WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – MAY 8, 2015
DRC ACTIVITIES
There are only three weeks left in the regular session for the 84th Texas Legislature. Lawmakers are busy negotiating bills, debating on the floor, and rectifying discrepancies between the House and Senate budget. Monday, June 1 is the last day of session.
Jay Barksdale, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, was in Austin last week and met with members of the North Texas delegation and staff to discuss transportation and economic development funding priorities. The Senate passed HB 4 on Thursday, and we added the Senate votes to our Pro-Growth Legislative Accountability Index. HB 4 provides additional funding and increased quality standards for pre-k for all eligible children.
GOVERNOR
2015 Best and Worst States
On Friday, Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas has been ranked the #1 best state to do business by Chief Executive's 2015 Best & Worst States to Do Business survey of top CEOs. 2015 is the 11th year in a row Texas has topped the list. Governor Abbott said, “Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes our business climate. Despite being the number one state to do business for 11
consecutive years, Texas will do even more to empower businesses and increase economic expansion. That's why I'm promoting policies to cut the business franchise tax, further rein in regulatory regimes and elevate our higher education system to bolster our workforce so that Texas keeps creating jobs and opportunity."
SENATE
The Senate was in session Monday through Friday this week, but on Friday, they met only for a Local and Uncontested calendar. Until this week, the Senate and House had not taken up many bills from the other chamber. In fact, prior to this week, the Senate had only passed one House bill – HB 1, the appropriations bill. This week, the Senate passed an additional 16 House bills and one House Joint Resolution for a total of 18 House bills passed by the Senate so far this session. Monday’s Senate Intent calendar includes 29 House bills.
On Monday, the Senate passed 28 bills including:
HB 40 by Drew Darby (R-San Angelo) and Troy Fraser (R-Marble Falls) would establish that the authority of a municipality or other political subdivision to regulate an oil and gas operation is preempted by the state. Senator Fraser said, “This is important legislation to keep Texas communities safe and our economy strong. HB40 represents balanced legislation to continue the 100-year history of cooperation between Texans, their communities and oil and natural gas operators.” It passed the Senate by a vote of 24-7. There were no amendments, so HB 40 has now been sent to the governor.
SB 213 by Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury) is the sunset bill for the University Interscholastic League. (committee substitute) Senator Birdwell said, “This bill will end the state’s steroid testing program for high school athletes, which has uncovered very few violations at a cost of $10 million over eight years. And, it will also tighten concussion reporting requirements, disclosing to the state how many coaches have and have not completed concussion training and will ensure that schools have complied with a mandate for a concussion oversight team.” The committee substitute was adopted and it passed the Senate by a vote of 30-1.
SB 904 by Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D-McAllen) would institute a sales tax holiday the last weekend in April for emergency preparation items. It passed the Senate by a vote of 26-5. It is set for a hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee for Tuesday, May 12, 2015.
SB 1184 by Don Huffines (R-Dallas) would require the state auditor to audit regional mobility authorities. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed the Senate by a vote of 29-2. They also gave preliminary approval to:
SB 1575 by Jose Rodriguez (D-El Paso) would give El Paso County the authority to regulate lots in undeveloped subdivisions and colonias. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 21-10. It received final approval on Tuesday by the same vote.
On Tuesday, the Senate passed 11 bills on the Local and Uncontested calendar and an additional 15 bills including:
SB 585 by Kirk Watson (D-Austin) would lower the reporting threshold for lobbyists to report details of food, drink and entertainment to $50 per day. It passed unanimously.
SB 881 by Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) would dedicate revenue from excise taxes on wine produced in Texas to the development of technologies, strategies, and practices for mitigating or eliminating the effects of frost, pestilence, or infestation on grapevines. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed the Senate by a vote of 30-1.
SB 279/ SJR 20 by Kirk Watson (D-Austin) would propose a constitutional amendment authorizing political subdivisions other than school districts to adopt a residential homestead exemption of at least $5,000. Senator Watson said, "We need to give cities and counties every available tool to reduce property taxes for homeowners and improve affordability. This change would ensure that property tax
relief is directed at the homeowners who need it most. The objective is to give local jurisdictions
additional tools for reducing local property taxes while retaining the authority to pick what option works best for the local community." On SB 279, the committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted. It passed unanimously. On SJR 20, the committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and it passed the Senate by a vote of 30-1.
SB 1743 by Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (D-McAllen) would expand the powers and duties of the office of capital writs and rename the office of capital writs the office of capital and forensic writs. Senator Hinojosa said, "This bill furthers Texas' legacy as the leader in forensic science reform and would provide an avenue for proper legal representation for defendants convicted based on flawed forensic evidence. It builds on the habeas corpus relief created last session that allows a court to overturn a conviction if the conviction was based on faulty forensic evidence or if new science contradicts the forensic evidence relied upon at the time of trial. SB 1743 is about protecting the integrity of our criminal justice system and restoring constitutional rights and individual liberties to innocent defendants convicted by flawed forensic evidence." The committee substitute was adopted.
They also gave preliminary approval to:
SB 575 by Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood) would prohibit a qualified health plan offered through a health benefit exchange from providing coverage for an abortion, other than an abortion performed when a life-threatening physical condition exists. Senator Taylor explained that the bill’s purpose is to make coverage for abortion available by separate, supplemental plans for those who choose such coverage. He said, “Under this bill, Texans can choose to pay for abortions, or they can choose not to pay for the abortions of others. 25 other states have excluded abortion coverage from the state exchanges; 21 other states restrict coverage for abortion for governmental employees, and 10 states protect private insurance consumers from participating in abortion coverage through their private benefit plans.” Lt. Governor Dan Patrick added, “It’s imperative that we continue to fight for those who do not have a voice. We should never be forced to pay for someone else’s decision to end an innocent life. The Senate will protect the unborn at all costs. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third
Reading by a vote of 21-10. It received final passage on Wednesday by the same vote after one Third Reading floor amendment was added.
On Wednesday, the Senate passed 18 bills including:
SB 923 by Kirk Watson (D-Austin) would create a new offense of seeking to intimidate public officials and their family by posting information about them online or “doxing.”There were no amendments. It passed unanimously.
HB 751 by John Zerwas (R-Fulshear) and Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) would require communication between a dispensing pharmacist and prescribing practitioner in cases when an interchangeable biological product is provided to a patient in place of the product prescribed. One Senate Floor amendment was adopted. The House did not concur in the Senate amendment and HB 751 is now in conference committee.
