THE SPEAKER: The House will come to order. Members, please register. Have all registered? Quorum is present. The House and gallery, would you please rise for the invocation? The Chair recognizes Representative Martinez-Fischer to introduce our pastor of the day.
REP. MARTINEZ: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, it is my honor and privilege to once again bring back Father Jimmy Drennen who is the pastor of the Saint Paul parish in San Antonio, Texas for the last twelve years. He's currently the pastor of Saint Joseph's Millers' district. Father Jimmy.
PASTOR OF THE DAY: Together let us bow our heads as we turn to our God, Our Father. Seeking for blessing in our lives. Faithful God and creator of our world, today we gather to first give you thanks for all that you've created and all that you've given us. We acknowledge that in giving us this world you have called each of us to be faithful stewards of everything. May we always realize that in our faithful stewardship of our communities and in our state we are to serve each other with uncommon courage and love. Lord, as we gather today in the halls of our State Capitol, we remember the events of our past, for during the same days of February in 1836, one hundred and seventy five years ago, a group of Texans defended the cause of justice and freedom. In the halls of missions in San Antonio, Devalero, known to us all as the Alamo. From their sacrificial love and duty of service to our beloved state a spirit arose. The spirit rising from the fire of their last stand lives in the heart and minds of Texans to this very day. From age to age, and from generation to generation, we have remembered their sacrifice and their loyalty to our people. This very spirit is what has called each of us here today. It is the same spirit that has called our young and our old, our men and women to serve as teachers, construction workers, religious leaders, police officers, political leaders, nurses, doctors, lawyers, secretaries and the complex set of vocations which knit us together as the greatest state in our nation. Rising from the fires of what seemed defeat at the Alamo, one hundred and seventy five years ago, is a spirit which challenges us to do greater things with our lives. We are to serve with greater love, we are to live with greater courage, we are to unite with greater resolve. The line traced in the sand one hundred and seventy five years ago, in front of the Alamo, divided those who would stand against injustice and in justice itself. The lines traced in the sand today so painfully divide the spirit of the People of Texas. Too often, republicans are divided against democrats, rich against poor native born against immigrant, one religious tradition against another. We pray that this day we remove all the lines that divide us as Texans, and today let us draw the lines between all who love in the State, all who serve for justice. May we stand opposed in the justice itself. United as Texans, let us put on the other side of the lines anything that would harm our state, anything that would harm our schools, access to health care, education, housing, equality for everyone in our state, living wages, the preservation of our natural resources. Let us stand together as one state against injustice. Lord, we ask that you unite us in one body of our state that in our diversity we will find lasting unity that makes us Texas is that we are so uniquely different, but we come together as one. Bless this unity that we might come against and overcome all injustice that lies before us. These blessings we ask in your name, you who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Perry to lead us in the Pledge.
REP. CHARLES PERRY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members, honored guests. Please join me as we lead the Pledge of Allegiance of the greatest country that God has created, that the great State of Texas is contained within. (Pledges read).
THE SPEAKER: Chair will hear excuses for absent members. Excuse Representative Anchia because of important business in the district, on the motion of Representative Martinez Fischer. Excuse Representative Lucio because of important business in the district on the motion of Representative Woolley. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Representative Perry moves the House to suspend the reading and referral of bills until the end of business. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Isaac to introduce the doctor of the day.
REP. JASON ISAAC: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, guests; I'm pleased today introduce our doctor of the day today, Dr. Brent Sanderman. He's the lead family physician of the family of doctors in Harris county. Dr. Sanderman attended Texas State University and received his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of North Texas. Before moving to Hays County, he served as a Navy flight surgeon and has received two Navy commendation medals and two Navy achievement medals for his service. In addition to his medical practice, he served as a assistant district commissioner of the Capitol Area of the Counsel of the Boy Scouts of America. We are honored today have him here today. Please help me in welcoming him to his State Capitol. Thank you.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Mr. Hardcastle for an announcement.
REP. RICK HARDCASTLE: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Members, you may want to listen up on this. It affects a bunch of you. Thank you. We currently have wildfires burning in West Texas, spanning over three hundred miles by two hundred miles, which is bigger than the State of Kentucky. Fire Service, local volunteer fire department and the Emergency Management of the State of Texas are stretched incredibly thin. As a result, state resources are being used. We are looking for federal resources, and our local resources to have been depleted in a matter of days, and in some cases hours. Mr. Darby. Mrs. Landcrew, Mr. Crownover, Ms. Mitchell in Howard County, we have over seven thousand acres and it's not known yet whether we have any containment at all. Twelve homes have been destroyed and one fire fighter injured. Harris County has another four thousand acres and evacuations were ordered for more than hundred homes last night, and three of our state prisons were put in jeopardy, in the harm's way, for the moving of the fires. Mr. Crass and county, we have thirty thousand acres and thirty homes destroyed, and we won't even talk about how many homes were saved by all the resources we used. Mr. Smith in Randall County, we are about fifty percent contained on two thousand acres, and thirty homes were destroyed, and at least twenty homes in Canyon Country Club were saved. I personally have forty thousand acres in my county, three hundred acres in Haskell County. We have had two homes destroyed and five outbuildings. Mr. Perry in the county, we have five thousand acres that was unknown containment and four homes destroyed. Of course, Mr. Chisum brought fires to my attention last night in Driscoll County we have a thousand acres with no containment, it's just wind changed directions. Mr. Sheffield and East County, we have seven hundred acres, 85 percent contained. Twenty homes were saved, and one lost, and one firefighter was injured. Mr. Hilldebran in Craw County, we have eighteen hundred acres and forty homes were saved. Mr. Craddick and Mr. Lewis in Andrews and Martin County, we have twenty three thousand acres. It's unknown at this point how much containment. Midland County has had three hundred acres and some contained. Members, we lost one little girl in a car wreck yesterday that was directly related to the smoke on the fires. We have had numerous firefighters injured. Because of the weather patters and this tremendous wind, that all of you that were in Austin yesterday the wind blew here thirty miles an hour. It was blowing in West Texas from twenty to sixty miles an hour. Please take a look at this map if you have --
THE SPEAKER: Members, if you could take the conversation outside the rail. I think this is important information from Mr. Hardcastle.
REP. RICK HARDCASTLE: Thank you, Madam Speaker. If you take a look at this map, how many counties cross our state, and in south and east Texas are at risk for fires as the weather moves through and the wind changed direction this morning. I'll have the maps and we will continue to update you. I have talked to the fire services this morning and they are a hundred percent deployed. I talked to Tom Craw this morning, and resources of emergency management and DPS are a hundred percent deployed. So my message to you this day, and I'm setting here looking at Mr. (inaudible), who is living proof, my message is or no matter good or how bad the budgets are, the emergencies and disasters still happen. And the entire state is under a fire warning right now. So I urge you to pay attention, to keep track. And those of you on the appropriations, just remember, we spent your money yesterday. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Mr. Smithee.
REP. JOHN SMITHEE: Just to add to what Mr. Hardcastle said, there are very few members in this house who don't have at least some volunteer firefighters in their district. And, you know, we take them for granted because we don't have fires that often, but I'm telling you that those volunteers and the professionals, and not to minimize the professionals, because they put their lives on the line everyday. But those volunteers were out there yesterday and all last night, fighting those fires. And they really put in a good day and a good night of doing that. There's a one particular instance that I want to mention to you, we had a fire fighter that was fighting a fire up there, and while he was fighting that he got word that his own house got burned down to the ground just a few miles a away. And --
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Sheffield, for what purpose?
REP. RALPH SHEFFIELD: No, go ahead, Mr. Smithee.
REP. JOHN SMITHEE: You know, they just -- They get one almost put out and another one starts. We had actually seventy mile winds near Amarillo. And these are my neighbors. And I have a place down there and I see these people every week. And we have at least thirty people down there, and at least twenty near Amarillo with no home at all today. And so keep them in your prayers, support your volunteer fire department and any help that you can give to the Red Cross down there, because they are having to help these people from Amarillo, all the way down. It's not just a Panhandle issue. But thank you for all your thoughts and prayers on that.
REP. RALPH SHEFFIELD: Madam Speaker.
THE SPEAKER: Yes, Mr. Sheffield. For what purpose?
REP. RALPH SHEFFIELD: I just want to make a comment that would join Chairman Smithee. Half of our foundry is out fighting fires right now. So I hope that the employers and employees certainly have that relationship where we can -- they can go out and do this important thing. And, you know, we started in our church, and I'm sure churches all around the State of Texas is to pray for rain. That's the only thing that's going to help is this situation, that the spring rains that come early. So in the prayer meetings and the Bible studies that will be going on this week up here this month, that is included in our prayers.
THE SPEAKER: Thank you. Chair recognizes Mrs. Truitt for an announcement.
REP. VICKI TRUITT: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Members, it's tough to follow that. And Chairman Hardcastle and Chairman Smithee, I want to echo your complements of these hard-working firefighters who put -- who risk their lives to save the lives and property of others. And even though members in this body may not have volunteers, perhaps we are in a urban area and we don't have volunteer fire fighters, let me tell you what this body does affect those people. Certainly in our investments and financial service committee we consider legislation and bills that impact these volunteer fire fighters. So our hearts, our minds, our prayers are with these good people. And I would like to, on a lighter note, remind everyone that the wonderful bootmaker, Lou Daisy, will be here beginning tomorrow. They will be here Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The first second and third they will be on the third floor in 3W9, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., except they'll be taking a short lunch break each day around 1:00 o'clock. So that is open to -- welcome to members, to staff, to the public; anyone who wants to visit the Lou Daisy people and order some boots. This is a -- this has become a tradition in the Texas Legislature. I will say that any orders placed have to be paid for in advance, and you can only order within this three day period. Please do not go shopping for boots and expect to pay a week later, because that's not how it works. You have to order one of those three days. And so again, tomorrow, Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in 3W9 on the third floor, up here above the House chamber, Lou Daisy Boots. Thank you.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Mrs. Dukes For a motion.
REP. DAWANNA DUKES: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'd like to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider House Resolution 576 in honor of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Hearing none. the rules are suspended. Chair lays out HR 576.
CLERK: HR 576 by Dukes. WHEREAS, Proud members of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority are gathering in Austin on February 28, 2011, to celebrate Alpha Kappa Alpha Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, The nation's first Greek sorority for African American women, Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded as a social and service organization on January 15, 1908, by Howard University undergraduate Ethel Hedgeman Lyle and 19 other students; together these courageous women are today known as "the Twenty Pearls"; and WHEREAS, The sorority seeks to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, and to improve the social stature of women of all ages; a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Alpha Kappa Alpha serves people around the world through the efforts of more than 260,000 members in over 950 chapters located in the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, Germany, Korea, Japan, and Africa; for 103 years, the group has made a positive difference with its important work on civil rights, education, economic empowerment and improved health care; and. WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau in 2009 to help support the accuracy of the 2010 census; the sorority's Texas chapters received a Census Partnership Support Grant, and they organized into 33 Complete Count Committees across the Lone Star State to help reach communities deemed "hard to count"; and WHEREAS, In addition, the sorority implemented a nonpartisan National Voter Registration Blitz and "Take Five" Program in 2008 resulting in the registration of 120,000 voters nationwide; in Texas, 1,350 members distributed 11,250 registration cards registered more than 6,000 voters, and transported approximately 5,000 people to polling places on election day; and WHEREAS, Many members of Alpha Kappa Alpha have gone on to careers in public service, including Texas State Representatives Dawnna Dukes, Dr. Alma Allen, and Senfronia Thompson and retired state representative Wilhelmina Delco, as well as Denise Davis chief of staff for Speaker Joe Straus, and U.S. Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee and Eddie Bernice Johnson; and WHEREAS, Under the leadership of the sorority's 28th international president, Carolyn House Stewart, Alpha Kappa Alpha continues to address the issues of social justice, human rights health, poverty, economic security, and environmental sustainability; the sorority's South Central Region is ably led by its 23rd regional director, Gwendolyn J. Brinkley of Houston; and. WHEREAS, Wearing their official colors of salmon pink and apple green, the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha are widely recognized for their elegance, charm, intelligence, and quiet strength, and the sorority continues to win renown for its service to Texas and the nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 28, 2011, as Alpha Kappa Alpha Day at the State Capitol and extend to the sorority's visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and meaningful event; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the sorority as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Mrs. Dukes.
