August 14, 2017
DON'T MISS IT
PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE
Join the Plano Chamber of Commerce for our monthly Public Policy Committee meeting. This committee discusses legislation and issues that affect the business community. Attended by business professionals, elected officials, and key community representatives, these meetings are open to all members in good standing.   CLICK HERE for more details.

PLANO CITY COUNCIL MEET & GREET
Meet your new Plano City Council Members on Wednesday, September 6 at 8:30 AM following the Public Policy Committee Meeting at the Plano Chamber office. CLICK HERE to register.
STATE NEWS    
SUNSET BILLS  
On Friday, Aug. 11, Gov. Greg Abbott signed SB 20 and SB 60 to extend the expiration dates for the Texas Boards of Medical Examiners, Examiners of Psychologists, Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists, Examiners of Professional Counselors and Social Worker Examiners, and allow the agencies to continue their regular operations and remain fully functional.

Gov. Abbott said, "Thanks to the passage of this critical legislation, Texas will now be able to continue to license new doctors and regulate the practice of medicine. As the first order of business on my special session call, these bills were necessary in keeping important state agencies running, and keeping Texans healthy. I would like to thank the legislature and bill authors Senator Van Taylor and Rep. Larry Gonzales for their hard work on this must-pass legislation." 

MAIL-IN BALLOT FRAUD  
Also on Friday, Aug. 11, Gov. Abbott signed SB 5 to increase penalties for mail-in ballot fraud in Texas. Gov. Abbott said, "This bill will improve the integrity of the ballot box and ensure voter confidence in Texas elections. It is a primary function of government to protect a citizen's right to vote, and I will not allow the integrity of the ballot box to be compromised in Texas. As Attorney General, I prosecuted countless cases of mail-in ballot fraud, and yet this problem continues to persist. Thanks to the efforts of the legislature and authors Senator Kelly Hancock and Rep. Craig Goldman, Texas has strengthened penalties against those that commit mail-in ballot fraud." 
SENATE NEWS    
The Senate was in session August 7 and August 10-12 last week.
 
On Monday, Aug. 7, the Senate passed SB 28 by Van Taylor, which would change the sunset dates for Texas Historical Commission and Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners from Sept. 1, 2019 to Sept. 1, 2021; and set the sunset schedule for Texas Military Department, Texas State Library & Archives Commission, and Texas Dept. of Motor Vehicles from Sept. 1, 2019 to Sept.r 1, 2023. Three Senate floor amendments were adopted including: 
  • By Robert Nichols, which moves Texas Real Estate Commission and Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board from Sept. 1, 2019 to Sept. 1, 2021, and moves Texas Dept. of Agriculture from Sept. 1, 2021 to Sept. 1, 2019.
  • By Kirk Watson, which moves Texas State Board of Public Accountancy and State Securities Board from Sept. 1, 2019 to Sept. 1, 2023; and
  • By Bryan Hughes, which moves Red River Authority from Sept. 1, 2019 to Sept. 1, 2021.
SB 28 passed to Third Reading by a vote of 28-2. The Senate adjourned and then immediately reconvened and gave unanimous final approval to SB 28 before recessing until Thursday, Aug. 10. Senator Van Taylor said, "Adjusting the Sunset review schedule is a critical part of the Legislature's basic blocking and tackling of government functions. SB 28 balances the sunset staff work load appropriately, allowing the Commission to perform their deep dive into agencies under review, ensuring taxpayer resources are well managed."
 
On Thursday, Aug. 10, the Senate confirmed appointments by Gov. Abbott to the State Bar of Texas and as administrator for the Texas Bullion Depository. And, they passed SR 118 by Kirk Watson honoring the life of former Gov. Mark White, who passed away last week. His body lay in state in the capitol rotunda from noon - 3:00 PM on Aug. 10 prior to his burial in the state cemetery.
 
On Friday, Aug. 11, the Senate concurred in House amendments to SB 5 by Kelly Hancock and Craig Goldman, which would address the issue of mail-ballot fraud. They concurred by a vote of 21-10, sending it to the governor's desk. The Senate also gave preliminary approval to HB 13 by Giovanni Capriglione and Donna Campbell, which would require additional reporting on abortions by physicians and health care facilities.

Sen. Campbell said, "Today we sent the governor a bill that protects the health and safety of women by requiring accurate reporting of medical data. We can learn a lot about patient care and health issues related to abortions from collecting this data. I started working on this bill back in January, I had to lay it out four times on the Senate Floor, and it is a great victory to finally see it pass. I applaud my colleagues in the Senate for their strong support and hard work on this important pro-life bill."

The Senate also gave preliminary approval to HB 7 by Dade Phelan and Lois Kolkhorst, which would require credits to offset tree mitigation fees imposed by cities. Then, the Senate adjourned and reconvened to give final approval to HB 7 and HB 13.
 
On Saturday, Aug. 12, the Senate gave preliminary approval to HB 214 by John Smithee and Brandon Creighton, which would prohibit health benefit plans from providing coverage for elective abortion; but would allow a person to purchase optional or supplemental coverage for elective abortion. It passed to Third Reading by a vote of 20-10.
 
Additional information on these bills is included in the issue categories below.
 
The Senate reconvened on Sunday, August 13, 2017 at 5:00 PM.
 
HOUSE NEWS
The House was in session August 7-12 last week.

