DAVID DEWHURST: Members, the Senate will come to order and the secretary will call the roll.

SECRETARY: Birdwell, Carona, Davis, Deuell, Duncan, Ellis, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Gallegos, Harris, Hegar, Hinojosa, Huffman, Jackson, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Ogden, Patrick, Rodriguez, Seliger, Shapiro, Uresti, Van de Putte, Watson, Wentworth, West, Whitmire, Williams, Zaffirini.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Madam Secretary. The quorum is present. Would all those on the floor please rise? And in the gallery, please rise this morning for the invocation to be delivered from Reverend C. William Mays, rising star veteran of his church here in Austin.

REVEREND C. WILLIAM MAYS: Our Father, which art in Heaven, we have now come to the close of the 82nd Legislature session, we thank you our hearts for all that you have allowed us to accomplish. We ask, Father God, that you bless our efforts. Direct us, O Lord, for all our doings with your gracious favor, and further us with your continual help for the future. Now may your grace abound and your peace be with us all, forever and ever. Amen.

DAVID DEWHURST: Amen. Pastor, thank you so much. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. Thank you so much. I just wanted to start by saying to the family of Senator Jackson and to all friends, on behalf of the Senators and myself as, Lieutenant Governor I wanted to welcome all of you for being here today. So thank you. Senator Whitmire wants to suspend the reading of yesterday's journal. Is there objection from any member? Chair hears no objection. So ordered. Mr. Doorkeeper?

DOORKEEPER: Mr. President, there is a message from the House.

DAVID DEWHURST: Admit the messenger.

DOORKEEPER: Thank you, Mr. President. I'm directed by the House to inform the Senate that the House has taken the following action, the House --

DAVID DEWHURST: Chair recognizes Senator Wentworth to introduce the doctor for the day.

SENATORY WENTWORTH: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, it is our privilege to introduce to you our physician of the day, Dr. Eugene David Pompey. Originally from Oklahoma, Dr. Pompey graduated from medical school at the University of Texas in Houston, and completed his residency right here at Breckenridge Hospital. Today he has a practice right here in Austin. A member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Texas Medical Association and the Travis County Medical Society, Dr. Pompey enjoys fishing, hunting and golfing in his spare time, and has been doctor of the day here at the Capitol numerous times. Today, members, he's joined by medical student Chad Houten. Please join me in welcoming both of them to the Texas Senate.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, members. The next order of business is the election of the President Pro-Tem. Chair recognizes Senator Whitmire.

