JOE STRAUS: House come to order. Members, please register. Have all registered? Have all registered? Quorum is present. If the House and gallery will please rise for the invocation. Chair recognizes Representative Paxton to introduce the Pastor of the Day.

REPRESENTATIVE KEN PAXTON: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, it's my pleasure to introduce our Pastor of the Day. David Vestal is our pastor of Lighthouse Christian Fellowship in Prosper, Texas. Prior to being called into the ministry, David was a police officer for ten years. David planted the Lighthouse Christian ten years ago with his wife, Dana. In addition to being a minister, David has also served as Prosper City Counsel. He is joined by his wife of 25 years, Dana, and I'm pleased to introduce David Vestal and a real good friend.

DAVID VESTAL: Thank you. Let me just say as a representative of Collin County and a resident of Texas for almost fifty years, thank you for what you do, your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Texas. Thank you very much. Let's pray. Well, Father, we come before you today thanking you, Lord, for all that you have done. We come with gratitude for what you've done in this state. Father, we thank you for what you're doing and we're excited and with anticipation for what you're going to do. Lord, these men and women here have tough decisions to make and so, Father, we know that your word says wisdom and a multitude of counsel, so we ask that your word would come forth, your will would come forth. And, Father, we thank you, as the decisions are being made, we would be found in the center of your will. And it's in your precious name of Jesus Christ that we pray this morning. Amen.

JOE STRAUS: Chair recognizes Representative Reynolds to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Mr. Speaker, members, distinguished guests in the gallery, please, join me in the Pledge of our great flag. (Whereupon, the Pledge to the American flag was read.) (Whereupon, the pledge to the State flag was read.)

JOE STRAUS: Representative Reynolds moves to suspend the reading and referral of the House bills until the end of today's business. Is there objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair recognizes Representative Davis to introduce the Doctor of the Day.

REPRESENTATIVE JOHN E. DAVIS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I'm honored to have the Doctor of the Day from our district. Today is Dr. Syed Azhar. Dr. Azhar graduated from (inaudible) Medical College in India, and he completed the UTMB Galveston Family Medicine Residency Program in 1993. He is currently working as an Associate Professor of Family Medicine at UTMB Galveston. In 2004 he was awarded Best Teacher Award at Family Medicine UTMB. He also has been awarded several grants for the work he has done in diabetes. We also have, with Dr. Azhar, is 30-year family medicine resident, Miguel Guerra. Please join me in welcoming them to our Texas House of Representatives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Please excuse Representative Cain for important business in the district, on motion by Representative White. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. So ruled. Madam Doorkeeper?

WOMAN SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, I have a messenger from the Senate at the door of the House.

REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Admit the messenger.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN SPEAKER: Mr. Speaker, I'm directed by the Senate to inform the House that the Senate has taken the following actions: The Senate has passed the following measures of --

REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Okay. Go ahead.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN SPEAKER: They state that Senator Huffman, designating that Sunday through Saturday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10th each year, as Texas Suicide Prevention Week.

REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: The Chair recognizes Representative Patrick.

REPRESENTATVIE DIANE PATRICK: Mr. Speaker , members, I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider HR791.

REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. So ordered. The Chair lays out HR791. The Clerk will read the resolution.

CLERK: HR791 by Patrick. WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is pleased to recognize the Bob Bullock Scholars Program of Baylor University and this year's participants in the initiative; and WHEREAS, Established in 2000 to honor the memory of Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, this exemplary program promotes The study of politics among Baylor University students; and WHEREAS, Each student in the program works for a house or senate member on a full-time basis during the legislative session to learn firsthand about the political structure of Texas Government; the Bob Bullock Scholars Program is a model for those Who seek to serve others through a career in public service; and WHEREAS, Dr. James A. Curry, the Bob Bullock Professor of Public Policy and Administration at Baylor University, has served As the director of the program since its inception; and WHEREAS, Ten Bob Bullock Scholars are participating in the 2011 session of the Texas Legislature: Megan Atchley with Representative Senfronia Thompson, Sarah Caldwell with Senator Jane Nelson, Amanda Gonzalez with Senator Robert Duncan, Emily Hemphill with Representative Diane Patrick, Sara Kincaid with Representative Mark Strama, Courtney Lewis with Senator Royce West Ashleigh Myers with Senator Kel Seliger, Meaghan Nowell with Representative Craig Eiland, Jennifer Stanley with Representative Burt Solomons, and Allison Winney with Speaker Joe Straus; and WHEREAS, These public-spirited students are to be commended For their participation and interest in state government; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognize the 2011 Bob Bullock Scholars of Baylor University and commend all those associated with the program for their outstanding contributions to this state's governmental process; and, be it further. RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the program's participants as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: The Chair recognizes Representative Patrick.

