MINUTES
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Monday, May 5, 2025
10:00 AM
Capitol Extension, Room E1.028
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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Local Government was held on Monday, May 5, 2025, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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Senator Paul Bettencourt, Chair |
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None |
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Senator Mayes Middleton, Vice Chair |
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Senator Molly Cook |
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Senator Roland Gutierrez |
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Senator Robert Nichols |
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Senator Angela Paxton |
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Senator Royce West |
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The chair called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:
The chair laid out HB 331 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Hinojosa, J, to explain the bill.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 331 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 2655 and recognized the author, Senator Flores, to explain the bill.
Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute.
The chair recognized Senator Flores to explain the difference between the committee
substitute and the senate bill as filed.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2655 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 1443 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 1443 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out HB 3307 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Hinojosa, A, to explain the bill.
Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute.
The chair recognized Senator Hinojosa, A to explain the difference between the committee
substitute and the senate bill as filed.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 3307 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3048 and recognized the author, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 3048 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
At 10:17 AM Senator Nichols assumed the chair.
The chair laid out HB 9 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill.
Senator Bettencourt sent up a committee substitute.
The chair recognized Senator Bettencourt to explain the difference between the committee
substitute and the senate bill as filed.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Nichols moved that HB 9 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out HJR 1 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill.
Senator Bettencourt sent up a committee substitute.
The chair recognized Senator Bettencourt to explain the difference between the committee
substitute and the senate bill as filed.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Nichols moved that HJR 1 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 9.
Senator Bettencourt moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so
ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 9 do not pass but that CSHB 9 be reported back to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record
vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.
The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HJR 1.
Senator Bettencourt moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so
ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that HJR 1 do not pass but that CSHJR 1 be reported back to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record
vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.
At 10:44 AM Senator Bettencourt resumed the chair.
The chair laid out HB 1399 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Nichols, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 1399 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out HJR 99 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Nichols, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that HJR 99 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 2553 and recognized the author, Senator West , to explain the bill.
Senator Gutierrez sent up a committee substitute.
The chair recognized Senator West to explain the difference between the committee
substitute and the senate bill as filed.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2553 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 2907 and recognized the author, Senator West , to explain the bill.
Senator Paxton sent up a committee substitute.
The chair recognized Senator West to explain the difference between the committee
substitute and the senate bill as filed.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2907 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SJR 78 and recognized the author, Senator West , to explain the bill.
Senator Paxton sent up a committee substitute.
The chair recognized Senator West to explain the difference between the committee
substitute and the senate bill as filed.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that SJR 78 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 1331 and recognized Senator Middleton, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 1331 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
At 11:07 AM Senator Bettencourt moved that the Committee stand recessed until 15 to 30
minutes after adjournment of the Senate. Without objection, it was so ordered.
At 3:53 PM Senator Bettencourt reconvened the meeting.
The chair laid out HB 467 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Nichols, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 467 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3063 and recognized the author, Senator Nichols, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 3063 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out HB 1327 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Miles, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 1327 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 2764 and recognized the author, Senator Cook , to explain the bill.
Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute.
The chair recognized Senator Cook to explain the difference between the committee
substitute and the senate bill as filed.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2764 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
At 4:10 PM Senator Nichols assumed the chair.
The chair laid out SB 2519 and recognized the author, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Nichols moved that SB 2519 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out HB 1244 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Nichols moved that HB 1244 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out HB 2559 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Bettencourt, to explain the bill.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Nichols moved that HB 2559 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
At 4:49 PM Senator Bettencourt resumed the chair.
The chair laid out SB 1375 and recognized the author, Senator Paxton , to explain the bill.
Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute.
The chair recognized Senator Paxton to explain the difference between the committee
substitute and the senate bill as filed.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 1375 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3051 and recognized the author, Senator Paxton , to explain the bill.
Senator Gutierrez sent up a committee substitute.
The chair recognized Senator Paxton to explain the difference between the committee
substitute and the senate bill as filed.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Gutierrez moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so
ordered.
Senator Gutierrez moved that SB 3051 do not pass but that CSSB 3051 be reported back to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record
vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present not voting, and 0 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 1578 and recognized the author, Senator Parker , to explain the bill.
