating to an exemption from certain end-of-course assessment instruments for a high school student earning college credit.
To Public Education.
HB 2546 (By Isett), Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission.
To Defense and Veterans' Affairs.
HB 2547 (By Giddings), Relating to the use of a description of employment in determining the safety and appropriateness of a return to employment by an injured employee.
To Business and Industry.
HB 2548 (By Kuempel), Relating to membership of certain advisory bodies to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
To Licensing and Administrative Procedures.
HB 2549 (By J. Davis), Relating to auditing procedures and authority relating to county education departments in certain populous counties.
To County Affairs.
HB 2550 (By C. Howard), Relating to the regulation of property tax consultants.
To Licensing and Administrative Procedures.
HB 2551 (By Frost), Relating to certain powers of the Red River Redevelopment Authority.
To State Affairs.
HB 2552 (By Herrero), Relating to public notice of building requirements and inspection standards in first tier coastal counties.
To Insurance.
HB 2553 (By Hilderbran), Relating to the registration and operation of certain off-highway vehicles.
To Culture, Recreation, and Tourism.
HB 2554 (By Hilderbran), Relating to fees charged for the purchase or sale of securities.
To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services.
HB 2555 (By Hilderbran), Relating to the length of time certain property acquired by a charitable organization to provide low-income housing may be exempted from ad valorem taxation.
To Ways and Means.
HB 2556 (By Solomons), Relating to the transfer of a motor vehicle retail installment contract to a holder and to certain contracts made in contemplation of a motor vehicle retail installment contract.
To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 HOUSE JOURNAL — 30th Day 651
HB 2557 (By Harper-Brown), Relating to the evaluation of highway or other mobility projects as toll projects by the Texas Department of Transportation.
To Transportation.
HB 2558 (By S. Turner), Relating to registration for evacuation and disaster preparedness for clients of home and community support services agencies.
To Defense and Veterans' Affairs.
HB 2559 (By Truitt), Relating to the powers and duties of the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services.
HB 2560 (By Kuempel), Relating to delinquent payment of an alcoholic beverage retailer's account for liquor.
To Licensing and Administrative Procedures.
HB 2561 (By Ortiz), Relating to a program allowing for countywide voting locations in certain elections.
To Elections.
HB 2562 (By Fletcher), Relating to insurance premium payment assistance for certain persons who have hemophilia and are unable to pay the entire cost of treatment.
To Public Health.
HB 2563 (By Paxton), Relating to determination of and notification regarding the state compression percentage under the public school finance system and the elimination of property taxes for school district maintenance and operations.
To Public Education.
HB 2564 (By McClendon), Relating to the analysis of computer data; providing penalties.
To Technology, Economic Development, and Workforce.
HB 2565 (By Frost), Relating to the rights and liabilities of the parties in a suit for dissolution of a marriage and certain post-dissolution proceedings.
To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
HB 2566 (By Frost), Relating to the rights of spouses and claims for reimbursement in relation to separate and community property.
To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
HB 2567 (By Frost), Relating to attorney's fees in certain postjudgment proceedings.
To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
HB 2568 (By Frost), Relating to the marital property interest in certain employee benefits.
To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
652 81st LEGISLATURE — REGULAR SESSION
HB 2569 (By Hancock), Relating to a specialty insurance agent license for certain vendors of portable electronic devices.
To Insurance.
HB 2570 (By Hancock), Relating to the regulation of stipulated premium insurance companies.
To Insurance.
HB 2571 (By Gonzales), Relating to the licensing and regulation of towing companies and vehicle storage facilities; providing penalties.
To Transportation.
HB 2572 (By Gonzalez Toureilles), Relating to the authority of a gas corporation to use a public right-of-way.
To Energy Resources.
HB 2573 (By Gonzalez Toureilles), Relating to the amount of a county expenditure for which competitive bidding is required.
To County Affairs.
HB 2574 (By Gonzalez Toureilles), Relating to eligibility to be a candidate for, or elected or appointed to, a public elective office in this state.
To Elections.
HB 2575 (By Gonzalez Toureilles), Relating to the qualifications for service as a grand or petit juror and challenges for cause.
To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence.
HB 2576 (By Smithee), Relating to direct payment by a health or automobile insurer of physicians and health care providers.
To Insurance.
HB 2577 (By Guillen), Relating to a right to vacate and avoid residential lease liability following the occurrence of certain sex offenses or domestic violence; providing a penalty.
To Business and Industry.
HB 2578 (By Keffer), Relating to information required to be included on a supplier and permissive supplier's return.
To Ways and Means.
HB 2579 (By Lewis), Relating to mandatory conditions of community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision concerning certain searches.
To Criminal Jurisprudence.
HB 2580 (By Frost), Relating to the establishment of a peace officer employment opportunity Internet website by the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.
To Public Safety.
HB 2581 (By Gonzalez Toureilles), Relating to the definitions of a discount health care program and a discount care health care program operator.
To Public Health.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 HOUSE JOURNAL — 30th Day 653
HJR 82 (By McClendon), Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a high-speed passenger rail facility.
To Ways and Means.
HJR 83 (By Rose), Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in Hays County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.
To Ways and Means.
HJR 85 (By Harless), Proposing a constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to provide for members of a governing board of an emergency services district to serve terms not to exceed four years.
To County Affairs.
Pursuant to Rule 1, Section 4 of the House Rules, the chair corrects the referral of the following bills and resolutions:
HB 418 (By B. Brown), Relating to the determination of resident status of students by public institutions of higher education.
To State Affairs.
SIGNED BY THE SPEAKER
The following bills and resolutions were today signed in the presence of the house by the speaker:
Senate List No. 11
SCRi30
AAAAAAPPENDIXAAAAA
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Favorable reports have been filed by committees as follows:
March 10
Technology, Economic Development and Workforce - HBi271, HBi394, HCRi54
ENROLLED
March 10 - HCRi46
654 81st LEGISLATURE — REGULAR SESSION