REPRESENTATVIE DIANE PATRICK: Mr. Speaker , I move passage.

REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Representative Patrick.

REPRESENTATVIE DIANE PATRICK: Mr. Speaker and members, it is my distinct honor to recognize our Bob Bullock Scholars who are on the dias behind us. This program was established at Bailor University in 2000 to honor Bob Bullock. And there are ten Bob Bullock scholars participating in our 2011 legislative session. We are very fortunate to have six of the Bob Bullock scholars helping us out in the House. And I'm very pleased to introduce them to you at this time. Emily Hemphill is with our office, and we have Megan Ashley with Representative Senfronia Thompson, and we have Jennifer Stanley with representative Burt Solomon's office, and Allison Whinney with Speaker Straus' office. We also have standing with me Representative Strama who would like to introduce his Bob Bullock scholar.

REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Chair recognizes Representative Strama.

REPRESENTATIVE MARK STRAMA: Thank you members, I just want to welcome onto the floor my Bullock scholar, Sarah Kincaid. Like I'll bet the rest of the members who have these scholars, and those of you who have tea lippers and interns, when y'all cut our budgets we put these kids to work for real, didn't we? We did. They came in especially handy this session with the tighter resources with which we are operating our offices. And we just want to say thank you for the help they're giving us.

REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Chair recognizes Representative Eiland.

REPRESENTATIVE CRAIG EILAND: Likewise, I would like to recognize and welcome my Bob Bullock scholar, Megan Knowles. She's a great asset to our office and this is a great legacy to Bob Bullock, one of the many that he left us. Thank you.

REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Chair recognizes Representative Patrick.

REPRESENTATVIE DIANE PATRICK: We also have with us in the gallery today, Dr. James L. Curry, who is a Bob Bullock professor of Public Policy and Administration at Bailor University. And, with him, we have the Senate Bullock Scholars, Sarah Coldwell, who is with Senator Jane Nelson's office; Amanda Gonzalez, with Senator Robert Duncan's office; and Courtney Lewis, who is with Senator Royce West's office; and finally Ashley Myers, who is with Senator Kel Seliger's office. I'd like to ask them to stand so we can welcome you to your House of Representatives. Please stand. And I just like to end by saying as a Bailor alum I am very proud of these students and very proud of this program. And thank you for being a part of our Legislature.

REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: The Chair recognizes Representative Zerwas.

REPRESENTATIVE JOHN ZERWAS: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I'd like to request that we suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider HR817.

REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. The Chair lays out HR817. The Clerk will read the resolution.

CLERK: HR817 by Zerwas. Commemorating the seventy-fifth annual Fort Bend County Fair and it's honoring its organizers.

REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: The Chair recognizes Representative Zerwas.

REPRESENTATIVE JOHN ZERWAS: Thank you Mr. Speaker and members, it's my privilege to recognize the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo that's held every year in Rosenberg, Texas. The fair was first held in 1933. Not only is this traditional fair and rodeo of livestock and amusement rides, the fair has also taken a particular focus on our youth in the area. In 1979 the fair developed a student scholarship program. And, to date, we have awarded over 500 scholarships to deserving students. Annually, 30 scholarships are awarded to high school students. In the south gallery today we have the president of Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo, Mr. William Carter. And the Fort Bend County Fair Manager, Ms. Susan Sullivan. Please join me, members, in recognizing these fine individuals up in the south gallery.

REPRESENTATIVE RON REYNOLDS: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? The Chair hears none. So ordered.

REPRESENTATIVE RAFAEL ANCHIA: Chair recognizes Chairman Branch.

REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRANCH: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Members, I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider HCR10 recognizing ten decades, a hundred years, since the founding of Southern Methodist University, in Dallas since 1911.

REPRESENTATIVE RAFAEL ANCHIA: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. The rules are suspended. Chair lays out HCR10. The Clerk will read the bill.