REP. DAWANNA DUKES: Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. It is my great honor to introduce a group of strong, independent and intelligent women. Throughout the years, these women considered friends teachers and heros. But I would like to call them sisters. I'm joined by my fellow sorority sister, Representative, Alma Allen, and Symphonia Thompson today, as we gather with great pleasure to introduce the stellar woman of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. When the founders established Alpha Kappa Alpha in 1908 they wanted to enrich the social and intellectual aspects of college life by providing mental stimulation through interaction with friends and societies. And they have done just that, as Alpha Kappa Alpha women have made countless women's lives better by charity, volunteerism and awareness. Alpha Kappa Alpha women have made numerous contributions throughout history, and our members include women who have won prestigious presidential awards, graced the silver screens of Hollywood, flown into outer space, led the fight against civil injustice and worked tirelessly on behalf of others within our communities. At this time, it tickles me pink and green to have the opportunity to introduce the incredible women on the dais this morning. Joining us, and I would ask you to raise your hand, is our south central regional director, Gwendolyn Brinkally. Texas State Connections Coordinator, Donna Millhouse. My predecessor and dear friend, the Honorable Wihelmina Delco. Northeast Texas chapter coordinator, Stephanie Hawthorn. Southwest central Texas coordinator, Georgia Hayes. And south central regional treasurer, Patricia Robert. It is with great pleasure that we have once again with us this year the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in the chamber. And I would ask all of my sisters to please stand and be recognized. Welcome to your capitol. Thank you so much for being here on A.K.A. Day. I have just one more introduction, Southeast Texas coordinator, Rhonda Newhouse, please. And with that, Madam Speaker, I move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Hearing none. Motion is adopted. Representative Thomas moves to add all Members' names. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Riddle.
REP. DEBBIE RIDDLE: Members, I believe all of us know that the future for our state and our country is within the hands of our young people. If you'll turn to our north gallery, we have students here, and please stand; from my district, from the Carl Lynching High School, right over here. And I want you to know, members, they know their direction. You know the old saying that the world steps aside for the folks that know where they're headed, these young people know exactly where they are headed. They intend to be dental assistants and that is their course of study, and their course of direction. So, students, welcome to your House. Have a blessed day. Thank you, members. Thank you, Mr. Speaker -- Madam Speaker.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Mrs. King.
REP. KING: Thank you. Madam Speaker and members. And today I would like to recognize a group that's in the gallery. Reach Out and Read Texas. If you are here, could you waive your hand? Hopefully you are here. There will be a Senate resolution today passed in the Senate by Senator Lewis Van de Peut. This is to honor the private consortium nationwide, but also encourages young people to read. They are given books in a clinical setting, through volunteers, the doctors and nurses, to bring the prescription as literacy as these young children are making their way through to the milestones of life. This week, Senator Van De Peut I will have a box in my office, if you would like to donate. My office is E2422 and her office is E1610. So please, if you are here, Reach out and Read, and if you are not -- Okay, I knew Representative Pickett would come behind me, but if you listen to the World Famous Flowering Car and Other Things, he's also a children's book author and as a freshmen who has not seen his books, please contract Representative Pickett. Yes. Yes. Would you like to? He would like to give you a book so that you can reach out to give and he will autograph it for you at no expense and no expense to the State, of course. So please today help me recognize and thank Reach Out and Read for what they're doing for the young children's literature. Thank you.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Mr. Perry.
REP. CHARLES PERRY: Members, may I have your attention today? Today is a great day in the Capitol as we are being visited by constituents from Idalou High School, which is Lubbock -- the suburb to the east of it. But in the gallery today I have Superintendent Jim Wallace, Head Coach Jim Taylor and Mr. Don Long. What is unique about these guys is that the Wild Cats won the 2A division to the State Championship with football. I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider House Resolution 566.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Hearing none. the rules are suspended. Chair lays out H.R. 566. Clerk will read the Resolution.
CLERK: H.R. 566 by Perry. WHEREAS, The 2010 University Interscholastic League 2A Division 2 football championship belongs to the Wildcats of Idalou High School after their 20-3 victory over Lexington High School in the title game on December 18, 2010; and WHEREAS, Closing out their 12th consecutive playoff appearance, the Wildcats met the previously undefeated Lexington Eagles at Vernon Newsom Stadium in Mansfield and held them to a single field goal; this was a notable achievement as the high-flying Lexington team had been averaging 40 points per game this season; and WHEREAS, The unforgettable 2010 campaign included six straight victories in the regular season, which allowed Idalou to seize the district title; in the playoffs, the team's combination of stout defense and powerful offense continued to dominate opponents; the Wildcats won by at least 17 points in each contest and gave up just one touchdown in five games; and. WHEREAS, Winning with a true team effort, the Wildcats received valuable contributions from each member of the roster: Bradley Adkins, Ethan Arismendez, Nathan Bell, Josh Caffey, Ryan Calvillo, Tyler Cook, Blake Davis, Tyler Dowdy, Alec Estes, Nick Gary, Brady Gunter, Kale Johnson, Tylo Kirkpatrick, Kaden Lackey McCrae McCormick, Logan Mulanax, Aaron Ochoa, Riley Payne, Aaron Peralez, Nick Piseno, Seth Reagan, Joseph Rodriguez, Matthew Sales Bryce Schilling, Kaden Sikes, Garett Sosa, Derick Spargo, Dakota Sparks, Brent Turner, and Kase Wilbanks; and WHEREAS, Head coach Johnny Taylor was ably assisted by Matthew Brown, Jack Cheek, Garrett Heard, Tyler Helms, Jeff Lofton Don Long, Gaines Magee, Russ Reagan, Mark Turner, and Newt Wheeler; and WHEREAS, Through hard work and an enduring commitment to excellence, the Idalou High football team reached the ultimate level of success during 2010, and these skilled athletes may take justifiable pride in this accomplishment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Idalou High School football team on winning the UIL 2A Division 2 state championship and commend the players and coaches for their fine work during a title-winning season; and, be it further. RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Perry.
REP. CHARLES PERRY: Thanks for your attention and again, I would like to give the Superintendent Jim Morrer and Head Coach Johnny a hand. One thing that makes the team unique is the work ethic and perseverance and the team effort as the team lost their first games and came back to win the State Championship. And I think that makes them pretty admirable. I move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Hearing none. the resolution is adopted. Chair recognizes Representative Coleman.
REP. GARNET COLEMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I like to move to suspend all necessary rules To lay out and consider H.C.R. 70 as well as H.R. 569.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Hearing none. The Rules are suspended. Chair lays out H.R. 569 and H.C.R. 70. The Clerk will read the Resolutions.
CLERK: H.C.R. 70 by Coleman. WHEREAS, A number of proud Texans are visiting Austin on February 28, 2011, to celebrate Texas Southern University Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1927, with a loan from the Houston Public School Board, Texas Southern University opened its doors as Houston Colored Junior College; the school was highly successful and enrollment grew quickly, leading to the transition to a four-year institution in 1934, with a graduate program added in 1943; the Texas Legislature appropriated $2 million in 1947 to buy the campus of what was then Houston College for Negroes in order to create a new state-supported university, and four years later the school assumed the name Texas Southern University; and. WHEREAS, Today, Texas Southern is one of the largest of the historically black colleges and universities in the United States; located in Houston's Third Ward, it enrolls more than 9,500 students from throughout the country and around the world, and it employs nearly 1,500 faculty and staff; it is composed of nine schools and colleges that offer 53 baccalaureate academic majors as well as 36 master's and 6 doctoral degree programs; and WHEREAS, Texas Southern University is committed to serving students of diverse cultural, religious, educational, and economic backgrounds and to preparing them for future leadership roles; the university trains the majority of African American lawyers in Houston and African American teachers in the Houston Independent School District, and it has historically graduated more than 27 percent of the African American pharmacists in the United States; in addition, the university's Thurgood Marshall School of Law has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the most diverse law school in the nation; and WHEREAS, Throughout its history, Texas Southern University has provided its students with a solid foundation for achievement and it has been a powerful force for social progress and economic development in the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby recognize February 28, 2011, as Texas Southern University Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those associated with this notable institution sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Texas Southern University as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate. H.R. 569 by Coleman. WHEREAS, The Texas Southern University football team won the 2010 Southwestern Athletic Conference championship with a victory over Alabama State University on December 11; and WHEREAS, Playing at storied Legion Field in Birmingham Alabama, the Tigers made a supreme defensive effort in their 11-6 win over the SWAC Eastern Division champions, holding Alabama State to just 72 yards of offense and also scoring on a safety in the first half; TSU got its other points from a Martin Gilbert touchdown run in the first quarter and a Robert Hersh field goal in the second; Riko Smalls, the TSU quarterback, was named Offensive Player of the Game; and. WHEREAS, The Tigers had an impressive 8-1 conference record during 2010 and secured the Western Division title with a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Grambling State University that saw TSU rally from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter; the team held opponents to just 131 points in conference play, the best in the SWAC; because of its ability to turn up the heat on opponents the defense became known as the "212," in reference to the boiling point of water; and WHEREAS, Marcus Wright and Charles Smith were named to the all-SWAC first team on offense, while Skylar Trimble and Kirk Fitzhugh made the second offensive team, and William Osborne was selected to the second team for his special teams play; on the defensive side of the ball, Marquis Jackson, Jonathan Hollins, Zack Gallow, and Dejuan Fulman were first-team all-SWAC, and Shomari Clemons was named to the second team; Mr. Fulman was named the conference's Defensive Player of the Year, and Johnnie Cole was chosen as its Coach of the Year after leading the school to its first SWAC title in 42 years; and WHEREAS, Through hard work and an enduring commitment to excellence, the Texas Southern University football team achieved an admirable level of success during 2010, and these skilled athletes and their coaches may take justifiable pride in this accomplishment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Texas Southern University football team on winning the 2010 Southwestern Athletic Conference championship and commend the players and coaches for their fine work during a title-winning season; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Coleman.
