MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

8:00 AM

Senate Chamber

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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 Health & Human Services was held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in the Senate Chamber.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Chair	None
Senator Charles Perry, Vice Chair
Senator César Blanco
Senator Molly Cook
Senator Bob Hall
Senator Kelly Hancock
Senator Bryan Hughes
Senator Borris Miles
Senator Kevin Sparks

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The chair called the meeting to order at 8:04 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called:

Senator Bob Hall

Senator Kelly Hancock

Senator Bryan Hughes

Senator Borris Miles

The chair laid out HB 541 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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 Kolkhorst moved that HB 541 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4466 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered to testify on the bill.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Kolkhorst moved that HB 4466 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2070 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill.

Senator Perry sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Birdwell to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.

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 Kolkhorst moved to withdraw the committee substitute and that HB 2070 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3749 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Campbell, 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 Kolkhorst moved that HB 3749 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3940 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Paxton, 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 Kolkhorst moved that HB 3940 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3963 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Paxton, to explain the bill.

Senator Perry sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Paxton to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.  Senator Kolkhorst moved that the committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

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 Kolkhorst moved that HB 3963 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 5147 and recognized the Senate sponsor, 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 Kolkhorst moved that HB 5147 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3284 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Phil King, to explain the bill.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

The chair called the following invited witnesses to provide testimony on HB 3284 (See attached list).

Senator Kolkhorst moved that HB 3284 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 5394 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator West, 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 Kolkhorst moved that HB 5394 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 35.

Senator Perry sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator West to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.  Senator Perry moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Perry moved that HB 35 do not pass but that CSHB 35 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. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

Senator Perry 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 HB 163.

Senator Perry moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Perry moved that HB 163 do not pass but that CSHB 163 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. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

Senator Perry 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 HB 721.

Senator Perry moved that HB 721 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 2 absent.

Senator Perry 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 HB 2035.

Senator Perry moved that HB 2035 be reported favorably 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. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

Senator Perry 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 CSHB 2038.

Senator Perry moved that HB 2038 do not pass but that CSHB 2038 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. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 3057.

Senator Perry moved that HB 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 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

Senator Perry 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 HB 3595.

Senator Perry moved that HB 3595 be reported favorably 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. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

Senator Perry 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 HB 3801.

Senator Perry moved that HB 3801 be reported favorably 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. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 3812.

Senator Perry moved that HB 3812 be reported favorably 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. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

Senator Perry 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 HB 4129.

Senator Perry moved that HB 4129 be reported favorably 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. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

Senator Perry 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 HB 4743.

Senator Perry moved that HB 4743 be reported favorably 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. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

Senator Perry 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 HB 4535.

Senator Hancock moved that HB 4535 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, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 4377.

Senator Perry moved that HB 4377 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 2 absent.

Senator Perry 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 HB 4666.

Senator Perry moved that HB 4666 be reported favorably 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. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

Senator Perry 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 HB 4903.

Senator Perry moved that HB 4903 be reported favorably 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. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

Senator Perry 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 HB 5149.

Senator Hall moved that HB 5149 be reported favorably 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. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

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

Senator Perry assumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business CSHB 3153.

Senator Kolkhorst moved that HB 3153 do not pass but that CSHB 3153 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. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 3233.

Senator Kolkhorst moved that HB 3233 do not pass but that CSHB 3233 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. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

Senator Kolkhorst 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 HB 4076.

Senator Kolkhorst moved that HB 4076 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, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 5155.

Senator Kolkhorst moved that HB 5155 be reported favorably 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. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye.

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

Senator Kolkhorst resumed the chair.

There being no further business, at 10:43 AM Senator Kolkhorst moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

At 7:48 PM Senator Kolkhorst reconvened the meeting.

The chair laid out HB 4795 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill.

Senator Blanco sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Hancock to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.  Senator Kolkhorst moved that the committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

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 Kolkhorst moved that HB 4795 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4454 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Nathan Johnson, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered to testify on the bill.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Kolkhorst moved that HB 4454 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1052 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Blanco, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered to testify on the bill.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Kolkhorst moved that HB 1052 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 4099 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Perry, 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 Kolkhorst moved that HB 4099 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1942 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Perry, 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 Kolkhorst moved that HB 1942 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 713 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Molly Cook, 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 Kolkhorst moved that HB 713 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 3151 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Molly Cook, 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 Kolkhorst moved that HB 3151 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Perry assumed the chair.

The chair laid out HB 4638 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered to testify on the bill.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Perry moved that HB 4638 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 5154 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered to testify on the bill.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Perry moved that HB 5154 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2851 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill.

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

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 Perry moved that CSHB 2851 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2844 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill.

Senator Kolkhorst sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Kolkhorst to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed. 

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 Kolkhorst moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Perry moved that CSHB 2844 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1586 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill.

Senator Kolkhorst sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Kolkhorst to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed. 

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 Perry moved that the committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Perry moved that HB 1586 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Kolkhorst resumed the chair.

The chair laid out HB 1403 and recognized Senator Sparks, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.

No witnesses registered to testify on the bill.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Kolkhorst moved that HB 1403 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 3284.

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 Kolkhorst moved that HB 3284 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1106 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Hall, 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 Kolkhorst moved that HB 1106 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 11:32 PM Senator Kolkhorst moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Chair

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Sally Buck, Clerk