CLERK: HCR10 by Branch. WHEREAS Southern Methodist University is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding and 10 decades of educational Excellence in 2011; and WHEREAS, Created in 1911 by what is now the United Methodist Church with support from Dallas community leaders, Southern Methodist University is a private institution of higher education That is nonsectarian in its teaching; recognized as a top-tier National university by U.S. News & World Report, the school has an Enrollment of nearly 11,000 students who come from all 50 states and More than 90 foreign countries and who represent diverse economic Ethnic, and religious backgrounds; and WHEREAS, SMU offers 123 undergraduate degree programs and 127 Graduate and professional programs, including 25 doctorates Through seven schools in the humanities and sciences, performing Visual, and communication arts, business, engineering, education And human development, law, and theology; its 10 libraries house The largest private collection of research materials in the Southwest, with more than three million volumes; the school has More than 660 full-time faculty members and nearly 112,000 alumni Worldwide, with about half that number residing in Texas; and WHEREAS, Along with a threefold increase in applications over The last 15 years, SMU has seen the average SAT scores of its First-year undergraduate students rise approximately 100 points in The past decade; the university has greatly expanded its study Abroad options, and now affords access to 145 programs in nearly 50 Countries; SMU's endowment surpassed $1 billion in 2005; and WHEREAS, SMU will be the site of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, which will feature a library, museum, and Independent institute and is scheduled to open in 2013; the University is also home to the Meadows Museum, which boasts one of The finest collections of Spanish artworks outside of Spain, with Pieces by El Greco, Velazquez, Goya, Picasso, and Miro; and WHEREAS, Over the course of an eventful century, Southern Methodist University has provided its students with an education That has enriched them both academically and personally, and in so doing, the school has made important contributions to Texas and the World beyond; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas Hereby honor Southern Methodist University for its 10 decades of Outstanding service and extend to the university's administration Faculty, staff, students, and alumni sincere best wishes for a Successful centennial celebration; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be Prepared for Southern Methodist University as an expression of high Regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.

REPRESENTATIVE RAFAEL ANCHIA: Chair recognizes chairman branch.

REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRANCH: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Members, this is indeed an historic year for SMU. And next month, on April 17th, SMU will celebrate a hundred years since its founding on April 17th, 1911. This represents ten decades of educational growth and excellence at SMU and at the hill top. Over the last ten decades SMU has established itself as a driving force in academia in Texas and a leading engine of our state's economy. In fact, this year US News and World Report, in its most recent ranking, ranked SMU third in the state behind UT and Rice in the State of Texas. And its business school, Cox School of Business, has been ranked the best business school by all the different groups that rank business schools. The university, which is located in the heart of Dallas, and I'm privileged to represent, is a prized institution in our city and state. SMU is home to now over 11,000 students and over a 110,000, 60,000 of those live here in Texas. The university attracts students from across the state and around the world with all fifty states and ninety foreign countries represented on campus. It is truly a different place from what it was in 1911. Today SMU boasts a truly diverse student body economically, ethnically and culturally. And, in addition to this year's centennial, it eagerly awaits the George W. Bush Presidential Library, which is scheduled to open at SMU in 2013. Members, if you would, I would like you to help me to recognize a couple of our fine leaders from SMU. First, we have Paul Ward, the Vice President for Legal Affairs, General Counsel Secretary and Board of Trustees, Paul Ward. And then we're really fortunate to have the president of SMU, R. Gerald Turner, president since 1995. Dr. Turner, welcome to the House of Representatives. Please join me in welcoming these SMU Mustangs to the Texas House of Representatives and congratulating the university on this impressive milestone. Pony up. I know we have some members, SMU grads, Chairman Geren, Representative Anchia. We also have Representative Sheets, Representative Hunter. A lot of folks that have degrees from SMU. Thank you, members. I move adoption Mr. Speaker.

REPRESENTATIVE RAFAEL ANCHIA: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Representative Hunter moves all members' names to be added to the resolution. Is there objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Geren for an introduction.

REPRESENTATIVE CHARLIE GEREN: Thank you Mr. Speaker and members, I'd like to recognize a group that's in the gallery behind the clock. It's the University of North Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health. It's their legislative leadership class that's lead by Christine Likens. Thank you all for being here. Stand up so we can point you out, please. And we're sorry that you have to sit with Danny.

REPRESENTATIVE RAFAEL ANCHIA: Chair recognizes Representative Truitt for a motion.

REPRESENTATIVE VICKI TRUITT: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Members, I request permission for the Committee on Pensions, Investments and Financial Services to meet while the House is in session, during reading and referral of bills today, March 15th, in E2.014 to continue public hearing as previously posted. Thank you.

REPRESENTATIVE RAFAEL ANCHIA: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Keffer.

REPRESENTATIVE JAMES L. KEFFER: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend all necessary rules and take up HR No. 597.

BORRIS MILES: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hearing none. Rules are suspended. Chair lays out HR597. The Clerk will read the resolution.