JOHN WHITMIRE: Thank you, Mr. President. Members and -- Senator Jackson's family and our guests in the gallery this morning, this is the time in the session where we choose one of our colleagues for the position of President Pro-Tempore, which is a position that is called for in the instance of our Lieutenant Governor being out of state, or not present, to govern the Senate. This Senator becomes officially the Lieutenant Governor. Also, that individual, when the Governor leaves the state, becomes our acting Governor. So while it's a ceremony this morning where we get to honor one of our colleagues, it is really, really an important position. Certainly, in recent years, the President Pro-Tempore has acted as our governor and has overseen executions, that most serious act of state government. They have seen -- overseen crises such hurricane preparation, recovery, forest fire. I could go on. The important position and responsibilities of this position. We all believe it is a real likelihood that during the future months that this position could be more important than anytime in recent history, because of the likely aspirations of our Governor Perry and our own Lieutenant Governor. So while we're going to have fun this morning in honor of a very special friend, it is also a very sober process of choosing someone that we're actually going to place the reins and the full responsibility of the 25 million Texans that look to state government to safeguard them, provide for them and have access to their state government. It is my honor this morning to place a nomination, Senator Mike Jackson. I have all the confidence. His colleagues, all 31 of us have the confidence that Mike can fulfill the responsibility that he is fixing to be placed in. The greatest honor I could give him as a long time friend and colleague, is that he's a senator's senator. Now what I mean by that? It means like if someone, students, or my constituents, or my family said what do you senators look for in a senator? I would point to Mike Jackson, because Mike Jackson is committed to the people of Texas. He has stayed in touch with his district since he became a state representative in 1999, and later Senator -- a rep in '89 and a Senator in '99. The neatest thing, as his buddy, I can say that he hadn't changed a bit. Some say that's part of the problem, too. But I think it is tremendous that someone who has been in public office his entire adult life, as I have, I've seen them come and go around here. I've seen what the power and influence and the position can do to someone. It has not affected Mike in any negative way. His family knows this, his colleagues know this, his constituents know this. Mike is a hard-working, blue-collar, small businessman, family man that he was when he came to Austin in 1999. He's a senator's senator because when he give you his word you can bet on it. Unfortunately, sometimes people in this quorum are going to tell you that they're going to do something and they change their mind and they don't tell you. I can poll this floor and come up with what the members are going to do on a particular piece of legislation and if I'm not recognized the day that I did my poll I can place it in my desk, and it doesn't matter how long it says in my desk, members you know that Mike Jackson is still committed to the position that he told you. Mike is a senator's senator. Let me tell you something else that I'm proud of Mike about. A lot of times people will ask me about this body and I will say -- and they'll comment on some of us. What makes people do what they do? What's their personality on the Senate floor, or when they're in committees or campaigning? I'm fond to say there's workhorses and show horses. Mike Jackson is a workhorse. And that's what we need in this body. We got enough show horses, quite frankly. We need workhorses in state government. Let me tell you about family. Most of us really become friends in this body and bond because of our families. Mike and my children are the same age, so as he became a Senator in '99, I knew him as a House member, mostly on the golf course, but in '99 we started running together and our kids are the same age. Sometime after that he was sharing with me that Michelle was so active in 4H and she loved her four young heifers, that are now mama cows, but we were having a tremendous drought that year; and Mike being the dad and family person was -- had these four mama cows in downtown La Port, I'm surprised the animal cruelty -- the bill we passed the other day would probably take care of that situation, although we didn't have large animal. But we had a problem. He's committed to his daughter, the love of his life, to take care of the four mama cows that had become her pets, and he was having to feed them expensive hay, haul it over to a lot there in La Port. I said Mike, why don't you let me help you out and we'll just take them over to my ranch over in Brenham? He said you would do that? And I said, in a heartbeat. So I had my ranch hand go pick up and, of course, Michelle's concern and the mother, and the boss of the family, worried how I was going to treat those cows. But I said don't worry, we've got about another hundred, they'll just fit right in. Now what they didn't tell me after we hauled them to my place in Chapel Hill is that one of them large mama cows, one just refused to stay in the pasture. They didn't tell me that one would be regularly jumping the fence. Messes up your entire herd when you have one that is so disruptive. But, you know, that's what friends are for. So my ranch hand would go gather this mama cow then. But what they really didn't tell me is that she liked to fight. So I'm handling criminal justice and legislation over here, and my ranch hand is calling me and telling me, what are we going to do about your best friend's mama cow? Because she won't stay in, she's messing up the herd and I have to act like I'm at a bullfight to get her back in our location. That's how you become best of friends, and that's how you can go to someone and ask them for a vote on a piece of legislation that they may not want and I'll say, Mike, remember the cows? In fact, I still got three of them. And, of course, Vicki makes sure that when we have a calf that we get the right price for their offspring. But let me get back to being a senator's senator. In 2001 we had real difficulty with redistricting, which speaks greatly to Senator Seliger's success this spring. In 2001, Senator simply decided that it would be in his party's best district to go to the redistricting board. I think I was probably the senior senator at that time, senior democratic senator at that time. So anybody thought that I could come out of the redistricting in 2001 was not present, everyone thought I was doomed. Most of us really didn't want to go to the redistricting board. Mike, I have already explained, we are bonded, we are best of friends, our kids are best of friends. Vicki is a close friend. And as we approached the deadline of that session, Mike and I, most of the time didn't really want to talk about redistrict. I mean it's really, really a hard thing to do, because of the impact it has on your opportunity to continue representing the State of Texas. But let me tell you what Mike did, he knew he had to send it to the redistricting board because that was the position of his party and the majority of the senators, using Senator Patrick's two thirds rule to block redistricting and send it to the redistricting board, which posed a real dilemma. Right before the end of the session, when it was becoming apparent that we were running out of time, my good friend, my colleague, someone that I respect and care for, and it is mutual, called me about 7:00 o'clock on a Sunday evening and said John, where are you? I said I'm at home. He said I need to see you, it's important. He said we don't have to go into the Capitol, if you will just pull up. He said I need speak to you briefly. Mike, when I got to the east side, was waiting in his pick up. I got out, I got in his pick up cab, Mike's not long on words. He said John, he teared up, he said you know what I got to do? I hate to do it to you, but I'm going to vote tomorrow and we're going to send redistricting to the redistricting board, and I hate to do it to you because I know probably what the outcome will be. I said, Mike, I don't like, but I understand. Folks, that's what good government and good friendship is about. He was doing his job for his district, but he cared enough about me to let me know why he was doing it and that he was going to do it. That's what being a state senator and a part of this body should be all about. Looking out for one another as you represent your district, being honest, being a senator's senator, being a workhorse, keeping your word, and that's why I stand before you this morning in these most challenging times, as we go forward, it is my honor and pleasure to present to you and nominate Mike Jackson for President Pro-Tempore, because if he's getting ready to do you in, he'll let you know before he does it. Mr. President, I yield at this time and I'm excited about the presentation that I just made.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator Whitmire. Chair recognizes Senator Fraser to second the nomination.