They passed three bills to Third Reading including:
SB 62 by Don Huffines (R-Dallas) would require the comptroller to estimate the costs incurred by the state as a result of the presence of persons who are not lawfully present in the United States. The Senate rejected an amendment that would have included in the study the economic benefits
undocumented workers. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 20-11. It received final approval on Thursday by the same vote.
SB 1242 by Jose Rodriguez (D-El Paso) would regulate scrap tire generators. There were no
amendments. It passed to Third Reading by a vote of 19-12. It received final passage on Thursday by a vote of 18-13.
On Thursday, the Senate passed 21 bills including:
HB 4 by Dan Huberty (R-Humble) and Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels) would require the Commissioner of Education to establish a High Quality Pre-Kindergarten Program. Governor Greg Abbott said, “The process of elevating our state’s education system to be first in the nation begins in the critical early learning years of Texas children and I applaud the Texas Senate for getting us one step closer to ensuring HB 4 becomes law. Today’s vote is essential to implementing high-quality education standards for Texas Pre-K students, providing them with the tools necessary to succeed, and improving accountability and transparency measures for participating Pre-K programs across the state. Working together we can – and will – strengthen the foundation for the future success of our state’s early education system for generations to come.” Eleven floor amendments were adopted and it passed the Senate by a vote of 26-5.
SB 374 by Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) would require state agencies to participate in the federal
E-Verify program. It passed by a vote of 20-11. There were no amendments.
SB 723 by Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) would require the parents of Temporary Access for Needy Families
benefits to sign a bill of responsibilities that encourage personal responsibility. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed the Senate by a vote of 20-11.
SB 1968 by Joan Huffman (R-Houston) would discontinue payroll deductions to pay dues for state employee unions. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed the Senate by a vote of 20-11.
Senator José Rodríguez (D-El Paso) responded saying, “This is a clear attempt to hurt specific unions. The only state employee unions exempted from this bill are police, fire, and certain emergency medical personnel, which simply doesn't make sense if the point is that the state should not be playing any role to help unions collect dues. This bill would make union membership more cumbersome by requiring members to seek out alternative methods of paying dues. If employees can choose to have health care costs or charitable donations to organizations deducted, they should be able to have their union dues deducted as well. There is no reason for this bill other than to target certain unions that are not in favor with the legislative majority. That is bad policy, and for these reasons, I opposed this bill.”
Senator Carlos Uresti (D-San Antonio) added, “I strongly oppose this legislation and voted against it. Paying union dues from your paycheck should be a decision between you and your family. It’s one thing to remove this right from state employees, which I oppose as well, but to take it ten steps further and tell our school boards and school teachers that they are not allowed to contribute as they wish - I think it’s bad for local control and a case of big brother insisting he knows best.”
Texas AFL-CIO President Becky Moeller said "Employees should not lose their freedom to send part of their paycheck as dues to the professional organizations of their choice. Yet that's exactly what would happen under SB 1968. The author of the bill and the interests behind it say they are taking aim at employee organizations, but actually they are hitting and hurting the individual employees who would lose this safe and secure method of paying dues to the organizations of their choice. The only rationale offered for this legislation was dislike of the viewpoints of the targeted employees, and we think that's wrong. We will continue to fight this ill-conceived legislation as it moves to the Texas House."
On Friday, the Senate passed 44 bills on the Local and Uncontested calendar including designating Abilene as the Official Storybook Capital of Texas (SCR 38), Designating Terry County as the official Grape Capital of Texas (SCR 41), and authorizing a portrait of Governor Rick Perry to be placed in the Texas Capitol (SCR 40).
Total number of bills reported out of Senate Committees this week: ... 143 Total number of bills passed by the Senate this week: ... 137 Total passed on the Local and Uncontested calendar: ... 55
Next Week: The Senate adjourned until Monday, May 11, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Monday’s Senate Intent Calendar has 80 bills. Key Senate Intent calendar bills for Monday are included in the issue categories below.
HOUSE
This week, the House was in session Monday through Friday. There had been a calendar scheduled for Saturday, but they doubled up on Friday in order to be off on Saturday and Sunday for Mothers’ Day Weekend. Prior to this week, the House had passed 32 Senate bills. This week, the House passed another 35 Senate bills for a total of 67, and they have eight SB’s on Monday’s calendar and 20 bills on postponed business that are presumably awaiting Senate Bills to substitute on the calendar.
On Monday, the House passed 49 Third Reading bills, including:
HB 20 by Ron Simmons (R-Carrollton) would require the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to implement a performance-based transportation planning and programming process to provide the legislature with indicators that quantify and qualify progress toward attaining department goals and objectives; and require the department to establish a scoring system to prioritize projects seeking state funding. Representative Simmons said, "I filed HB 20 to provide a framework to ensure transportation dollars are administered in an objective, transparent manner with accountability for every dollar spent.
While there have been numerous efforts to increase transportation funding this session, public concern regarding how and why transportation funds are spent continues to grow. This places the infrastructure needs of the state at odds with the public desire for greater transparency and efficiency." The
committee substitute and four floor amendments were adopted and it passed the House by a vote of 135-2.
The House gave preliminary approval to 30 additional bills including:
HB 408 by Chris Turner (D-Grand Prairie) would bar elected officials from collecting a salary and state pension at the same time, if their retirement payments are a result of their service as an elected official. Representative Turner said, "This legislation simply says that if politicians want to start collecting a state-funded pension as a result of their time in office, they need to really retire and no longer collect a salary. Our state leaders frequently tout Texas as a national example for fiscal responsibility. This measure is about fiscal responsibility - it's just plain common sense that an elected official should not be getting paid twice for doing one job. Banning double dipping is an important step to strengthening the public's trust and faith in both elected officials and the laws under which we serve." One floor amendment was adopted and it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 137-2. On Tuesday, another floor amendment was added and it received final approval by a vote of 144-1.
HB 763 by Susan King (R-Abilene) would require an interested person submitting a petition requesting the adoption of agency rules to be a Texas resident. It passed unanimously. There were no amendments.
HB 1079 by Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) would expand the Chief Justice Jack Pope Act and would provide additional funding for the state’s legal aid system. Representative Thompson said, "Legal aid provides significant help to women, children, the disabled, and veterans. Oftentimes it means the difference between living in a home or on the streets, being self-sufficient or needing to rely on
governmental assistance. HB 1079 is needed to help address the critical funding shortfall in legal aid." The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted. It passed the House by a vote of 141-4.
