MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Wednesday, March 19, 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 19, 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. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called:

Senator Judith Zaffirini

Senator Pete Flores

Senator Bryan Hughes

At 9:03 AM Senator Hancock assumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1146.  Senator Parker sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Birdwell to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Parker moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Birdwell moved that SB 1146 do not pass but that CSSB 1146 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senators Zaffirini, Alvarado, and Flores submitted motions in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on SB 1146.

Senator Birdwell 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 1198.

Senator Parker sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Birdwell to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Parker moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Birdwell moved that SB 1198 do not pass but that CSSB 1198 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senators Zaffirini, Alvarado, and Flores submitted motions in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on SB 1198.

Senator Birdwell 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 763.

Senator Parker sent up a committee substitute.  Senator Parker moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Parker moved that SB 763 do not pass but that CSSB 763 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senators Zaffirini, Alvarado, and Flores submitted motions in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on SB 763.

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

The chair laid out SB 879 and recognized the author, Senator Birdwell, 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 Hancock moved that SB 879 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 9:17 AM Senator Birdwell resumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 2188 and recognized the author, Senator Hinojosa, Adam, 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 2188 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2230 and recognized the author, Senator Hinojosa, Adam, to explain the bill.

Senator Hancock sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Hinojosa, Adam, 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 2230 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1763 and recognized the author, Senator Hughes, 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 1763 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 10:45 AM Senator Zaffirini assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 1147 and recognized the author, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill.

Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 1147 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 10:48 AM Senator Birdwell resumed the chair.

There being no further business, at 10:48 AM 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