TROY FRASER: He changed the order up, didn't he? Thank you, Governor. I will now also rise to second the nomination of Mike "Landslide" Jackson. Actually, Michael, I was sitting here thinking about the potential of what could happen in the next year and a half, and those of us that have done it kind of know what you're heading into, probably would have been smart if you would have asked me to filibuster your nomination. I'm -- I'm extremely honored to get to do this. And we were sitting here, Michelle was laughing awhile ago because I was frantically making notes and Jackson said, you've known about this for weeks, I said yeah, but the speech I was going to make I threw in the trash and I'm rewriting, because I look over here at people that I recognize faces. And we've had pretty interesting journey that we've taken to get to where we are sitting in the Senate now. Mike, and I -- I think other than family that are here, I think I probably have known him longer than anybody that is in this room, I think. Way back in 1987, when I was being recruited to run for the Texas House, I started hearing stories and I said who else are you trying to get to run? And they said well, we've got a guy in Fort Worth that we're trying to get to run, and there's a guy in San Antonio, a Wentworth guy, that is down there I that I think is probably going to try to run in a special election. We've got a real crazy guy out in El Paso, Haggerty, that we understand is running. And I said but we've got a real sharp, whippersnapper young businessman down in La Port that we feel very, very strongly about. He's got two little kids, got a real good wife, runs a business; and we are real, real high on this guy. So I watched during that period. And we ran. And interestingly Mike was running in a democrat district that was held by a veteran democrat, probably realistically unwinnable. I was running in a district that was held by a veteran democrat, probably unwinnable. They forgot to tell us, though. We didn't realize to look up the (inaudible) before we ran. And a combination of husbands, wives, kids, family, knocking doors. We went out and we were victorious, we ended up winning. And my race was narrow but it wasn't anything close to Landslide Jackson. On election night, we're sitting at my House counting votes. Keep in mind that was also before computers, so we're on the phone and we're calling back and forth and we're asking. And so I called into headquarters and I said how's the guy in La Port doing? How is Jackson doing? They said well, it's pretty close, you know. We're not ready to call it yet. So we followed it through the night. Next morning they called back, they said he squeaked by, he won by 17 votes. I go, great. Well, within about a day we realized 17 votes might not stand. So Ed Watson, who he was running against they called, for a recount. And that recount took what, another week or so to do. And first recount he loses 5 votes, so he's down to 12 as he's marching. Well, we think 12 is pretty good. But Ed Watson wasn't through and Ed Watson challenged again, and it was a second recount. Second recount they found some other ballots that they decided to throw out and he loses 5 more and he's down to 7. So Mike is ahead by 7 votes. They attempted to challenge it they go ahead and say let's certify it. Well, everybody agreed with that except Ed Watson. So Haggerty sitting over here in the back, if he -- I remember, I was setting about it and I can remember it as if it was yesterday. I walk into the Texas House and I'm sitting there, and I notice there's a lot of discussion and unrest. And I'm asking what's going on, what's happening? They said Watson won't leave, he's refusing to leave his seat and that he is going to force a vote of the House to try to overthrow the election. And I said what does that mean? And they said well, your first vote is going to be a pretty hard one. And so I'm sitting there watching it and I notice Mr. Louis is up on the stand they're going through a lot of discussion. And I look in the back and standing on the back wall, on the right side of the wall, leaning against the wall, almost at attention, just standing there; Gib Louis. There's a big, you know, I see he's made a decision. He came walking down and right across from me, right across the aisle from me, and I could hear the conversation. He come up and he said, Ed, get up, you got beat. Get up, you know, you lost the election. Get out the seat. Go ahead and leave the chamber. So Watson gets up, walks over, walks out the back door. Jackson walks up to the seat, sits down. Gib comes in, gavels in and we start our career together. The other thing that was really interesting about that, that all of us as freshman -- that's when we were all in the Capitol. And we all just got atrocious offices, the offices were terrible that we had. Except Jackson, because he had waited, he got Watson's office and he had this gigantic office of a veteran member. We've had so much fun during the year. I got to watch your kids grow up. The first memory of these two, I remember, was the Easter egg hunt in 1989, and it got rained out. And we had to have the Easter egg hunt inside the chamber. And had all the kids in there with Governor Clements that was here that year and he was there presiding over it. But we've had some fun through the years. We've had a lot of things that we look back on. I will tell you, Michael, 22 years of us sitting here, looking at legislation; assuming there was 7,000 to 8,000 bills filed per year, I would suspect thaw and I have maybe had -- it could be as much as tens of thousands of discussions about bills. And I would suspect, during that period of time, you can count on one hand the number of times we voted differently. You're my oldest friend for sure, from the Senate. Without a doubt, you're one of my most trusted friends. You're a very, very trusted political ally. You're one of the few people that when you and I, like Whitmire, we have a discussion, we talk about it; it always amazes me when we go to set in the committee, which we've done a lot, when I'm trying to decide which side is really telling the truth you have the ability to ask the question that drills down and cuts through all the rhetoric, and it makes it so clear where we need to be. You're a good friend. You're going to be a very, very good President Pro-Tem. During this period that you're serving under, assuming who runs for what, you could pull a Rodney Ellis and end up with your picture on the back wall. So I wish you luck during this period. And I now stand to second the nomination of Mike "Landslide" Jackson.

DAVID DEWHURST: The chair recognizes Senator Williams to speak on the nomination.