HB 2293 by Drew Darby (R-San Angelo) would require the comptroller to certify the final taxable value for each school district adjusted for provisions of the Education Code related to school funding pursuant to a memorandum of understanding entered into between the comptroller and the commissioner of education. The committee substitute was adopted.
SB 901 by Kevin Eltife (R-Tyler) and Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) would allow injured workers who make less than $10 an hour to receive 75% of their average weekly wages for the first 26 weeks after an injury. The current law allows 75% temporary income benefits for the first 26 weeks to those making less than $8.50 an hour. SB 901 was substituted for HB 1607 on the House floor and it passed the House by a vote of 144-1.
Failed to Pass to Third Reading:
HB 2587 by Rene Oliveira (D-Brownsville) would require the Department of Workers’ Compensation to conduct research to determine why employers do not participate in workers’ compensation and
determine the extent to which injured employees rely on public benefits. Two committee amendments were adopted in lieu of the substitute, but it failed to pass to Third Reading by a vote of 52-85.
On Tuesday, the House passed 98 bills on the Local and Consent calendar including resolutions
designating the western honey bee as the Official State Pollinator of Texas (HCR 65); designating the City of Jasper as the Official Butterfly Capital of Texas (HCR 69); re-designating Jim Hogg County as the Official Vaquero Capital of Texas (HCR 77); and designating “the Lone Star State” as the official nickname of Texas (HCR 78).
They passed 31 Third Reading bills and gave preliminary approval to 41 additional bills including:
HB 411 by Chris Turner (D-Arlington) would prohibit telemarketing calls by a credit access business even if the consumer’s phone number is not on the Texas no-call list. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On Wednesday, it initially failed final passage by a vote of 56-81. However, it was later reconsidered, one floor amendment was adopted and it was finally passed by a vote of 109-24.
HB 2291 by Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) would enhance the penalties for possession and promotion of
child pornography. Two floor amendments were adopted. It passed the House unanimously.
HB 3601 by Drew Darby (R-San Angelo) would prohibit state agencies from paying interest on an overdue payment if the interest is $5 or less. It passed the House by a vote of 129-13. There were no amendments.
HB 4034 by Drew Darby (R-San Angelo) would require three-sixteenths of one cent per barrel tax
collected along with the 4.6 percent tax on oil production to be deposited into the oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund to be used to administer the state’s oil and gas conservation laws. It passed the House by a vote of 145-2. There were on amendments.
On Wednesday, the House passed 40 Third Reading bills. They gave preliminary approval to 40 additional bills including:
HB 416 by Debbie Riddle (R-Tomball) would require personnel at abortion facilities to receive training on
human trafficking. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted.
HB 928 by Ryan Guillen (D-Rio Grande City) would require the Water Conservation Advisory Council to assist with drought preparedness and response by monitoring and developing strategies for responding to drought. The committee substitute was adopted. It passed the House by a vote of 138-3.
HB 912 by Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) would require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to dismiss a protest against a commission decision on a wastewater discharge permit if the protest is filed by a municipality that is subject to less stringent wastewater treatment requirements than the requirements established by the permit. It passed the House by a vote of 118-22. There were no amendments.
HB 1036 by Eric Johnson (D-Dallas) would require law enforcement agencies to submit a report with basic statistical information of shootings by peace officers and shootings of peace officers by civilians to the Office of the Texas Attorney General (OAG) within thirty days of the incident. It also requires the OAG to post this report online within five days of receipt, and to produce an annual report of these incidents. Representative Johnson said, "This bill is all about information. In the absence of information, prejudices and speculation take over. This bill fills an information vacuum when it comes to officer-involved shootings. "Policymakers, academics, and the public need this information to fully understand what is happening here in Texas with respect to officer-related shootings. This is a Texas solution to make sure that, unlike the rest of the country, we are making policy in this very sensitive area based on facts." The committee substitute and two floor amendments were adopted and it passed the House by a vote of 141-1.
HB 1324 by Celia Israel (D-Austin) would direct the Texas Department of Transportation, in coordination with the DPS, transit authorities, and local transportation departments, to implement a “Busses on Shoulders” pilot program in Travis, Bexar, El Paso, and Tarrant Counties. Representative Israel said, “Not every transportation solution has a dollar sign. Today, over 100 members of the Texas House helped me pass a bill that will make our transportation system more reliable and convenient. As of 2014, thirteen states had adopted policies permitting buses to use shoulders in an effort to make bus service more reliable. With HB 1324, Texas could be the fourteenth to adopt this cost-free, common-sense approach to easing congestion. Whether we use busses or not, shouldn't we make it easier for more people to say yes to the bus and take one more car off the freeway?" It passed the House by a vote of 105-36. There were no amendments.
HB 2645 by Cesar Blanco (D-El Paso) would assist police officers in arresting family violence, sexual assault or abuse, or stalking offenders who have removed or attempted to remove their GPS ankle monitors. Representative Blanco said, "Domestic violence is a despicable crime. We have a duty to prevent incidents of violence and put offenders back in jail more quickly. My proposal targets suspects who are violating the terms of their bail and could have a high risk of re-offending and hurting someone. It is a step in the right direction and will offer more protection to the victims of domestic violence, abuse and stalking." It passed the House by a vote of 140-1. There were no amendments.
Failed to Pass to Third Reading:
HB 187 by Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) would specify the circumstances under which an unlawful employment practice has occurred, with respect to an allegation of discrimination in payment
compensation. The committee substitute was adopted but it failed to pass to Third Reading by a vote of 57-78. Representative Thompson requested it to be spread on the journal and that motion passed. That parliamentary maneuver will allow it to be brought back up for reconsideration.
HB 619 by Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood) would institute a sales tax exemption for boats and motors
sold in Texas for use in another state or nation; and would cap the sales tax on boats and motors at $15,625. It also failed to pass to Third Reading by a vote of 45-97. Representative Charles “Doc”
Anderson, who was on the prevailing side, gave one-hour notice of intent to reconsider. It can now be taken up for reconsideration at any time.
On Thursday, the House passed 31 bills and passed another 64 to Third Reading including:
HB 14 by Geanie Morrison (R-Victoria) would make several changes to the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan. One floor amendment was adopted. It passed the House by a vote of 130-10.
HB 30 by Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) would require each regional water planning group to identify opportunities for and the benefits of developing large-scale desalination facilities for brackish groundwater or seawater that serve local or regional brackish groundwater production zones. The committee substitute was adopted.
