May 9, 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.
NOTABLE MEETINGS
   CLICK HERE to view the full list of bills the Plano Chamber is tracking.
SENATE NEWS
The Senate was in session Monday-Thursday of last week.

The Senate reconvened on Monday, May 8 at 11:00 AM. CLICK HERE to view upcoming schedules. 
 
HOUSE NEWS 
The House was in session Monday-Saturday of last week, clocking 55 total hours in session in addition to committee hearings. They worked late into the night on Thursday and still left 87 bills on the calendar, which rolled over to Friday. On Friday, they also worked late into the night, but left 35 bills on the calendar, which rolled over to Saturday's calendar. The House adjourned around 3 PM on Saturday in order to give legislators time to get home to vote in local elections. There were still 14 bills from Friday's calendar that the House had still not reached before adjournment. Those 14 bills along with the 67 bills on Saturday's calendar will be rolled over to Monday's calendar. 

The House reconvened on Monday, May 8 at 10 AM. End-of-Session deadlines begin kicking in on May 8, which is the last day for House Committees to report out House bills. More details are outlined below. CLICK HERE to view upcoming schedules. 

STATE NEWS 
GOVERNOR SIGNS HB 89
On May 2, Governor Abbott signed into law HB 89, known as the Anti-BDS (Boycott, Divestments, and Sanctions) bill, which prohibits all state agencies from contracting with, and certain public funds from investing in, companies that boycott Israel. CLICK HERE to read Gov. Abbott's remarks.

GOVERNOR SIGNS HB 4 
On May 7, Governor Abbott signed into law SB 4, known as the Sanctuary Cities bill, in a private event streamed on Facebook. Proponents say this bill will stop communities violating federal immigration laws. Opponents are concerned that the legislation constitutes an Arizona-style "show-me-your-papers" law and violates individuals' constitutional rights. It is likely that this legislation will be litigated almost immediately.

RYDER INTEGRATED LOGISTICS ANNOUNCEMENT 
On May 3, Gov. Abbott announced that Ryder Integrated Logistics, Inc. will be expanding its facilities in Fort Worth to support its supply management, logistics, and transportation management operations. Ryder is a Fortune 500 transportation and supply chain management company that services more than 50,000 manufacturers and retailers nationwide. This expansion in Fort Worth will create more than 200 jobs and more than $5.2 million in capital investment. A TEF grant offer of $1,050,000 has been extended to Ryder. Governor Abbott said, "Texas continues to expand its presence on the global economic stage thanks to the growth of businesses like Ryder right here in the Lone Star State. As we enter a 21st century economy, it is of paramount importance that Texas increases its competitive advantage by working with innovative companies, and Ryder's expansion is the perfect example."  
SENATE NEWS  
On May 1, the Senate passed 27 bills including bills requiring schools that do not have a full-time nurse, school counselor or librarian to give written notice to each student's parents (SB 196); requiring state agencies to repeal an existing rule that imposes a cost before imposing a new rule that imposes a cost on a regulated person (SB 210); requiring the comptroller to establish the Special Purpose District Public Information Database, a searchable Internet database containing information regarding all active special purpose districts that are authorized to impose a tax, fee or assessment (SB 625); eliminating motor vehicle safety inspections on vehicles weighing less than 7,500 pounds (SB 1001); authorizing the adoption and implementation of policies and training regarding the use of epinephrine auto-injectors by public institutions of higher education (SB 1367); and requiring campus-level committees to review every six months the paperwork requirements imposed on classroom teachers and recommend to the board of trustees paperwork responsibilities that can be transferred to non-instructional staff (SB 1854). Additional bills are included in the issue categories below.
 
On May 2, the Senate passed 17 bills including prohibiting state funding to regional mobility authorities unless the RMA allows state audits (SB 637); clarifying the fees collected to fund operations of the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Commission (SB 1330); establish abortion complications reporting requirements for health care practitioners (SB 1602); clarifying provisions governing the attachment of a hospital lien on a cause of action or claim of an injured person who receives hospital services (SB 2066). See the issue categories below for additional bills that passed.
 
On May 3, the Senate concurred in House Amendments to SB 4 by Charles Perry would eliminate "sanctuary cities" requiring local governmental entities to cooperate with federal authorities in enforcement of immigration laws. The issue is a priority for and was designated as an emergency by Gov. Abbott. It was signed by the Governor on May 7.
 
The Senate also passed 30 bills on May 3 including SB 179, which would be "David's Law" prohibiting cyberbullying; clarifying procedures for prosecuting offenses involving cruelty to animals (SB 762); re-enacting the Texas system of care framework to develop local mental health systems of care for minors (SB 1021); requiring state agencies to use iron and steel produced in the U.S. in construction projects (SB 1289); require school districts to report the number and percentage of students enrolled at a campus in a voluntary after-school program and a voluntary summer program (SB 1404); requiring TxDOT to allow customers to use automatic payment of tolls through the customer's bank account (SB 1437); establishing the Task Force of Border Health Officials to advise the commissioner of health and human services on health conditions in the border region (SB 1680); and prohibiting an appraisal district from using public money for directly or indirectly influencing the legislature regarding legislation (SB 1812). Other bills are discussed below.
 
On May 4, the Senate passed 86 bills on the Local & Uncontested Calendar including SCR 37 urging Congress to increase appropriations from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to properly maintain ship channels. And, they passed 19 bills from the Intent Calendar including the University of Incarnate Word in state programs supporting graduate medical education programs (SB 496); specifying procedures for a county clerk to follow when a duplicate mail-in ballot is requested (SB 1820); authorize counties to prohibit the possession of a glass container within boundaries of state-owned riverbeds (SB 1870); increasing number of administrative judicial regions from 9 to 11 (SB 1893); and establishing the Texas Commission on Public School Finance to develop and make recommendations for improvements to the current public school finance system or for new methods of financing public schools (SB 2144).

Bills from the Local & Uncontested Calendar and Intent Calendar that passed are in the issue categories below. 
 
Total number of bills reported out of Senate Committees last week: 183
Total number of bills passed by the Senate last week: 179
Total passed on the Local and Uncontested calendar last week: 86    
HOUSE NEWS
On May 1, the House gave preliminary approval to 27 bills including making the Jail-Based Competency Pilot Program a permanent program authorizing a defendant deemed incompetent to stand trial for reason of mental illness or intellectual disability to be released on bail to receive outpatient treatment to regain competency for trial (HB 12); requiring institutions of higher education to have a policy prohibiting and reporting of campus sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking (HB 16); clarifying the conduct that constitutes the offense of false identification as a peace officer (HB 683); extending the sunset date for Texas State Board of Pharmacy (HB 2561); adding licensed chiropractors to the list of those able to make a determination of whether a student may have sustained a concussion during interscholastic athletic activities (HB 3024); and prohibiting local governmental entities from collecting fees from licensed electricians who perform work in the entity's territory (HB 3329). Other bills are in the issue categories below.
 
On May 2, the House passed the Third Reading bills and gave preliminary approval to 59 other bills including two ethics bills on the emergency calendar including requiring elected officials to disclose as part of their personal financial statement contracts for goods or services that they or their immediate family have with a governmental entity (HB 501); and prohibiting a retired officeholder who is a registered lobbyist from making political contribution using their campaign funds to another candidate, officeholder, or political committee (HB 505).
 
Other legislation receiving preliminary approval by House on May 2 include bills expanding home telemonitoring services provided under Medicaid (HB 727); allowing a charitable raffle ticket to be awarded as bingo prize (HB 874); extending the program allowing overseas military members to vote by email (HB 1414); encouraging Congress to pass legislation allowing the State of Texas to manage the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery out to 200 nautical miles (HCR 105); and decreasing the fees for issuance of an original, duplicate, modified, or renewed license to carry a handgun to $40 (SB 16). See additional May 2 bills in the issue categories below.
 
On May 3, the House passed Third Reading bills and passed a proposed constitutional amendment from the emergency calendar that is a priority of Gov. Abbott - SJR 38 proposing a constitutional amendment rescinding each and every previous application made at any time by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call a national convention of the states under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing any amendment to that constitution.
 
They also gave preliminary approval to 3 additional ethics bills on the emergency calendar including clarifying the acceptable circumstances in which a corporation or labor organization can make a political contribution to a political committee ( HB 2465 ); allowing the Texas Ethics Commission to include cost of food to people attending a seminar offered by the Ethics Commission (HB 2470); and prohibiting an officer or employee of a political subdivision from spending or authorizing spending of public funds to make a political contribution or a political expenditure (HB 2471).
 
Also on May 3, the House gave preliminary approval to 71 additional bills including adding activities relating to the sale, marketing, packaging, or advertising of nitrous oxide for an illegal purpose a Deceptive Trade Practice Act offense (HB 296); requiring age-appropriate child sexual abuse prevention training in public schools (HB 1342); deleting the requirement that photograph on a driver's license be in color (HB 1345); adding Alzheimer's patients to Silver Alert for Missing Senior Citizens (HB 2639); establishing Texas Wine Foundation to market, promote, research and educate about Texas wine (HB 3664); requiring an employee of a financial institution to notify the institution if the employee suspects financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult who has an account with the institution (HB 3921); restructuring health benefits for retired teachers (HB 3976); proposing a constitutional amendment allowing financial institutions to hold raffles and award prizes by lot to promote savings (HJR 37).
 