CLERK: HR597 by Keffer honoring Eudean and Patricia Howard of Brownwood on their 50th wedding anniversary. HR597 by Keffer. WHEREAS, A 50th wedding anniversary marks a lifetime of mutual devotion and shared experiences, and Eudean and Patricia Howard of Brownwood celebrated this joyous milestone in their marriage on February 17, 2011; and WHEREAS, The former Patricia Allen was born to Benjamin and Evelyn Allen in Bryan on November 17, 1942; she graduated from Tascosa High School and Frank Phillips College and earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from The University of Texas in 1984; also a native Texan, Eudean Howard was born in Hylton to Earl and Murl Howard on March 1, 1938; he attended Palo Duro High School and graduated from West Texas State University; and WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Howard met at the Church of Christ in Amarillo and were joined in matrimony in 1961; through the years they have been blessed with a treasured family that includes their children, Machelle Uehlinger and her husband, Bud, Dean Howard and His wife, Sheree, Brent Howard, and Patrick Howard and his wife Myka, as well as six grandchildren, Sarah, Chad, and Ross Tarhini Melaina Howard, and Dylan and Gavin Sanders; and. WHEREAS, Respected members of their community, Mr. Howard Worked for Phillips Petroleum before joining IBM, where he was a Member of the data processing and marketing support staff for Nearly 30 years; he shared his expertise with a number of state Agencies, including the Texas Legislative Council, Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and he Established his own data processing consulting business, M.B.I.C., before his retirement; Mrs. Howard enjoyed a 20-year career as a school nurse at Eanes Elementary School; and WHEREAS, After living in Austin for four decades, the couple Moved to North Central Texas in 2008, where they are active and Valued members of the Vine Street Church of Christ in Brownwood; and WHEREAS, The 50 years of marriage that Mr. and Mrs. Howard Have shared is eloquent affirmation of the meaning of love and commitment, and their enduring union is an inspiration to all who Know them; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Eudean and Patricia Howard on their 50th wedding anniversary and extend to them sincere best wishes for Continued happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Howard as an expression of high regard by The Texas House of Representatives.

REPRESENTATIVE BORRIS MILES: Chair recognizes Representative Keffer.

REPRESENTATIVE JAMES L. KEFFER: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I move adoption.

REPRESENTATIVE BORRIS MILES: Members, you've heard the motion. Are there any objections? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Keffer.

REPRESENTATIVE JAMES L. KEFFER: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Members, HR597 congratulates Eudean and Patricia Howard of Brownwood on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary, which they celebrated February 17th. It is my pleasure to help the Howards celebrate this memorable occasion in their lives. And also to recognize their son, Dean Howard that is in the gallery. That's -- There he is. Dean Howard is in the gallery. You probably know Dean Howard as the director of House Purchasing Supply Division. Dean, congratulations to you and your family. Help us celebrate that with the Howards.

REPRESENTATIVE BORRIS MILES: Chair recognizes Representative Bohac and Representative Woolley.

REPRESENTATIVE DWAYNE BOHAC: Mr. Speaker, members, I'd like to take a moment to recognize a group of outstanding young ladies on the north side of the gallery from our district, who are visiting the Capitol today. Two Girl Scout troops, 18176 and 18075 from the San Jacinto Counsel are in the gallery today as part of an educational field trip to see our government in action. And I hope you're enjoying what you're seeing. Some of whom are members of the Captain Edward Weyman of Society of the Children of the American Revolution. And their parents are here today as well with them. And they are members of the Alexander Love Chapter as the Daughters of the American revolution. These girls, along with their parents, are visiting the Bob Bullock state History Museum today. I'd like to thank the troop leaders, three of them in particular, Carolyn Dasher, Susan Franky and Christy Deshon for their work to help cultivate these young lives. I know that both Beverly and I are big fans of Girl Scouting. I've done a number of Gold Award ceremonies and what you guys put into these young live s is immeasurable and will last a lifetime, that they will take and put into effect in their families, and that will affect their children and their husbands and so forth. So y'all are already standing, but please join me, members, in recognizing these Girl Scouts from the San Jacinto Counsel.

REPRESENTATIVE BORRIS MILES: Chair recognizes Representative Davis of Dallas.

REPRESENTATIVE YVONNE DAVIS: Thank you Mr. Speaker and members, I want to take a minute and welcome one of my constituents from District 111 who is here to testify onto a bill that we filed on his behalf. And if you could just welcome him to gallery and let him know that government does work for the people. Mr. Barnes Dickerson. If you just stand up so we can recognize you? Thank you for being here and thank you for your involvement.

REPRESENTATIVE BORRIS MILES: Chair recognizes Representative Hamilton for a motion.

REPRESENTATIVE MIKE HAMILTON: Thank you Mr. Speaker and members, I'd like to take up all necessary rules to request permission for the Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures to meet while the House is in session during bill referral today, March 15th, 2011, in E2012 to consider previously posted agenda.

REPRESENTATIVE BORRIS MILES: Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. Motion is granted. Chair recognizes Representative Legler.

REPRESENTATIVE KEN LEGLER: Members, I'd like to suspend all necessary House rules to take up and consider House Resolution 816 recognizing Sam Meineke.

REPRESENTATIVE BORRIS MILES: Members, you've heard the motion. Are there any objections? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair lays out HR816. Clerk will read the resolution.