TOMMY WILLIAMS: Thank you, Mr. President. I'm honored to rise and second the nomination for my friend and colleague Mike Jackson for President Pro-Tempore of the Texas Senate. You've really heard most of what I had to say from Senator Whitmire and Senator Fraser. I love this story. I like to tease Mike and call him Landslide Jackson, too. I didn't come into the House with him during that session, but rather Mike's, his last session in the Texas House was my first session. And Mike was one of those guys that he was disarming with his good humor and his almost laconic way of responding to you. When you asked him a question he always had something kind of funny to say about it. But I soon learned that he was very serious legislature, and he was someone that I could look to for how I wanted to vote if I wanted to be a good conservative and if I wanted to have a good vote record for business, because he certainly had those things in mind and he had always done his homework and knew exactly what the issue was and what needed to be said about it. Now, you know, we've already heard we're lucky to have you here Mike, because it almost wasn't to be, if they hadn't been able to get Ed to leave, you know, we might not have the benefit of having you serve as President Pro-Tem of the Senate. You know, from this exciting start in his political career, Mike had had a very distinguished career both in the House since 1999, and in the Texas Senate. And the citizen of Texas, and particularly the folks along the Gulf Coast have all benefited from your hard work and your astute political advice along the way. He's loved and respected at home by all of his constituents in the community, but like so many of us the real secret to his success is not in his business or his political career, it's in who he married. And if you want to know who the force in Force Construction, you look to Vicki Jackson, right? So everybody is smiling. They know that's truth. I often joke that people call me Mr. Marsha Williams, that will make you Mr. Vicki Jackson. So Vicki has not only loved and supported Mike and his political endeavors, she's made a beautiful home for them, raised two wonderful children, and she's been involved in the Senate Ladies Club and many civic activities back home. Mike and Vicki have been such good friends to Marsha and I during our time in the legislature, and I can tell you that back in 2002 when I was thinking of running for the Senate and giving up my House seat, I had a pretty dead cinch House seat I know I could get reelected to. Did I want to roll the dice and run for that Senate seat? And so Marsha just wasn't sure. My wife was on the bubble. And the person that she called to talk about, talk to this about was Vicki Jackson, because she knew that Vicki would tell it like it was and she knew that Vicki liked Marsha, was involved in the business together, and they not only worked together but were involved in the political career together. And they have been such great friends to us. And I can't tell you how much your whole family, your friendship has meant to Marsha and I through the years. Members, it's my great honor and pleasure to second the nomination for Senator Mike Jackson for President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate. You'll do a great job.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you Senator Williams. The chair recognizes Senator Shapiro to second the nomination.

FLORENCE SHAPIRO: Thank you Mr. President. I rise to second the nomination of my deskmate. What in the world is a deskmate? I have no idea what that is. But that's what he always says to me, my deskmate. I think my deskmate over on the other side is someone that sits right next to you. Then again, we have to remember that Mike Jackson was House trained. I think Mike Jackson is going to be an amazing President Pro Tempore. I think that although he sits in front of me one, of the things I can honestly tell you is he's always got my back, and that is an unusual thing to be involved in in this particular body. When we ask ourselves, as senators, what is it that we're looking for, what characteristics, what qualities do we look for in a President Pro Tempore, a person that is going to be the third highest ranking person in this Capitol, we think about a lot of different things. What comes to mind for me for this current President Pro Tempore is I think about someone who is knowledgeable, I think about someone who is committed, I think about someone who is courageous. Let me start with knowledgeable. I don't know how many of you realize this, but when we look at issues Mike Jackson knows all the issues. I know that, because we talk about them together every single day when I'm on the floor. This is a man who is always involved in all the issues. He will sit at his desk and study and talk and be sure that all of us recognize what the issues are and his knowledge expands to all of us. And, for that, we're very lucky. I would say that of all of us sitting here today there's a good chance that if we were looking at how often people sit on the floor and spend their time on the floor, Mike Jackson probably spends more time on the Senate floor listening to the debate and the dialogue more than just anybody that I know. Save, of course, Senator Zaffrini. I think we look for someone who is committed, as I mentioned earlier. He's always at his desk, he's never wandering the halls. I have never found him come into the lounge just to lounge around. He does what he needs to do, whether it's meal or a conversation, and comes right back out on the Senate floor. He's always very courageous. I say he's courageous for lots of reasons, no matter what the issue is he's got this conviction and the sense of courage that he's willing to stand up and to what needs to be done when it's time to talk about an issue. Particularly, he's courageous on anything that has anything to do, Senator Duncan, with tobacco. Seems to me that no matter how many times we talk about issues on this floor, and he is knowledgeable, when the word tobacco is in the sentence, he is very courageous and he will stand up and defend at all costs the issue of tobacco. Always courageous, because he's standing alone. He is just about the only person I know that will stand up alone on any tobacco issue in this body. And I'm here to tell you that he is always very witty. For those of you that know him well, you know about his dry wit. For those of you that don't, please make sure that you spend a little quality time with Mike Jackson; he has an amazing -- an amazing sense of humor. In fact, each and every day he'll turn his chair around start to talk to me and you would be amazed at all the witty things he says about each and every one of you. Are you embarrassed? I hope so. That is the truth. But I have a philosophy: What happens on the Senate floor stays on the Senate floor. So none of you can pry those witticisms out from me, because I am not going to reveal what his innermost thoughts are, I assure you. So as we select the President Pro Tempore for this 83rd -- no, no, interim. What we will be doing is we will be putting a man in office that I believe has all those qualities that we admire, that we care most about. And I want to make sure that we realize that we are going to put into office a man that I believe -- and you heard it from several other people, whose word is his bond, who believes that he is here with a conviction and a purpose and a rationale for why we do, sometimes, the very difficult work that we to in the Texas Senate. But, more than anything else, what I want you to remember is this is a man who has your back. No matter where you sit on the Senate floor, Mike Jackson has your back. And so, with that, Mr. President, I am proud and honored to be able to stand here and second the nomination of Mike Jackson for President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate.

DAVID DEWHURST: Well said Senator. Thank you. Chair recognizes Senator Carona to second the nomination.