On May 4, the House passed 140 bills on the Local & Consent Calendar including resolutions designating Spurger as the Knife Capital of Texas (HCR 27); designating the City of Rockwall as the official Live Music Capital of North Texas (HCR 42); designating Dripping Springs as the official Wedding Capital of Texas (HCR 70); would designate Big Spring as the Lighted Poinsettia Capital of Texas (HCR 72); urging Texans not to use the flag emoji of the Republic of Chile when referring to the Texas Flag (HCR 75); designating Stamford as the Western Art Show Capital of Texas (HCR 83); and expressing support for prioritizing a substantial increase in funding for graduate medical education before authorizing the creation and support of additional medical schools (HCR 102).

The House also passed the 78 Third Reading bills that were debated on May 3, and adopted constitutional amendment from the emergency calendar - SJR 2, applying to the U.S. Congress to call a Convention of the States under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to propose amendments to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government; limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government; and limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress. SJR 2 was adopted by a vote of 94-51. SJR 2's implementation bill, SB 21, passed to Third Reading on May 3, and received final approval on May 4 by a vote of 119-20.

Gov. Abbott commented on the passage of SJR 2 saying, "Today marks an important step toward restraining a runaway federal government and returning power back to the states and their respective citizens as our Founders intended. The Texas Legislature has heard and responded to the voices of those they represent, and I applaud the efforts of the Texas House to pass this important resolution."
 
And on May 4, the House gave preliminary approval to 8 bills on Second Reading including removing liability of first responders who provide roadside assistance (HB 590); and requiring state agencies to develop written succession plans (HB 2463). Other bills from the Local & Consent Calendar and the General Calendar are included in the issue categories below.
 
On May 5, the House passed the pending Third Reading bills and gave preliminary approval to 101 Second Reading bills including eliminating straight-party voting (HB 25); requiring the Dept. of Family & Protective Services (DFPS) to develop a voluntary program that recognizes before-school and after-school programs that promote healthy eating and physical activity (HB 168); requiring the Dept. of State Health Services (DSHS) to make embryo donation information available (HB 785); requiring the Secretary of State to adopt standards for electronic notarization (HB 1217); requiring a state agency that adopts a new rule to repeal at least one old rule before the effective date of the new rule (HB 1290); requiring motor boat operators to have an engine cutoff switch when operating a motor boat (HB 1988); requiring Texas Historical Commission to develop a Texas Music History Trail program to promote and preserve Texas Music History (HB 2079); making changes to towing truck operator regulations (HB 2508 and HB 3306); proposing a constitutional amendment expanding the professional sports teams eligible to hold a charitable raffle for the team's charitable foundation (HB 3125/HJR 100); making campaign donors to the governor (contributions of $2,500 or more) ineligible for a gubernatorial appointment (HB 3305); and shielding pastors' sermons from government subpoena power (SB 24).
 
On May 6, the House passed 102 Third Reading bills and gave preliminary approval to 23 bills including adding persons convicted of prostitution to DNA records database requirement (HB 238); providing liability protection to "Good Samaritans" who rescue domestic animals locked in a hot car (HB 478); establishing a licensing requirement for animal export-import processing facilities (HB 2484); making NASCAR events eligible for Major Events Reimbursement Program (HB 3294); and proposing constitutional amendment establishing lower amount for expenses to be charged to a borrower and removing financing expense limitations for home equity loan (SJR 60).

Total number of bills reported out of House Committees last week: 378   
Total number of bills passed by the House last week: 598
Total passed on the Local and Consent Calendar last week: 140 
BUDGET & FINANCES
  PASSED THE SENATE
  • SB 289 by Van Taylor would require state agencies to prepare a government growth impact statement on its proposed rules. It passed by a vote of 30-1.
  • SB 398 by Lois Kolkhorst would require the State Auditor to compare the cost estimated in a bill's fiscal note prepared by the Legislative Budget Board with the actual cost to the state of the bill. It passed on the Local & Uncontested Calendar on April 19.
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
On May 1, the Senate Finance Committee took up:
  • SB 1031 by Larry Taylor would allow a franchise tax deduction for costs associated with federal contracts under Federal Acquisition Regulations by defense companies. It was reported favorably as substituted. It was on the Senate Intent Calendar for May 4.
  • SB 1032 by Larry Taylor would provide that the tax on the sale of a boat or motor may not exceed $15,625. It was left pending.
  • SB 1514/SJR 51 by Craig Estes would propose a constitutional amendment providing that eligibility for appraisal as open-space land does not end because the land is being used for oil and gas production, if it continues to qualify otherwise. They were voted out favorably as substituted. They are on the Senate Intent Calendar for May 8.
  • SB 1745/SJR 55 by Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa would provide that if the chief appraiser adds property or value to the tax roll that in the previous year was erroneously exempted, a tax lien could not be enforced for that year as a result of the addition of the property if at any time after January 1, the property was sold in an arm's length transaction to a person who was not a close relative to the seller. They were reported favorably. They passed the Senate unanimously on May 4.
  • SB 2055 by Royce West would apply the sales tax exemption for repair, remodeling and maintenance services and the machinery, tools, supplies and equipment used to perform them to all aircraft, instead of aircraft used as a certificated carrier, for flight instruction, or for agricultural purposes. It was left pending. Note: the companion, HB 1682, was heard and left pending in the House Ways & Means Committee on April 27.
  • HB 455 by Will Metcalf would allow a property owner to appear by telephone at an appraisal review board hearing if evidence is submitted by affidavit prior to the hearing. It was reported favorably and recommended for the Local & Uncontested Calendar.
  • HB 777 by Trent Ashby would allow open-space land to continue its designation if the owner is a deployed member of the armed services and intends to use the land for agricultural purposes upon returning to the state. It was reported favorably and recommended for the Local & Uncontested Calendar.
  • HB 1346 by Angie Chen Button changes from the 10th of the month to 20th of the month the due date for deposit with the tax collector for items of heavy equipment sold, leased or rented from the dealer's inventory in the preceding month. It was reported favorably and recommended for Local & Uncontested Calendar. It is on Senate Intent Calendar for May 8.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PASSED THE HOUSE
  • HB 2004 by Charles "Doc" Anderson would expand the Texas Dept. of Agriculture's Texas Economic Development Fund. It passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 6, it received final approval by a vote of 126-16.
  • HB 3172 by Angie Chen Button would require Dept. of Information Resources to establish a common electronic application and reporting system for economic development incentives. It passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 4, it received final passage by a vote of 115-30.
  • HB 3360 by Angie Chen Button would require the Economic Incentive Oversight Board to evaluate the Texas Economic Development Act; to develop a performance matrix to facilitate evaluation of the program; and to develop a schedule to regularly review the program and make recommendations for improvement. It passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On Wednesday, On Wednesday, it received final passage by a vote of 138-6.
SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
On May 2, the Senate Natural Resources & Economic Development Committee took up SB 1410 by Jose Menendez, which would establish the Small Business Capital Access Pilot Program funded through up to 20% of the balance of the Capital Access Fund to expand access to capital for small businesses. It was left pending. Note: companion, HB 4195, was voted favorably as substituted from the House Economic & Small Business Development Committee on May 4.  