HB 91 by Dan Flynn (R-Van) would allow the sale of raw milk and raw milk products directly to
consumers in Texas at either the seller’s place of business, a consumer’s residence, or farmers’ markets.
The committee substitute was adopted. It passed the House by a vote of 103-36.
HB 1169 by Dan Flynn (R-Van) would clarify that rendition statements and income and expense information provided to an appraisal office are confidential and not subject to public inspection. The committee substitute was adopted.
Failed to Pass on Third Reading:
HB 839 by Elliott Naishtat (D-Austin) would require the Commissioner of Health and Human Services to adopt rules providing for the determination and certification of presumptive eligibility for medical assistance for a child under 19 years of age who has been released from confinement in a juvenile justice or other correctional. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote on Wednesday. On Thursday, it failed on final passage by a vote of 65-74. On Friday, it was reconsidered, one floor amendment was adopted and it received final passage by a vote of 140-0.
On Friday, the House passed 75 bills on the Local and Uncontested calendar including resolutions designating the cowboy hat as the Official State Hat of Texas (HCR 35); designating #txlege as the Official Hashtag of the Texas Legislature (HCR 104); designating #Texas as the Official Hashtag of Texas (HC 105); and #TexasToDo as the Official Hashtag of Texas Tourism (HCR 106). They passed 64 Third Reading bills. They adopted HJR 79 by Paul Workman (R-Austin), which would propose a constitutional amendment calling on the U.S. Congress to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution providing a federal balanced budget, by a vote of 100-20, which was enough for adoption without Third Reading. They passed 39 bills to Third Reading including:
HB 19 by Susan King (R-Abilene) would require the Department of Family and Protective Services to develop and implement a veterans and military families preventive services program to assist veterans and military families who have committed, experienced or are high risk of family violence, abuse, or neglect. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. It will be on Monday’s House calendar for final approval.
HB 2219 by Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) would prohibit a health benefit plan from excluding coverage for any emergency or other medical expenses incurred as the result of a self-inflicted injury or suicide attempt. It passed to Third Reading on a voice vote and will be on Monday’s calendar for final approval. There were no amendments.
HB 2595 by Jim Keffer (R-Eastland) would prohibit a municipality from accepting for verification,
certification, or other approval a petition requesting the enactment or repeal of an ordinance or charter provision, if the proposed enactment or repeal would restrict the right of any person to use or access the person’s private property for economic gain. One floor amendment was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. It will be on Monday’s calendar for final approval.
HB 4097 by Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi) would require TCEQ to adopt rules that allow desalinated seawater to be used for nonpotable uses. The committee substitute and two floor amendments were adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. It will be on Monday’s calendar for final approval.
Failed on Third Reading:
HB 1058 by Joe Farias (D-San Antonio) would require the owner or operator of a municipal solid waste landfill or incinerator to post a sign that encourages consumers to recycle electronic waste. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on Thursday on a voice vote, but was voted down on Friday on final passage by a vote of 64-77.
Failed on Second Reading:
HB 150 by Dan Flynn (R-Van) would eliminate Daylight Savings Time. The committee substitute and three floor amendments were adopted, but it failed to pass to Third Reading by a vote of 56-79. Representative Dan Huberty, who voted on the prevailing side, gave one hour notice of intent to reconsider the vote by which it failed to pass to third reading. Therefore, it can be brought up again for reconsideration.
HB 2919 by John Raney (R-Bryan) would require the Texas A&M Energy Systems Laboratory, in
consultation with the Texas Facilities Commission and the State Energy Conservation Office, to create a pilot program in which the State Energy Conservation Office makes or guarantees loans to governmental entities to finance energy efficiency improvements in state-owned buildings. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted but it failed to pass to Third Reading by a vote of 63-69.
Representative Drew Darby gave one hour notice of intent to reconsider and it can now be brought back before the House for reconsideration.
Total number of bills reported out of House Committees this week:... 525 Total number of bills passed by the House this week: ... 397 Total passed on the Local and Consent calendar: ... 173
Next Week: The House adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2015. When the House adjourned for the weekend on Friday around 6:00 p.m. there were still 87 Second Reading bills
remaining on Friday’s calendar. Those will be rolled over to Monday’s calendar and be added to the 62 bills already on Monday’s calendar and the 21 bills added to Monday’s calendar by the House Calendars Committee on Friday afternoon. Monday’s House calendar also has 40 Third Reading bills and 20 items of postponed business – for a grand total of 230 bills on Monday’s House calendar. For Tuesday, they have 57 bills on a Local and Consent calendar and 82 Second Reading bills on the General State calendar. For Wednesday, the calendar has 10 bills (so far). End-of Session deadlines begin to kick in this week with Monday being the deadline for House committees to report out House bills; Tuesday at 10:00 p.m. is the deadline for House bills to be put on the calendar for consideration; Thursday midnight is the deadline for the House to debate Second Reading bills on the General Calendar; and Friday midnight is the deadline for the House to pass Consent bills on Second Reading and all House bills (except Local House bills) on Third Reading.
BUDGET
Next Week:
House Calendar:
HB 799 by Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake) would require the comptroller to conduct a study relating to the effects federal regulations and mandates enacted by federal law have on the state including a cost-benefit analysis on the impact of state compliance with federal regulations. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015.
HB 1592 by James Frank (R-Wichita Falls) would require the Legislative Budget Board to use consistent accounting methodology for publicly available reports prepared by the board that compare
appropriations made for one state fiscal biennium or year with another biennium or year. It is on the House calendar for Wednesday, May 13, 2015 (committee substitute).
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Passed the House:
HB 1112 by Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio) would include job training programs for jobs in the health care, technology, or oil and gas industries as eligible projects of a defense adjustment management authority. It passed on the House Local and Consent calendar.
HB 2667 by Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) would eliminate obsolete economic development programs and funds. The committee substitute was adopted. It is on the agenda for the Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee for Tuesday, May 12, 2015.
SB 458 by Eddie Lucio, Jr. (D-Brownsville) and Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood) would require the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office and the Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee to develop short-term and long-term policy initiatives or recommend reforms the state may undertake or implement to increase commercial provider investment in aerospace activities. SB 458 was substituted for HB 1984 on the House calendar and it passed by a vote of 124-10.