JOHN CARONA: Members, as I begin I will remind you that there are celebratory mustaches for those of you inclined to place one on today in recognition of this gentleman that we are about to honor, my good friend, Mike Jackson. I stand to second the nomination of Mike Jackson as President Pro Tempore. Members, I would like to talk to you for a few minutes about my friend, Mike Jackson. In preparation for these remarks I asked fellow staff members and friends and others for stories about Mike that I could share with the body. I have to tell you that I got a similar response from almost all of them: Not on the Senate floor. But, don't worry, because I always have a few in my back pocket that I've been waiting for this opportunity to share. Now I know that every interim and every session we appoint a new President Pro-Tem. But, members, I have to tell you for sometime now I've been looking forward to Mike's term. If you have to spend any time on the floor you know how Mike likes to announce from his chair: Members, my desk is clear. And although he's never been in the President's chair during one of these pronouncements, and its usually long before we get to adjourn, I've been heeding his work for sometime now and take it as Mike, it is time for you to leave. So I'll be glad for this to be official for final -- once along the way. Senator, I encourage for you to continue this grand tradition. It's enabled me to be at Ruths Chris hours before the rest of you. So thank you. It's this humor of Mike's that has made him such a good friend and colleague. I recall a session or two, Senator Wentworth introduced a bill which required drivers to turn on their headlights if their windshield wipers were in use. Well, when the bill went to floor, Senator Jackson, without missing a beat, politely asked the author of the bill if his windshield wipers were intermittently would he be required to flash his headlights, too? That's Mike Jackson. Mike always has a way of getting to the heart of the issue. It was just a week or two ago on the floor, I was listening to debate between Senator Fraser and Senator Hegar, actually, on Senate bill -- I'm sorry, House bill 725. It was the omnibus water bill, as I recall. And as I sat here listening they were using terms like firm water, interruptible water, trigger levels, projected demand and drought contingency matters. And somehow they managed to compare the whole thing to apples and oranges. And yet I haven't had the pleasure of serving on Natural Resources, Mr. President, not that I'm asking for that pleasure at this time; but as an outsider, this insider baseball, as Senator Hegar called it, was really somewhat exhausting. So I found respite in the lounge where Mike and I spoke for a few minutes about the discussion on the floor. And I mentioned that I was not familiar with all the water terminology, since I never served on Natural Resources, and some of the issues that surrounded the decision with House Bill 725; but in a single sentence Mike was able to break down the issues so someone like myself could understand. What he said was this. He said: Well, basically, Senator Hegar is trying to protect the aquifers, and Senator Fraser is just trying to make sure there's enough water in the lake for his jet skis. And that pretty well explained it. Suddenly I understood exactly what they were talking about. Well, this job comes with a lot of pressure, and one comes to truly appreciate those like Mike that can have a great attitude about all of it. Even during a difficult session like this one, Mike has kept his lighthearted manner. As you might have noticed, several of the bills we've heard on the floor in the past session typically would have gone to the Local and Uncontested Calendar, and you might have spent all session blaming Senator Ogden for bringing these bills onto the floor. But I have to tell you, I think the culprit might in fact be Mike Jackson. Let me tell you why. There is nobody on the this floor that has taken greater pleasure than to question members on such issues as eyelash extensions, manure noodling. In fact, thanks to Senator Jackson's scrutiny, Senator Doole's noodling bill has received a lot more attention than any of the bills that I tried to carry this session. But in the spirit of fairness, I would like to take time to highlight a few of Senator Jackson's bills for the session because I want to you know what a focused man he is. For example, there was Senate Bill 252: Related to the management, breeding and destruction of deer, and to the procedures regarding deer permits. Not to forgot Senate bill 498 of Senator Jackson: Relating to the trapping and transport of surplus white tailed deer. But, of course, that's not enough. Senate Bill 499: Relating to the identification of breeder deer by microchips. Well, I could go on and on but frankly it would be pretty repetitive. In addition to hunting, Mike enjoys riding his motorcycle and I know he has shared this on occasion with Senator Watson. While I've never had the pleasure to take one of these rides with Senator Jackson, at the end of the last regular session he presented me with a gift of a helmet inscribed with my Senate district number for the work that we had done on the Transportation Committee together, and I treasure that gift, and that personal touch to which Mike Jackson brings all of his friendships and all of his work. Senator Jackson is also a champion for his constituents, he is always concerned about how legislation will affect them and he has his finger on the pulse of his district. And judging by his questions, frankly, think everybody in his district drives a pick-up truck and lives at the beach. I can tell you with certainty he has vetted these issues thoroughly. Truly, though, one of my favorite stories about Mike is really what happened after the very storm of Hurricane Ike, 2008. Much of senate district -- Mike 's district, was devastated. And many of you might not know that Mike's home was destroyed during that time and he lived temporarily in a trailer out, I believe, out in front of your house, I believe, while they were rebuilding his home. He was also in the middle of an election, only eight weeks out. And, frankly, he could have been very focused on himself, his campaign, the circumstance of his own home; but he wasn't. Instead, he went right out in the community and he began helping people rebuild that community. And, for that very commitment to his community, he's been awarded by numerous groups, recognized, and it's that, I believe, commitment to his community that has assured his reelection. There's one more quality I would like to highlight about his friend and his perseverance: Mike Jackson is a man of perseverance. When Mike is passionate about an issue he truly sticks to his guns. I could give you a few examples, well, red light cameras would be one, but we're not going talk about that. But what I would tell you is I would like to highlight his work on the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. Because as a coastal legislator and a veteran member of the Committee on Business and Commerce, Senator Jackson has truly been an asset to myself, to the entire committee as we worked through all the issues involving TWIA. His stance has not been partisan, but rather it has been one of personal experience, someone who understands the issues of the coast and seeks the best possible resolution for all his constituents. And that means a great deal to all of us. And although this has been a difficult issue he has risen to occasion. Not too long ago, when we were hearing the matters of TWIA in one of our committee hearings in the extension auditorium, he gave -- and, Mike, I'm very serious about this; he gave what is one of the most elegant and articulate speeches that I have heard any of us give in this chamber. And I -- I was really impressed by it. I went back to the archives to listen to it again. And unfortunately, Mike, as it turns out, as you would expect, the microphone was off. We went on to the video to check that and all we could hear was a dull hum. And, frankly, that could have been Senator Harris. But I will tell you this, I will tell you this, I heard that speech, I was there that day. And I mean it when I say your passion and expertise on the issue couldn't be any clearer. And, frankly, it's for those reasons I'm recommending to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor that you handle TWIA during the special session. Members, with that, my desk is clear.