On Monday, Aug. 7, the House gave final approval to HB 21 by Dan Huberty, which would reform the public school finance system; HB 23 by Dan Huberty, which would establish a grant program for students with autism; and HB 30 by John Zerwas, which would increase public education funding. They also passed HJR 30 by Kevin Roberts, which would propose a constitutional amendment allowing the legislature to provide a property tax exemption for disabled first responders. HJR 30 passed by a vote of 141-1 sending it to the Senate because proposed constitutional amendments do not have to go to Third Reading if they receive over 100 votes on Second Reading. The House also gave preliminary approval to HJR 30's enabling bill, HB 179 by Kevin Roberts.  

Rep. Roberts said, "In the course of their daily work, our first responders can face an incredible amount of danger and sometimes bad things happen. It is important that our men and women, who spend every day protecting Texans, know that the state will have their backs and take care of their families. Since 1998, there have been 16 cases of first responders who have had injuries that meet the qualifications under the legislation."
 
Also on Aug. 7, the House discussed SB 6 by Donna Campbell and Dan Huberty, which would change annexation procedures and restrictions; however, a point-of-order was raised and sustained, sending it back to the House Land & Resource Management Committee.
 
On Tuesday, Aug. 8, the House gave final approval to HB 179 and gave preliminary approval to HB 115 by Greg Bonnen, which would allow deployed military members to defer payment of property taxes. They also gave preliminary approval to HB 129 by Jeff Leach, which would have allowed a homestead exemption for partially disabled veterans based on the veteran's disability rating. However, instead of pursuing the exemption bill, Rep. Leach offered a complete floor substitute establishing a joint interim committee to study property tax exemptions and other property tax benefits for partially disabled veterans, which was unanimously adopted. (HJR 27, the proposed constitutional amendment for HB 129 was postponed.) Then, after 3 hours of debate, the House gave preliminary approval to HB 214 by John Smithee, which would prohibit insurance coverage for elective abortions under health benefit plans, by a vote of 95-51.
 
On Wed., Aug. 9, the House gave final passage to HB 115, HB 129, and HB 214. And, they gave preliminary approval to SB 5 by Kelly Hancock and Craig Goldman, which would modify the processes and penalties related to mail-ballot fraud; and HB 331 by Sarah Davis, which would require reappraisal of property damaged in a disaster.
 
On Thursday, Aug. 10, the House gave final approval to SB 5 by a vote of 92-39, and unanimously passed HB 331. They also gave preliminary approval to SB 20 and SB 60 by Van Taylor and Larry Gonzales, which are the must-pass sunset bills. Rep.Gonzales said, "With that, everything sunset-related and the purpose for which we were called, is done."
 
On Friday, Aug. 11, the House gave final unanimous approval to SB 20 and SB 60 sending them to the governor's desk. Then, they debated and gave preliminary approval to SB 6 by Donna Campbell and Dan Huberty, which is the Texas Annexation Right to Vote Act. 4 of the 32 amendments taken up by the House were adopted, and it passed to Third reading by a vote of 115-24.
 
On Sat., Aug. 12, the House gave final approval to SB 6. The House gave preliminary approval to SB 1 by Paul Bettencourt and Dennis Bonnen, which would make several property tax reforms including reducing rollback rate from 8% to 6% (the Senate version lowers rollback rate to 4%); SB 11 by Charles Perry and Greg Bonnen, which would limit circumstances under which a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order is valid; and HB 367 by Giovanni Capriglione, which would prohibit money received from the federal government from being deposited to the credit of the General Revenue Fund. HB 208 by Tan Parker, which would base constitutional spending limit on population growth and inflation, was on the House calendar, but a point-of-order was sustained based on a faulty bill analysis and it was sent back to the House Appropriations Committee. The ruling of the chair sustaining the point-of-order was appealed, but the ruling of the chair was affirmed by a record vote.
 
Additional information on these bills is included in the issue categories below.
 
The House reconvened on Sunday, August 13 at 7:45 PM. 
BUDGET 
PASSED THE HOUSE 
HB 367 by Giovanni Capriglione would prohibit money received from the federal government from being deposited to the credit of General Revenue Fund. It would require interest, other earnings, earned credits, and indirect cost recoveries received from the federal government to be deposited to the credit of the General Revenue Fund. It would require the comptroller to account for and administer federal money separately from money in the General Revenue Fund in a manner that ensures that the federal money is used for its intended purpose. On Aug. 7, it was heard in House Appropriations Committee and left pending. On Aug. 8, it was reported out favorably. On Aug. 12, the House gave it preliminary approval on a voice vote.
 
On Wed., Aug. 9, the House Pensions Committee took up:
  • HB 101 by Phil Stephenson would allow public retirement systems to conduct a study to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of obtaining life insurance policies for the system's consenting participants, holding the policies in a separate trust for the benefit of the system, and receiving the proceeds of the policy. It was left pending.
  • HB 213 by Pat Fallon would limit the maximum service retirement annuity for members of public retirement systems to the lesser of:
    • the gross salary of a member of the U.S. armed forces on active duty at the highest salary for pay grade 0-10; or
    • the annual basic pay rate for a position under Level II of the executive schedule as defined in federal law. It was left pending.
  • HB 260 by Armando "Mando" Martinez would require the Teacher Retirement System of Texas to provide for an annual cost-of-living adjustment for service retirement benefits, disability retirement benefits, and death benefits, adjusted for inflation in an amount equal to the percentage increase made by the U.S. Social Security Administration. It was left pending.
TTARA BIENNIAL BUDGET WRAP-UP 
On Thursday, Aug. 10, Texas Taxpayers & Research Association (TTARA) released its biennial budget wrap-up for the 85th Legislative Session entitled, "Texas Budget Challenges Are Not Over." It identifies a potential structural gap of nearly $8 billion lawmakers may face in 2019 when putting together the 2020-2021 budget. It concluded, "Dwindling state revenue forced some tough fiscal decisions this recent legislative session, but ultimately lawmakers were able to put a balanced budget in place. Still, the budget was balanced with the help of a number of one-time measures and deferrals that paid for ongoing expenses. Those decisions will create a structural gap that guarantees Texas will continue to face budget challenges into the next regular session."