REP. GARNET COLEMAN: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will all of the people on the floor of the House that are alumnus of Texas Southern University or supporters of the Texas Southern University, please come up to the podium? I you know it's a proud day when you have the students and the student athletes in the leadership of Texas Southern University here in the Capitol. I live about ten blocks from Texas Southern University and it's a great thing. And I grew up playing around the campus. But Ruth Young McClendon, McClendon and I had chaired, a great honor this winter, and we both received honorary doctorates of humane letters from the Texas Southern University. And so now I can stand up here with my colleagues ands be an alumnus of the Texas Southern University. And you have to call me Dr. Coleman and call Ruth, Dr. McClendon. But let's get to the point of the matter, Texas Southern University is a jewel in our state, our nation and our world, and has moved forward in terms of making sure that the students get the best education they can get. TSU enrolls more than ninety five hundred students. And, as you heard, employees more than fifteen hundred faculty and staff. And this year, the only university to win a national championship football is the TSU Tiger Football Team, which won the Southwest Athletic Conference Championship. So let's give a big ole round of applause for the TSU Tiger Football Team. Go tigers. In the audience we have, in the gallery, we have students and faculty and friends of the university, as well as the alumni President, Marquez Davis. Most people know Marquez as the proprietor or the owner of the Breakfast Club. And I get to brag, because he was a Texas legislative internship program intern in my office, and before he made a splash in making good waffles and chicken. On the dais, we have the President of the university, Dr. John Ruttily. Dr. Ruttily, will you please raise your hand? We have the chairman of the board, our former colleague, Glen Louis. Glen, would you please raise your hand? Also, there's the provost is on the dais, and he's also the vice president of the academic program and resources, Dr. Sunny Ojilla. Please raise your hand. We also have Dr. James Douglas, who is the former dean at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. And TSU Executive Vice President and served as President of Texas Southern University, would you please give him a hand? And we have Dr. Charles McClellan, the TSU athletic director. Now y'all know he's done a good job. And just recently ground was broken on the Dynamos/TSU stadium in downtown Houston, where Texas Southern University will play all of its home football games in the next season. So thank you all for coming and traveling so far, thank you to the students and members, they will be coming by your office today, and they are here to give you input about the needs of Texas Southern University, and I would appreciate it if the staff and members welcome them in to their offices and listen to their advocacy by the alumni. A lot of constituents from around the state and around -- particularly the Houston area, these are students that are the future of our state and we need to treat them with utmost respect. With that, I want to thank you for listening and move passage.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Hearing none. The Resolution is now adopted. Chair recognizes Ms. McClendon.
REP. MCCLENDON: I move that we add all Members' names to the Resolution.
THE SPEAKER: Representative McClendon moves to add all members' names. Is there any objection? Hearing none. All members names are added. Chair recognizes Representative Taylor for a motion.
REP. VAN TAYLOR: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider House Resolution number 625.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection hearing none. The Rules are suspended. Chair lays out H.R. 615. Clerk will read the Resolution.
CLERK: H.R. 615 by Taylor. WHEREAS, The Friendswood Mustangs Challenger baseball team played in an exhibition game during the Little League World Series in August 2010; and WHEREAS, A division of Little League, the Challenger Division was established in 1989 to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school, to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide; no score is kept and everyone gets a chance to bat; the Challenger team in Friendswood was organized by Tom and Mandy Goodwin, and Mr. Goodwin, Greg Griffith, and Brett White serve as coaches; and WHEREAS, The Friendswood squad was one of just two Challenger teams extended an invitation to play during the 2010 Little League World Series held in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania; the Mustangs met a team from New Jersey in a two-inning contest in front of a crowd of 2,000; after the game, the players posed for pictures and met Little League competitors from all over the world who were participating in the series; in recognition of its accomplishment the team was honored with a Celebration of Excellence Award by the Friendswood Independent School District in September 2010; and WHEREAS, The Mustangs roster is composed of the following ballplayers: Kayla Gray, Anna Griffith, Molly Hart, Jordan Hoskins Cristopher Martinez, Jake Randal, Ashlee Reuter, Daniel Seale, Ben Theriault, Danny Vazquez, and Jason Wellen; each team member hails from Friendswood except for Mr. Seale, who is from Houston, and Mr. Wellen, who is from Pearland; and. WHEREAS, Through their love of baseball, the Friendswood Mustangs proudly represented the Lone Star State on the international stage of the Little League World Series, and these young athletes may take justifiable pride in this outstanding achievement; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Friendswood Mustangs Challenger baseball team on its appearance in an exhibition game at the 2010 Little League World Series and extend to the players sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Taylor.
REP. VAN TAYLOR: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Members, if I could have your attention? We have a great group of folks here today. You know, Pearland did a great job of representing Texas last year in the Little League World Series. But there was another team from Texas that was invited, who were one of two teams invited for the exhibition game for the Little League World Series. They are just one of two teams from the whole world that got to play in that. And for them to go to Pennsylvania to represent Texas was a great honor. I want to especially thank Tom and Mandy Goodwin, who are the founders of this team. We also have some other coaches here. If the coaches would stand up as well? We got the team standing here in their uniforms, if you could give them a big round of applause. I want to tell the members of this team you've made not only your area proud, but you've made Texas proud, the way you represented us there in Williams Point. And I wish you all continued success in your future endeavors. And thank you for visiting your Texas Capitol today. Thank you very much, members. Move passage.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Hearing none. the Resolution is adopted. Representative Legler moves to add all Members' names. Is there any objection? Hearing none. the motion is adopted. Chair recognizes Representative Giddings.
REP. HELEN GIDDINGS: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I move to suspend all necessary rules and take up and consider House Resolution 562 honoring the Links.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Hearing none. The Rules are suspended. Chair lays out H.R. 562. Clerk will read the Resolution.
CLERK: H.R. 562 by Giddings. WHEREAS, A delegation from the Western Area of The Links Incorporated, is visiting the State Capitol on February 28, 2011; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1946, The Links is a volunteer service organization for professional women who are committed to enriching the culture of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry and improving their economic status; it has a membership of 12,000 in 274 chapters across the country and in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas; and WHEREAS, The business and civic leaders, mentors, role models, and activists of this nonprofit corporation volunteer more than 500,000 hours annually in projects to strengthen their communities and make a positive difference in the lives of others; through the years, the group has received awards from such organizations as the United Nations Association of New York and the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation; and WHEREAS, The Western Area of The Links includes 2,000 members in 55 chapters; these dedicated women work in behalf of children families, and the disadvantaged and support the University of California Davis Women's Cardiovascular Medicine Program, the Mayme A. Clayton Library and Museum, historically black colleges and Project ALERT (Alzheimer's Link to Education, Research, and Treatment); IMAGE/Hip-Hop, another of the important initiatives of the Western Area, takes action against negative images of African American women in the rap industry; and WHEREAS, The dynamic members of The Links have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to their communities and their nation, setting high standards of civic engagement to which others may aspire; now, therefore, be it. RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby commend the members of the Western Area of The Links, Incorporated, for their exceptional service in behalf of others and extend to them sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful visit to Austin; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the group as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Giddings.
REP. HELEN GIDDINGS: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. And I'm going to ask my colleague, Representative Dukes, who is a member of the Links, and our temporarily presiding speaker here, Representative McClendon, who is a member of the Links; and let me also recognize the speakers, chief of staff Denise Davis is a member of this organization. It is with great pride and pleasure that we welcome the Links to the Capitol today. The memberships of the Links nationally consists of twelve thousand professional women of color in two hundred and seventy four chapters located in forty two states. It is one of the nation's oldest and largest volunteer service organization of extraordinary women whose mission is for sustaining and ensuring the cultural and economic survival of African Americans. The eighty plus women who are with us at the Capitol today are largely members of the Western area. These women are business and civic leaders, they are role models, they are mentors, they are activists and volunteers who work towards a common vision by engaging like minded organizations and individuals for partnerships and progress. Links members contribute more than one-half million hours of community service annually. Nationally they have contributed over one million dollars to the NAACP. They have, likewise, reached out and built over fifty schools in South Africa and they have formed a very, very long partnership with the Coleman Foundation in an effort to fight cancer, breast cancer. Let me recognize those on the podium with us today. Rosalind, if you'll raise your hand. Sandra Dorothy Malone, and I would especially like to welcome someone who I believe has made history in this chamber. If I'm wrong, someone can correct me. But I believe that Wilhelmina Delco is the first person of color and the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House -- of the Texas House. And so I wanted to point out this is Black history month, and this is history. And teach us made platinum membership in the Links. Let me also welcome Susie Bell, and let us also recognize Roxanne Thomas Jaguar. Mr. Speaker or Madam Speaker, I move adoption of the resolution.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. The motion is so ordered. The motion is adopted.
REP. DAWANNA DUKES: Madam Speaker?
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Dukes.
REP. DAWANNA DUKES: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I move to add all members' names.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Are there any objections? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Giddings.
REP. HELEN GIDDINGS: Mr. Speaker, Members, I move to suspend all necessary rules and take up and consider House Resolution 632 that recognizes Black History Month.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out House Resolution 632. Clerk will read the Resolution.
CLERK: H.R. 632 by Giddings. WHEREAS, The celebration of Black History Month in February 2011 provides an opportunity to recognize the rich cultural heritage of African Americans and the significant contributions they have made and are making to the Lone Star State and the world at large; and WHEREAS, A weeklong observance focusing on black history was established in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an author and scholar and the son of former slaves, who sought a means of educating non-black Americans about African American culture and of engendering pride among black Americans; the tribute was expanded to a month in 1976 and was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford, who encouraged all Americans to celebrate "Black History Month and the message of courage and perseverance it brings to all of us"; and WHEREAS, African Americans have constituted a significant part of the population of Texas for hundreds of years; in the 19th century, before emancipation, they played an enormous role in producing this state's agricultural bounty and also worked as skilled artisans; after the Civil War, many moved to urban centers and in the years that followed, they provided manpower for new industries that were being established; and WHEREAS, African American infantry and cavalry garrisoned forts in West Texas during the Indian Wars; known as "Buffalo Soldiers," they patrolled the frontier with the assistance of black Seminole Indian scouts, built roads, and escorted mail carriers; Sergeant Emmanuel Stance, stationed at Fort McKavett, was the first African American who fought in the Indian Wars to be awarded the Medal of Honor; and WHEREAS, Since the early 1800s, African Americans have been involved in the cattle industry; one of the most famous black Texan cowboys was William Pickett, who became a Wild West rodeo performer and who is believed to have originated the bulldogging event; and. WHEREAS, In the mid-20th century, African Americans in Texas substantially furthered the civil rights movement by filing and winning lawsuits that outlawed the white primary and that helped to integrate graduate and professional schools; today, influential African American leaders continue to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, taking their rightful place in the public arena and promoting social justice; and WHEREAS, The contributions of African Americans in the nation at large not only have impacted every facet of life in this country but have had an influence around the globe; among their most notable but perhaps least-known achievements have been advances in science and technology; the long list of those who have distinguished themselves in these fields includes Alexander Miles, who developed the automated elevator door, Garrett Morgan, who invented the gas mask and the traffic signal, Frederick Jones, who developed refrigerated trucks and railroad cars, Dr. Charles Drew, who developed a technique for preserving plasma and who established blood banks across Europe and the Pacific during World War II saving the lives of countless American soldiers and sailors, Dr. Patricia E. Bath, who developed a method of eye surgery that has helped many blind people to see, and Dr. Philip Emeagwali, who in 1989 invented the world's fastest computer; and. WHEREAS, The celebration of Black History Month highlights the myriad ways in which African Americans have helped to shape this state and nation over the course of four centuries and acknowledges the immeasurable benefits of living in a truly diverse society; now, therefore, be it. RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 2011 as Black History Month and encourage all citizens to learn more about the history and accomplishments of African Americans.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Giddings.
REP. HELEN GIDDINGS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. Since 1976, when President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month, this has been a time of great pride for the African American Community, and I think it's fitting and proper that we take a moment of pause on the last day of Black History Month. And we intentionally waited, because we knew we were going to have approximately two thousand African Americans on the campus of the Texas House today. I hope that we will remember Dr. Charles Drew the next time we think of a blood bank, because it was his inventions that allowed us to have blood banks today. I hope we will remember Gerrard Morgan when we are waiting at a red light, because it was Gerrard morgan's invention. When we eat tonight let us remember Frederick Joans knowing that it was Frederick Joans who created the refrigerated transport trucks that allow us to transport fresh vegetables and food.
THE SPEAKER: Members, members, could we have your attention for just a moment? Representative Giddings.