DAVID DEWHURST: Well said John. The chair recognizes Senator Watson to second the nomination.

KIRK WATSON: Thank you very much Mr. President. I am really happy to have the opportunity to second the nomination for Mike to be the President Pro-Tem to the Senate. And let me start off by addressing the family, loved ones and friends. I am not related to Ed Watson. You know, I only first met Senator Jackson four years ago -- little over four years ago now. But I feel like I've known him forever. I sort of feel like I grew up with Mike Jackson. Jackson makes us all feel like that. He's the kind of guy that makes you feel like you're always with one of your old friends. He's the sort of guy that is always kind but not obnoxious, generous but not obvious, and confident but not arrogant. The sort of strong, solid person who makes you feel better so that you always look forward to seeing him. He's happy, quick with that smile, and is as ready to take a joke as to dish it out. And you can disagree with Mike Jackson. And I will say that from my perspective he's very, very, very wrong about many, many things. He's unique in this building. In fact, he's unique in any building or anywhere, for that matter. Personally, as Senator Carona just talked about, some of my favorite times have been talking about motorcycles and riding them. A few weeks back the Senator and I took our motorcycles and we went out into the hill country. Picture Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper. Imagine Steppenwolf music blaring as we took off. Now I'm a relatively new rider and I'm really proud of my bike, quite proud of my bike. But compared to Jackson's it's sort of -- let's just say it's smaller. And he's been very gracious about how he addresses that. But, anyway, we were out in the hill country. He was Easy Rider, I was Cheesy Rider. Born to be Wild verses Born to be Mild. We rode off to eat at Coopers, we drove the Willow City Loop, we stopped at Harry's on the loop. We went through Johnson City and we came on home. And he's totally at ease, as comfortable out on the road as he is in this chamber. And, as you might, expect he was happy. But I can't really imagine him any other way. While we were eating ribs and sausage out there he told me the funny story that Senator Fraser just brought up and we referred to about his first election. He also told, me as a newcomer to riding motorcycles, about all of his years riding on motorcycles. For example, he told me the story about when he was back in college, every summer he would travel up to Washington State and go mountain climbing. He would go to Washington State to go mountain climbing. And, of course, looking over there at him, so light and obviously fleet of foot I'm sure he was a great mountain climber. But he and some of his friends would go up there and they would work days at the Green Giant cannery. His job was canning green beans. A life experience that we can only assume provided the foundation for his astonishingly consistent disgust with all legislation that can be considered green in any way. He and his buddies would work to save enough dough to spend the rest of the summer on the mountain, mostly Mount Rainier. He told me about how one trip he decided to ride his motorcycle all the way out there. It was, as he described it, one of those old, boxy Honda 750s. He had all of his possessions in a backpack. It was such an unpleasant experience that he tried everything he could to get that bike back to Texas, without actually having to ride it. But he didn't have the money to get both the bike and himself back to Texas, other than crawling back in the saddle and just pointing it south. That was also a foundational experience for Mike Jackson. This is a man who found that he would never again ride anything small. He will now only ride the big bikes like his Harley Road King. Riding with Senator Jackson obviously left me with a lot of good memories, and I look forward to a lot of future road trips. But my favorite image of him on that trip was out on 2-90 as we were coming back into Austin. He'd blown past me on that big dude, and I'm peddling as fast as I can behind him; traffic is whizzing past us, I'm worried about the wind blowing me off the road; my right hand has become numb from the number of miles we have ridden that day. And, of course, he's telling me: You need to get a cruise control. I'm hunkering down, quietly praying I'll survive, and I look up ahead and there he is throwing both of his arms out to the side; no hands. A happy man. Totally comfortable. Mike, I'm very happy you are my friend. And congratulations to you on this wonderful honor. Mr. President, I proudly second the nomination of Senator Mike Jackson to be the President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator Watson. Members the question before us -- Well, all of y'all look good in those mustaches. The question before us is the election of the Senator from Harris County, Senator Mike Jackson, to the office of President Pro Tempore At Interim of the Texas Senate, 82nd Legislature. Would all those in favor please rise? It being unanimous. Members, the chair announces the appointment of the following committee to escort Senator Jackson and his family to the podium. The secretary will read the escort committee.