TTARA President Dale Craymer said, "That gap could worsen if lawmakers fund new initiatives using accounting shifts in the current special session." The report indicates that the $8 billion gap will be created by several factors, including a potential Medicaid shortfall along with one-time measures and funding shifts lawmakers relied on during the past session to balance the 2018-2019 budget. Craymer added, "These strategies are not unusual in the budgeting process, but it is a gamble that sometimes pays off, and sometimes does not. Rising school property taxes - projected to increase 7% each of the next two years - allowed the legislature to reduce state funding for public schools. What the state scores as a budget cut, actually translates into higher property tax bills. This is a huge loophole in the state's current spending limit. Of course, as always, there is little wrong with the Texas budget at any time that cannot be cured by $80 per barrel oil; but absent that, lawmakers are assured of continual budget difficulties for the foreseeable future."
GENERAL BUSINESS    
BATHROOMS   
No legislative action was taken this week on the "bathroom" issue, but grassroots activists on both sides of the issue were present around the capitol this week.  

KEEP TEXAS OPEN FOR BUSINESS 
On Tuesday, Aug. 8, Texas women rallied at the Texas capitol against what they called "discriminatory bathroom bills." They released figures that indicate:
  • More than 650 businesses, chambers of commerce, and convention & visitors bureaus have spoken publicly against the bathroom bills.
  • 50 of these companies are Fortune 500 companies.
  • More than 400 are Texas small businesses.
  • They represent a broad cross-section of the Texas economy, including technology and health care, financial services and energy, hospitality and retail, professional services and construction.
Belinda Matingou, Regional Executive Director of Texas Association of Business said, "The outcry from the business community is virtually unanimous. The data is clear, compelling and growing. Hundreds of businesses of every shape and size across our great state have joined with the Texas Association of Business to oppose these discriminatory bills, and today Texas women business leaders are once again speaking out calling on legislators to reject bathroom bills."

Jenna Hardy, Director of Finance for Gearbox Software said, "Gearbox is the largest independent game studio in Texas, employing more than 300 of the best video game developers in the industry. Bathroom bills are directly contrary to our company's core values. These bills will directly impact our ability to attract and retain talent in a highly competitive, very specialized tech field. We are already seeing impacts in our recruitment efforts due to increased negative perception of Texas related to the rhetoric and debate on these bills."

Diane Crawford, Global Commercial Operations Director of Celanese Corporation also spoke at the event saying, "When people think about where to call home and where to spend money, they look at the whole state, and the data is clear. Increasing numbers of talented workers do not want to be associated with a place that enacts legalized discrimination against people who are already vulnerable."

Mellie Price, co-founder of the Capital Factory and SoftMatch said, "I've seen literally hundreds of companies created. Startups are where innovation and invention begins, and the Texas economy will most certainly suffer if we continue pushing discriminatory legislation that puts the recruiting, sales, and investment pipelines of these companies at risk."

TECHNOLOGY LEADERS
On Thursday, Aug. 10, technology trade associations CompTIA andTechNet and technology executives from Apple, Intel, IBM, Dell, Cisco, and Salesforce met with legislators to express opposition to proposed bathroom bills.

Also on Aug. 10, Erik Day, vice president at Dell penned an Op-Ed in Texas Tribune's Trib Talk. It said, "In the past, Texas' reputation as a warm and welcoming state has paid off. The business-friendly climate has drawn top-notch talent, investment, and job creation from around the globe. Business leaders know that a diverse workforce is critical to being able to develop innovative products and services for a globally diverse set of customers. Corporate America has known for decades that having a diverse and authentic workforce is the smart thing to do. Business leaders have outpaced legislative protections by adopting company nondiscrimination policies and welcoming LGBT employees. We know that these policies are good for business and good for employees. Employees who feel comfortable and welcome at work are more likely to succeed in their careers and contribute to their teams, companies, organizations and communities. Isn't that what we want for Texans?"

ECONOMIST RAY PERRYMAN'S ECONOMIC ANALYSIS 
On Aug. 7, Economist Ray Perryman issued a report he prepared on economic impact that a bathroom bill could have on the Texas economy. It said, "Growing an economy and encouraging prosperity is difficult work, and the last thing Texas needs is to shoot itself in the foot over a bathroom bill. Texas faces intense competition from all sides. Enacting a bathroom bill that would cost tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in business activity and tax receipts over time makes no economic sense. One immediate effect, which will only get worse over time, is that Texas will lose massively in travel and tourism. I estimate that the total benefits of travel and tourism are more than $128.9 billion in gross product each year and 1.4 million permanent jobs in Texas. That travel and tourism and the associated multiplier effects generate $7.0 billion to the State and $3.3 billion to local government entities (including cities, counties, and school districts) each year. A bathroom bill jeopardizes this major industry, and communities across the state have already begun to see the fallout from even the discussion of a potential bill. A recent estimate places the amount already lost at more than $66 million from specific events. Moreover, sponsors of over $1.1 billion in direct travel and tourism events have already indicated that they plan to cancel if the bill passes. That estimate is obtained from events which were otherwise headed to Texas, and, if a bill passes, the total losses will be much higher as event planners and groups avoid the state"

TEXAS VALUES
On Tuesday, Aug. 8, Texas Values released a list of businesspersons released that they say "shows growing support for efforts to protect privacy in showers, bathrooms, and locker rooms in government buildings and public schools." The press release said, "This new business list is in addition to a growing roster of leaders and organizations who support privacy, reaching an estimated 1 million Texans. Business sectors include oil and gas, transportation, tourism, law, agriculture, commercial real estate, wealth management, personal safety and protection, sporting, and more."