SB 503 by Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) and Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) would increase the maximum loan from the Texas Military Value Revolving Loan Account from $2 million to $5 million and delete the 50 percent matching requirement. SB 503 was substituted for HB 3808 on the House floor and it passed to Third Reading on May 8, 2015. It will be on the House calendar for final passage on Monday, May 11, 2015.
Next Week:
House Calendar:
HB 1250 by Jim Murphy (R-Houston) would change the wage requirement for Chapter 313 agreements
from at least 110 percent of the county average weekly wage for manufacturing jobs in the county to at least 110 percent of the lesser of the state median annual wage for manufacturing jobs in Texas or the county average annual wage for manufacturing jobs in the county. It is on the House calendar for Tuesday, May 12, 2015 (committee substitute).
HB 1318 by Angie Chen Button (R-Garland) would add presidential general election debates to the list of events that qualify for the Major Events Trust Fund. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015.
The House Economic and Small Business Development Committee will meet on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. in E2.010 of the capitol extension to take up:
SB 100 by Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D-McAllen) would make several changes to the Texas Enterprise Zone Program.
ENERGY
On Monday, the House Energy Resources Committee took up:
HB 3480 by Chris Turner (D-Arlington) would set out specific requirements of an air quality permit for new facilities or modifications of existing facilities that belong to oil and gas-related Standard Industrial Classification Codes. It was left pending.
Passed the House:
HB 1625 by Wayne Faircloth (R-Dickinson) would add light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs to the list of energy-efficient products to the Memorial Day weekend sales tax holiday for energy-efficient products.
It passed by a vote of 123-21. There were no amendments.
Next Week:
House Calendar:
HB 2392 by Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas) would require the comptroller and the State Energy Conservation Office by rule to establish and administer a program that issues or guarantees loans to be used for
improvements that increase the energy efficiency of residences that are not newly constructed. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015 (committee substitute).
HCR 57 Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas) would urge the United States Congress and the president of the United States to eliminate the current ban on crude oil exports. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015. The companion, SCR 13 has passed the Senate and was reported favorably from the House International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee on May 4, 2015 and is eligible for substitution on the House floor.
HCR 63 by Gene Wu (D-Houston) would urge the U.S. Congress to expedite natural gas imports. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015.
ENVIRONMENT
On Monday, the House Energy Resources Committee took up:
HB 2932 by Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas) would require the Bureau of Economic Geology to conduct a study to examine earthquakes and land shifting occurring in Texas. It was left pending.
Also on Monday, the Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee took up:
HB 1224 by Eddie Lucio, III (D-Brownsville) and Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) would authorize the Texas Water Development Board to approve the use of assets of the revolving fund, the safe drinking water revolving fund, or an additional state revolving fund as a source of revenue or security, or both revenue and security, for the payment of the principal of and interest on state revolving fund bonds. It was reported favorably without amendment and recommended for the Local and Uncontested calendar. It is on Monday’s Senate Intent calendar.
HB 280 by Ron Simmons (R-Carrollton) and Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) would require the Texas Water Development Board to post on its website information related to the state water implementation fund (SWIFT). It was reported favorably without amendment and recommended for the Local and
Uncontested calendar. It is on Monday’s Senate Intent calendar. On Tuesday, the House Environmental Regulation Committee took up:
HB 2425 by Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) would create the Texas Beverage Container Recycling Consortium to administer a recycling incentive program. It was left pending.
Passed the House:
HB 200 by Jim Keffer (R-Eastland) would set out provisions governing the petition to appeal the Texas Water Development Board's approval of a desired future condition of groundwater resources. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and it passed the House by a vote of 141-5. It is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Agriculture, Water, and rural Affairs committee on Monday, May 11, 2015.
HB 1232 by Eddie Lucio, III (D-Brownsville) would require the Texas Water Development Board to conduct a study to define the quantity and quality of groundwater in confined and unconfined aquifers.
The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and it passed the House by a vote of 143-1. It is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs Committee on Monday, May 11, 2015.
HB 2179 by Eddie Lucio, III (D-Brownsville) would authorize the board of directors of a groundwater conservation district to take action on any uncontested permit application at a properly noticed public meeting held at any time after the public hearing at which the application is scheduled to be heard. It passed on the House Local and Consent calendar and is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs committee for Monday, May 11, 2015.
HB 3298 by Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) would require the Texas Water Development Board to conduct a study to evaluate improvements to the transfer of water entitlements and the establishment of a water grid. One floor amendment was adopted and it passed the House by a vote of 111-28.
HB 3356 by Eddie Lucio, III (D-Brownsville) would require a groundwater conservation district to determine the production amount of a well for a retail public utility that provides retail water service inside the district by considering service needs or service area of the retail public utility. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and it passed by a vote of 134-7.
HB 4112 by DeWayne Burns (R-Cleburne) would establish that groundwater ownership rights entitle the landowner, including a landowner's lessees, heirs, or assigns, to any other right recognized under common law, including the right to produce or save a fair share of the groundwater below the surface of the land. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed by a vote of 132-1.
Passed the Senate:
SB 1267 by Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) would set out provisions governing the amendment of a notice in a contested case, and provisions governing the notification of decisions in a contested case. The committee substitute was adopted.
HB 1016 by Tracy King (D-Batesville) and Carlos Uresti (D-San Antonio) would designate segments of the Nueces River, the Frio River, the Sabinal River, the San Marcos River, and the Comal River as being of
unique ecological value. It passed by a vote of 28-3. There were no amendments.
HB 1042 by James Frank (R-Wichita Falls) and Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) would designate the site of the proposed Ringgold reservoir as having unique value for the construction of a dam and reservoir.
There were no amendments.
Next Week:
House Calendar:
HB 1222 by Eddie Lucio, III (D-Brownsville) would remove political subdivisions under the Water Bond Insurance Program, the Research and Planning Program, Financial Assistance for Water Pollution Control, and the Program for Water and Wastewater Financial Assistance for Disadvantaged Rural Communities from the authorization for the Texas Water Development to fund water supply projects. It is on the House calendar for Tuesday, May 12, 2015 (committee substitute).
HB 2571 by Eric Johnson (D-Dallas) would require the Texas state climatologist to provide to the
Legislative Budget Board for use in each state agency’s strategic planning a report on projected changes in weather, water availability, and climate variability across the state. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015 (committee substitute).
HB 2598 by John Kuempel (R-Seguin) would prohibit the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality from considering steel slag as solid waste. It is on the House Local and Consent calendar for Tuesday, May 12, 2015 (committee substitute).