SECRETARY: Escort Committee for President Pro Tempore At Interim. Mike Jackson. Senator Huffman, Senator Nelson, Senator Wentworth and Senator Zaffirini.

DAVID DEWHURST: Will the members of the escort committee please meet at the back of the Senate? Escort the new President Pro Tempore to the podium. I'm going now administer the Oath of Office. Oath of Office. Senator, if you will, please raise your right hand and repeat after me: I, Mike Jackson.

MIKE JACKSON: I, Mike Jackson.

DAVID DEWHURST: Do solemnly swear.

MIKE JACKSON: Do solemnly swear.

DAVID DEWHURST: That I will faithfully execute the duties.

MIKE JACKSON: That I will faithfully execute the duties.

DAVID DEWHURST: Of the office of President Pro Tempore At Interim.

MIKE JACKSON: Of the office of President Pro Tempore At Interim.

DAVID DEWHURST: Of the State of Texas.

MIKE JACKSON: Of the State of Texas.

DAVID DEWHURST: And will, to the best of my ability.

MIKE JACKSON: And will, to the best of my ability.

DAVID DEWHURST: Preserve, protect and defend.

MIKE JACKSON: Preserve, protect, and defend.

DAVID DEWHURST: The Constitution of the United States in this state.

MIKE JACKSON: The Constitution of the United States in this state.

DAVID DEWHURST: So help me God.

MIKE JACKSON: So help me God.

DAVID DEWHURST: Congratulations, Senator. Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce the President Pro Tempore At Interim of the Texas Senate.