Also on Aug. 8, Linda Dewhurst of Houston recorded a video in support of the Texas Privacy Act. She said, "As a longtime resident of Houston, I know first-hand why it's important that we pass this statewide bill. In fact, if the Texas House allows men into girls' bathrooms, it is very likely the Houston city council will try again to pass a bathroom ordinance like the one we defeated in 2015 that would have forced even private businesses to allow men into girls' bathrooms." 

WOMEN LEADERS RALLY 
Texas Values also hosted a group of women business leaders in support of the Texas Privacy Act. The group included:
  • Cindy Asmussen - Ethics & Religious Liberty Advisor with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention and Legislative Director with Concerned Women for America of Texas.
  • Trayce Bradford - President of Texas Eagle Forum.
  • Sunny Cardenas - Dripping Springs ISD mother and community member.
  • JoAnn Fleming - Executive Director of Grassroots America/We The People.
  • Kaely Triller Haver - President of Hands Across the Aisle.
  • Dana Hodges - Director of Concerned Women for America of Texas.
  • Nikki Kelton - Dripping Springs ISD parent.
  • Allison Kelly - Forth Worth ISD mother.
  • Pastor Ericka McCrutcheon - Co-Pastor of Joint Heirs Fellowship Church in Houston.
  • Susan Rodriguez - Law enforcement officer.
  • Angela Smith - Horseback riding trainer.
HEALTH
PASSED THE SENATE
  • HB 13 by Giovanni Capriglione and Donna Campbell would require health care facilities and physicians to report abortion complications to the Health & Human Services Commission. On Friday, it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 22-9. Also on Friday, it received final Senate approval by the same vote.
  • HB 214 by John Smithee would prohibit health benefit plans from providing coverage for elective abortion; but would allow a person to purchase optional or supplemental coverage for elective abortion. On Aug. 8, it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 95-51. On Aug. 9, it received final House approval by a vote of 92-46. It was heard in the Senate Business & Commerce Committee on Aug. 11 and was reported out favorably. On Aug. 12, it was passed to Third Reading in the Senate by a vote of 20-10.
PASSED THE HOUSE
SB 11 by Charles Perry and Greg Bonnen would limit the circumstances under which a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order is valid. It was heard in the House State Affairs on Aug. 10 and reported favorably as substituted. On Aug. 12, it received preliminary approval in the House on a voice vote.
 
On Aug. 9, the House Human Services Committee took up HB 293 by Jarvis Johnson would bring group homes for recovering substance abusers under licensure and regulation by the Health & Human Services Commission. It was left pending.

PROPERTY
PASSED THE SENATE
HB 7 by Dade Phelan and Lois Kolkhorst would require a municipality that imposes a fee for tree removal to allow the person to apply for a credit for tree planting to offset the amount of the fee. On Aug. 11, the Senate committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 18-13. Also on Aug. 11, it received final Senate approval by a vote of 17-14. It will go back to the House to concur in Senate amendments or appoint a conference committee.

PASSED THE HOUSE
SB 6 by Donna Campbell and Dan Huberty is an annexation reform bill that prescribes procedures to be followed by a municipality before annexing property based on the size of the municipality. On Aug. 11, the committee substitute and 4 floor amendments were adopted and it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 115-24. On Aug. 12, it received final House approval by a vote of 116-26.
 
On Aug. 8, the House Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee took up HB 362 by Roberto Gutierrez would allow municipalities and counties in a regulated area through a joint military installation zoning board to regulate:
  • the height, number of stories, and size of buildings and other structures;
  • the percentage of a lot that may be occupied;
  • the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces;
  • population density;
  • the location and use of buildings, other structures, and land for business, industrial, residential, or other purposes; and
  • the placement of water and sewage facilities, landfills, parks, and other required public facilities. It was left pending.
On Aug. 9, the House State Affairs Committee took up SB 13 by Konni Burton would shorten the deadlines for approval of local building permit applications. It was left pending.
 
Also on Aug. 9, the House Land & Resource Management Committee took up HB 188 by Cecil Bell, Jr. would prohibit a municipality or county from enforcing an ordinance, order, or other regulation adopted by the municipality or county, that prohibits or restricts the use or development of real property that has been platted if the ordinance, order, or other regulation was not in effect on the date the owner of the property acquired title to the property unless the landowner files a written waiver of the limitation with the county clerk. It was left pending.