HB 2763 by Ed Thompson (R-Pearland) would require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to conduct a study quantifying the amount of materials currently being recycled, economic impacts including lost state and local revenues from the materials that are not being recycled, and to identify ways to develop new markets to increase recycling. It is on the House Local and Consent calendar for Tuesday, May 12, 2015 (committee substitute).
HB 2892 by Andrew Murr (R-Junction) would authorize the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to designate a watercourse as a navigable stream for the purposes of public domain, surveys, and field notes. It is on the House calendar for Tuesday, May 12, 2015 (committee substitute).
HB 3324 by Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) would make provisions governing an interbasin water transfer application inapplicable to a proposed transfer of water resulting from recycled or desalinated water produced in the basin of origin. It is on the House calendar for Tuesday May 12, 2015 (committee substitute).
HCR 74 by Yvonne Davis (D-Dallas) would direct the Texas Water Development Board and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to support the creation of a model water recycling project in an appropriate location. It is on the House calendar for Tuesday May 12, 2015.
The House Land and Resource Management Committee will meet on Monday, May 11, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in E2.016 of the capitol extension to take up:
SB 991 by Jose Rodriguez (D-El Paso) would require the General Land Office and the Texas Water Development Board to conduct a study regarding the use of wind and solar power to develop and desalinate brackish groundwater.
The Senate Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs Committee will meet on Monday, May 11, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in E1.012 of the capitol extension to take up:
HB 163 by Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) would change the name of the Multi-State Water Resources Planning Commission to Southwestern States Water Commission and make several other changes to its composition and duties.
HB 655 by Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) would grant the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality jurisdiction over the regulation and permitting of Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project injection wells.
HB 1146 by Kyle Kacal (R-College Station) would allow a volunteer to be the licensed operator of a water supply system and require the owner or manager of such a water system to maintain records related to each volunteer operator.
HB 1902 by Donna Howard (D-Austin) would authorize the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to adopt and implement minimum standards for additional domestic uses and reuses of graywater, and would require rules to prevent contamination of the potable water supply and protect human health.
HB 2767 by Jim Keffer (R-Eastland) and Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) is a technical correction bill of statutes regulating groundwater conservation districts.
GENERAL BUSINESS
House Calendar:
HB 3619 by Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake) would require the attorney general to send a warning letter to any merchant the attorney general has reason to believe has violated the prohibition on imposing a surcharge for the use of a debit card. The committee substitute was on the House calendar for May 4, 2015 and it was postponed to Tuesday, June 9, 2015 (after the session, therefore, the bill was pronounced dead by procedural action).
Passed the House:
HB 1626 by Eric Johnson (D-Dallas) would require the Finance Commission to administer a banking development district program to encourage the establishment of branches of a financial institution in areas where there is a demonstrated need for banking services. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and it passed by a vote of 99-40.
HB 1629 by Eric Johnson (D-Dallas) would override conflict-of-interest rules preventing operators of crowdfunding websites from offering investments in businesses in which they have a financial stake, but
only for non-profits and governmental agencies engaged in small business/economic development lending. The committee substitute was adopted it passed on the Local and Consent calendar.
HB 2391 by Dwayne Bohac (R-Houston) would require a seller, upon request by a consumer, to refund the balance in cash on a gift card that is used to make a purchase and that has a remaining balance of less than $2.50. It passed to Third Reading on Friday without amendments. It will be on the House calendar for final passage on Monday, May 11, 2015.
HB 3094 by Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) would update recordkeeping requirements for property tax lenders and credit access businesses. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015 (committee substitute). Note: the companion, SB 1282, has passed the Senate and been reported favorably from the House Investments and Financial Services Committee.
HB 3522 by Oscar Longoria (D-Mission) would prohibit a merchant from accepting a credit or debit card
for payment in a point of sale transaction or adding value to a stored value card unless the merchant requires the individual who uses the card to provide photo identification verifying the individual’s identity as the cardholder. Three floor amendments were adopted and it passed the House by a vote of 111-32. One of the amendments exempted entities with fewer than 50 retail locations and another amendment exempted electronic transactions.
SB 660 by Jose Rodriguez (D-El Paso) and Cesar Blanco (D-El Paso) would establish regional coordinators within the veteran entrepreneur program at the Texas Veterans Commission. SB 660 was substituted for HB 1484 on the House floor and it passed by a vote of 127-8.
Next Week:
House Calendar:
HB 1485 by Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) would establish the Texas Grocery Access Investment Fund and program administered through Texas Department of Agriculture to provide financing to construct, rehabilitate or expand grocery stores in underserved communities in urban and rural low and moderate income areas. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015 (committee substitute).
HB 2012 by Kenneth Sheets (R-Dallas) would waive occupational license application and examination fees for qualified military service members, military veterans, and military spouses. It is on the House calendar for Tuesday, May 12, 2015. Note, the companion, SB 807 has passed the Senate, been reported from committee in the House and recommended for the Local and Consent calendar. It is eligible for substitution.
HEALTH
On Tuesday, the House Public Health Committee took up:
SB 197 by Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) and Jim Keffer (R-Eastland) would require the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to develop a financial self-sufficiency plan to operate without state funding. It was reported favorably as substituted.
On Tuesday, the Senate Business and Commerce Committee took up:
HB 2133 by Richard Raymond (D-Laredo) and Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels) would, for purposes of health benefit plan coverage, expand the definition of “diabetes equipment.” It was left pending.
SB 1142 by Kirk Watson (D-Austin) would expand regulation of discount drug card programs. It was left pending. Note the companion is HB 3028 below.
Reported from Committee:
HB 694 by Ana Hernandez (D-Houston) would require a health benefit plan that covers low-dose
mammography to offer eligible enrollees optional supplemental breast cancer screening. It was voted favorably from the House Insurance Committee.
HB 892 by Stephanie Klick (R-Fort Worth) would authorize eligible licensees to cultivate and produce
low-THC cannabis and allows physicians certified in epilepsy for patients with intractable epilepsy that are listed on the Department of Public Safety’s compassionate-use registry. It was reported favorably as substituted from the House Public Health Committee. Note: The companion is SB 339 below.
HB 2908 by Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) would authorize patients with a terminal illness or severe chronic disease to access, without state interference, investigational drugs, biological products, and devises through clinical trials. Health benefit plans would be authorized to provide coverage for the cost of an investigational drug, biological product, or device. It was reported favorably as substituted from the House Public Health Committee. It is on the House calendar for May 12, 2015.