REP. HELEN GIDDINGS: Thank you. Let's never forget how Dr. Patricia Bass discovered a new way of eye surgery to help the blinds to see once again. Let us never forget how Dr. Phillip Walle created one of the fastest computers in the world. And then very, very close to home; when you pick up your buzzing cell phones thank Dr. Henry Sampson, because he invented the cell phone. Let us also not to forget about the contributions that African Americans made in the realm of politics, entrepreneurship and philosophy. And, in closing, let me just say it was Martin Luther King who said -- and I'm paraphrasing, that all of us can be special because all of us can make contributions. These are some of the contributions of African Americans. All of us made contributions. And until we are smart enough to recognize, acknowledge and accept the contributions of all of our people, America will never be quite what America could be. So I hope that we are well on the way to acknowledging that. Mr. Speaker, I move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection to the adoption of H.R. 632? Chair hears none. So ordered. Representative Thompson moves to add all members' names. Any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Farias to make a motion.
REP. JOE FARISAS: Mr. Speaker, Members, I move to consider House Resolution 648 on behalf of the Northeast Partnership Group.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. The Rules are suspended. Chair lays out H.R. 648. The Clerk will read the Resolution.
CLERK: H.R. 648 by Farias. WHEREAS, Since its establishment in the mid-1990s, the Northeast Partnership for Economic Development has contributed greatly to the growth and prosperity of Bexar County; and WHEREAS, Representing Cibolo, Converse, Garden Ridge, Kirby Live Oak, Schertz, Selma, Universal City, and Windcrest, the Northeast Partnership employs a unified approach to development in northeast Bexar County, while protecting and advocating for the interests of its members; and WHEREAS, The organization's goals are to capitalize on the area's strategic location in an effort to broaden job opportunities, diversify commercial activities, promote existing industry, and identify sources of capital investment; under the guidance of the Economic Development Committee and the Randolph Air Power Community Council, the group is also helping to enhance partnerships with Randolph Air Force Base by identifying common interests of the civilian and military populations and supporting community efforts of mutual concern; and WHEREAS, The Northeast Partnership has played an instrumental role in spurring positive economic growth in Bexar County, and the benefits of its accomplishments will continue to be enjoyed by area citizens long into the future; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby commend the Northeast Partnership for Economic Development for its many worthy endeavors and extend to all those associated with the organization sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further. RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the group as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
THE SPEAKER: Mr. Farias.
REP. FARIAS: Mr. Speaker, I move adoption. Members of the northeast partnership are here today. In the area that I represent I've had the privilege and honor of representing the last three terms. They are here today visiting the Capitol, here today visiting. Some of the members from Bear County and other areas, Coal, Mallory, and other areas of the community in Bear County, South Texas. Would the members please rise if y'all are still here? They're all over here on the right. Thank you and welcome to the House of Representatives. Move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the adoption on suspension of the Rules. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. Resolution is adopted. Chair recognizes Representative Gutierrez moves to add all members' names to the Resolution. Any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Ms. Giddings for a correction on her last resolution.
REP. HELEN GIDDINGS: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Since this is Black History Month, I want to make sure I get it right. Wilhelmina Delco was the fist woman to be Speaker Proteum. Craig Washington was the first African American. So I just wanted to make that correction.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Bohac. Representative Bohac? Chair recognizes Representative Gallego for a motion.
REP. PETE GALLEGO: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, it is my pleasure today to welcom a group of citizens from the county. For me it's kind of the largest of the population center of District 74. And we've got a good group of folks here, so let me, if you would, help me welcome the County Judge of Dell Rio Laura Allen, the city of Del Rio Mayor Roberto Fernandez, the School Board president and the Former Mayor Robert (inaudible). As well as the members of the city council Alyor, Sr. who is here with the county commissioner. Mr. Gonzalez is the Justice of the Peace. Mr. Martinez who is their sheriff. Raymond Mesa, who is on the school board and Lewis Olan, who are also the members of the Commissioner's Court. Mary Ann Fortina Hernandez who are also members of the city council. Dr. Fernando and (inaudible) Martinez who are also the on the school board. And, in addition to that, from Comestock, their superintendent, Orly Wilsonburg who are here from the county. And they are all in the east part of the gallery. And so thank y'all and welcome to your Texas House of Representatives.
THE SPEAKER: Following announcements, the Clerk will read the following announcements.
CLERK: The Committee on Agriculture and Livestock will meet at 7:00 p.m. on February 28th, 2011, at 111 (inaudible), Austin, Texas 78701. This will be a work session to consider committee dinner. The Committee on Calendars will meet at 2:00 p.m. today, February 28th, 2011, at 3W.9. This will be a former meeting to consider setting a calendar.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Hamilton for a motion.
REP. MIKE HAMILTON: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to suspend all necessary rules and bring up H.R. 558.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out H.R. 558. Clerk will read the Resolution.
CLERK: H.R. 558 by Hamilton. WHEREAS, Citizens of Jefferson and Orange Counties are gathering in Austin on February 28 through March 1, 2011, to celebrate Golden Triangle Days at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Hundreds of visitors from throughout this energy-rich and culturally unique part of Southeast Texas have come to Austin to express appreciation to elected officials and representatives of state agencies and to inform lawmakers of opportunities to further strengthen these communities; and WHEREAS, Jefferson and Orange County residents have gathered for this and other special events to work together for the good of their region and of the State of Texas; to that end, the chambers of commerce from Beaumont, Bridge City, Groves, Nederland, Orange, Port Arthur, Port Neches, and Vidor have adopted unified positions on relevant business issues; and WHEREAS, In addition to their respective cities, these chambers of commerce work closely with the counties of Jefferson and Orange, other taxing entities, business organizations, and the community at large to create a thriving business climate for the entire Golden Triangle, with its great diversity and varying socioeconomic levels; and WHEREAS, Jefferson and Orange Counties continue to recover from Hurricanes Rita and Ike and to make great strides toward industrial expansion devoted to supplying the energy needs of the state and nation; and WHEREAS, This proud region's distinctive contributions to the history and culture of Texas are highlighted by numeroustourist attractions and matched only by its contributions to the economy; known as America's Energy Gateway, the area is home to the deepwater ports in Beaumont, Orange, Port Arthur, and Sabine Pass; it is also home to such fine educational institutions as Lamar University, Lamar State College--Orange, Lamar State College--Port Arthur, and the Lamar Institute of Technology, as well as many other assets that significantly affect the growth and economic health of the state; and WHEREAS, The forward-looking people of the Golden Triangle are building a vibrant future, and these public-spirited citizens indeed merit special commendation for their diligence and achievements; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 28 through March 1, 2011, as Golden Triangle Days at the State Capitol and extend to the participants sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful stay in Austin.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Hamilton.
REP. MIKE HAMILTON: I move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none H.R. 558 is adopted. Chair recognizes Representative Hamilton.
REP. MIKE HAMILTON: Thank you, members. Today is a Golden Triangle Day, and there are some folk that is very important that are here today and have done it. First of all, let me introduce the folks. If you stand up if you are here, still. Victor over there is the chairman. Nathan Cross, Sherry Hummel, Clerk Cobbin and Eric Andrews. These are all part of the gate today for bringing up. Can I please have everybody stand up, everybody from the Golden Triangle Day? It's just three hundred fifty people showed up. Tonight we have a great reception at the Austin Music with our country and western singer with Mark Chestnut. We have gumbo, we have etoufee and we got all fixins, so we hope you can all come out.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Bohac for a motion.
REP. DWAYNE BOHAC: Mr. Speaker, Members, I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider House Resolution 585.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. It's ordered. Chair lays out H.R. 585. Clerk will read the motion.
CLERK: H.R. 585 by Bohac. WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is pleased to recognize the students of DeVry University for their dedication to acquiring the knowledge needed to solve the problems and address the issues that affect their fellow Texans; and WHEREAS, A leader in the field of career-oriented education for 80 years, DeVry University has helped students succeed in the classroom and in the workplace by offering focused, hands-on education in the emerging vocational areas of business, technology and management; and WHEREAS, With a presence in the Lone Star State since 1969 the university offers curriculum and degree programs tailored to match industry demand and to give students the skills required to embark on successful careers and to enhance their opportunities; and WHEREAS, Students of DeVry University often undertake projects that exemplify the school's commitment to the practical application of knowledge; one such example is the senior project of Jimmy Espinosa, Luis Soriano, and William Campoverde, who have worked with rangers of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to develop an emergency survival backpack that allows users to recharge vital portable equipment through environmentally sound renewable energy technologies; and WHEREAS, DeVry University has had a profound impact on the lives of many Texans, and it is truly deserving of recognition as it celebrates 80 years of service; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby commend the students, faculty, and staff of DeVry University for their commitment to excellence in education and extend to them sincere best wishes for continued success; and be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the university as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Bohac.
REP. DWAYNE BOHAC: Members, it is a pleasure have a Devry University campus right around the corner from my home. And it's with great pride that we have the opportunity to recognize three stellar students. You are probably wondering what is this item up here at the podium. It is a solar powered backpack. And all these cords, you can use to recharge all the items you might be carrying. And Jimmy Espinosa, Louis (inaudible0, William (inaudible), all seniors at the Devry University, Houston's main campus, have truly put their higher education to work. After learning about the technical needs of the Texas Park and Wildlife Rangers, these upcoming graduates developed an innovative and ecofriendly solar power backpack that is able to collect solar energy and power tools essential to park rangers out in the field. I'm going scouting this weekend with my local Boy Scouts, my two sons, this is something we can use this weekend. These bright young men are here, they went from prototype to finished product, having recently presented their finished product to the Parks and Wildlife Department for its continued use. So please join me in recognizing these outstanding young men, Park Ranger Robert Crossman and a delegation from Devry University, for their students achievement and the university's over forty two years of excellence and partnership with the State of Texas. And they are located with us today up here on the west side of the Capitol, so please rise and let us give you a handclap of this fine, innovative invention. I move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection to the adoption of H.R. 585? The Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Miller for a motion.
REP. DOUG MILLER: Mr. Speaker and members, I move that the House to suspend all necessary Rules and take up House Resolution 646.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Any objections? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out the consideration H.R. 646. Clerk will read the Resolution.
CLERK: H.R. 646 by Miller of Erath. WHEREAS, National Pancake Day has become an important method by which to raise funds for Shriners Hospitals for Children, and the Shriners of North America and International House of Pancakes are joining together to celebrate that special event on March 1, 2011; and WHEREAS, Shriners of North America is an international fraternity based on the Masonic principles of brotherly love relief, and truth; the organization supports Shriners Hospitals for Children, a unique international health care system of hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs; the hospitals provide exceptional service at no charge to children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate; and WHEREAS, In support of the Shriners Hospitals for Children International House of Pancakes is offering guests a free short stack of pancakes on March 1 and inviting diners to make a donation to the hospitals; and WHEREAS, An opportunity to help children by eating pancakes is a win-win situation for all concerned, and it is fitting that the Shriners of North America and International House of Pancakes be recognized for their compassionate efforts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby commend the Shriners of North America and International House of Pancakes for their commitment to helping the most vulnerable among us and extend to all those involved sincere best wishes for a successful National Pancake Day.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Miller.
REP. DOUG MILLER: Mr. Speaker and members, we have some very distinguished guests on the dais. And I've asked some of my fellow Masonic Lodge members to come up and join me today. We have from the Grand Lodge of Texas, the grand treasurer, and from the Ben Hur Shrine, national potentate. Tomorrow is March 1st and it will be national pancake day in Ihop restaurants. And this is a fundraiser for the Shriners, a major fundraiser and how they fund all of their hospitals and charities throughout the state. And if you go to an Ihop you get a free breakfast. Free breakfast pancake. And any donations made tomorrow morning will go directly to the Shriners Hospital. We also have Mike Ford with us from the Ben Hur Shriners. Please welcome them. I believe their wives are in the gallery. Would you please stand up? Thank you for coming today. How about a big hand for the Shriners? Mr. Speaker and members I move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. The adoption of H.R. 646. Chair recognizes Representative Mallory to add all names. Any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Guillen for a motion.