PUBLIC EDUCATION
PASSED THE HOUSE
  • HB 21 by Dan Huberty and Larry Taylor would make several public school finance reforms. On Aug. 7, it received final House approval by a vote of 130-13. It was heard in Senate Education Committee on Aug. 11 and was reported favorably as substituted.
  • HB 23 by Dan Huberty would require the Commissioner of Education to establish a program to award grants to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools that provide innovative services to students with autism. On Aug. 7, it received unanimous final House approval.  
  • HB 30 by John Zerwas would appropriate $963.5 million in each fiscal year of the 2018-19 biennium to the Texas Education Agency to increase the Basic Allotment from $5,140 $5,350 and allocate $15 million per fiscal year to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to assist in covering the cost of educating students with disabilities. It defers the $1.9 billion Aug. 2019 Foundation School Program payment to Sept. 2019. On Aug. 7, it received final House approval by a vote of 131-13.  
On Monday, Aug. 7, the House Appropriations Committee took up:
  • HB 363/HJR 52 by Donna Howard would propose a constitutional amendment allocating surplus state revenue to the retired school employee group insurance fund administered by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. They were left pending.
  • HJR 53 by Dan Huberty would propose a constitutional amendment dedicating surplus state revenue in the economic stabilization fund public education. It was left pending.
On Tuesday, August 8 the House Public Education Committee took up:
  • HB 125 by Jason Villalba would provide supplemental funding for open-enrollment charter schools that meet academic performance criteria. It was left pending.
  • HB 255 by Ron Reynolds would provide a salary increase for public school teachers, librarians, counselors and nurses. It was left pending.
  • HB 335 by Nicole Collier would require school districts to conduct first-draw tap tests of potable water outlets for lead contamination at least every 5 years. It was left pending.
  • HB 340 by Poncho Nevarez would allow school districts to provide a salary bonus to teachers who complete autism training. It was left pending.
  • HB 351 by Wayne Faircloth would establish the Texas Commission on Public School Finance to study and evaluate the feasibility of reducing recapture rates of school districts in which 65% or more of the student population is educationally disadvantaged or at risk of dropping out of school. It was left pending.
  • HB 352 by Wayne Faircloth would provide that a school district that executes an agreement to purchase attendance credits necessary to reduce the district's wealth per student to equalized wealth level may reduce the total amount required to be paid for attendance credits by 25%. It was left pending.
  • HB 354 by Jason Villalba would allow school districts to adopt teacher performance contracts and would increase the basic allotment for school districts that adopt those contracts. It was left pending.
  • HB 355 by James White would make several changes to the public school finance system. It was left pending.
  • HB 374 by Donna Howard would allow compensatory education allotment funding to be used to provide assistance to students at risk of dropping out of school because they are pregnant or are parents. It was left pending.
  • HB 387 by Ken King would continue the additional state aid for tax reduction (ASATR) from Sept. 1, 2017 to Sept. 1, 2019. It was reported out favorably.
On Sat., Aug. 12, the Senate State Affairs Committee took up HB 80 by Drew Darby and Joan Huffman would provide a cost-of-living adjustment to Texas retired teachers to help them afford increasing health insurance premiums if the funds are available. It was left pending.
 
SENATE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS ON EDUCATION REFORM 
On Tuesday, Aug. 8, the Senate Republican Caucus held a press conference to show support for the Senate's education reform priorities, including what they called "meaningful school finance reform" legislation as well as the Texas Teacher Retirement System and TRS Care. Caucus Vice-Chair Brandon Creighton acted as the emcee for the press conference. Creighton said, "We are here today to express our support for public education reform, teachers, and retired teachers. Texans can continue to count on the Texas Senate to show up, vote, and enact conservative solutions to Texas challenges."

Senate Education Committee Chairman Larry Taylor added, "Our message is loud and clear. We want substantial, meaningful education reform and we want it now. The time for tinkering around the edges and applying another band-aid is over. We have a broken system and suggested proposals to add one-time money to this system are political campaign gimmicks, not long-term solutions." Chairman Taylor also noted that Texas has not taken a comprehensive look at school funding formulas since 1984, more than 30 years ago. He said, "This makes the need for a comprehensive, systemic overhaul of the school finance system through the creation of a new Commission, comprised of a broad cross-section of Texas business leaders, educators and legislators, not paid education lobbyists in Austin, all the more pressing. Some people's idea of reform is to merely spend more money in education. That is not real reform and we will find ourselves back in the same cycle of litigation and adding more short term band-aids."

Republican Caucus Chair Joan Huffman discussed the commitment that the Senate has made to the Texas Teacher Retirement System, as well as TRS Care over the last several legislative sessions. She noted that the Texas Legislature unanimously passed HB 3976 during the 85th regular session that added roughly $350 million more to TRS Care as well as permanently increased the state's contribution for retired teachers to approx. $850 million per biennium. Senator Huffman said, "Without this additional funding, TRS Care would have been forced to close. Additional action has been taken by the Senate in the special session with the passage of SB 19, which provides more funding to help lower healthcare deductibles and premiums for retired teachers as well as give bonuses to classroom teachers across Texas. This represents the Senate's commitment to send a message to retired teachers and provide relief to them. I am hopeful that the House will act quickly."

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick discussed the press conference saying, "Texas senators spoke out this morning on what has been one of my top priorities for over a decade since first serving on the Senate Education Committee and later as Education Chairman. Public education is also a top priority for the majority of Republican senators and they are absolutely right that simply adding more funding without a focus on teachers and educational outcomes, as is being proposed, accomplishes very little. I have worked very closely with Education Chairman Larry Taylor on SB 16, the School Finance Commission Bill as well as with Chairman Jane Nelson and Chairman Joan Huffman on SB 19, which includes a career bonus for teachers and a boost for TRS-Care for retired teachers. I join these senators in urging that the Texas House move quickly on both bills."
STATEWIDE
PASSED THE SENATE 
SB 28 by Van Taylor would change the sunset dates for the Texas Historical Commission and Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners from Sept. 1, 2019 to Sept. 1, 2021; and set sunset schedule for Texas Military Department, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, and Texas Department of Motor Vehicles from Sept. 1, 2019 to Sept. 1, 2023. On Aug. 7, it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 28-2. Also on Aug. 7, it received unanimous final passage in the Senate.