HB 2979 by Rodney Anderson (R-Grand Prairie) would require a health benefit plan to provide coverage for the cost of a medically necessary hearing aid and related services and supplies for a covered individual who is 18 years of age or younger. It was voted favorably as substituted from the House Insurance Committee.
HB 3194 by Diego Bernal (D-San Antonio) would require the issuer of a health benefit plan to provide coverage for a diagnostic mammogram as part of a covered annual well-woman exam, if ordered by a licensed health care professional treating the enrollee. It was voted favorably as substituted from the House Insurance Committee.
HB 3986 by Ron Simmons (R-Carrollton) would include recreational therapy in the definition of “generally recognized services” for the purposes of coverage by health benefit plans of services prescribed to treat autism spectrum disorder. It was voted favorably from the House Insurance Committee.
Passed the House:
HB 764 by Susan King (R-Abilene) would require the Texas Health Care Information Council to remove sensitive identifying information. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted.
HB 838 by Elliott Naishtat (D-Austin) would include post-traumatic stress disorder in the definition of “serious mental illness” for the purposes of coverage under a group health benefit. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed the House by a vote of 77-64.
HB 1621 by Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood) would establish the procedures for appealing and
independently reviewing an adverse determination for a concurrent review of health care services. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed the House on the House Local and Consent calendar.
HB 1623 by Jodie Laubenberg (R-Wylie) would require that Medicaid services provided through home telemonitoring services be made available to pediatric patients with chronic or complex medical needs.
The committee substitute was adopted.
HB 1779 by Andrew Murr (R-Junction) would make an exception from confidentiality of a physician’s patient information a judicial proceeding in which the patient is a party and the disclosure is requested under a subpoena. It passed on the Local and Consent calendar.
HB 1878 by Jodie Laubenberg (R-Wylie) would require the Health and Human Services Commission to ensure that Medicaid reimbursement is provided to a physician for a telemedicine medical service
provided by the physician. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted.
HB 2004 by Drew Darby (R-San Angelo) would establish a pilot project to provide emergency medical services instruction and emergency pre-hospital care instruction through a telemedicine medical service provided by regional trauma resource centers to health care providers in rural area trauma facilities and emergency medical services providers in rural areas. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed by a vote of 141-2.
HB 2752 by John Zerwas (R-Fulshear) would require the Department of State Health Services to develop a strategic plan to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality from chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed on the Local and Consent calendar.
HB 3036 by Armando “Mando” Martinez (D-Weslaco) would require the Health and Human Services Commission to conduct a study focusing on the savings achieved by the changes in law relating to the
expansion of Medicaid managed care. It passed on the House Local and Consent calendar.
HB 3476 by Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) would require the Executive Commissioner of Health and Human Services to develop and implement a pilot project under the state Medicaid program that provides for the reimbursement of telemedicine medical services and telehealth services provided at the recipient’s residence. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted.
Passed the Senate:
SB 339 by Kevin Eltife (R-Tyler) would authorize eligible licensees to cultivate and produce low-THC cannabis and allows physicians certified in epilepsy for patients with intractable epilepsy that are listed on the Department of Public Safety’s compassionate-use registry. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed by a vote of 26-5. Note: the companion is HB 892 above.
SB 848 by Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) would authorize a certified medical radiologic technologist with at least a baccalaureate degree to apply for registration with the Texas Medical Board as a registered radiologist assistant. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed by a vote of 30-1.
SB 968 by Royce West (D-Dallas) would require the State Board of Education to adopt essential
knowledge and skills that address the dangers, causes, consequences, signs, symptoms, and treatment of nonmedical use of prescription. It passed by a vote of 28-3. There were not amendments.
Next Week:
House Calendar:
HB 65 by Ruth Jones McClendon (D-San Antonio) would authorize county disease control pilot programs to include a fee-based needle exchange as a part of disease control outreach efforts. It is on the House calendar for Monday May 11, 2015 (committee substitute).
HB 963 by Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood) would prohibit an insurer from withholding preferred provider designation from qualified, licensed optometrists, therapeutic optometrists, and ophthalmologists who join the practice of a preferred provider. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015. Note: the companion SB 684, has passed the Senate and been voted favorably from the House Insurance Committee. It is eligible for substitution.
HB 1403 by Kenneth Sheets (R-Dallas) would exclude suits brought against non-subscribing employers and suits brought against employers following a work-related death from being labeled health care liability claims which are claims brought against health care providers following injury or death. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015 (committee substitute).
HB 1624 by John Smithee (R-Amarillo) would require a health benefit plan issuer that offers coverage through preferred providers or a network of physicians to develop and maintain a physician and health care provider directory to be made electronically available to the public via the health benefit plan’s website. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015 (committee substitute).
HB 1733 by John Smithee (R-Amarillo) would require transportation network companies to provide to a participating driver a written disclosure of the company’s transportation network insurance policy and the policy’s limits of liability. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015 (committee
substitute).
HB 2082 by Jodie Laubenberg (R-Wylie) would establish a pilot program to enable an eligible child to receive medical assistance benefits for health care services provided in the child’s residence through
telemedicine medical services. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015 (committee substitute).
HB 2271 by J.D. Sheffield (R-Gatesville) would authorize the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to accept eligible donated drugs for dispensation to and administration by a charitable clinic. It Is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015 (committee substitute).
HB 2578 by Four Price (R-Amarillo) would require the Health and Human Services Commission to consolidate the internal audit program for itself and each health and human services agency into a
single internal audit program, and require each agency’s information resources manager to report directly to the executive commissioner or a designated deputy commissioner. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015.
HB 3024 by Bobby Guerra (D-McAllen) would require coordination of dental benefits among policies for an insured individual who is covered by at least two different policies providing coverage for dental expenses. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015 (committee substitute).
HB 3028 by John Frullo (R-Lubbock) would expand applicability and penalties related to regulation of discount drug card programs and operators. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015. Note: the companion is SB 1142 above.
HB 3475 by Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood) would require a freestanding emergency medical care facility that is exempt from licensing requirements because it is owned by a licensed hospital to post a prominent and conspicuous notice stating the type of facility, participation in or lack of participation in a provider network, and the maximum and minimum fees charged by the facility. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015 (committee substitute). Note: the companion, SB 425, has passed the Senate, been reported from committee in the House, and is eligible for substitution.
HB 3519 by Bobby Guerra (D-McAllen) would allow home telemonitoring services for a person diagnosed with a condition for which the Health and Human Services Commission makes an evidence-based determination that monitoring through the use of home telemonitoring services is cost-effective and feasible. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015 (committee substitute).