CLERK: Recognizing HR816 by Legler, congratulating Sam W. Meineke on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

REPRESENTATIVE BORRIS MILES: Chair recognizes Representative Legler.

REPRESENTATIVE KEN LEGLER: I move adoption. Members, you've heard the motion. Any objection? Chair seeing none, hearing none. So ordered. Representative Shelton moves to add all representatives' names. Any objection? Chair hearing none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Menendez for an introduction.

REPRESENTATIVE JOSE MENENDEZ: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker and members, good morning. I'd like to welcome -- I'd like to have you join me in welcoming two of my constituents, Bill and Arlene Madonna who are sitting in the north gallery right here. They are tireless volunteers for the second largest homeowners association in Texas, the Great Northwest with 5000 homes and 17,000 residents. Please stand and be welcomed to your Texas House. Thank you for doing -- for everything that you to for our citizens. Members, thank you for welcoming them.

REPRESENTATIVE ANGIE CHEN BUTTON: Chair recognizes Representative Smithee.

REPRESENTATIVE JOHN T. SMITHEE: Mr. Speaker and members, I move to suspend the five day posting rule so that the Committee on Insurance can take up and consider House Bill 2818 by Representative Taylor of Galveston. And its regularly scheduled and posted, meetings for today at 1:30 in E23.026. This is a bill that is similar to another bill that was posted. We got some witnesses from out of town and we want to be able to get everybody in so they don't have to come back. So I would move to suspend the five day posting rule.

REPRESENTATIVE ANGIE CHEN BUTTON: Members , you heard the motion. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. So ordered. Chair recognizes Representative Guillen.

REPRESENTATIVE RYAN GUILLEN: Thank you Madam Speaker. Members, please help me in recognizing a couple of friends that are up in the gallery. They are actually the brother and sister-in-law of Representative Aaron Pena. I think they're up there. Would y'all please stand? Mark and Michelle Pena. Members, let's give them a round of applause. Welcome them to their State Capitol. Thank y'all for being here.

REPRESENTATIVE ANGIE CHEN BUTTON: Chair recognizes Representative Pitts.

REPRESENTATIVE JIM PITTS: Madam Speaker and members, I move to suspend the following rule, the five day posting rule to allow the Committee on Appropriations to consider house budget recommendations upon adjournment of the 1:30 formal meeting of the Appropriations Committee on March 15th, 2011, at E1030. Mr. Speaker -- Madam Speaker, members, I move to suspend the following rule, the five day posting rule, to allow the Committee on Appropriations to consider house budget recommendations at 8:00 a.m. on March the 16th, 2011, at E1030. Madam Speaker, members, I move to suspend the five day posting rule to allow the Committee on Appropriations, the subcommittee on Article 3, to consider higher education funding formulas at 1:30 p.m. on March the 16th, 2011, at E1030.

REPRESENTATIVE ANGIE CHEN BUTTON: Members , you heard the motion. Is there any objection? No? Hear now. So ordered. Following announcements. The Clerk -- will you read the announcements?

CLERK: The Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Article 3, will meet at 1:30 p.m. on March 15, 2011, at room E1030. This is will be a public hearing to consider higher ed funding formulas. The Committee on Appropriations will meet upon adjournment of the 1:30 p.m. formal meeting of the Appropriations Committee on March 15th, 2011, at E1.030. This will be a public hearing to consider House budget recommendations. The Committee on Appropriations will meet at 1:30 p.m. on March 15, 2011, at E1.030. This will be a formal meeting to consider pending bills. The Committee on Appropriations will meet at 8:00 a.m. on March 16th, 2011, at E1.030. This will be a public meeting to consider house budget recommendations.

REPRESENTATIVE VICKI TRUITT: Members, are there any other announcements? Chair recognizes Representative Frullo.

REPRESENTATIVE JOHN FRULLO: Madam Speaker, members, we have some special guests with us today in the gallery. I would like to recognize Boy Scout Troop 406 from Lubbock. If you would all stand up? This 86-year-old troop has produced 152 Eagle Scouts and is sponsored by St. John's United Methodist Church in Lubbock. The troop is well known for its eagerness for its community service projects for which it has performed hundreds of hours of service during its 86 years. And it is lead by Troop Master Herb Copper and Troop Committee Chairman Jim Aroll. Members, I ask you to join me in welcoming Boy Scout Troop 406 to their Texas House.