PASSED THE HOUSE
  • SB 20 by Van Taylor and Larry Gonzales would change the sunset dates for the Texas Medical Board, Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, and the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners from September 1, 2017 to September 1, 2019. On Aug. 10, it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On Friday, it received unanimous final approval in the House.
  • SB 60 by Van Taylor and Larry Gonzales would repeal appropriations contingency riders that made funding for Texas Medical Board and Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists contingent on passage of their sunset bills during the regular session in order to provide continued funding for those agencies. On Aug. 10, it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On Aug. 11, it received unanimous final approval in the House.
On Thursday, Aug. 10, the House General Investigating & Ethics Committee took up HJR 54 by Joe Moody would propose a constitutional amendment prohibiting the governor from accepting political contributions during a special legislative session. It was left pending.
TAX ISSUES
PASSED THE HOUSE
  • HB 115 by Greg Bonnen would authorize persons serving on active duty in the U.S. armed forces to pay delinquent property taxes without penalty or interest if the delinquent taxes are paid within 60 days after the person is discharged from active military service. On Aug. 8, it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On Aug. 9, it received unanimous final approval in the House.
  • HB 129 by Jeff Leach would provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the veteran's surviving spouse based on the veteran's disability rating. Rep. Leach offered a complete floor substitute establishing a joint interim committee to study property tax exemptions and other property tax benefits for partially disabled veterans. The committee would be composed of 3 appointees each from the governor, lt. governor, and speaker and would be charged to study and make recommendations regarding:
    • The effect of property tax exemptions and other property tax benefits for partially disabled veterans, surviving spouse of a partially disabled veteran, military service members, and veterans and their families that are currently authorized by law; and
    • The need for other property tax exemptions and other property tax benefits for partially disabled veterans, surviving spouses of partially disabled veterans, military service members, and veterans and their families.
    • It passed to Third Reading on Aug. 8 (as amended) by a unanimous vote of 147-0. On Aug. 9, it received unanimous final approval in the House.
  • HB 179/HJR 30 by Kevin Roberts (would propose a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for a homestead exemption for disabled first responders and their surviving spouses. On Aug. 7, HJR 30 was adopted by a vote of 141-1 (constitutional amendments do not go to Third Reading if they receive over 100 votes on Second Reading). HB 179 passed to Third Reading on Aug. 7 on a voice vote and on Aug. 8, it received final House approval by a vote of 146-1.
  • HB 331 by Sarah Davis would require, instead of allow, the reappraisal of property in a disaster area at its market value after a disaster declared by the governor. On Aug. 9, it passed to Third Reading on voice vote. On Aug. 10, it received unanimous approval.
  • SB 1 by Paul Bettencourt and Dennis Bonnen would make several property tax reforms including reducing the rollback rate. It passed to Third Reading in the House on Aug. 12 by a vote of 98-43. The House committee substitute was adopted but all 25 of the proposed amendments either failed or were withdrawn.
STATUS UPDATE ON SPECIAL SESSION ISSUES
Heading into the last 4 days of the special session, 3 bills have passed and been signed by the governor and 1 additional bill is on its way to the governor. Those bills are noted in green below.

SUNSET LEGISLATION
The specific call says, "Legislation amending sections 151.004, 501.005, 502.003, 503.005, and 505.005 of the Texas Occupations Code to extend the expiration dates applicable to the Texas Medical Board, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, and the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners."
BILLS/STATUS: SB 20 by Van Taylor, which extends the sunset dates to Sept. 1, 2019, has passed the Senate and the House and been signed by the governor; and SB 60 by Van Taylor, which repeals appropriations contingency riders for Texas Medical Board and Board of Examiners of Psychologists, has passed the Senate and the House and been signed by the governor. HB 1 by Larry Gonzales, which extends the sunset dates to Sept. 1, 2019, has passed the House and been referred to the Senate Business & Commerce Committee; HB 2 by Larry Gonzales, which repeals appropriations contingency riders, has passed the House and referred to the Senate Business & Commerce Committee; and SB 28 by Van Taylor, which would change the sunset dates for several agencies to help the Sunset Advisory Commission to manage its workload, has passed the Senate, but has not been referred to committee in the House.  
 
TEACHER PAY INCREASE OF $1,000  
The specific call says, "Legislation to increase the average salary and benefits (including TRS-Care) of Texas teachers; and legislation to provide a more flexible and rewarding salary and benefit system for Texas teachers."

BILLS/STATUS: HB 198 by Travis Clardy, which establishes an average $1,000 pay raise by creating new teacher distinctions, establishes a Teacher Quality Allotment, and provides funding for teacher pay raises and retention, was reported favorably as substituted from the House Public Education Committee on August 10. SB 19 by Jane Nelson, which provides bonuses for teachers and addresses the Texas Public School Employees Group Insurance Program, has passed the Senate and referred to the House Appropriations Committee. HB 20 by Trent Ashby, which would appropriate $150 million from the Economic Stabilization Fund to the retired school employees group insurance fund (TRS-Care) to be used to decrease premiums and deductibles, has passed the House, but has not been referred to committee in the Senate. HB 24 by Drew Darby, which would increase the minimum salary schedule for teachers and full-time school librarians, counselors and nurses, has been reported favorably from the House Appropriations Committee. HB 80 by Drew Darby, which would allow the Teacher Retirement System to make a cost-of-living adjustment to annuitants if funds are available, has passed the House, was heard in the Senate State Affairs Committee on Aug. 12 and was left pending. 
 