REP. RYAN GUILLEN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider House Resolution 590 to honor the recipients of the 2011 Texas Medal of Arts Award.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Any objections? The Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out H.R. 590. The Clerk will read the resolution.
CLERK: H.R. 590 by Guillen. WHEREAS, The Texas Cultural Trust is recognizing the 2011 Texas Medal of Arts Award winners on March 1, 2011; and WHEREAS, The Texas Medal of Arts Awards pay tribute to residents of the Lone Star State who have made important contributions to a variety of artistic disciplines in the state either through personal achievement or through generous support; and WHEREAS, Those selected for the 2011 biennial awards are: Barbara Smith Conrad, Lifetime Achievement; Robert M. Edsel Literary Arts; Tom Staley, Art Education; James Drake, Visual Arts; Alley Theatre, Theatre; H-E-B, Corporate Patron; Bob Schieffer Television; Ray Benson, Multi-Media; Ernest and Sarah Butler Individual Patrons; Marcia Gay Harden, Film Actress; Bill Paxton Film Actor; and ZZ Top, Music; and WHEREAS, The arts greatly enhance the quality of life in Texas, and the creative individuals and committed patrons being honored by the Texas Cultural Trust have contributed immeasurably to the rich cultural tapestry of the Lone Star State; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the recipients of the 2011 Texas Medal of Arts Awards and express deep appreciation for their dedication to the advancement of the arts in Texas; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for each award winner as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Guillen.
REP. RYAN GUILLEN: I move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Any objections? Chair hears none. H.R. 590 is adopted. Chair recognizes Representative Guillen.
REP. RYAN GUILLEN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, members, it's a great pleasure to recognize gifted recipients of this year's Texas Medal of Arts Awards. It's the signature event of the Texas cultural trust, which celebrates the creative excellence, exemplary talents and outstanding contributions by Texans in selected categories, ultimately featuring the best in Texas. These awards honor Texans who have achieved greatness through their creative talents, as well as those in philanthropic generosity who open doors to the artistic opportunity to Texans of all ages. Established in 1995, the Texas Cultural Trust is an none profit organization that raises private dollars statewide to elevate the importance of art education and heighten art's awareness. It supports the program of the Texas Commission on the Arts and other qualifying state agencies. Influential individuals, such as Bill Paxson, Bob Sheeper, Marsha Gate Harden and ZZ Top are a few of the several Texans that will be recognized at the gala dinner happening tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. at the Long Center. As chairman of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism, I encourage you all to attend a VIP legislative reception this evening at 6:00 p.m. at UT's Visual Art Center. The reception is open to all legislators. I hope to see y'all there. Please give these honored recipients a round of applause, please.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Raymond for a motion.
REP. RICHARD RAYMOND: Mr. Speaker and members, I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider H.R. 633.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Any objection? Chair hears none. Rules are suspended. Chair lays out H.R. 633. The Clerk will read the resolution.
CLERK: H.R. 633 by Raymond. WHEREAS, Since 2003, the Images for Conservation Fund has pursued the goal of fostering greater wildlife preservation in Texas by promoting nature tourism on private land; and WHEREAS, To advance this concept, the Images for Conservation Fund established the Pro-Tour of Nature Photography, a world-class championship tournament that matches some of the world's best professional nature photographers with Texas landowners who have taken steps to create a habitat conducive to wildlife photography; and WHEREAS, A five-day exhibit at the State Capitol will showcase images taken during the group's three Pro-Tour of Nature Photography contests; the exhibit, which is being held February 28 to March 4, 2011, will include photographs taken in the Hill Country, the Coastal Bend area, and the Laredo area; and WHEREAS, The Images for Conservation Fund will soon hold its first competition open to both professional and amateur nature photographers as a new approach to promoting the organization's goals; and WHEREAS, The idea that photo tourism offers an economic reason to encourage the preservation of wildlife habitat is gradually beginning to gain popularity among some landowners, and several ranches now include nature photography among the activities offered to the public on their property; and. WHEREAS, Through its outstanding initiatives, the Images for Conservation Fund is promoting photography as a visual voice for nature, and it is a pleasure to recognize this noteworthy organization; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the Pro-Tour of Nature Photographyexhibit at the Capitol and commend the Images for Conservation Fund for its important work; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the organization's board as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Raymond.
REP. RICHARD RAYMOND: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. If I could have your attention for a second? The Images for Conservation Fund was established to foster a greater life of the promoting of nature tourism on private land here in the State of Texas. You've done a great job of it. This is a big economic development tool that is also a way for us to appreciate our wildlife in the State of Texas more. This none profit organization brings together private landowners and nature photographers from around the world. Some of the best photographsers members, are from around the world coming to Texas to promote wildlife conservation and creating economic benefits fro the entire state. Photographs taken during the group's three pro tour of nature photography contest is going to be on display this week, members, here in the Capitol in the extension. We will also have a reception recognizing the star of the exhibit today in the Grill, from 4:00 to 6:00, and I want to invite everybody to come by. I would like to take a second to recognize Mr. John Martin, who is up here in the podium, who is the Images for Conservation Fund chairman and founder. This is his grandchild, about seven years ago. And it's a wonderful, wonderful project that has taken off. We also have Mr. Ramirez, President and chief executive officer, who is a tremendous supporter of this and whose had participated and whose grant was a participant in the last contest. And Mr. Ray Covey, who is a Texas manager of governmental affair and economic development. Members, these are exactly the things that we need to be doing in the State of Texas. Doing everything we can to let future generations be able to appreciate in terms of what we have in our wildlife, but also continue to build our economy in the ways we haven't thought of before, creating jobs and tourism in ways that we haven't thought about before. Mr. Speaker and members, I move adoption of H.R. 633.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Any objection? Chair hears none. H.R. 633 is adopted. Chair recognizes Ms. Davis of Dallas. Chair recognizes Representative Davis.
REP. DAVIS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. I'd like to suspend all necessary rules to take up House Resolution 635, 626, 627, 630, 631, 647, 649, 650, 651, 652, 653 and 654. These are resolutions for the Legislative for Black Caucus Conference.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motions. Any objections to the adoption? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out the following resolutions.
CLERK: H.R. 654 by Davis of Dallas. WHEREAS, Eight accomplished public servants are being honored by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus on February 28 as recipients of a 2011 Trailblazer Award; and WHEREAS, This notable accolade is given to individuals who ably served the citizens of this state as members of the Texas House and who also shared their valuable insight and wisdom through their participation in the Texas Legislative Black Caucus; this year's outstanding honorees include former state representatives Fred Blair (1987-1993), Lanell Cofer (1977-1983), Zan W. Holmes, Jr. (1968-1973), Samuel Hudson III (1973-1997), Jesse Jones (1993-2007), Jerald H. Larry (1987-1993), Jesse D. Oliver (1983-1987), and Paul Ragsdale (1973-1987); and WHEREAS, Among this distinguished roster of state legislators are the Honorable Samuel Hudson and the Honorable Paul Ragsdale who, together with the Honorable Senfronia Thompson, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Anthony Hall, Mickey Leland, Craig Washington, and G. J. Sutton, formed the Texas Legislative Black Caucus in 1973 as a means by which to address issues faced by African Americans across the Lone Star State; and WHEREAS, Over the course of their exemplary tenure in state government, each of the 2011 Trailblazers made many significant contributions to the betterment of life in their communities and beyond, and they opened doors of opportunity and empowered countless people through their commitment toward achieving the goal of a more just and equitable society; now, therefore, be it. RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Fred Blair, Lanell Cofer, Zan W. Holmes, Jr., Samuel Hudson III, Jesse Jones, Jerald H. Larry Jesse D. Oliver, and Paul Ragsdale on their receipt of a 011 Trailblazer Award from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and commend these inspiring leaders for the profound difference they have made in the lives of their fellow Texans; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the honorees as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. HR 625 (by Turner), Honoring actress Loretta Devine and commemorating The presentation of a scholarship in her name at the 2011 African American Legislative Summit to be held in Austin. HR 626 (by Turner), Honoring Debra Lee on the occasion of her keynote Address at the Scholarship Banquet at the 2011 African American Leadership Summit. HR 627 (by Turner), Honoring journalist Roland Martin for his participation In the African American Legislative Summit in Austin on February 28 and March 1, 2011. HR 630 (by Dutton), Congratulating Mary Etta Berry Delaney of Houston on her receipt of a 2011 Outstanding Community Leader Award from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. HR 631 (by Dutton), Congratulating the Fifth Ward Enrichment Program of Houston on its receipt of the 2011 Outstanding Community Leader Award from The Texas Legislative Black Caucus. HR 647 (by V. Taylor), Congratulating Pizza Hut and Yum! Restaurants International on the dedication of their new corporate headquarters in Plano. HR 649 (by Y. Davis), Congratulating Tiara Nicole Fizer of Dallas on her Receipt of a 2011 Texas Legislative Black Caucus scholarship. HR 650 (by Y. Davis), Congratulating Colby Edward Jamieson Pitts on his receipt of a Texas Legislative Black Caucus scholarship for Legislative District 111. HR 651 (by Y. Davis), Congratulating Eli Davis for being named an outstanding Community Leader of House District 111 by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. HR 652 (by Y. Davis), Congratulating Dorothy L. Stoker-Starks on being named an Outstanding Community Leader of House District 111 by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. HR 653 (by Y. Davis), Congratulating Stephanie Garza of Dallas on her Receipt of a Texas Legislative Black Caucus scholarship. HR 654 (by Y. Davis), Congratulating former state representatives Fred Blair, Lanell Cofer, Zan W. Holmes, Jr., Samuel Hudson III, Jesse Jones, Jerald H. Larry, Jesse D. Oliver, and Paul Ragsdale on their receipt of Trailblazer Awards from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. HR 649 (by Y. Davis), Congratulating Tiara Nicole Fizer of Dallas on her receipt of a 2011 Texas Legislative Black Caucus scholarship. HR 647 (by V. Taylor), Congratulating Pizza Hut and Yum! Restaurants International on the dedication of their new corporate headquarters in Plano. HR 631 (by Dutton), Congratulating the Fifth Ward Enrichment Program of Houston on its receipt of the 2011 Outstanding Community Leader Award from The Texas Legislative Black Caucus. HR 630 (by Dutton), Congratulating Mary Etta Berry Delaney of Houston on her receipt of a 2011 Outstanding Community Leader Award from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. HR 627 (by Turner), Honoring journalist Roland Martin for his participation In the African American Legislative Summit in Austin on February 28 and March 1, 2011. HR 626 (by Turner), Honoring Debra Lee on the occasion of her keynote address at the Scholarship Banquet at the 2011 African American Leadership Summit. HR 625 (by Turner), Honoring actress Loretta Devine and commemorating the presentation of a scholarship in her name at the 2011 African American Legislative Summit to be held in Austin.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Davis.
REP. DAVIS: Thank you, members, I move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Any objection? Chair hears none. Following resolutions are adopted. Representative Allen moves to add all members' names. Any objection to that motion? Chair hears none. All members names are added. Chair recognizes Representative Oliveira for a motion.
REP. RENE OLIVEIRA: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members, I'd like to move pursuant to rule 4 Section 9 in the House rules and request permission for all house committees and sub committees to meet today while the House is in session, during the reading and referral of bills pursuant to their committee posting.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Following announcements. The Clerk will read the following announcements.