Senator Middleton sent up a committee substitute.
The chair recognized Senator Parker to explain the difference between the committee
substitute and the senate bill as filed.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 1578 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 2063 and recognized the author, Senator Parker, to explain the bill.
Senator Middleton sent up a committee substitute.
The chair recognized Senator Parker to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2063 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out HB 2730 and recognized the Senate Sponsor, Senator Parker, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Nichols moved that HB 2730 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3052 and recognized the author, Senator Parker, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Nichols moved that SB 3052 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0
nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3053 and recognized the author, Senator Parker, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Gutierrez moved that SB 3053 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0
nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3030 and recognized Senator Nichols, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 3030 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3033 and recognized Senator Nichols, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 3033 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3037 and recognized Senator Nichols, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Cook moved that SB 3037 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nays, 1 present not voting, and 0 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3047 and recognized Senator Nichols, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Gutierrez moved that SB 3047 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nays, 1 present not voting, and 0 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 2251 and recognized Senator Nichols, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.
Senator Middleton sent up a committee substitute.
The chair recognized Senator Nichols to explain the difference between the committee
substitute and the senate bill as filed.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Nichols moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so
ordered.
Senator Nichols moved that SB 2251 do not pass but that CSSB 2251 be reported back to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record
vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present not voting, and 0 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3035 and recognized Senator Nichols, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Nichols moved that SB 3035 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nays, 1 present not voting, and 0 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3036 and recognized Senator Nichols, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Nichols moved that SB 3036 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0
nays, 1 present not voting, and 1 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3043 and recognized Senator Nichols, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Nichols moved that SB 3043 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nays, 1 present not voting, and 0 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3048 and recognized Senator Nichols, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Nichols moved that SB 3048 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0
nays, 1 present not voting, and 1 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3050 and recognized Senator Nichols, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Nichols moved that SB 3050 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0
nays, 1 present not voting, and 1 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3056 and recognized Senator Nichols, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Nichols moved that SB 3056 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nays, 1 present not voting, and 0 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3057 and recognized Senator Nichols, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Nichols moved that SB 3057 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nays, 1 present not voting, and 0 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out SB 3063 as a matter of pending business.
Senator Cook moved that SB 3063 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nays, 1 present not voting, and 0 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2063.
Senator Middleton sent up a committee substitute.
Senator Middleton moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so
ordered.
Senator Middleton moved that SB 2063 do not pass but that CSSB 2063 be reported back to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record
vote of 5 ayes, 1 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.
The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2655.
Senator Gutierrez moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so
ordered.
Senator Gutierrez moved that SB 2655 do not pass but that CSSB 2655 be reported back to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record
vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.
Senator Gutierrez moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out HB 331 as a matter of pending business.
Senator Nichols moved that HB 331 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.
Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out HB 467 as a matter of pending business.
Senator Middleton moved that HB 467 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.
Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out HB 1327 as a matter of pending business.
Senator Cook moved that HB 1327 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.
Senator Cook moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out HB 1399 as a matter of pending business.
Senator Middleton moved that HB 1399 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0
nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out HJR 99 as a matter of pending business.
Senator Middleton moved that HJR 99 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0
nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.
The chair laid out HB 2723 as a matter of pending business.
Senator Gutierrez moved that HB 2723 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.
Senator Gutierrez moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out HB 2730 as a matter of pending business.
Senator Middleton moved that HB 2730 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out HB 3307 as a matter of pending business.
Senator Middleton moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so
ordered.
Senator Middleton moved that HB 3307 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0
nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.
Senator Middleton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
At 5:37 Senator Middleton assumed the chair.
The chair laid out HB 1244 as a matter of pending business.
Senator Nichols moved that HB 1244 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0
nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.
Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chair laid out HB 2559 as a matter of pending business.
Senator Nichols moved that HB 2559 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 1
nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.
At 5:40 PM Senator Bettencourt resumed the chair.
At 5:40 PM Senator Bettencourt recognizes a motion in writing from Senator West and Senator Paxton.
There being no further business, at 5:40 PM Senator Bettencourt moved that the Committee
stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.
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Senator Paul Bettencourt, Chair
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Jared Yust, Clerk