TAX ISSUES
PASSED THE SENATE 
  • HB 217 by Terry Canales would add disabled veterans to the list of eligible homeowners who can defer the collection of property tax on their homestead. It passed unanimously.
  • SB 1030/SJR 42 by Larry Taylor would grant a property tax exemption for real property that a person owns and leases to an open-enrollment charter school, if the property is used exclusively by the school for educational functions. They passed by a vote of 28-3. Note: the companions HB 382/HJR 34 were reported favorably as substituted from the House Ways & Means Committee on April 25.
  • SB 1047 by Brandon Creighton would provide that the homeowners that qualify to pay property taxes in installment payments if they are over 65 years of age or disabled could pay in four equal installment payments if the first installment is paid before the delinquency date. It passed on the Local & Uncontested Calendar.
  • SB 1095 by Larry Taylor would change from 30 days to 90 days the deadline to file a petition for redetermination of a tax deficiency determination made by the comptroller. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed on the Local & Uncontested Calendar.
  • SB 1426 by Kelly Hancock would require a taxing unit to calculate an adjusted effective tax rate and an adjusted rollback tax rate that includes new property valuations in the calculation and would require those adjusted rates to be included in the public notice of the taxing unit's proposed tax rates. It passed on the Local & Uncontested Calendar.
  • SB 1745/SJR 55 by Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa would provide that if the chief appraiser adds property or value to the tax roll that in the previous year was erroneously exempted, a tax lien could not be enforced for that year as a result of the addition of the property if at any time after January 1, the property was sold in an arm's length transaction to a person who was not a close relative to the seller. They passed unanimously.
  • SB 1848 by Paul Bettencourt would increase the cap on attorney's fees that may be awarded to a prevailing property owner from $15,000 to $27,000 or 20% of the amount by which the property owner's liability is reduced on appeal, whichever is greater; and would increase the maximum fee level to $253,000 or the amount produced by applying an annual increase or decrease in the CPI to the cap amount. It passed by a vote of 28-2.
  • SB 1906 by Paul Bettencourt prohibits a taxing unit from challenging the level of appraisal of property by category. It passed on the Local & Uncontested Calendar.
PASSED THE HOUSE
  • HB 423 by John Wray would allow a taxpayer that transports ready-mixed concrete to take a cost of goods sold deduction (COGS) for distribution costs. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 4, It received final passage by a vote of 128-18.
  • HB 626 by Paul Workman extends the permissible period in which a late homestead exemption application can be filed to two years. It passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 3, it received unanimous final approval.
  • HB 850 by Chris Turner would provide an ad valorem tax exemption for property used to provide housing to individuals with disabilities. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. Note: it will be on the May 8 calendar for Third Reading. Note: the constitutional amendment that HB 850 is the enabling bill for is on the House Calendar for May 8.
  • HB 2228 by Jim Murphy would set June 1 as the date for chief appraiser to accept, approve, or deny a request for a Freeport exemption. It would move up rendition requirements for the Freeport exemption to April 1. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 4, it received unanimous final passage. Note: the companion, SB 946, was on the Senate Intent Calendar for March 30, but has not been replaced again.
  • HB 2475 by Sarah Davis would add Broadway productions at owned or leased facilities to the list of business structures exempted from the sales tax on amusement services. It passed on the Local & Consent Calendar on May 4.
  • HB 2756 by Byron Cook would change from 30 days to 90 days the deadline to file a petition for redetermination or a refund with the comptroller; and would authorize a taxpayer who is dissatisfied with the decision on a motion for redetermination to file a motion for rehearing. It passed on the Local & Consent Calendar on May 4.
  • HB 2832 by Rene Oliveira would require 10 days notice by a property owner to the mortgage servicer before entering into a contract with a property tax lender. It passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 6, it received final passage by a vote of 113-22.
  • HB 3062 by Kyle Kacal would prescribe procedures for the sale of property for delinquent ad valorem taxes. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. Note: it will be on the May 8 calendar for Third Reading.
  • HB 4002 by Dennis Bonnen it would clarify that the word production for purposes of the cost of goods sold deduction would mean construction, manufacture, development, mining, extraction, improvement, creation, raising, or growth. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed on the Local & Consent Calendar on May 4.
  • HB 4052 by Jim Murphy would clarify that temporary employment services are exempt from the sales tax, and would establish that an employee of temporary employment service is under supervision of an employer if the employer has the sole right to direct and control the employee as necessary to conduct the employer's business or to comply with any licensing, statutory, or regulatory requirement applicable to the employer. The committee substitute was adopted and passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 6, it received unanimous final approval. Note: the companion, SB 745, passed the Senate on April 3 and has been received in the House.
  • HB 4054 by Jim Murphy would exempt baked goods from the sales tax. One floor amendment was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 3, it received unanimous final approval.
  • SB 929 by Bryan Hughes would require county tax assessor-collectors to complete at least 40 hours of continuing education on the assessment and collection of property taxes, including a course related to the computation of effective rollback tax rates within one year of taking office. It passed on the Local & Consent Calendar on May 4.
HOUSE WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE 
On May 3, the House Ways & Means Committee took up :
  • HB 660 by Jason Villalba exempts the sale of Texas state flags from the sales tax. It was left pending.
  • HB 976 by Helen Giddings would include art supplies in the August back-to-school sales tax holiday. It was left pending.
  • HB 1164 by Ryan Guillen would add to the definition of sale for resale the lease or rental of reusable tangible personal property to a caterer if the caterer uses the property in a sale of a taxable item. It was left pending.
  • HB 2106 by John Smithee would add current or former employees of a state judge to the list of people whose residence address in property tax records must be held confidentially and not subject to disclosure. It was left pending. Note: the companion, SB 510, was voted out favorably from the House Ways & Means Committee on May 3.
  • HB 2133 by Rodney Anderson would eliminate the requirement that a tract of land that is contiguous to a regular place of religious worship may not be exempted for more than six years under the provision that deals with expansion of the church facility. It was reported out favorably.
  • HB 2621 by Drew Darby would create a new Chapter 93 in the Natural Resources Code to provide tax benefits for enhanced oil recovery reinvestment zones. It was left pending.
  • HB 2868 by Cole Hefner would require each taxing unit whose governing body is entitled to appoint board members on an appraisal district to vote to approve or disapprove of the appraisal district's proposed budget. It was left pending.
  • HB 3138 by Roland Gutierrez would add to the definition on intangible personal property the value of a brand name, a business service, or a business and income derived from the operation of a business other than income from use of the property. It was left pending.
  • HB 3148 by Tomas Uresti would allow monthly installment payments of ad valorem taxes on the residence homesteads of disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. It was left pending.
  • HB 3389 by Mike Schofield would require the district clerk to collect the fees taxed as costs of suit and award the fees to the master in each delinquent tax suit for which a master is appointed. It was reported out favorably as substituted and recommended for the Local & Consent Calendar.
  • HB 3709 by J.D. Sheffield would allow counties to impose a separate sales tax of 15 cents per ton of taxable solid excavated material. It was left pending.
  • HB 3999 by Jason Isaac would establish a procedure for appraisal of property previously owned by a charitable organization and sold as low-income housing. It was left pending.
The House Ways & Means Committee will meet on May 10 to take up:
  • SB 2 by Paul Bettencourt is an omnibus property tax reform bill.
  • SB 669 by Jane Nelson would reform the property tax appraisal process.
  • SB 1345 by Kirk Watson would exempt from ad valorem taxes property owned by charitable organizations that provide pro bono tax return preparation and assistance with other financial matters.
  • SB 1767 by Dawn Buckingham would prohibit the appraisal review board from determining the value of a property to be greater than the value submitted by the chief appraiser unless agreed to by the parties to the protest.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
PASSED THE SENATE 
  • SB 463 by Kel Seliger would remove the sunset date on individual graduate committees. Two floor amendments were adopted and it passed by a vote of 28-3.
  • SB 801 by Kel Seliger would require each instructional material on instructional material list be suitable for the subject and grade level for which the instructional material was submitted. And, it would require supplemental instructional material to be suitable for the subject and grade level.  One floor amendment was adopted and it passed unanimously. Note: the companion, HB 1857, was heard and left pending in the House Public Education Committee on April 24.
  • SB 1318 by Van Taylor would authorize the Commissioner of Education to designate a campus as a mathematics innovation zone where the campus implements an innovative mathematics instructional program that addresses the essential knowledge and skills of the mathematics curriculum. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed unanimously. Note: the companion, HB 2014, was reported favorably from the House Public Education Committee on May 6.
  • SB 1480 by Bryan Hughes would base amount of charter school facility bonds guaranteed by the permanent school fund on the percentage of students in charter schools compared to the number of students enrolled in all public schools in the state. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed by a vote of 27-3. Note: the companion, HB 467, was reported favorably as substituted from the House Public Education Committee on April 24.
  • SB 1481 by Larry Taylor would change the instructional materials allotment to the instructional materials and technology allotment. It would prohibit school districts from using money in their instructional materials and technology account until the district has submitted and obtained peer review certification of the district's technology plan. It would require the State Board of Education to limit adoption of instructional materials to provide sufficient resources to purchase technology resources, including digital curriculum. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed on the Local & Uncontested Calendar. Note: companion, HB 4140, was reported favorably as substituted from the House Public Education Committee on May 5.
  • SB 1839 by Bryan Hughes would require the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide educator preparation programs with Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) data that enables the program to assess the impact of the program and revise the program as needed to improve the design and effectiveness of the program. It would allow certification for an educator that performs satisfactorily on an examination that is similar to and at least as rigorous and the prescribed certification exam. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and it passed by a vote of 30-1.
  • SB 1843 by Donna Campbell would require school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to provide students in grades 10 through 12 an opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test during normal school hours. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed on Local & Uncontested Calendar. Note: companion, HB 2302, was reported favorably as substituted from the House Defense & Veteran's Affairs Committee on May 1.
  • SB 1882 by Jose Menendez would authorize school districts to contract with the governing body of an open-enrollment charter school to partner with the charter school to operate a district campus and share teachers, facilities, and other education resources on that campus. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and it passed unanimously. Note: the companion, HB 3439, is set on the House Calendar for May 8.
  • SB 1883 by Donna Campbell would establish a procedure for the open-enrollment charter application selection and appeal process and the process for challenging an academic performance rating. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and it passed by a vote of 25-6.
  • SB 2142 by Larry Taylor would repeal the high school allotment under the Foundation School Program. It passed on the Local & Uncontested Calendar.
  • SB 2143 by Larry Taylor would increase the basic allotment from $4,765 to $5,140. It passed on the Local & Uncontested Calendar.
PASSED THE HOUSE 
  • HB 22 by Dan Huberty is a public school accountability reform bill. The committee substitute and 16 floor amendments were adopted and it passed to Third reading on a voice vote. It received unanimous final approval on May 4.
  • HB 23 by Dan Huberty would require the Commissioner of Education to establish a program to award grants to school districts and charter schools that provide innovative services to students with autism. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 4, it received unanimous final approval.
  • HB 61 by Ryan Guillen would require the accountability system to take into account the percentage of students formerly receiving special education services who achieved satisfactory academic performance on assessment instruments administered in grades 3 through 8. It passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 2, it received unanimous final approval.
  • HB 441 by Armando "Mando" Martinez would prohibit school districts from holding classes on Memorial Day. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed on the Local & Consent Calendar on May 4.
