MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

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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 Natural Resources was held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Brian Birdwell, Chair	None
Senator Judith Zaffirini, Vice Chair
Senator Carol Alvarado
Senator César Blanco
Senator Pete Flores
Senator Kelly Hancock
Senator Bryan Hughes
Senator Tan Parker
Senator Kevin Sparks

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:02 AM. The following business was transacted:

 A quorum was established at 9:20 AM.

The following members arrived after the roll was called:

Senator Carol Alvarado

Senator Pete Flores

Senator Kelly Hancock

Senator Bryan Hughes

Senator Tan Parker

Senator Kevin Sparks

The chair laid out SB 1150 and recognized the author, Senator Middleton, to explain the bill.

Senator Birdwell sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Middleton 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.

The chair moved to pull down the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Birdwell moved that SB 1150 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 763 and recognized the author, Senator Alvarado, to explain the bill.

Senator Alvarado sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Alvarado 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.

The chair moved to pull down the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Birdwell moved that SB 763 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1061 and recognized the author, Senator Parker, 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 Birdwell moved that SB 1061 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 10:53 AM Senator Hughes assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 1198 and recognized the author, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill.

Senator Birdwell sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Birdwell 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.

The chair moved to pull down the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hughes moved that SB 1198 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 10:59 AM Senator Birdwell resumed the chair.

At 10:59 AM the chair moved that the Committee stand recessed until 30 minutes upon adjournment. Without objection, it was so ordered.

At 2:20 PM Senator Birdwell reconvened the meeting.

At 2:20 PM Senator Zaffirini assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 1146 and recognized the author, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill.

Senator Birdwell sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Birdwell 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.

The chair moved to pull down the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 1146 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 2:30 PM Senator Birdwell resumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1061.

Senator Birdwell moved that SB 1061 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senators Alvarado, Blanco, and Flores submitted motions in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on SB 1061.

Senator Hancock moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 2:33 PM Senator Birdwell moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Brian Birdwell, Chair

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Jennifer Trevino, Clerk