CLERK: The committee on Land and Research Management will meet on adjournment on February 28th, 2011 at-E2.012. This will be a formal meeting to consider eminent domain issues.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Allen for a motion. REP. Alma ALLEN: Mr. Speaker, I wish to suspend all necessary Rules to take up and consider H.R. 587.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out H.R. 587. Clerk will read the Resolution.
CLERK: H.R. 587 by Allen. WHEREAS, Tammie Lang Campbell of Houston has been nurturing hope in young people for two decades through her writing leadership, and civic and community activism; and WHEREAS, The executive director of the Honey Brown Hope Foundation, Tammie Campbell established that nonprofit organization in 1991 in an effort to convey a message of healthy self-worth and affirmation to girls and boys; she is the author of the Honey Brown series of books, which focus on career development social responsibility, and positive self-image; and WHEREAS, A force for change in her community, Ms. Campbell wrote, produced, and directed an educational teleplay about the importance of voting, which was aired in the Houston Independent School District, and created two annual calendar series to promote environmental stewardship; she is also responsible for an after-school writing initiative that publishes and distributes student work to YMCA program participants, and she contributed to the production of murals celebrating the rich history and diversity of Harris and Fort Bend Counties; and. WHEREAS, Ms. Campbell added her voice to the Harvard University Civil Rights Project: School to Prison Pipeline roundtable discussion in 2005 and helped to bring a traveling exhibit on African American sacred music to Texas; moreover, she hosted and sponsored the Houston PBS documentary premiere of Prince Among Slaves during Black History Month 2008; she has been recognized for her work by former Houston mayor Bill White, and she is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Aetna Medicare Magic Touch and Kraft Foods/NAACP National Community Service awards; and WHEREAS, This industrious woman holds a degree in business administration from Alcorn State University; she shares her expertise as a motivational speaker and consultant, and she was the first woman to be elected president of the Missouri City and Vicinity Branch of the NAACP; and WHEREAS, In all of her endeavors, Ms. Campbell enjoys the love and support of her husband, Dennis Campbell, Sr., and the couple are the proud parents of a daughter and a son, Shar-day and Dennis; and WHEREAS, Tammie Campbell has distinguished herself through her longstanding commitment to ensuring a bright future for the next generation of Texans, and her efforts have had a positive influence on many throughout the Houston area; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby honor Tammie Lang Campbell for her many contributions and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ms. Campbell as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Allen.
REP. ALMA ALLEN: Mr. Speaker, I would like to move adoption.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Are there any objections? Chair hears none. Motion is adopted.
REP. ALMA ALLEN: Members of the House, I'd like for you to recognize Ms. Tammy Lan Campbell. Ms. Tammy, will you stand up had wave your hands? And I'd like for her family members to stand, her son, her husband, her daughter. And let us recognize her today for all of the wonderful things she's done over the years to make sure that boys and girls get the greatest education possible for themselves. She's also made it possible for boy ands girls to make sure that they have literature that is diverse so that they can see themselves in the textbook. So let me honor today Ms. Tammy Lang Campbell for all of your hard work. Including she's really working very, very hard with the companies, and has a new book out, the Huckleberry Finn book which replaces the N word with the word slave, which makes it more palatable for the students of every ethnic background. Thank you Ms. Campbell and thank you for all that you do.
THE SPEAKER: Members, Representative Davis from Dallas moves that all members' names be added to the resolution. Any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Flynn for an announcement.
REP. DAN FLYNN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. Today is Texas Military Forces Day, Senator Van de Pugh and our speaker, Joe Pickett, excuse me, sir, along with the General of Texas invite all of you and your staff this afternoon with the Texas Motion Forces. Come eat with the men and women of the Texas Forces and learn more about the missions that they have at home and abroad. And there will be some displays there and it will be in the room E2.002. And there will be some food and beverages provided. And it will also give you an opportunity to meet with the members from the National Guard Association of Texas, who is also one of our hosts. And I think you will enjoy being there and be sure to make time to stop by. Thank you.
THE SPEAKER: Thank you, Commander. You obviously took orders better than you can give them. Thank you. Chair recognizes Representative Flynn for a motion.
REP. DAN FLYNN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to suspend all necessary rules to consider H.C.R. 175, H.R. 579, H.R. 637 and H.R. 643.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out the following resolutions.
CLERK: HR 643. (by Gallego), Honoring the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce on the 75th anniversary of its founding. HR 637 (by Laubenberg), Recognizing February 28, 2011, as Rockwall County Day at the State Capitol. HCR 175 (by Branch), Commemorating the 175th anniversary of the Adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence. HR 579 (by Laubenberg and Driver), Welcoming the Rowlett Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee to the State Capitol.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Flynn.
REP. DAN FLYNN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move passage.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Members, Mr. Flynn moves to add all member's names to H.C.R. 175. Any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Mr. Flynn also moves to add all members' names to H.R. 643. Any objections? Chair hears absolutely none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Flynn. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would move that we suspend all necessary rules to allow the Committee on Land Resource Management to consider imminent domain issues upon adjournment in E2.012 today.
THE SPEAKER: Members, you've heard the motion. Any objections? Chair hears none. So ordered. Following announcements the Clerk will read the announcement.
CLERK: The Committee on Land and Resource Management will meet on adjournment on February 28th, 2011, at E2.012. This will be public hearing considering eminent domain issues.
THE SPEAKER: Chair recognizes Representative Geren for an announcement.
REP. CHARLIE GEREN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. Members, this is the last week to order a panoramic photo. So if you want one you need to get your order in, please. Thank you.
THE SPEAKER: Members, are there any other announcements? Hearing none. Any announcements? Bring them forward. Representative Flynn moves that the House stands adjourned until tomorrow, pending the reading and the referral of bills and resolutions. Any objections? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Geren in the reverb of the gavel.
REP. GEREN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. I would like y'all to know that my dad just walked in up there, Preston Geren, and my nephew made it. Hi, dad.
THE SPEAKER: Following bills on first reading and referral.
CLERK: HB 471 (By C. Anderson), Relating to election through secret ballot of a labor union as the exclusive bargaining representative. To Economic and Small Business Development. HB 771 (By Vo), Relating to the exemption of school district property from charges for drainage service imposed by certain municipalities and from related ordinances, resolutions, and rules adopted by those municipalities. To Natural Resources. HB 931 (By Darby), Relating to the disposal of certain naturally occurring radioactive material waste resulting from the treatment of drinking water. To Energy Resources. HB 951 (By Lozano), Relating to the establishment of the Texas Rural Development Fund and to the establishment, operation, and funding of certain programs for rural economic development. To Agriculture and Livestock. HB 952 (By Lozano), Relating to the creation of the offense of obstruction of or retaliation against a process server. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 953 (By Lozano), Relating to consumer debt owed by certain military servicemembers. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 954 (By Lozano), Relating to an employeesí transportation and storage of certain firearms or ammunition while on certain property owned or controlled by the employeesí employer. To Homeland Security and Public Safety. HB 955 (By Lozano), Relating to the composition of the board of trustees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 956 (By Marquez), Relating to the state fire marshalsí investigation of the death of a firefighter who dies in the line of duty or in connection with an on-duty incident. To Urban Affairs. HB 957 (By Hunter), Relating to regulation of the import, export, and management of mule deer; providing penalties. To Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. HB 958 (By Workman), Relating to damages in an action arising out of a deficiency in the construction or repair of an improvement to real property. To Business and Industry. HB 959 (By Harper-Brown), Relating to transportation of loose materials. To Transportation. HB 960 (By Turner), Relating to the powers of the Central Harris County Regional Water Authority. To Natural Resources. HB 961 (By Turner), Relating to the sealing of and restricting access to juvenile records of adjudications of delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision. To Corrections. HB 962 (By Hartnett), Relating to rules regarding return of service. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 963 (By Hartnett), Relating to the costs associated with proceedings regarding cruelly treated animals. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 964 (By Hartnett), Relating to the effect of indexing notices of lis pendens. To Business and Industry. HB 965 (By Callegari), Relating to continuing education requirements for persons holding licenses issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental quality. To Government Efficiency and Reform. HB 966 (By Murphy), Relating to the consideration of pension and other postemployment benefits in establishing the rates of a gas utility. To State Affairs. HB 967 (By Otto), Relating to the computation of the state debt limit. To Appropriations. HB 968 (By Strama), Relating to expulsion from school or placement in a disciplinary alternative education program for certain conduct. To Public Education. HB 969 (By Lewis), Relating to the election of directors of the board of the Ector County Hospital District. To County Affairs. HB 970 (By L. Gonzales), Relating to the use of municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue to enhance and upgrade coliseums and multiuse facilities in certain municipalities. To Ways and Means. HB 971 (By P. King), Relating to removal of the requirement that an electric utility designate a preferred route for a transmission line in an application for a certificate of convenience and necessity. To State Affairs. HB 972 (By Hartnett), Relating to the cancellation of travel club membership agreements; providing a civil penalty. To Business and Industry. HB 973 (By Kleinschmidt), Relating to awards for certain members of the state military forces who were inducted into, served in, or volunteered for federal service in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, and Enduring Freedom. To Defense and Veterans íAffairs. HB 974 (By Dutton), Relating to the compensation of an election judge or clerk. To Elections. HB 975 (By Dutton), Relating to eligibility to serve on the appraisal review board of an appraisal district. To Ways and Means. HB 976 (By Carter), Relating to the issuance of a warrant or summons by a magistrate. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 977 (By Burnam), Relating to the development of a climate adaptation plan by certain entities. To State Affairs. HB 978 (By Villarreal), Relating to local control over reforming school board governance of academically unacceptable school districts of a certain size. To Public Education. HB 979 (By Smithee), Relating to the inspection of portable fire extinguishers. To Insurance. HB 980 (By Walle), Relating to the basis for apportioning annual per capita payments from the available school fund. To Public Education. HB 981 (By Guillen), Relating to the creation of local mobility credit programs. To Transportation. HB 982 (By Carter), Relating to creating an offense for failure to install and maintain an ignition interlock device for persons convicted of certain intoxication offenses. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 983 (By Menendez), Relating to health insurance coverage for eligible survivors of certain public servants killed in the line of duty. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 984 (By Truitt), Relating to agreements between contiguous municipalities regarding jurisdiction of cases in municipal courts. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 985 (By Menendez), Relating to the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of residents of certain facilities; creating an offense; providing penalties. To Human Services. HB 986 (By Christian), Relating to certain amounts payable by the Texas Life, Accident, Health, and Hospital Service Insurance Guaranty Association. To Insurance. HB 987 (By Shelton), Relating to a physician residency grant program and other programs to support graduate medical education. To Higher Education. HB 988 (By Kolkhorst), Relating to compensatory time accrued by a correctional officer employed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. To Corrections. HB 989 (By Kolkhorst), Relating to the listing of a business location of certain businesses in print advertisements or on Internet websites. To Business and Industry. HB 990 (By Rodriguez), Relating to certain homestead preservation reinvestment zones. To Urban Affairs. HB 991 (By Castro), Relating to authorization by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for certain public junior colleges to offer Baccalaureate degree programs. To Higher Education. HB 992 (By Castro), Relating to excess undergraduate credit hours at public institutions of higher education. To Higher Education. HB 993 (By Rodriguez), Relating to the closure of a road or highway by certain firefighters. To Transportation. HB 994 (By Castro), Relating to proceedings that may be referred to and the powers of a criminal law magistrate in Bexar County. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 995 (By Gutierrez), Relating to provision by the secretary of state of notice to a candidate of the form of the candidate sí name that will appear on the general election ballot. To Elections. HB 996 (By Gutierrez), Relating to the composition of the board of trustees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 997 (By Truitt), Relating to the restructuring of fund obligations and accounts of the Texas Municipal Retirement System and related actuarial and accounting procedures. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 998 (By McClendon), Relating to the civil liability of and insurance requirements for owners of certain dogs; providing penalties. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 999 (By Berman), Relating to requiring a court of this state to uphold and apply certain laws, including the doctrine requiring courts to refrain from involvement in religious doctrinal interpretation or application. To State Affairs. HB 1001 (By Morrison), Relating to the appropriation of certain unclaimed money. To Appropriations. HB 1002 (By Guillen), Relating to allocation of state and federal funds for adult basic education. To Public Education. HB 1003 (By Hopson), Relating to a deferred retirement option for certain members of the Employees Retirement System of Texas. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 1004 (By Hopson), Relating to the hotel occupancy tax rate in certain municipalities. To Ways and Means. HB 1005 (By Hopson), Relating to the procedures for registering to vote and accepting a voter at a polling place; providing a criminal penalty. To Elections. HB 1006 (By Turner), Relating to the requirement that electric utilities offer a standard retail service package on a standard form with standard terms to a customer. To State Affairs. HB 1007 (By Larson), Relating to the appointment of a conservator for and authorizing the dissolution of the Bexar Metropolitan Water District. To Natural Resources. HB 1009 (By Callegari), Relating to procedures for obtaining informed consent before certain postmortem examinations or autopsies. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 1010 (By Bonnen), Relating to enforcement of commercial motor vehicle safety standards in certain municipalities. To Transportation. HB 1011 (By Bonnen), Relating to the addition of certain synthetic derivatives of marihuana and Saliva divinorum and its derivatives and extracts to the Texas Controlled Substances Act. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 1012 (By Lavender), Relating to the name and powers of the Red River Redevelopment Authority. To County Affairs. HB 1013 (By Brown), Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Medical Board. To Public Health. HB 1014 (By Legler), Relating to appointment of a municipal judge to serve as a visiting justice of the peace in certain proceedings involving misdemeanor traffic offenses. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 1015 (By Harper-Brown), Relating to the consolidation of the regional poison control centers into the Texas Poison Control Center. To Public Health. HB 1016 (By Castro), Relating to a requirement that public school counselors demonstrate knowledge of counseling regarding higher education to obtain a school counselor certificate. To Public Education. HB 1017 (By Castro), Relating to a notification requirement if a counselor is not assigned to a public school campus. To Public Education. HB 1018 (By Castro), Relating to a notification requirement if a counselor is not assigned to a public school campus. To Public Education. HB 1019 (By Castro), Relating to distinct certificate classes for public elementary school counselors and public secondary school counselors. To Public Education. HB 1020 (By S. Miller), Relating to minimum liability insurance coverage amounts for persons convicted of offenses related to the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated. To Insurance. HB 1022 (By Dutton), Relating to the exemption of certain property from municipal drainage service charges and from related ordinances, resolutions, and rules. To Natural Resources. HB 1023 (By Dutton), Relating to requiring notice and the dissemination of criminal history record information to the subject of the information in certain circumstances. To Homeland Security and Public Safety. HB 1024 (By Dutton), Relating to the regulation of metal recycling entities; providing penalties. To Environmental Regulation. HB 1025 (By Phillips), Relating to the trapping and transport of surplus White-tailed deer. To Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. HB 1026 (By Phillips), Relating to the review, notice, and hearing requirements associated with certain deer permits. To Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. HB 1027 (By Phillips), Relating to the identification of breeder deer by microchips. To Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. HB 1028 (By Phillips), Relating to certain contact between a criminal defendant and the victim of the offense of which the defendant is convicted or a member of the victimsí family. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 1029 (By Carter), Relating to the conditions of release on bond for certain defendants charged with the offense of burglary. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 1030 (By D. Miller), Relating to the powers and duties of certain emergency services districts. To County Affairs. HB 1031 (By S. King), Relating to the Texas State Technical College system. To Higher Education. HB 1032 (By Smithee), Relating to a rescission period for annuity contracts. To Insurance. HB 1033 (By Craddick), Relating to the authority of certain counties to impose a county hotel occupancy tax. To Ways and Means. HB 1034 (By Shelton), Relating to unlawful acts against and criminal offenses involving the Medicaid program. To Public Health. HB 1035 (By Legler), Relating to the proof of identity required of an applicant for a driver sí license. To State Affairs. HB 1036 (By Legler), Relating to eligibility to file a sworn complaint with the Texas Ethics Commission. To Elections. HB 1038 (By Reynolds), Relating to prohibited deceptive or disenfranchising practices regarding an election; providing criminal penalties. To Elections. HB 1039 (By Alvarado), Relating to death benefits for eligible survivors of certain Texas National Guard members. To Defense and Veterans íAffairs. HB 1040 (By Gallego), Relating to the validation of the creation of, and certain acts related to, a venue project. To Ways and Means. HB 1041 (By Workman), Relating to the waiver of sovereign immunity for certain claims arising under written contracts with state agencies. To State Affairs. HB 1042 (By Lewis), Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds for a medical education building for the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. To Higher Education. HB 1043 (By Christian), Relating to creating an offense for engaging in certain conduct relating to cockfighting and to the criminal and civil consequences of committing that offense. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 1044 (By Solomons), Relating to categories of information presumed to be public under the public information law. To State Affairs. HB 1045 (By Fletcher), Relating to proficiency certificates issued by the commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. To Homeland Security and Public Safety. HB 1046 (By Fletcher), Relating to the confidentiality of certain personal information. To State Affairs. HB 1047 (By Schwertner), Relating to the impoundment of a motor vehicle if operated without financial responsibility and a driver sí license. To Transportation. HB 1048 (By Cain), Relating to the terms of the 102nd District Court in Red River County. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 1049 (By Woolley), Relating to the admissibility of evidence of other similar offenses in the prosecution of certain sexual offenses. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 1050 (By Woolley), Relating to initial claims under the unemployment compensation system. To Economic and Small Business Development. HB 1051 (By Kleinschmidt), Relating to the collection and use of fingerprints of an applicant for a driversí license, personal identification certificate, or commercial driversí license. To Homeland Security and Public Safety. HB 1052 (By Patrick), Relating to criminal background checks on users of online dating services and to disclosures of online dating safety measures; Providing a civil penalty. To Technology. HB 1053 (By Patrick), Relating to the tuition exemption offered by public institutions of higher education to firefighters enrolled in certain courses. To Higher Education. HB 1054 (By Patrick), Relating to continuing education requirements for educators. To Public Education. HB 1055 (By Villarreal), Relating to a fee by certain municipalities for the management and preservation of municipal records. To Urban Affairs. HB 1056 (By Villarreal), Relating to the ad valorem taxation of property used to provide low-income or moderate-income housing and clarifying legislative intent. To Ways and Means. HB 1057 (By Anchia), Relating to business leave time for certain municipal firefighters and police officers. To Urban Affairs. HB 1058 (By Frullo), Relating to the authority of a municipality or county to contract with another entity to collect certain assessments levied by the municipality or county. To Ways and Means. HB 1059 (By Menendez), Relating to bullying, including cyberbullying, in public schools. To Public Education. HB 1060 (By Kleinschmidt), Relating to the de-annexation of land in Bastrop County by the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District. To Natural Resources. HB 1061 (By Otto), Relating to the expiration of certain investment authority of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 1062 (By Murphy), Relating to the exercise of the power of eminent domain by certain local governmental entities. To Land and Resource Management. HB 1063 (By Murphy), Relating to enhancing the penalties for certain repeat and habitual misdemeanor offenders. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 1064 (By Pitts), Relating to exempting certain customers from certain demand charges by transmission and distribution utilities. To State Affairs. HB 1065 (By Riddle), Relating to the murder of a child as a capital offense. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 1066 (By Workman), Relating to requiring the use of display timers with certain traffic-control signals. To Urban Affairs. HB 1067 (By Brown), Relating to the purchase of replacement personal computers by state agencies. To Government Efficiency and Reform. HB 1068 (By Brown), Relating to the number of license plates to be issued for and displayed on a motor vehicle. To Transportation. HB 1069 (By Menendez), Relating to the provision of and payment for certain health care services provided through workers ícompensation health care networks to fire protection personnel. To State Affairs. HB 1071 (By S. Davis), Relating to the extension of deed restrictions in certain residential real estate subdivisions. To Business and Industry. HB 1072 (By Solomons), Relating to the State Bar of Texas membership dues for an attorney employed by this statesí government. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 1073 (By Madden), Relating to discharging or releasing inmates of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice from regional release facilities. To Corrections. HB 1074 (By Vo), Relating to the hours during which the polls are open for early voting by personal appearance. To Elections. HB 1075 (By R. Anderson), Relating to the consolidation of certain alert systems into a single statewide alert system and to the addition of other factors that will prompt an alert under the consolidated system. To Homeland Security and Public Safety. HB 1076 (By Shelton), Relating to the student to teacher ratio applicable to accelerated instruction groups for certain public school students. To Public Education. HB 1077 (By Shelton), Relating to accelerated instruction for certain public school students. To Public Education. HB 1078 (By P. King), Relating to the appointment of a guardian ad litem and attorney ad litem for a minor in an application for a court order authorizing the minor to consent to an abortion. To State Affairs. HB 1079 (By P. King), Relating to a limitation on increases in the appraised value for ad valorem tax purposes of commercial or industrial real property. To Ways and Means. HB 1080 (By Gallego), Relating to an exemption for active duty personnel and certain veterans from the requirement to complete a hunter education program. To Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. HB 1081 (By Gallego), Relating to reports and complaints filed with the Texas Ethics Commission. To Elections. HB 1082 (By Vo), Relating to authority for certain school districts to provide public notice by posting the notice on the districtsí Internet website. To Public Education. HB 1083 (By Elkins), Relating to the issuance of an identification card to certain honorably retired peace officers. To Homeland Security and Public Safety. HB 1084 (By Lewis), Relating to creation of the offense of registering to vote by persons who are not citizens of the United States. To State Affairs. HB 1085 (By V. Taylor), Relating to the eligibility for service retirement annuities from the Employees Retirement System of Texas of certain public officers and employees convicted of serious crimes. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 1086 (By D. Miller), Relating to water districts in Bandera County. To Natural Resources. HB 1087 (By Workman), Relating to the number of charters the State Board of Education may grant for open-enrollment charter schools. To Public Education. HB 1088 (By C. Howard), Relating to appraisal review board members. To Ways and Means. HB 1089 (By Martinez Fischer), Relating to the authority of a county or municipality to require the removal of graffiti by a property owner. To Urban Affairs. HB 1090 (By Gonzalez), Relating to the calculation of interest on certain ad valorem tax refunds. To Ways and Means. HB 1091 (By J. Davis), Relating to the authority of certain hospital districts to contract for the performance of administrative functions and services. To County Affairs. HB 1092 (By Christian), Relating to the exemption from certain construction requirements for volunteer fire departments in certain counties. To Licensing and Administrative Procedures. HB 1093 (By Farias), Relating to reporting individual student performance on a physical fitness assessment instrument to the Texas Education Agency. To Public Education. HB 1094 (By Farias), Relating to the availability on the Internet of reports of political expenditures and contributions filed in connection with certain county and municipal offices. To Elections. HB 1095 (By Farias), Relating to a requirement of a commitment to serve a certain minimum term before a person may be appointed as a member of a local school health advisory council. To Public Education. HB 1096 (By Farias), Relating to considering ownership interests of certain disabled veterans in determining whether a business is a historically underutilized business for purposes of state contracting. To Defense and Veteransí Affairs. HB 1097 (By Farias), Relating to including in the annual report of a local school health advisory council to a school district board of trustees information related to funding of programs designed to promote improved student health. To Public Education. HB 1098 (By Farias), Relating to the number of times each year local school health advisory councils are required to meet. To Public Education. HB 1099 (By Farias), Relating to creating an advisory committee on child protective services in the region that includes Bexar County for the Department of Family and Protective Services. To Human Services. HB 1100 (By Farias), Relating to the correction of voter registration records following a change of address submitted to the United States Postal Service. To Elections. HB 1101 (By Lucio), Relating to the right of one immediate family member of certain deceased peace officers to make an oral statement regarding the terms of a plea bargain agreement. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 1102 (By Lucio), Relating to the penalty for theft of a pet. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 1103 (By Lucio), Relating to payment of a fee as a required condition of community supervision for certain criminal offenses involving animal cruelty. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 1104 (By Paxton), Relating to the phasing out of ad valorem taxes on the residence homesteads of elderly persons by 2021. To Ways and Means. HB 1105 (By Harper-Brown), Relating to the adoption and implementation of a policy by the Texas Transportation Commission providing for the accommodation of pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with disabilities, children senior citizens, users of public transportation, movers of commercial goods, and motorists on streets and highways. To Transportation. HB 1106 (By Johnson), Relating to providing certain information to criminal defendants before a plea is entered and at the time of the dismissal of certain proceedings against the defendant. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 1107 (By Zerwas), Relating to the creation, administration, powers, and duties of a county assistance district. To Ways and Means. HB 1108 (By Zerwas), Relating to the regulation of medical radiologic technology. To Public Health. HB 1109 (By Christian), Relating to the time at which life begins. To State Affairs. HB 1110 (By Craddick), Relating to the contracting authority of the Midland County Hospital District. To County Affairs. HB 1111 (By Hartnett), Relating to a tenant sí failure to pay rent during an appeal of an eviction for nonpayment of rent. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 1112 (By Phillips), Relating to the authority and powers of regional mobility authorities. To Transportation. HB 1113 (By Raymond), Relating to the sentencing hearing or deferred adjudication hearing and conditions of community supervision for defendants convicted of certain offenses involving controlled substances. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 1114 (By Parker), Relating to public school and child-care facility policies addressing sexual abuse and other maltreatment of children. To Public Education. HB 1115 (By Paxton), Relating to a franchise or insurance premium tax credit for contributions made to certain nonprofit educational assistance organizations. To Ways and Means. HB 1116 (By Harper-Brown), Relating to prohibiting the sale and use of certain radar interference devices; creating an offense. To Transportation. HB 1117 (By Callegari), Relating to a waiver for certain school districts from first day of instruction requirements. To Public Education. HB 1119 (By Weber), Relating to the maintenance tax rate of the Brazoria County Conservation and Reclamation District Number Three. To Natural Resources. HB 1120 (By Weber), Relating to the dissolution of the Country Place Management District. To Natural Resources. HB 1123 (By Dutton), Relating to the regulation of athlete agents; providing administrative and criminal penalties. To Licensing and Administrative Procedures. HB 1124 (By Burnam), Relating to safety requirements applicable to gas pipelines in certain counties. To Energy Resources. HB 1125 (By Burnam), Relating to a study regarding the odorization of natural gas transported in gathering and transmission lines located in populated areas. To Energy Resources. HB 1127 (By Gutierrez), Relating to notice of relief available to certain members of the military required to be provided in certain real property documentation. To Defense and Veterans íAffairs. HB 1128 (By Menendez), Relating to consent to certain medical treatments by a surrogate decision-maker on behalf of certain inmates. To Public Health. HB 1129 (By Kolkhorst), Relating to a study by the attorney general of the effects on state law and authority of certain international and other agreements and bodies. To Select State Sovereignty. HB 1130 (By Huberty), Relating to information provided by the Texas Education Agency to school districts regarding placement of students receiving special education services. To Public Education. HB 1131 (By Larson), Relating to the permissible uses of the state highway fund. To Transportation. HB 1132 (By Larson), Relating to the time permitted for the abatement of a public nuisance. To County Affairs. HB 1133 (By Walle), Relating to the creation of a review board to study maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity. To Public Health. HB 1134 (By Kolkhorst), Relating to the use of radio frequency identification technology to transmit information regarding public school students. To Public Education. HB 1135 (By Aycock), Relating to an application to run for political office. To Elections. HB 1136 (By Aycock), Relating to requiring an election authority to provide notice to certain county chairs regarding certain election activities. To Elections. HB 1137 (By Darby), Relating to the transmission of records regarding over-the-counter sales of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and norpseudoephedrine and a personsí civil liability for certain acts arising from the sale of those products. To Homeland Security and Public Safety. HB 1139 (By Rodriguez), Relating to the regulation of cottage food products and cottage food production operations. To Public Health. HB 1140 (By D. Howard), Relating to the creation of the Permanent School Fund Management Council to manage the permanent school fund; providing a criminal penalty. To Public Education. HB 1141 (By Turner), Relating to the permitting of certain small commercial development sewage collection, treatment, and disposal systems as on-site sewage disposal systems. To Environmental Regulation. HB 1142 (By Turner), Relating to regulation of fire protection sprinkler technicians. To Licensing and Administrative Procedures. HB 1143 (By Gonzalez), Relating to the exemption of certain property from municipal drainage service charges and from related ordinances, resolutions, and rules. To Natural Resources. HB 1144 (By Cain), Relating to the Hopkins County Hospital District. To County Affairs. HB 1145 (By Geren), Relating to air monitors in Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Regions 3 and 4 to be funded through the Texas emissions reduction plan. To Environmental Regulation. HB 1146 (By Kuempel), Relating to the registration and regulation of appraisal management companies; providing administrative penalties. To Licensing and Administrative Procedures. HB 1148 (By W. Smith), Relating to an exemption for certain disabled veterans from the payment of a fee for the issuance of a personal identification certificate. To Transportation. HB 1149 (By Lozano), Relating to a moratorium on increases paid to certain employees of and investment managers for the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 1150 (By Riddle), Relating to an affidavit required to be filed in a cause of action against a licensed attorney. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 1151 (By Raymond), Relating to prohibiting the purchase of certain food items under the supplemental nutritional assistance program. To Human Services. HJR 82 (By P. King), Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to limit the maximum appraised value of commercial or industrial real property for ad valorem tax purposes to 110 percent or more of the appraised value of the property for the preceding tax year. To Ways and Means. HJR 83 (By Paxton), Proposing a constitutional amendment to phase out ad valorem taxes on the residence homesteads of elderly persons by 2021. To Ways and Means. HJR 84 (By Larson), Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the purposes for which revenues from motor vehicle registration fees, taxes on motor fuels and lubricants, and certain revenues received from the federal government may be used. To Transportation. HJR 85 (By D. Howard), Proposing a constitutional amendment to create the Permanent School Fund Management Council to assume the duty of the State Board of Education to manage the permanent school fund. To Public Education. HJR 86 (By Murphy), Proposing a constitutional amendment denying bail to certain persons who are unlawfully present in the United States and are taken into custody for committing a felony. To State Affairs. HJR 88 (By Elkins), Proposing a constitutional amendment to provide for legislative review of the process of rulemaking by agencies in the executive department. To State Affairs. HR 570 (By Flynn), Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Texas State Guard. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 571 (By V. Taylor), Congratulating Ian Martinez-Negrete of Carrollton on receiving the Cub Scout Arrow of Light Award. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 572 (By Cain), Congratulating Mount Vernon Rotary Club members who have been named Paul Harris Fellows. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 573 (By D. Miller), Honoring Youth Leadership New Braunfels for its promotion of civic leadership and volunteerism. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 574 (By Craddick), Congratulating Emily Barton on earning the 2010 Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Cancer Societys' Plains Division. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 575 (By Gutierrez), In memory of San Antonio Police Officer John Anthony "Rocky" Riojas. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 578 (By Rodriguez), Congratulating Primetime Tejano for 20 years of programming in the Austin metro area. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 580 (By Flynn), Recognizing May 2011 as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 581 (By Aliseda), Recognizing April 6, 2011, as Atascosa County Day at the State Capitol. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 582 (By Alonzo), Congratulating Frances King on her retirement from Dallas County Criminal Court No.3. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 583 (By Legler), Honoring the Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 584 (By Ritter), Recognizing April 27, 2011, as Texas Water Conservation Day at the State Capitol. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 586 (By Schwertner), Congratulating Jerry and Yvonne Graham of Georgetown on their 50th wedding anniversary. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 588 (By Guillen), Congratulating Ruben Reyes on his retirement as Constable for Precinct 2 of Webb County. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 589 (By Guillen), Congratulating Diana Pena of Rio Grande City on her retirement as vice president of finance and administrative services for South Texas College. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 593 (By Workman), Congratulating the football team from Lake Travis High School in Austin on winning the UIL Class 4A Division 1 state Championship for 2010. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 594 (By Workman), Congratulating the Lake Travis High School Volleyball team on winning the UIL 4A state championship for 2010. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 595 (By S. Davis), Recognizing March 3, 2011, as Rice University Day at the State Capitol. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 596 (By Munòoz), Congratulating Alda T. Benavides on being named the Distinguished Bilingual Educator of the Year by the Rio Grande Valley-Texas Association for Bilingual Education. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 597 (By Keffer), Honoring Eudean and Patricia Howard of Brownwood on their 50th wedding anniversary. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 598 (By Keffer), Congratulating Leta Andrews of Granbury High School on becoming the most victorious coach in American high school basketball history. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 599 (By Aliseda), Recognizing March 23, 2011, as McMullen County Day at the State Capitol. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 600 (By Price), Recognizing March 2, 2011, as Texas Flag Day. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 601 (By Price), Commemorating Mother sí Day 2011 and honoring all mothers. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 602 (By Price), Commemorating Father sí Day 2011 and honoring all fathers. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 603 (By Price), Commemorating Flag Day on June 14, 2011. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 604 (By McClendon), Recognizing March 8, 2011, as The University of Texas at San Antonio Day at the State Capitol and commending the UTSA Alumni Association for its support. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 605 (By Kleinschmidt), Honoring Andrew Dean Livingston on his 65th birthday. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 606 (By Orr), Welcoming members of the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce and the Cleburne Tuesday Forum to the State Capitol on March 1, 2011. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 607 (By Frullo), Congratulating Jon Stephens on his selection as the 2011 Lubbock Area United Way Campaign Volunteer of the Year. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 608 (By Frullo), Honoring Harold Jones on his selection as the recipient of the 2011 Rita Harmon Volunteer Service Award by the Lubbock Area United Way. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 609 (By Harless), Honoring Harris County Clerk Beverly Kaufman on her retirement. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 611 (By P. King), Recognizing March 2011 as American Red Cross month and honoring the Parker County Branch of the Chisholm Trail Regional Chapter of the American Red Cross. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 612 (By Paxton), Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Allen Independent School District. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 613 (By Bonnen), Honoring Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic School in Richwood on the 25th anniversary of its opening. To Rules and Resolutions. HR 614 (By Bonnen), Honoring Dr. Benjamin Weiner for his outstanding medical career. To Rules and Resolutions. Pursuant to rule 1 section 4, chair corrects the referrals of the following bills and resolutions. HCR 21 (By Gallego), Urging Congress to reauthorize the Water Resources Development Act of 2007, Section 5056, and to appropriate sufficient funds so that efforts to solve the salt problem in the Amistad International Reservoir can continue. To Select State Sovereignty. HCR 61 (By Callegari), Expressing opposition to federal interference in state management of Texasí water resources. To Select State Sovereignty.
THE SPEAKER: Members, the House stands adjourned until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