  • HB 486 by Gary VanDeaver would allow a school district that has held a successful tax ratification election (TRE) a 10-year window to lower its maintenance and operation (M&O) tax rate and then to subsequently raise it back up without holding another TRE. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and passed to Third Reading by a vote of 90-49. It received final adoption on May 3 by a vote of 104-40. Note: companion, SB 1267, was placed on Senate Intent Calendar for May 4, but has not been put back on.
  • HB 515 by Gary VanDeaver would eliminate state-required assessments and end-of-course exams that are not required by federal law. The committee substitute and 4 floor amendments were adopted and it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 138-1. On May 4, it received final passage by a vote of 141-3. Rep. VanDeaver said, "This bill reduces the number of standardized tests in our schools, which puts the focus in our classrooms back on learning. This bill eliminates several standardized tests, including 8th grade social studies, 11th grade U.S. History, English III and Algebra II. It also eliminates the retesting of students in grades 5 and 8 who fail to pass the reading and math STAAR exams, which can force some students to take as many as three tests in one subject. Instead, these students will receive individualized attention from a learning committee at their school, which is charged with helping the student achieve grade-level performance by the end of the following school year."
  • HB 972 by Helen Giddings would prohibit school districts with 5,000 or more students from assigning a student in 1st through 5th grades for 2 consecutive years to a classroom with a teacher who has less than one year of teaching experience or does not hold appropriate certification. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 70-60. On May 6, it received final approval by a vote of 104-38.
  • HB 1081 by Diana Arevalo would expand the definition of "instructional facility" for purposes of the new instructional facility allotment. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 108-34. On May 4, it received final approval by a vote of 93-49.
  • HB 1174 by Gina Hinojosa would expand indicators of achievement under the public school accountability system to include the percentage of students who successfully completed an "OnRamps" dual enrollment course. One floor amendment was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 6, it received final approval by a vote of 139-4.
  • HB 1291 by Charlie Geren would require the State Board of Education and school districts to ensure that the public school curriculum emphasizes an understanding of the principles underlying the U.S. form of government, including a study of the Founding Fathers, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Federalist Papers. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 6, it received unanimous final passage.
  • HB 1500 by Helen Giddings would add the percentage of students who earn an associate degree in the indicators of achievement under the public school accountability system. It passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 3, it received unanimous final adoption.
  • HB 1776 by Trent Ashby would require 9th grade students to take a civics test administered by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services as part of the naturalization process. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On Thursday, It received final approval by a vote of 139-6.
  • HB 1980 by Gary VanDeaver would allow for individual graduation committees for students that transfer to a public school in Texas after the student's junior year of high school and would require the student to receive a high school diploma if the student performs satisfactorily on one or more alternative nationally recognized norm-referenced assessment instruments and completed coursework determined by the committee to be sufficient for the award of a high school diploma. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 3, it received unanimous final adoption.
  • HB 2039 by Dan Huberty would require the State Board of Education to establish an early childhood certificate for teachers that receive special training in early childhood education focusing on Pre-K through grade 3. It passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On Wednesday, it received final adoption by a vote of 120-26.
  • HB 3593 by Diego Bernal would integrate cybersecurity and computer coding into public education curriculum. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 112-18.
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
On May 2, the Senate Education Committee took up:
  • SB 1838 by Bryan Hughes would clarify that a municipality must consider an open-enrollment charter school a school district for purposes of zoning, permitting, code compliance and development. It was voted out favorably as substituted.
  • SB 2049 by Larry Taylor would require school districts to administer the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment to students in the 11th grade; but would allow Commissioner of Education to authorize a school district to administer the SAT or ACT instead. It would require the Commissioner of Education to consult with Commissioner of Higher Education and Texas Workforce Commission to determine the level of student performance that is considered satisfactory for the TSI assessment (or alternative assessment). It would establish a computer adaptive testing pilot program and conduct a study to evaluate the program for consideration by the legislature in 2021. It was left pending.
On May 4, the Senate Education Committee took up:  
  • HB 728 by Bobby Guerra would allow students to substitute advanced computer science course for the third math or science credit if the Commissioner of Education certifies that it meets rigorous standards. It was voted out favorably.
  • SB 1963 by Brandon Creighton would require educator preparation program support to allow required formal observation to occur on candidate's site or through use of electronic transmission or other video-based or technology-based method. It was voted out favorably. Note: the companion, HB 2775, was reported favorably from the House Public Education Committee on May 5.
  • SB 2200 by Eddie Lucio, Jr. would allow school districts to adopt a plan to increase teacher quality and performance including teacher performance appraisals, professional development opportunities, peer mentoring opportunities, career advancement opportunities, and decisions relating to compensation. It was left pending. Note: the companion, HB 2841, was heard and left pending in the House Public Education Committee on April 10.
The Senate Education Committee will meet May 9 to take up:
  • HB 789 by Morgan Meyer would allow a school district (bracketed to Highland Park ISD) to set a minimum required score for each section of an examination for acceleration or credit.
  • HB 3563 by Linda Koop would conform parental notification requirements regarding teacher qualifications with the Every Student Succeeds Act.
  • SB 1309 by Bob Hall would specify that a school district may not be required to provide staff training or student instruction regarding Internet safety, teen dating violence, bullying, student parenthood, child abuse, or school bus transportation safety.
HOUSE PUBLIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE
On May 2, the House Public Education Committee took up :
  • HB 588 by Dwayne Bohac would establish a computer science certification grant program to encourage teachers to become certified as computer science teachers and to continue professional development in computer science education. Grants would be made available to entities including institutions of higher education, regional education service centers, independent school districts, partnership of independent school districts or nonprofit entity that offers training for computer science certification for teachers and professional development for currently certified computer science teachers to ensure certified teachers maintain working knowledge of current industry standard tools and resources. It was reported favorably and recommended for the Local & Consent Calendar.
  • HB 1485 by Valoree Swanson would provide that the State Board of Education or a school district, administrator, or principal may not prohibit a teacher from helping students understand, analyze, critique, and review in an objective manner the scientific strengths and weaknesses of existing scientific theories included in a course taught in accordance with the curriculum framework developed by the State Board of Education. It was left pending.
  • HB 1553 by J.M. Lozano would authorize a school district that has failed to satisfy performance standards to enter into a memorandum of understanding with an institution of higher education to improve district performance. It was reported favorably and recommended for the Local & Consent Calendar.
  • HB 1847 by Garnet Coleman would require public and charter schools to provide notice to the parents if the school does not have a full-time nurse assigned to the campus for more than 30 consecutive instructional days during the same school year. It was reported favorably as substituted.
  • HB 2010 by Greg Bonnen would require the TEA to collect and make available to a school district on request information regarding workplace safety training that may be included as part of the district's curriculum; and would allow a school district to develop workplace safety program that provides educators access to the information provided by TEA and encourages them to include the workplace safety training information in the curriculum of appropriate courses provided to students enrolled in grades 7 through 12. It was reported favorably and recommended for the Local & Consent Calendar.
  • HB 2519 by Lynn Stucky would require TEA to study to identify best practices for reducing number of students who drop out of school before entering the 9th grade and directing the students who drop out toward an appropriate educational program. It was reported favorably.
  • HB 2537 by Bobby Guerra would add to the information that must be provided to students in each year of high school to include information on the availability of education and training vouchers and tuition and fee waivers to attend an institution of higher education for students who is or was previously in the conservatorship of Dept. of Family & Protective Services. It was reported favorably and recommended for the Local & Consent Calendar.
  • HB 3014 by Nicole Collier would require open-enrollment charter schools to have an admission procedure that ensures students who reside in attendance zone of the school district within the boundaries of the charter school represent a majority of the school's total enrollment. It was left pending.
  • HB 3231 by Dwayne Bohac would provide that charter schools operated by a public senior college or university would not be assigned a financial accountability rating. It was reported favorably as substituted and recommended for the Local & Consent Calendar. Note: the companion, SB 1837, passed the Senate on April 26, but has not yet been referred to committee in the House.
  • HB 3427 by Matt Shaheen would remove provision in the Education Code that allows school district to deny a request to enroll a student in an electronic course if district offers a substantially similar course; and would require the TEA to conduct a study regarding the effectiveness of digital learning and make recommendations on improving digital learning. It was left pending.
  • HB 3767 by Alma Allen would require school boards to annually certify that they have established required district- and campus-level planning & decision-making committees. It was reported favorably and recommended for the Local & Consent Calendar.
  • HB 3813 by Armando "Mando" Martinez would require the Commissioner of Education to create and administer a pilot program to enable at least 14 high schools in border counties to build infrastructure to connect existing high-speed fiber-optic networks. It was left pending.
  • HB 3853 by Garnet Coleman would allow Commissioner of Education to provide additional state aid to school districts to assist the district in employing or contracting for services of behavioral health professionals. It was left pending.
  • HB 4087 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 4111 by Alma Allen would provide that if a performance rating for an open-enrollment charter school is lower than satisfactory due to a data reporting error in Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS), the Commissioner of Education would be required to change the rating accordingly. It was voted out favorably as substituted.
  • HB 4140 by Dwayne Bohac would change the instructional materials allotment to the instructional materials and technology allotment. It would prohibit school districts from using money in their instructional materials and technology account until the district has submitted and obtained peer review certification of the district's technology plan. It would require the State Board of Education to limit adoption of instructional materials to provide sufficient resources to purchase technology resources, including digital curriculum. Note: the companion, SB 1481, passed the Senate on May 4 and has been received in the House.
  • HB 4170 by Scott Cosper would expand access to the virtual school network for students in kindergarten, first and second grades (current law applies virtual school network to grades 3-12). It was left pending. Note: the companion, SB 610, was on the Senate Intent Calendar for May 1, but has not been listed again.
  • SB 826 by Larry Taylor would eliminate sequencing requirements for advanced English and math courses. It was voted out favorably as substituted.
The House Public Education Committee will meet on May 9 to take up: 
  • SB 601 by Donna Campbell would allow open-enrollment charter schools to be exempt from municipal drainage requirements.
  • SB 725 by Borris Miles would allow a school district to donate food to a nonprofit organization to be distributed at the campus.
  • SB 1051 by Kirk Watson would require driver education programs to provide an accommodation for deaf students.
  • SB 1152 by Jose Menendez would require school districts to excuse a student to pursue enlistment in a branch of the U.S. armed services or the Texas National Guard.
  • SB 1153 by Jose Menendez would clarify a parent's right to records relating to assistance provided for learning difficulties, including information collected regarding any intervention strategies used with the child.
SENATE ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE 
The Senate Administration Committee will meet May 9 to take up HB 1638 by Ryan Guillen, which would require the TEA and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to jointly develop statewide goals for dual credit programs, including early college high school programs, career and technical education dual credit programs, and joint high school and college credit programs to provide uniform standards for evaluation the programs. Note: the companion, SB 1903, was reported favorably from the Senate Education Committee on May 3 and recommended for the Local & Uncontested Calendar.

HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE
On April 28, the House Appropriations Committee took up HB 2256 by Ken King, which would authorize the governor to transfer money from the Texas Enterprise Fund to the TEA to be used to finance the high quality pre-kindergarten programs. It was left pending.
 
HIGHER EDUCATION
PASSED THE SENATE  
  • SB 537 by Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa would require institutions of higher education to include for each course in its course catalog a description and the amount of any special course fee charged specifically for the course, including an online access fee or lab fee. It passed unanimously.
  • SB 828 by Kel Seliger would provide that a degree or certificate program offered at an off-campus academic or research site is considered a new degree or certificate program if not previously offered at the off-campus academic or research site. And, it would require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to approve or disapprove an action by the governing board of an institution of higher education or university system to purchase, lease or otherwise acquire property for use at a new or existing off-campus academic or research site or acquire or construct a building or facility for use at an off-campus site. It passed on the Local & Uncontested Calendar.
  • SB 1782 by Royce West (would require the Coordinating Board to include in formula funding the first 15 additional semester credit hours earned by a student who has re-enrolled at the institution following a break in enrollment covering the 24-month period preceding the first class day of the initial semester or other academic term of the student's enrollment; and successfully completed at least 50 semester credit hours of course work at institution before that break in enrollment. It would also allow student in those circumstances to drop one additional course. It passed on the Local & Uncontested Calendar. Note: the companion, HB 654, was reported favorably from the House Higher Education Committee and recommended for the Local & Consent Calendar.
  • SB 1799 by Royce West would make changes to the student loan default prevention and financial aid literacy pilot program. It passed by a vote of 29-2.
  • SB 1813 by Dawn Buckingham would require the common admission application forms to be used for all students (not just freshman student applicants). The committee substitute was adopted and it passed on the Local &Uncontested Calendar. Note: the companion, HB 3585, was reported favorably as substituted from the House Higher Education Committee on May 3 and recommended for the Local & Consent Calendar.
  • SB 1845 by Donna Campbell would require the Coordinating Board, in consultation with the Workforce Commission, Veterans Commission, and institutions on higher education to develop standardized curricula within degree and certificate programs commonly offered by institutions of higher education toward which qualified veterans or military service members may be awarded appropriate academic credit for experience, education, and training earned during military service; and require transferability between institutions of higher education of course credit for the curricula developed. It passed unanimously.
  • SB 2082 by Larry Taylor would allow participants in Texas college work-study program to support student interventions at participating eligible institutions that are focused on increasing completion of degrees or certificates, such as interventions occurring through advising or supplemental instruction. It passed on the Local &Uncontested Calendar. Note: the companion, HB 796, was reported favorably from House Higher Education Committee on May 3 and recommended for the Local & Consent Calendar.
  • SB 2118 by Kel Seliger would allow Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to authorize junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs in nursing and applied science and technology with some provisions bracketed to Lone Star College District. Committee substitute was adopted and it passed by a vote of 25-6. Note: companion, HB 4092, was reported favorably as substituted from House Higher Education Committee on May 5.
PASSED THE HOUSE
  • HB 17 by J.M. Lozano would establish Texas Higher Education Innovation Accelerator to support and accelerate innovation in educational delivery at institutions of higher education and to advance state educational and workforce goals. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 117-23. On May 4, it received final approval by a vote of 120-23.
  • HB 385 by Jim Murphy would include semester credit hours earned by a student who is enrolled in an accelerated baccalaureate program that uses a competency-based model and year-round flat-rate tuition in formula funding. It passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 4, it received unanimous final approval.
  • HB 653 by Travis Clardy would expand the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program to all institutions of higher education (instead of two-year public institutions of higher education). It passed on the Local & Consent Calendar on May 4.
  • HB 928 by James White would require the Texas Dept. of Family & Protective Services to work with school districts to identify foster care students and assist them with completing financial aid applications. One floor amendment was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 3, one additional floor amendment was adopted and it received final approval by a vote of 145-1.
  • HB 961 by Justin Rodriguez would provide for election of junior college district trustees by a plurality vote. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 125-18. Note: it will be on the calendar for Third Reading on May 8.
  • HB 1638 by Ryan Guillen would require the TEA and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to jointly develop statewide goals for dual credit programs, including early college high school programs, career and technical education dual credit programs, and joint high school and college credit programs to provide uniform standards for evaluation the programs. It passed on the Local & Consent Calendar on May 4. Note, the companion, SB 1903, was reported favorably from the Senate Education Committee on May 3 and recommended for the Local & Uncontested Calendar.
  • HB 2223 by Helen Giddings would require a phased-in, statewide, co-requisite model, where students enroll simultaneously in a developmental education course and gateway course of the same subject matter during the same semester. The committee substitute was adopted and passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 6, it received unanimous final approval.
  • HB 2895 by Four Price would require institutions of higher education put a conspicuous link on the institution's website home page directing students to mental health resources. It passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 2, it received unanimous final approval.
  • HB 3808 by Travis Clardy would add licensed marriage and family therapists to the student loan repayment program for mental health professionals. It passed on the Local & Consent Calendar on May 4.
SENATE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE
On April 26, the Senate Higher Education Committee took up :
  • SB 537 by Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa would require institutions of higher education to include for each course in its course catalog a description and the amount of any special course fee charged specifically for the course, including an online access fee or lab fee. It was reported favorably and recommended for the Local & Uncontested Calendar.
  • SB 1799 by Royce West would make changes to the student loan default prevention and financial aid literacy pilot program. It was reported favorably and recommended for the Local & Uncontested Calendar.
  • SB 2079 by Larry Taylor would require a student's post-secondary transcript to include the average grade that was awarded to all students in the class immediately to the right of the student's individual grade. It was left pending. 
HOUSE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE 
On May 3, the House Higher Education Committee took up:
  • HB 817 by Lina Ortega would commission a study on increasing the number of medical residency programs, medical residents, and physicians practicing medical specialties in this state. No action was taken in committee.
  • HB 2290 by J.M. Lozano would establish Texas Returning Adult Student Grant Program to provide financial assistance to eligible returning adult students enrolling in baccalaureate degree programs at eligible institutions of higher education. It was reported out favorably.
  • HB 3048 by Lina Ortega would require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to conduct a study in collaboration with the Texas Health Professions Resource Center, Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies, and Texas Demographic Center to identify shortages in doctoral-level training in: medicine, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, psychology, pharmacy, and public health. It was reported out favorably and recommended for the Local & Consent Calendar.
  • HB 3119 by Alma Allen would authorize the use of licensing fees to fund the speech-language pathologist and audiologist educational loan repayment program. It was left pending. Note: the companion, SB 247, was on the Senate Intent Calendar on May 3 (first placement), but has not been reset.
  • HB 3904 by Leighton Schubert would provide automatic admission to an applicant to an institution of higher education if applicant graduated as valedictorian of their high school. It was reported favorably and recommended for the Local & Consent Calendar.
  • HJR 110 by Carol Alvorado would establish the Permanent University Fund II to provide maintenance and support for the University of Houston and Texas Tech University Systems funded through growth in the Permanent University Fund in excess of the amount in the fund as of Aug. 31, 2017. It was left pending.
  • SB 968 by Kirk Watson would require post-secondary educational institutions to provide an option for a student or employee of the institution to electronically report an allegation of sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence or stalking committed against or witnessed by student or employee, and must enable student or employee to report alleged offense anonymously. It was left pending.
  • SB 969 by Kirk Watson would provide amnesty to students who commit a student conduct code violation ancillary to a sexual assault incident if they are a victim of that sexual assault or a reporting witness. It was left pending.
SENATE VETERAN AFFAIRS & BORDER SECURITY COMMITTEE
On May 3, the Senate Veteran Affairs & Border Security Committee took up HB 846 by John Raney, which would prohibit institutions of higher education from imposing additional obligations or burdens regarding payment or registration on Hazelwood students. It was left pending. 
ENVIRONMENT
PASSED THE SENATE  
  • SB 696 by Charles Perry would require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to develop updated water availability models (WAMs) for the Brazos, Guadalupe, San Antonio and Trinity River basins by December 1, 2020. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed unanimously.
  • SB 862 by Charles Perry would allow attorney's fees to be awarded to the prevailing party in a suit against a groundwater conservation district. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and it passed by a vote of 22-9.
  • SB 1446 by Craig Estes would require the notice of a contested case hearing to include a statement of factual matters asserted; and would allow the court to determine that the agency's failure to give property notice does not constitute prejudice if the license holder waived an opportunity to show compliance with all requirements of law for the retention of the license. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed unanimously.
PASSED THE HOUSE
  • HB 1515 by Gary Ekins would extend the sunset date on the Dry Cleaner Environmental Response Program from Sept. 1, 2021 to Sept. 1, 2050. It passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 6, it received final approval by a vote of 129-12.
  • HB 1573 by Four Price would require the Water Development Board to establish training standards for certified water loss auditors and would require water loss auditors to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of water utility systems and terminology and any tools available for analyzing audit results. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed on the Local & Consent Calendar on May 4.
  • HB 2377 by Lyle Larson would require a groundwater conservation district (GCD) located over any part of a brackish groundwater zone that receives a petition from a person with a legally defined interest in groundwater in the GCD to adopt rules to govern the issuance of permits to withdraw brackish groundwater. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 4, it received unanimous final passage.
  • HB 2715 by Drew Darby would require administrative penalties assessed by the Railroad Commission to be deposited in the Oil & Gas Regulation and Cleanup Fund. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 3, it received unanimous final approval.
  • HB 2771 by Dade Phelan would eliminate the fee related to wastewater treatment permit applications. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 4, It received unanimous final approval.
  • HB 3025 by Tracy King would require an abandoned well to be plugged or capped within 30 days (instead of 180 days) after the date the landowner learns of its condition. The committee substitute and 1 floor amendment were adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 3, it received final passage by a vote of 140-4.
  • HB 3166 by Eddie Lucio, III would define modeled sustainable groundwater pumping as the maximum amount of groundwater that the Texas Water Development Board determines may be produced in perpetuity from an aquifer on an annual basis using the best available science. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 6, it received final approval by a vote of 134-8.
  • HB 3177 by Eddie Lucio, III would allow TCEQ's executive director to act on an application or request for authorization if it has become uncontested before parties are named. The committee substitute was adopted and passed on the Local & Consent Calendar on May 4.
  • HB 3417 by Tracy King would require consideration by a groundwater conservation district of registered wells that are exempt from permit requirements before granting or denying a permit. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 4, it received final approval by a vote of 141-3.
  • HB 3987 by Lyle Larson would authorize the Texas Water Development Board to use the state participation account of the water development fund to provide financial assistance for the development of desalination. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 2, it received unanimous final approval.
  • SB 347 by Kirk Watson would subject regional water planning groups to open meeting and public information requirements. It passed to Third Reading by a voice vote. On May 3, it received unanimous final approval.
SENATE AGRICULTURE, WATER, & RURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
On May 1, the Senate Agriculture, Water, & Rural Affairs Committee took up:
  • SB 774 by Charles Perry would extend the term of a permit to transfer water out of a groundwater conservation district on or before its expiration to a term that is shorter than the term of an operating permit for production of water to be transferred that is in effect at the time of the extension. It was left pending. Note: the companion, HB 2378, passed the House on April 28, but has not yet been referred to committee in the Senate.
  • SB 1777 by Sylvia Garcia would make it an offense to violate a rule adopted under the Flood Control & Insurance Act. It was left pending. Note: the companion, HB 2334, passed the House Calendar on May 4. It has been referred to the Senate Agriculture, Water, & Rural Affairs Committee..
  • SB 2026 by Jose Rodriguez would require TCEQ to study the installation and use of green stormwater infrastructure; and would define green stormwater infrastructure as infrastructure that reduces and treats stormwater at the source using vegetation, soils and other natural processes. It was reported favorably as substituted and recommended for the Local & Uncontested Calendar. It was on the Senate Intent Calendar on May 4 (first placement). Note: the companion, HB 1536, was on the House calendar on May 5 and it FAILED to pass to Third Reading by a vote of 62-77.
The Senate Agriculture, Water, & Rural Affairs Committee met May 8 to take up:
  • HB 544 by Charles "Doc" Anderson would allow the rural water assistance fund to be used for water planning.
  • HB 1648 by Four Price would authorize a retail public water utility to designate an employee as water conservation coordinator responsible for implementing water conservation plan.
SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
On May 2, the Senate Natural Resources & Economic Development Committee took up SB 2162 by Judith Zaffirini, which would prohibit approval of an application for a commercial surface disposal facility permit if any part of the site of the facility is located less than 20 miles upstream or up-drainage from the surface of a reservoir project. It was left pending.
 
HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
On May 3, the House Natural Resources Committee took up:
  • HB 3037 by Paul Workman would require the Texas Water Development Board to designate groundwater management areas (GMA) so that each major and minor aquifer is assigned to a GMA designated solely for that aquifer. It was left pending.
  • HB 3038 by Paul Workman would require a groundwater conservation district to prepare a desired future conditions report for the groundwater management area that includes an assessment of the brackish groundwater resources of the groundwater management area. It was left pending.
  • HB 3084 by Mark Keough would require the Geo-Technology Research Institute to use data from the Texas Water Development Board, the Railroad Commission of Texas and the Bureau of Economic Geology to develop a three-dimensional model of the availability and quality of groundwater resources in the state. It was left pending.
  • HB 3314 by James Frank would prohibit TCEQ from referring an amendment to a water right application to the State Office of Administrative Hearings for a contested case hearing if the amendment adds a purpose of use that does not alter the nature of the right authorizing non-consumptive use to a right authorizing consumptive use or a pattern of use that is explicitly authorized by the original right; adds a place of use located in the same basin; or changes the point of diversion. It was left pending. The companion, SB 226, has passed the Senate and been referred to the House Natural Resources Committee.
  • HB 3497 by DeWayne Burns would authorize groundwater conservation districts to use electronic fund transfers for payroll disbursements or for other disbursements. It was left pending. Note: the companion, SB 865, has passed the Senate and been referred to the House Natural Resources Committee.
  • HB 3602 by Diana Arevalo would allow water treatment specialists to treat graywater and alternative onsite water. It was left pending.
  • HB 4012 by Dennis Paul would require utilities to send a written notice of service disconnection to municipality before the utility disconnects service to sub-metered master metered multifamily property for nonpayment. It was left pending.
  • HB 4221 by Gary Elkins would require retail public utilities that provide sewer utility service to report to TCEQ current condition of the utility's sewer system. It was left pending.
  • SB 1009 by Charles Perry would allow a groundwater conservation district to require in a permit or permit amendment application other information for administrative completeness and information reasonably related to an issue that a district is authorized to consider. It was left pending.
HOUSE ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION COMMITTEE
On May 2, the House Environmental Regulation Committee took up:
  • HB 838 by Alma Allen would require TCEQ to consider cumulative effects on the public's health and physical property or expected air contaminant emissions from the facility or proposed facility and from other facilities located within three miles of the facility or proposed facility when issuing a new or renewed air permit. It was left pending.
  • HB 1437 by Gene Wu would allow money in the local initiative projects fund of the Texas LIRAP to be used to reduce litter. It was left pending.
  • HB 2140 by Ryan Guillen would establish the Texas Litter & Illegal Dumping Advisory Panel to study on existing best management practices and funding mechanisms for the prevention, mitigation, and abatement of windblown and waterborne litter and illegal dumping. It was left pending.
  • HB 3116 by Alma Allen would require a permit for a solid waste facility to contain certification from the applicant that all residents within one mile of the site received notice outlining specific requirements related to the proposed operations and containing a questionnaire to receive community comments. It was left pending.
  • SB 570 by Jose Rodriguez would require a used or scrap tire generator that stores tires outdoors to store them in a secure and locked manner during non-business hours. It would require transporters of used tires to be registered and maintain financial assurance. It was reported out favorably as substituted. Note: the companion, HB 3744, was taken up in the House Environmental Regulation Committee on April 27 and motion to report it out FAILED.
HEALTH
PASSED THE SENATE
  • HB 3218 by Larry Phillips would clarify that a health maintenance organization is authorized to contract with an entity that provides network of providers of healthcare services and that such a contract is not subject to delegation agreement requirements for proof of minimum solvency and reserve requirements. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. Note: it will be on the May 8 calendar for Third Reading. Note: the companion, SB 1413, passed the Senate on April 26, but has not yet been referred to committee in the House.
  • HB 3226 by Larry Phillips would create the Temporary Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool to provide a temporary mechanism for maximizing available federal funding to assist Texans in obtaining access to quality health care at minimum cost to the public. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 128-16. On May 2, it received final approval by a vote of 132-12.
  • HB 3276 by Tom Oliverson would require a hospital or freestanding emergency medical care facility to post a written notice that lists the health benefit plans in which the facility participates in the provider network, or that states the facility is not a participating provider in any health benefit plan provider network. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 3, it received unanimous final approval.
  • SB 507 by Kelly Hancock would address the practice of balance billing. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 129-11. On May 4, it received final approval by a vote of 133-12.
SENATE BUSINESS & COMMERCE COMMITTEE 
On May 2, the Senate Business & Commerce Committee took up SB 2104 by Carlos Uresti, which would require the Dept. of State Health Services to conduct a feasibility study on using the statewide system of health care data collection to create a public database of charges billed by health care providers. It was left pending.