HB 3781 by Myra Crownover (R-Denton) would establish the Texas Health Improvement Network as a network of diverse health professionals dedicated to developing initiatives and translating research on population health into health policy and best practices to address urgent health challenges. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015 (committee substitute).
Monday’s Senate Intent Calendar:
SB 1899 by Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels) would authorize a certified EMT-paramedic, or licensed paramedic, acting under the authority of a licensed physician to provide health care and advanced life support services in an emergency or urgent care setting. (committee substitute) Note: the companion, HB 2020 is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015.
HB 1945 by Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood) and Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills) would specify that a physician providing direct primary care is not an insurer or health maintenance organization subject to regulation by the Texas Department of Insurance.
The House Public Health Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. in E2.012 of the capitol extension to take up:
SB 460 by Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) would authorize a pharmacist, in the event of a natural or man-made disaster, to dispense not more than a 30-day supply of a dangerous drug without the authorization of the prescribing practitioner.
SB 538 by Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) would enact recommendations of the Texas Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response by establishing a clear command structure in public health emergencies and equip hospitals, medical workers, and first responders with the necessary tools to effectively handle an infectious disease outbreak.
SB 1235 by John Whitmire (D-Houston) would clarify provisions defining the duties and penalties concerning pain management clinics.
HIGHER EDUCATION
On Monday, the House Human Services Committee took up:
HB 1811 by Elliott Naishtat (D-Austin) would require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to collect data and maintain a database relating to the participation of persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities in public higher education. It was left pending. Note: the companion, SB 37, has passed the Senate and been referred to the House Human Services Committee.
Also on Wednesday, the House Higher Education Committee took up:
HB 3508 by Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) would require school districts to partner with at least one institution of higher education to provide for joint professional development opportunities for school counselors and academic advisors to promote collaboration and support the creation of common practices and terminology relating to college readiness. It was left pending.
SB 686 by Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo) would allow state appropriations to the Math and Science Scholars Loan Repayment Program.
SB 915 by Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) would establish the Textbook Affordability Pilot Program at Texas A&M University. It was voted favorably without amendments.
SB 1189 by Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo) would require public junior college districts to establish a transfer associate degree program at each junior college in the district. It was left pending.
Reported From Committee:
SB 1624 by Jose Rodriguez (D-El Paso) would add information on mental health and suicide prevention services to the required orientation for undergraduate students. It was reported favorably as
substituted from the Senate Higher Education Committee and it on the Senate Intent calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015.
Passed the House:
HB 2812 by Drew Springer (R-Muenster) would repeal Section 130.008(f) of the Education code which limits junior college courses that a high school student my enroll in for dual credit to three if the student does not reside in the junior college territory. There were no amendments.
HB 2396 by Donna Howard (D-Austin) would repeal Section 61.539 of the Education Code, which requires medical schools to set aside two percent of tuition for the physician education loan repayment
program; and would repeal Section 61.9731 of the Education Code, which requires law schools to set aside one percent of tuition for the repayment of education loans of attorneys. One floor amendment was adopted.
HB 3027 by John Zerwas (R-Fulshear) would establish the Texas Competency-Based Education Grant Program. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and it passed by a vote of 107-37.
HB 3506 by Ryan Guillen (D-Rio Grande City) would increase the number of students eligible to receive a
Texas Armed Services Scholarship. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed on the Local and Consent calendar.
SB 947 by Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) and Donna Howard (D-Austin) would require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to study the creation of more work-study jobs that are not on college campuses. SB 947 was substituted for HB 2402 on the House floor and it passed on the Local and Consent calendar.
Passed the Senate:
SB 1735 by Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury) would clarify eligibility for a tuition exemption for military personnel and their dependents including requiring eight years residency and requiring eligible students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid application. The committee substitute and five floor amendments were adopted and it passed the Senate by a vote of 24-7. It was reported favorably as substituted from the House Higher Education Committee.
In laying out the bill, Senator Birdwell said, “This bill is necessary to save the program. What began as well-intentioned aid for children of veterans has ballooned into a very expensive program that has exceeded projected costs by several orders of magnitude. We are taking these actions to save this program for future generations while maintaining fiscal soundness. It is easy to focus only on the short-term needs of our veterans and their dependents, but it would be tragically shortsighted to ignore the simple facts that fortell the long-term unsustainability of this program.”
Senator Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels), Chair of the Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Committee, said, "Any reforms to the Hazlewood Act must put our veterans first when it comes to guaranteeing the benefits they’ve earned through their service, and I am proud to say that this bill accomplishes that. In addition, today's amendment to include 120 hours of college tuition benefits for legacies improves the bill considerably, meeting the biggest concern I have heard from most veterans. SB 1735 ensures that Texas remains at the forefront of honoring our men and women for their military service like no other state.” Senator José Rodríguez (D-El Paso) explained his vote against SB 1735 saying, “The Hazlewood Act was created by the Texas Legislature as a way for this State to show its gratitude to the courageous men and women who served this nation in the armed services by repaying that service with the valuable promise of a public education. In 2009, the Legislature saw fit to allow veterans to pass on that benefit to their dependent children and spouses by creating a Legacy program. Because I believe this bill reneges on that promise, and because I believe rising costs to universities under Hazlewood would be addressed if this same Legislature prioritized appropriate spending for Texas public colleges and universities, I must respectfully vote no on SB 1735.”
Next Week:
House Calendar:
HB 61 by Ruth Jones McClendon (D-San Antonio) would require the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board to approve a single common course numbering system for lower-division courses to facilitate the transfer of courses among institutions of higher education. It is on the House calendar for Wednesday, May 13, 2015 (committee substitute).
HB 1000 by John Zerwas (R-Fulshear) would change the Texas Competitive Knowledge Fund to the Texas Research University Fund; change the Research Development Fund to the Texas Comprehensive
Research Fund; and establish the Core Research Support Fund to promote increased research capacity at emerging research universities. It is on the House calendar for Monday, May 11, 2015 (committee substitute).
HB 1807 by Elliott Naishtat (D-Austin) would require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to maintain an inventory of postsecondary educational programs and services provided for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by institutions of higher education. It is on the House Local and Consent calendar for Tuesday, May 12, 2015.
HB 3367 by John Raney (R-Bryan) would authorize the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to enter into a state authorization reciprocity agreement regarding the delivery of postsecondary
