MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Wednesday, April 2, 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, April 2, 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 Carol Alvarado

Senator Pete Flores

Senator Bryan Hughes

Senator Tan Parker

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1150.

Senator Middleton sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Middleton to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. 

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

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

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2037.

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

Senator Zaffirini moved that SB 2037 do not pass but that CSSB 2037 be reported back 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. Senator Parker submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on SB 2037.

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

At 9:15 AM Senator Zaffirini assumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1758.

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

Senator Birdwell moved that SB 1758 do not pass but that CSSB 1758 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, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Parker submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on SB 1758.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1759.

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

Senator Birdwell moved that SB 1759 do not pass but that CSSB 1759 be reported back 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. Senator Parker submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on SB 1759.

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

At 9:17 AM Senator Birdwell resumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 2122 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, 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 2122 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 9:36 AM Senator Zaffirini assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 2050 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 2050 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 9:48 AM Senator Birdwell resumed the chair.

There being no further business, at 9:49 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