On May 4, the Senate Business & Commerce Committee took up HB 1227 by John Smithee, which would clarify requirements for individual health benefit plans to make transparent prescription drug coverage formulary information. It was voted out favorably.

SENATE HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 
On May 3, the Senate Health & Human Services Committee took up:
  • SB 315 by Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa is the sunset bill for the Texas Medical Board. It was voted out favorably as substituted. Note: the companion, HB 3040 was reported favorably as substituted from the House Public Health Committee on May 5.
  • HB 1697 by Four Price would require the Health & Human Services Commission to establish the Pediatric Health Electronic Access in Rural Texas Grant Program to award grants to nonurban health care facilities to connect the facilities with pediatric specialists and sub-specialists who provide telemedicine medical services. It was reported favorably as substituted and recommended for the Local & Uncontested Calendar.
HOUSE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 
On May 1, the House Human Services Committee took up HB 3564 by Stephanie Klick, which would clarify provisions establishing the office of the state long-term care ombudsman. It was reported favorably as substituted and recommended for the Local & Consent Calendar.  
 
HOUSE PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE 
On May 2, the House Public Health Committee took up:
  • HB 752 by Morgan Meyer would make a nonprofit health care organization found in violation of prohibition against interference with a physician's professional judgment subject to administrative penalties, including revocation of board certification, and would require any employee, including a physician or chief medical officer, working for a nonprofit health care organization known by the employee to have committed a violation to report that violation to the State Board of Medical Examiners. It was left pending. Note: the companion, SB 833, has passed the Senate and been referred to the House Public Health Committee.
  • HB 1201 by Senfronia Thompson would authorize a dentist to delegate the administration of an intraoral block or infiltration anesthesia to a qualified dental hygienist. It was left pending. Note: companion, SB 430, is on the Senate Intent Calendar for May 8.
  • HB 1939 by Garnet Coleman would prohibit over the counter sale of dextromethorphan to minors, and provide civil penalties for violations. It was voted out favorably.
  • HB 2107 by Eddie Lucio, III would authorize the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for use by qualifying patients with a diagnosed debilitating medical condition. It was voted out favorably as substituted.
  • HB 2403 by Shawn Thierry would require the Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Task Force within the Dept. of State Health Services (DSHS) to conduct a study evaluating the causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in the state's African American population. It was voted out favorably.
  • HCR 57 by Gene Wu would encourage Texans to donate bone marrow and blood and to register as organ donors, and would encourage all counties and cities be encouraged to adopt the same policy as the state with regard to time off for public employees not to exceed 5 working days in a fiscal year to serve as a bone marrow donor or 30 working days in a fiscal year to serve as an organ donor, and not to exceed four times in a fiscal year to donate blood. It was voted out favorably.
  • HCR 64 by Chris Turner would recognize the importance of vaccinations in preventing meningococcal disease and encourage all Texans to learn more about this vital issue. It was voted out favorably.
  • SB 27 by Donna Campbell would abolish provisions authorizing the DSHS to award grants to regional and local organizations for the delivery of mental health programs or services for veterans. The term "volunteer coordinator" would be replaced with "peer services coordinator." It was voted out favorably.
  • SB 74 by Jane Nelson would streamline credential requirements for behavioral health providers. It was voted out favorably.
  • SB 139 by Van Taylor would include following facilities under provisions relating to adverse licensing, listing, or registration decisions made by health & human services agencies:
    • an ambulatory surgical center,
    • a birthing center,
    • an abortion facility,
    • an end-stage renal disease facility,
    • a freestanding emergency medical care facility, and
    • a narcotic drug treatment program.
    • It was voted out favorably.
  • SB 304 by Van Taylor is the sunset bill for the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners. It was voted out favorably.
  • SB 313 by Charles Schwertner is the sunset bill for the State Board of Dental Examiners. It was voted out favorably.
The House Public Health Committee will meet May 9 to take up:  
  • HB 3129 by Cindy Burkett would prohibit a physician from charging an excessive fee for copying or providing a copy of a patient's medical record to a subsequent physician of the patient, and would authorize the Texas Medical Board to require a retiring or relocating physician to notify all the patients and provide the patients an opportunity to request copies of medical or billing records.
  • SB 316 by Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa would implement a Sunset Advisory Commission recommendation regarding the prescription of controlled substances by veterinarians.
  • SB 317 by Robert Nichols is sunset bill for Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
  • SB 584 by Royce West would remove criminal and civil liability from a physician for prescribing, for failing to prescribe, or for outcomes resulting from prescription of an opioid antagonist. The Texas Medical Board would be required to adopt guidelines for prescription of opioid antagonists.
  • SB 922 by Dawn Buckingham would require the Health & Human Services Commission to ensure that Medicaid reimbursement is provided to a school district or open-enrollment charter school for telehealth services provided through the school district or charter school by a health professional, even if the health professional is not patient's primary care physician if the school district or charter school is an authorized health care provider under Medicaid, parent provides consent, and another health professional is present with patient.
  • SB 1633 by Charles Perry would establish telepharmacy remote dispensing site license requirements for eligible locations in medically underserved areas, areas with a medically underserved population, and health professional shortage areas.
HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 
On May 3, the House State Affairs Committee took up HB 1113 by John Smithee, which would prohibit a qualified health plan offered through health benefit exchange from providing coverage for an abortion, except due to a medical emergency. A health benefit plan would also only be authorized to provide coverage for an abortion if it is provided separately from other coverage on the plan, the enrollee pays separately for the abortion coverage, and provides a separate signature. Requirements for calculating premiums would be provided. It was left pending. Note: companion, SB 20, passed the Senate and has been referred to the House State Affairs Committee.  
GENERAL BUSINESS
PASSED THE SENATE  
SB 1642  by Kirk Watson would allow the holder of a brewpub license to sell beer, ale, and malt liquor to qualified distributors outside the state. The committee substitute was adopted and passed on the Local & Uncontested Calendar. Note: the companion, HB 3400, was heard and left pending in the House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee on April 27. 
 