SCHOOL FINANCE REFORM 
The specific call says, "Legislation establishing a statewide commission to study and recommend improvements to the current public school finance system; and other legislation relating to school finance, including Additional State Aid for Tax Reduction (ASATR)." 
 
BILLS/STATUS: SB 16 by Larry Taylor, which would establish a commission to recommend improvements to the public school finance system, has passed the Senate and referred favorably as substituted from the House Public Education Committee on Aug. 10. HB 191 by Phil King, the House companion to SB 16, was heard in the House Public Education Committee on Aug. 1 and left pending. HB 21 by Dan Huberty is a school finance reform bill that has passed the House and been reported favorably as substituted from the Senate Education Committee. HB 30 by John Zerwas appropriates almost $2 billion to the Texas Education Agency to increase the basic allotment, and $30 million to assist with the cost of educating students with disabilities, paid for by deferring the August 2019 Foundation School Program payment to Sept. 2019, has passed the House, but has not been referred to committee in the Senate. 
 
SCHOOL CHOICE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS 
The specific call says, "Legislation to empower parents of children with special needs or educational disadvantages to choose an educational provider that is best for their child."

BILLS/STATUS: SB 2 by Larry Taylor, which establishes a tax credit scholarship and educational expense assistance program, has passed the Senate and was reported favorably as substituted from the House Public Education Committee on Aug. 8. HB 52 by Ron Simmons, which would give parents choice of the school for their special needs child, including public, private, or homeschool, was referred to the House Public Education Committee on July 20.; and HB 58 by Ron Simmons, which would allow a taxable entity to take an insurance premium tax credit for making a contribution to an educational assistance organization to be used to pay educational expenses for special education or disabled students to attend a public or private school, was referred to the House Public Education Committee  on July 20. 
 
PROPERTY TAX REFORM 
T he specific call says, "Legislation reforming the laws governing ad valorem property taxes."

BILLS/STATUS: SB 1 by Paul Bettencourt, which is the Texas Property Tax Reform & Relief Act of 2017, has passed the Senate, been reported favorably as substituted from the House Ways & Means Committee , and passed to Third Reading in the House on Aug. 12. HB 3 by Dennis Bonnen, which reforms the appraisal appeal process and strengthens taxpayer rights and information, was heard in the House Ways & Means Committee and left pending. HB 4 by Dennis Bonnen, which reduces the rollback rate from 8% to 6%, was reported favorably as substituted from the House Ways & Means Committee on July 26. HB 32 by Dennis Bonnen, which would be the Property Tax Payer Empowerment Act of 2017, has passed the House and was reported favorably as substituted from the Senate Government Reform Committee on Aug. 11. 
 
CAPS ON STATE & LOCAL SPENDING 
The specific call says, "Legislation using population growth and inflation to establish a spending limit for state government; and legislation using population growth and inflation to establish a spending limit for political subdivisions."

BILLS/STATUS: SB 9 by Kelly Hancock, which sets the constitutional spending cap on population growth and inflation, has passed the Senate and referred to the House Appropriations Committee. It was taken up by the House Appropriations Committee on Aug. 12. HB 208 by Tan Parker, which limits the growth in state spending to population growth and inflation, was on the House calendar on Aug. 12, but was sent back to the House Appropriations Committee on a point-of-order. HB 41 by Mike Schofield, a House companion to SB 9, was filed on July 10 and has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee. SB 18 by Craig Estes, which sets a spending limit for local governmental entities, was on the Senate calendar on July 26, but has not been taken up by the full Senate.
 
PREVENTING CITIES FROM REGULATING WHAT PROPERTY OWNERS DO WITH TREES ON PRIVATE LAND 
T he specific call says, "Legislation protecting the private property rights of land owners from political subdivision rules, regulations, or ordinances that interfere with, delay, or restrict private property owners' ability to use or enjoy their property."

BILLS/STATUS: SB 14 by Bob Hall, which would prohibit political subdivision rules, regulations and ordinances that interfere with a private property owner's right to plant, transplant, and remove trees and vegetation from their own property, has passed the Senate, but has not been referred to committee in the House. HB 70 by Paul Workman, the House companion for SB 14, was heard in the House Urban Affairs Committee on July 25 and was left pending. HB 7 by Dade Phelan, which would require a municipality that imposes a fee for tree removal to allow the person to apply for a credit for tree planting to offset the amount of the fee, has passed the House and Senate. The Senate committee substituted and 1 Senate floor amendment were adopted, so it goes back to the House to either concur in Senate amendments or request a conference committee. Note: HB 7 is the same bill as SB 744 from the regular session, which was vetoed by the governor.
 
SPEEDING UP LOCAL GOVERNMENT PERMITTING PROCESS 
The specific call says, "Legislation expediting the issuance of permits by political subdivisions and reforming the laws governing the issuance of permits by political subdivisions."

BILLS/STATUS: SB 13 by Konni Burton, which limits the time for municipalities and counties to approve or deny a building permit, has passed the Senate, was heard in the House State Affairs Committee on Aug. 9, and was left pending. HB 164 by Paul Workman, the House companion to SB 13, has been referred to the House State Affairs Committee.
 
PREVENTING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FROM CHANGING RULES MIDWAY THROUGH CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS 
The specific call says, "Legislation preventing political subdivisions from imposing on private property additional or enhanced regulations that did not exist at the time the property was acquired."