REPRESENTATIVE VICKI TRUITT: Members, are there any other announcements? If not, Representative Frullo moves that the House stand adjourned until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning pending the reading and referral of bills and resolutions. Is there any objection? Chair hears none. Following bills on first reading and referral: HB 2532 (By Veasey), Relating to the interest of a governmental entity in a life insurance policy insuring the life of an employee or retired employee of the governmental entity. To Insurance. HB 2533 (By Veasey), Relating to the selection of election officers for early voting polling places for certain elections. To Elections. HB 2534 (By Castro), Relating to the creation of a prescription medication information literacy plan and pilot programs to implement that plan. To Public Health. HB 2535 (By Castro), Relating to a requirement that middle, junior high, and high school and higher education students wear reflective clothing or gear while participating in nighttime athletic events or activities; providing penalties. To Government Efficiency and Reform. HB 2536 (By Schwertner), Relating to the creation of the State Supported Living Center Realignment Commission and the residential placement of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To Human Services. HB 2537 (By Vo), Relating to the reporting of information to claims databases by insurers. To Insurance. HB 2538 (By Vo), Relating to the confidentiality of certain identifying information regarding students of career schools or colleges and other educational entities; providing a criminal penalty. To Economic and Small Business Development. HB 2539 (By Weber), Relating to the authority of school districts to suspend teachers without pay pending discharge. To Public Education. HB 2540 (By Weber), Relating to the right to a hearing before an independent hearing examiner of a public school teacher suspended without pay. To Public Education. HB 2541 (By Solomons), Relating to the regulation of traffic on certain roads by counties. To Transportation. HB 2542 (By Truitt), Relating to the powers and duties of the State Board of Trustees of the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System and of the fire fighters' pension commissioner. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 2543 (By W. Smith), Relating to the licensing and regulation of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and land surveying by the Texas Board of Professional Services, the deregulation of interior design, and the abolition of the Texas Board of Professional Engineers, the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, and the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveyors. To Licensing and Administrative Procedures. HB 2544 (By D. Howard), Relating to archeological cemeteries. To Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. HB 2545 (By Hancock), Relating to the participation of this state in the Regional Air Quality Compact. To Environmental Regulation. HB 2546 (By Zerwas), Relating to the Texas emergency and trauma care education partnership program. To Public Health. HB 2547 (By Zerwas), Relating to the definition of little cigars and tobacco products tax on little cigars. To Ways and Means. HB 2548 (By Zerwas), Relating to the imposition of a fee on the sale of cigarettes and cigarette tobacco products manufactured by certain companies; providing penalties. To Ways and Means. HB 2549 (By Crownover), Relating to the authority of a state employee to authorize a deduction from the employee's salary or wage payment for a charitable contribution to certain entities. To State Affairs. HB 2550 (By Elkins), Relating to the process under which state agencies and other entities are periodically reviewed under the Texas Sunset Act. To State Affairs. HB 2551 (By Chisum), Relating to the land application of grit trap waste. To Environmental Regulation. HB 2552 (By Brown), Relating to the regulation of certain businesses using sanitary sewer services of certain municipalities. To Natural Resources. HB 2553 (By Brown), Relating to revenue sharing agreements between certain municipalities. To Ways and Means. HB 2554 (By Brown), Relating to possession of or access to a child in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 2555 (By Brown), Relating to the regulation of abortion procedures; providing penalties. To State Affairs. HB 2556 (By Morrison), Relating to the transfer of the University of Houston--Victoria to The Texas A&M University System. To Higher Education. HB 2557 (By Brown), Relating to a suit for access to a child by a grandparent. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HB 2558 (By Brown), Relating to the designation of a certain segment of the Navasota River as a river segment of unique ecological value. To Natural Resources. HB 2559 (By Truitt), Relating to commercial motor vehicle installment sales. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 2560 (By Sheffield), Relating to transporting a foster child in a vehicle where a handgun is in the possession of a person licensed to carry a concealed handgun. To Human Services. HB 2561 (By Eissler), Relating to the definition of "school year" for purposes of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 2562 (By Christian), Relating to the absence of a student from school to visit with a parent or guardian who will be or has been deployed on military duty. To Public Education. HB 2563 (By Christian), Relating to the use of certain voting equipment in an election that is not held jointly with a county election. To Elections. HB 2564 (By Christian), Relating to academic requirements for issuance of an instruction permit by the Department of Public Safety or a driver education school. To Homeland Security and Public Safety. HB 2565 (By Gonzalez), Relating to requiring a public institution of higher education to establish and provide notice regarding an emergency loan program. To Higher Education. HB 2566 (By Gonzalez), Relating to penalties for displaying vehicles for sale in certain public areas. To Transportation. HB 2567 (By Gonzalez), Relating to public notice of procedures for submitting complaints about motor vehicle dealers. To Licensing and Administrative Procedures. HB 