PASSED THE HOUSE  
  • HB 1055 by Cindy Burkett would prohibit state agencies from increasing professional licensing fees. One floor amendment was adopted and it passed to Third Reading by a vote of 122-5. On Saturday, it received final approval by a vote of 140-2.
  • HB 2101 by John Frullo would allow the holder of a wine and beer retailer's permit to be issued a food and beverage certificate if the total receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages for the premises are no more than 50% of the total receipts for the premises. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 4, it received unanimous final passage.
  • HB 3003 by John Kuempel would authorize alcoholic beverage permitees to conduct an experiential dinner on premises of a retailer for promotion and marketing of beer. The committee substitute was adopted and passed on the Local & Consent Calendar on May 4.
  • HB 3287 by Craig Goldman would clarify that production caps on the sale of beer & ale by holders of brewer's permits apply to all premises owned by license holder or an affiliate or subsidiary. The committee substitute and 2 floor amendments were adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. Note: it was on the calendar for Third Reading on May 8.
  • HB 3488 by Gina Hinojosa would authorize a for-profit corporation to elect to become a public benefit corporation. The committee substitute was adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 6, it received final approval by a vote of 135-7.  
SENATE ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE 
On May 3, the Senate Administration Committee took up HB 1995 by Gary Elkins, which would amend the Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act including updating the definition of trade secret to include all forms and types of information, including business, scientific, technical, economic or engineering information and any formula, design, prototype, pattern, plan, compilation, program device, program, code, device, method, technique, process, procedure, financial data, or list of actual or potential customers or suppliers, whether tangible or intangible and whether or how stored, compiled, or memorialized physically, electronically, graphically, photographically, or in writing if the owner of the trade secret has taken reasonable measures to keep the information secret. It was reported favorably and recommended for the Local & Uncontested Calendar. It is on the Senate Intent Calendar for May 8 (first placement). 

HOUSE LICENSING & ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES COMMITTEE 
On May 1, the House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee took up:
  • HB 2291 by Matt Rinaldi would allow the holder of a brewer's permit, wine and beer retailer's permit, and package store permit to sell beer wine, ale, and malt liquor through a website and ship to ultimate consumer including ultimate consumers located in a dry area. It was left pending.
  • HB 3315 by Tony Dale would allow holders of a brewer's permit and holder of a temporary wine and beer retailer's permit to hold tasting competition on permit holder's premises. It was left pending.
The House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee met May 8 to take up SB 951 by Kelly Hancock, which would authorize the holder of a winery permit to buy bulk wine from the holder of a grower's permit and store bulk wine on behalf of the holder of a grower's permit.  

SENATE BUSINESS & COMMERCE COMMITTEE 
On May 2, the Senate Business & Commerce Committee took up:
  • SB 2169 by Don Huffines would require the Alcoholic Beverage Commission to treat ale and malt liquor as "beer" for the purposes of licensing, permitting, manufacturing, transporting, storing, marketing, reporting, delivering, wholesaling, retailing, testing, labeling, and taxation. It was left pending.
  • HB 1612 by Ramon Romero would prohibit Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission from offering civil penalty in lieu of suspending permit or license if basis for suspension involves consumption of or the permitting of consumption of controlled substances or drugs. It was reported favorably and recommended for the Local & Uncontested Calendar. It is on the Senate Intent Calendar for May 8 (first placement).
On May 4, the Senate Business & Commerce Committee took up HB 2299 by Senfronia Thompson, which would allow the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to require proof that a laboratory performing a test to verify the alcohol content of malt beverages to be a certified laboratory. It was voted out favorably.
 
The Senate Business & Commerce Committee will meet on May 9 to take up:  
  • SB 1217 by Dawn Buckingham would limit sales to consumers on a brewer's or alcohol manufacturer's premises for off-premises consumption to one purchase per consumer per month.
  • SB 2083 by Kel Seliger would clarify that the production caps on the sale of beer and ale by holders of brewer's permits apply to all premises owned by the license holder or an affiliate or subsidiary.
  • HB 1555 by John Kuempel would allow wine and beer permit holders to sell lottery tickets if the permit holder derives less than 30% of its gross receipts from sale or service of alcoholic beverages. Note: the companion, SB 888, was reported favorably as substituted from the Senate Business & Commerce Committee on April 24 and recommended for the Local & Uncontested Calendar.
  • HB 2097 by Charlie Geren would clarify that the holder of a brewpub license can sell beer, ale, or malt liquor manufactured on the brewpub's premises.
  • HB 2098 by Charlie Geren would authorize a holder of a wholesaler's permit to purchase ale and malt liquor from holders of a brewpub license.
TRANSPORTATION 
PASSED THE HOUSE 
HB 1986 by Armando "Mando" Martinez would authorize the creation of regional transit authorities. The committee substitute and one floor amendment were adopted and it passed to Third Reading on a voice vote. On May 6, it received final approval by a vote of 111-31. Note: the companion, SB 2139, was heard and left pending in the Senate Transportation Committee on April 26.

HOUSE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 
On May 4, the House Transportation Committee took up:
  • HB 2104 by Cecil Bell, Jr. would require a private high-speed rail entity to file a bond with TxDOT sufficient to restore property used for the rail service to the property's original conditions if the service ceases operation. It was left pending.
  • HB 2163 by John Wray would require high-speed rail tracks in counties with a population of more than one million or an adjacent county to be 40 feet or more above ground. It was left pending.
  • HB 2167 by Leighton Schubert would prohibit any state money from being used for any purpose related to a privately owned high-speed rail, unless the state acquires and maintains a lien in order to secure the repayment of state funds; and would require that the state's lien be superior to all other liens, making Texas a priority creditor. It was left pending. Note: the companion, SB 980, was reported favorably as substituted from the Senate Transportation Committee on April 10.
  • HB 2172 by Trent Ashby would prohibit legislature from appropriating new funds, or allowing state agencies to utilize existing funds, to pay any costs related to construction, maintenance, or operation of a private high-speed rail in Texas. It was left pending. Note: the companion, SB 977, passed the Senate on April 18 but has not yet been referred to committee in the House. 
END-OF SESSION SLOW-DOWN RULES
Rules that institute deadlines prior to the end of the legislative session begin to kick in Monday, May 8, 2017:
  • May 8, 2017 - Last day for House committees to report House Bills and House Joint Resolutions (119th day).
  • May 9, 2017 - Last House Daily Calendar with House Bills and House Joint Resolutions must be distributed by 10:00 PM due to the 36-hour layout rule for calendars (120th day).
  • May 10, 2017 - Last House Local & Consent Calendar with Consent House Bills must be distributed by 9:00 AM due to the 48-hour layout rule for Local & Consent calendars (121st day).
  • May 11, 2017 - Last day (midnight deadline) for the House to consider Second Reading House Bills and House Joint Resolutions on the regular calendar (122nd Day).
  • May 12, 2017 - Last day (midnight deadline) for House to consider consent House Bills on Second and Third Reading and all Third reading House Bills and House Joint Resolutions on the regular calendar (123rd Day).
  • May 17, 2017 - Last House Local & Consent Calendar with local House Bills must be distributed by 9:00 AM due to the 48-hour layout for Local & Consent calendars (128th day).
  • May 19, 2017 - Last day for the House to consider local House Bills on Second and Third Reading. First day the Senate can consider bills and resolutions the first day they are posted on the Intent Calendar (130th Day).
  • May 20, 2017 - Last day for House Committees to report Senate Bills and Senate Joint Resolutions (131st Day).
  • May 21, 2017 - Last House Daily Calendar with Senate Bills and Senate Joint Resolutions must be printed and distributed (10:00 PM deadline) due to the 36-hour layout rule for regular calendars (132nd Day).
  • May 22, 2017 - Last House Local & Consent Calendar with Senate Bills must be distributed by 9:00 AM due to the 48-hour layout rule for Local & Consent calendars (133rd Day).
  • May 23, 2017 - Last day for the House to consider Second Reading Senate Bills and Senate Joint Resolutions on the regular calendar (134th Day).
  • May 24, 2017 - Last day for the House to consider local and consent Senate bills on Second and Third Reading and to consider all Third Reading Senate bills and Senate Joint Resolutions on the regular calendars. Last day for the Senate to consider all bills and joint resolutions on Second or Third Reading (135th Day).
  • May 25, 2017 - All Senate amendments must be distributed in the House before midnight due to the 24-hour layout rule (136th Day).
  • May 26, 2017 - Last day for the House to act on Senate amendments. Senate copies of conference committee reports on tax, general appropriations and reapportionment bills must be printed and distributed before midnight due to the 48-hour lay-out rule (137th Day).
  • May 27, 2017 - In the House, all conference Committee reports must be printed and distributed by midnight due to the 24-hour layout rule. In the Senate, all conference committee reports must be printed and distributed (other than those required to be printed the 137th day) before midnight due to the 24-hour lay-out rule (138th Day).
  • May 28, 2017 - Last day for the House to adopt conference committee reports and to discharge conference committees and adopt Senate amendments. Last day for the Senate to adopt conference committee reports or concur in House amendments (139th Day).
  • May 29, 2017 - Corrections only in the House and Senate. Last day of the session with midnight deadline to adjourn Sine Die (140th Day).
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