BILLS/STATUS: SB 12 by Dawn Buckingham, which would prohibit cities and counties from enforcing an order or regulation adopted by the city or county that prohibits or restricts the use or development of real property that has been platted if the ordinance was not in effect on the date the owner acquired title to the property, was heard in the Senate Business & Commerce Committee on July 22 and left pending. HB 188 by Cecil Bell, Jr., the House companion to SB 12, was heard in the House Land & Resource Management Committee on Aug 9. and was left pending. 
 
TEXTING WHILE DRIVING PREEMPTION 
The specific call says, "Legislation preempting local regulation of the use of hand-held mobile communication devices while driving."

BILLS/STATUS: SB 15 by Don Huffman, which preempts local regulation of the use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle, has passed the Senate, but has not been referred to committee in the House. HB 171 by Craig Goldman, the House companion to SB 15, was heard in the House Transportation Committee on July 27 and left pending.
 
PRIVACY 
The specific call says, "Legislation regarding the use of multi-occupancy showers, locker rooms, restrooms, and changing rooms."

BILLS/STATUS: SB 3 by Lois Kolkhorst, which prohibits local regulation of bathrooms and changing facilities, has passed the Senate, but has note been referred to committee in the House. HB 46 by Ron Simmons, which would prohibit political subdivisions from creating a protected class over and above what state or federal law provides, was referred to the House State Affairs Committee on July 20; and HB 50 by Ron Simmons, which would specify that no school district may create a protected class above what state or federal law provides, was referred to the House State Affairs Committee on July 20. 
 
PROHIBITION OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO COLLECT UNION DUES 
The specific call says, "Legislation prohibiting state or local government entities from deducting labor union or employee organization membership fees or dues from the wages of public employees."

BILLS/STATUS: SB 7 by Bryan Hughes, which would prohibit payroll deductions for state and local government employee organizations, has passed the Senate, but has not been referred to committee in the House. HB 156 by Jason Isaac, the House companion to SB 7, was referred to the House State Affairs Committee on July 20. 
 
PROHIBITION OF TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION PROVIDERS 
The specific call says, "Legislation prohibiting financial transactions between a governmental entity and an abortion provider or affiliate of the abortion provider."

BILLS/STATUS: SB 4 by Charles Schwertner, which prohibits governmental entities from providing funding to an abortion provider or affiliate, has passed the Senate, but has not been referred to committee in the House. HB 163 by Drew Springer, the House companion to SB 4, was filed on July 14, but has not been referred to a committee in the House.
 
PRO-LIFE INSURANCE REFORM 
The specific call says, "Legislation restricting health plan and health benefit plan coverage for abortions."

BILLS/STATUS: SB 8 by Brandon Creighton, which would prohibit health plans from providing coverage for elective abortions unless it is provided through supplemental coverage, has passed the Senate, but has not been referred to committee in the House. HB 214 by John Smithee, the House companion to SB 8, has passed the House and passed to Third Reading in the Senate. 
 
STRENGTHENING ABORTION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS WHEN HEALTH COMPLICATIONS ARISE 
The specific call says, "Legislation strengthening the laws applicable to the reporting of abortions and abortion complications to the Department of State Health Services."

BILLS/STATUS: SB 10 by Donna Campbell, which requires health care facilities to report complications from abortions, has passed the Senate, but has not been referred to committee in the House. HB 13 by Giovanni Capriglione, the House companion to SB 10,
has passed the House and Senate and is heading to the governor.
  
STRENGTHENING PATIENT PROTECTIONS RELATING TO DO-NOT-RESUSCITATE ORDERS 
The specific call says, "Legislation enhancing patient protections contained in the procedures and requirements for do-not-resuscitate orders."

BILLS/STATUS: SB 11 by Charles Perry, which would revise procedures and requirements for do-not-resuscitate orders, has passed the Senate, was passed to Third Reading in the House on Aug. 12. HB 12 by Greg Bonnen, the House Companion to SB 11, was heard in the House State Affairs Committee on Aug. 3 and left pending. 
 
CRACKING DOWN ON MAIL-IN BALLOT FRAUD 
The specific call says, "Legislation enhancing the detection, prosecution, and elimination of mail-in ballot fraud."

BILLS/STATUS: SB 5 by Kelly Hancock, which would increase the criminal penalties for election fraud, has passed the Senate and House and been signed by the governor. HB 184 by Craig Goldman, the House companion to SB 5, was reported favorably from the House Elections Committee on Aug. 8.
 
EXTENDING MATERNAL MORTALITY TASK FORCE 
The specific call says, "Legislation continuing the operation and expanding the duties of the Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Task Force to ensure action is taken to reduce the maternal mortality rate in Texas."

BILLS/STATUS: SB 17 by Lois Kolkhorst, which expands the Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Task Force, has passed the Senate and been referred to the House Public Health Committee. HB 9 by Cindy Burkett, the House companion to SB 17, has passed the House and referred to the Senate Health & Human Services Committee. Note: 3 similar bills, HB 10 by Armando Walle, HB 11 by Shawn Thierry, and HB 28 by Lina Ortega, which also expand the task force, have passed the House, but have not been referred to a Senate committee. 
 
MUNICIPAL ANNEXATION REFORM 
The specific call says, "Legislation reforming the authority of municipalities to annex territory, to exert control over territory, or to regulate the use of annexed land or land in a municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction."

BILLS/STATUS: SB 6 by Donna Campbell, which is the Texas Annexation Right to Vote Act, has passed the Senate and the House. It goes back to the Senate to concur in House amendments or request a conference committee. HB 6 by Dan Huberty, the House companion to SB 6, was heard in the House Land & Resource Management Committee on August 2 and left pending. 
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