2568 (By Martinez), Relating to the authority of a commuter rail district to impose a property tax. To Ways and Means. HB 2569 (By Martinez), Relating to county contracts with private entities for jail facilities; providing a penalty. To County Affairs. HB 2570 (By Martinez), Relating to municipal prohibition of the use of low-speed vehicles to transport passengers for hire. To Urban Affairs. HB 2571 (By Martinez), Relating to the purposes and designation of transportation reinvestment zones. To Transportation. HB 2572 (By Aycock), Relating to the public school finance system. To Public Education. HB 2573 (By Bonnen), Relating to the protection of children from abuse or neglect; providing penalties. To Human Services. HB 2574 (By Phillips), Relating to the authority of regional mobility authorities to enter into comprehensive development agreements. To Transportation. HB 2575 (By Phillips), Relating to the use of an electronic lien system established by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. To Transportation. HB 2576 (By Truitt), Relating to the amount charged by certain health care facilities for health care services and supplies provided to consumers receiving outpatient care. To Public Health. HB 2577 (By S. Miller), Relating to the unlawful use of a criminal instrument or mechanical security device; providing a penalty. To Criminal Jurisprudence. HB 2578 (By J. Davis), Relating to the preparation of economic impact statements for legislative measures. To State Affairs. HB 2579 (By J. Davis), Relating to relief for certain employers from penalties and sanctions under the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act. To Economic and Small Business Development. HB 2580 (By Murphy), Relating to certain investments by insurance companies and related organizations. To Insurance. HB 2581 (By Murphy), Relating to the computation of a surplus credit and a surplus credit rate for certain successor employing units. To Economic and Small Business Development. HB 2582 (By Murphy), Relating to the repeal of the partial tax exemption for certain beer. To Ways and Means. HB 2583 (By Walle), Relating to the establishment of a gang remediation task force. To Corrections. HB 2584 (By R. Anderson), Relating to authorizing certain municipalities to donate surplus real property of negligible or negative value to certain private persons. To Urban Affairs. HB 2585 (By PeÒa), Relating to the illegal possession of another person's ballot to be voted by mail. To Elections. HB 2586 (By PeÒa), Relating to the penalty for making a false statement on a voter registration application. To Elections. HB 2587 (By PeÒa), Relating to limiting the amount of assistance a person may provide a voter; providing a criminal penalty. To Elections. HB 2588 (By PeÒa), Relating to observation of voter assistance by a poll watcher. To Elections. HB 2589 (By PeÒa), Relating to the delivery of a voter registration application to the registrar by a volunteer deputy registrar; providing a criminal penalty. To Elections. HB 2590 (By PeÒa), Relating to the reporting of certain information to county voter registrars and to the Department of Public Safety and to the cancellation of a driver's license based on that information. To Elections. HB 2591 (By Perry), Relating to exemptions to the licensing and regulation of chemical dependency counselors. To Public Health. HB 2592 (By Truitt), Relating to notice and disclosure requirements for credit services organizations regarding charges and consumer borrowing. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 2593 (By Truitt), Relating to restrictions on amounts, fees, renewals, and payment of deferred presentment transactions and certain loans secured by motor vehicle certificates of title. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 2594 (By Truitt), Relating to the registration and regulation of credit services organizations that obtain for consumers certain extensions of credit; providing a penalty. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 2595 (By Isaac), Relating to the receipt and storage of a mail-in ballot. To Elections. HB 2596 (By Garza), Relating to the authority to lower certain speed limits by local governments. To Transportation. HB 2597 (By Garza), Relating to resident tuition rates and fees for certain civilian employees and private contractors at public institutions of higher education. To Higher Education. HB 2598 (By Garza), Relating to the award of attorney's fees in a judicial appeal of certain ad valorem tax determinations. To Ways and Means. HB 2599 (By Ritter), Relating to the definition of chewing tobacco for purposes of the taxes imposed on cigars and other tobacco products. To Ways and Means. HB 2600 (By Ritter), Relating to the records and reports required for purposes of the taxes imposed on cigars and other tobacco products. To Ways and Means. HB 2601 (By Nash), Relating to the removal of political signs from private property; providing a penalty. To Urban Affairs. HB 2602 (By Alvarado), Relating to an increase in the cigarette tax and the enforcement and uses of the tax. To Ways and Means. HB 2603 (By Smithee), Relating to the distribution of universal service funds to certain small and rural local exchange companies. To State Affairs. HB 2604 (By L. Taylor), Relating to solvency accounts maintained by title agents for holding unencumbered assets. To Insurance. HB 2605 (By L. Taylor), Relating to the continuation and functions of the division of workers' compensation of the Texas Department of Insurance. To Insurance. HB 2606 (By Nash), Relating to permissible political expenditures by a corporation or labor organization. To Elections. HB 2607 (By Beck), Relating to a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a firefighter or peace officer killed while performing official duties. To Ways and Means. HB 2608 (By Harper-Brown), Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. To Urban Affairs. HB 2609 (By Guillen), Relating to employment at or by certain facilities serving the elderly or persons with disabilities. To Human Services. HB 2610 (By Guillen), Relating to the establishment of a community-based navigator program to assist individuals applying or seeking to apply through the Internet for certain public assistance benefits programs. To Human Services. HB 2611 (By Guillen), Relating to claims for and distribution of unclaimed land grant mineral proceeds. To Business and Industry. HB 2612 (By Aliseda), Relating to notification to the attorney general regarding allegations of criminal conduct in connection with an election. To Elections. HB 2613 (By Flynn), Relating to the establishment of a procedure under which a person may maintain a license to carry a concealed handgun. To Homeland Security and Public Safety. HB 2614 (By Veasey), Relating to insurance coverage for child passenger safety seat systems. To Insurance. HB 2615 (By Veasey), Relating to the provision of information on financial literacy resources to the public. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HB 2616 (By Harless), Relating to the elimination of certain requirements for certain customer-specific communications contracts. To State Affairs. HB 2617 (By Harless), Relating to the regulation of the sale and use of fireworks by certain counties; providing penalties. To County Affairs. HB 2618 (By Kolkhorst), Relating to the transfer of certain state property from the Texas Board of Criminal Justice to Walker County. To Corrections. HB 2619 (By Callegari), Relating to the submission of information about critical water and wastewater facilities. To Natural Resources. HB 2620 (By Hancock), Relating to communications services and markets. To State Affairs. HB 2621 (By Hancock), Relating to deregulation of certain telecommunications markets and companies. To State Affairs. HB 2622 (By Hancock), Relating to the elimination of certain tariff filing requirements for telecommunications providers. To State Affairs. HB 2623 (By Beck), Relating to certain energy security technologies for critical governmental facilities. To Homeland Security and Public Safety. HB 2624 (By Sheffield), Relating to procedures applicable in circumstances involving family violence or other criminal conduct and military personnel. To Defense and Veterans' Affairs. HB 2625 (By Branch), Relating to developing a developmental education plan for students entering public institutions of higher education. To Higher Education. HB 2626 (By Branch), Relating to the distribution of money appropriated from the national research university fund and to one or more audits of the information necessary to establish eligibility for that distribution. To Higher Education. HB 2627 (By Branch), Relating to the purchase of classroom sets of textbooks for public schools. To Public Education. HB 2628 (By Branch), Relating to the posting of signs in school crossing zones regarding the prohibited use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle. To Transportation. HB 2629 (By Branch), Relating to honorariums offered to and accepted by public servants. To Elections. HCR 85 (By Price), Urging the United States Congress to enact legislation to require that any subsequent law cite the constitutional section authorizing Congress to enact the law, state the extent and reasons for any preemption of state, local, or tribal law, include factual findings if the authority cited is the power to regulate interstate commerce, prohibit federal agency regulations from interfering with state or local powers without express statutory authority, and require the voluntary inclusion of states in federal rule making. To Select State Sovereignty. HCR 86 (By Chisum), Designating the Texas State Bison Herd at Caprock Canyons State Park as the official State Bison Herd of Texas. To Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. HCR 87 (By Veasey), Urging Congress to expand the Healthy Incentives Pilot for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients to communities across the country. To Human Services. HCR 88 (By Garza), Urging Congress to enact an overhaul of the immigration system to promote economic prosperity and national security. To State Affairs. HJR 118 (By Callegari), Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to county authority to provide for the support of indigent inhabitants. To Government Efficiency and Reform. HJR 119 (By Thompson), Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize the operation of video gaming in this state by persons and organizations licensed to conduct bingo or lease bingo premises and providing that federally recognized Indian tribes are not prohibited from conducting gaming on certain Indian lands. To Licensing and Administrative Procedures. HJR 120 (By MuÒoz), Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing a home-rule municipality to provide in its charter the procedure to fill a vacancy on its governing body for which the unexpired term is 24 months or less. To Urban Affairs. HJR 121 (By Hochberg), Proposing a constitutional amendment increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes. To Public Education. HJR 123 (By Elkins), Rescinding the 1899 application of the 26th Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call an unrestricted convention under Article V of the United States Constitution. To Select State Sovereignty. HJR 124 (By Landtroop), Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring a four-fifths vote by the house of representatives to increase taxes. To Ways and Means. HJR 125 (By Martinez), Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit commuter rail districts to impose a property tax on property located in the district to pay debt issued or assumed by the district and to pay the maintenance and operating expenses of the district. To Ways and Means. HJR 126 (By Lewis), Proposing a constitutional amendment changing the eligibility requirements for and changing the terms of office of certain judicial offices. To Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. HJR 127 (By Truitt), Proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting the use of state funds to pay for the obligations of a local public retirement system. To Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services. HJR 128 (By Beck), Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a firefighter or peace officer killed while performing official duties. To Ways and Means. The House stands adjourned until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.