MIKE JACKSON: Thank you. Wow. What an honor. I really appreciate all of the things that everybody has had to say here today. I want to say thank you to all of you to who had to study hard and probably embellish quite a bit in order to say so many nice things about me. And, of course, my family. You honor me, you honor my family, you honor my friends by this honor today. I am very, very humbled. I must say thanks to Vicki, my wife of well, almost 28 years. Without her help and encouragement and her tenacity -- and, Senator Whitmire, I think you had it about right of who's the boss. But I would certainly not be here today without their help. My son Vic and my daughter Michelle, who are up here with me, of which I am so proud. They grew up, as you heard, during my tenure serving in the House and the Senate. And, Senator Fraser, you know, same thing, the kids -- that's the life that they know and they get subjected to. But Vic was four years old when we first ran for office, and I don't know if any of you all got close to him but he grew up. Michelle was two, and I remember Vicki pushing her around in a stroller when we were going around knocking on doors and campaigning. And, you know, they are just two of the finest kids you would ever want to see. And Vicki and I now think that we must have been just about the world's best parents, because our two kids were lucky enough to go through high school and graduate, they both went to universities here in the state and graduated; and they loved us so much that they just came right back home after that. So, it's got to be -- that's got to be what it is. But I wish -- One thing I really do wish is that my mother and father were still here for today's activities, they were still with us. I'm pretty sure they would have been quite amazed. They would have never dreamt that one day I would be up here as the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. It's -- it's quite an honor. And it's -- I know they're probably looking down today on us with a smile. But I also want to acknowledge my family and my friends that are here today and thank them for all of their support for all of the years. I have my two sisters, Cathy and Karen are right here. Cathy's husband, Bill. We've got Vicki's sister Patricia and her husband. The de Barry* family and Vicki's mom, Margery. A lot of you probably met over the years as we have traveled to get some time in the summer. And I couldn't be functional around this place, as you-all well know, without the staff of people that we have here that are so loyal dedicated and help us and make us look good. They don't just help us, they make us look good, because we have enough things that we do that we shouldn't do that, they kind of turn us around on. My chief of staff is Holly de Shields right here, Beth Shields, I've got Riley, Jason Damon, Janet Daily, Judy Brooks. I thank all of you for all of your hard work, not to mention our staff back in the district, taking care of business when we're up here doing that. I would be remiss if I didn't say thanks to Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst for trusting in me and appointing me Chairman of the Economic Development Committee. David Dewhurst, I really do appreciate your leadership, your talent that you exhibit here. And it's great for -- and I'm proud to call you my friend. I really appreciate your help. One of the things that, you know, economic development, it's kind of a touchy subject this session when we have no money. One of the things that I think have made Texas great over the past ten years, where a lot of other states have faltered, is that we have invested a lot of time and effort in economic development in setting up an environment in our state where businesses want to move to and do business in the State of Texas. And we're all a lot better off for it. So I also have to mention about my colleagues in the Senate. This is one of the most talented groups of individuals that I have ever been around, and I hate to start naming names because each and every one of you possesses skills that work together, when you combine all those skills, that we are able to achieve some monumental things. Senator Whitmire, one of the most -- just -- One of the discussions I remember the most is when and you Senator West were debating on a criminal justice bill on the floor, and Senator Ellis -- and you're right there -- you guys can put a face on an issue more clearly than anybody I've ever seen. You say what do all these words mean? Well, you know you can just turn it around and relate it to somebody trying to go to work and has a problem, and you're expert at it. Senator Whitmire, I don't know how you do it, but you're able to put lid on a pot of boiling water before it all spills out and blows up, somehow, through your talents that you possess as Dean of this Senate, because we have had several times, as all you members know, some a very contentious issues that we need to try to resolve, and Senator Whitmire is one that kind of keeps us all in line. So we appreciate that. Senator Shapiro, Senator Fraser, Senator Duncan, I think the Lieutenant Governor would agree with me, Senator Duncan is the negotiator premier of the Texas Senate. He can make the two sides of an issue that are so far apart come together more quickly than anybody I've ever seen. And Senator Williams, Senator Carona, I thank all of you for all of your hard work. Without you we wouldn't have gotten as far as we got this session with the all of the issues that we had there. Senator Carona brought a whole new meaning to the Business and Commerce Committee this year. I think -- I served on that committee for about four or five terms, four or five sessions. He brought the meaning to: Heck, yeah, I'll hear your bill. We may not pass it but I'll sure hear it. We had more bills in Business and Commerce than ever before. But, Senator Shapiro, your expertise on education, you have been our guiding light through this process. Senator Ogden, with his talents on the budget and finance. Senator Eltife, somebody said about I had a good humor. Well I think Senator Eltife is going win -- he will win that award, because he just makes every day to be around him fun. It's truly -- it's truly amazing, an amazing place. The responsibility of serving as President Pro-Tem is truly humbling. According to research by our great Secretary of the Senate, the lovely Ms. Patsy Spaw, I will be Texas' 263rd President Pro Tempore. As it is outlined in the Constitution, the Senate shall at the beginning and the close of each session, as such other times as it may be necessary, elect one of its members President Pro Tempore who shall perform the duties of the governor in any case of absence or temporary disability of that officer. When the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor are both out of the state or unable to perform their duties the President Pro Tempore of the Senate acts as the Senate's temporary governor. So, as Senator Whitmire alluded to a little bit ago, this is a day of celebration and ceremony, but there's definitely a far more serious side of this office. And I've just yesterday been briefed on an upcoming execution scheduled some time in the month of June, middle part of June. And it's possible that day that both Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst and Governor Perry may be out of the state that day, and in case of their absence it would be my responsibility to oversee the sobering logistics of such an event. I tell you what, members, it makes you think about it. Senator Ellis was sharing with me earlier some of the activities and actions he had to take when he was President Pro-Tem. And it's a big responsibility. So trust me, when I say I treat this office with high regard, the history books are filled with amazing examples of others who have served in this capacity before me. Over 165 years ago the first president Pro-Tem was Edward Burleson, who served the 1st through the 4th Legislatures. His service ended only with his death from pneumonia. Hopefully, that won't follow through with this, but Burleson was a hero with the Texas Revolution and he served as the first Vice-President of the Republic of Texas. And he was elected to the Texas Senate after Texas achieved its statehood. And Senator Zaffirini, Margie E. Neal, was the first woman to serve as a senator in Texas. And during the late 1920's and '30's the first woman to serve as President Pro Tempore. Senator Ellis, I know one that you revere and hold closely, as we all do, Barbara Jordan became the first African American woman to become elected President Pro Tempore in 1972. There's a lot of -- a lot of history that goes with this office. But for more than 55 years now the Senate has had the tradition of swearing in the President Pro Tempore as governor for a day, and this is a tradition that I do plan to uphold during either the spring or the fall of next year, the year 2012. Members, our work with TWIA is unfinished. Senator Carona, as you referred to, we haven't passed a congressional redistricting map. And now, after last night, we have some other financial issues that we probably have to deal with. I don't know where we were are going to -- where we will end up exactly in dealing with that. That will be Governor Perry and Governor Dewhurst and I'm sure Speaker Strauss' conversation about those. I was going say be very, very careful on your way home, either tonight or tomorrow when you leave. But I'm not so sure we're going to be leaving anymore. But Texans are engaging more in state government than ever before, in my observation. And I want to tell all of you that when we go home, to keep your ears to the ground and your eyes open, and just remember that this building, this Capitol, is the people's Capitol, and we need to take care and serve the people of this great State of Texas. And let us not forget that today is Memorial Day. The most important thing about today is Memorial Day. And we think about families who have -- members of their family have given the ultimate sacrifice. I want to thank you for this honor, it's truly humbling for me. You make me very, very proud and I will endeavor to return this favor to you as we go home and back to our districts. Texas is a great, great state and all I can say is God bless all of you members for the -- for everything that you do in taking care of the state. And may God bless the State of Texas. Thank you very much.

DAVID DEWHURST: As the new President Pro Tempore At Interim leaves the podium I'm going to recognize Senator Eltife for a motion.

KEVIN ELTIFE: Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the policy of releasing government tapes of the Senate proceedings be waived in order to allow Senator Jackson to have a videotape of today's session? I also move that all remarks made during today's proceedings for election to have election President Pro-Tem At Interim be reduced to writing and placed in the journal.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you very much, Senator. Members, you heard the motion by Senator Eltife. Is there objection from any member? Chair hears no objection. So ordered. Members, I'm going to recognize Senator Whitmire for a motion to recess the Senate until 2:30. And when we come back in at 2:30 we have series of technical corrections, resolutions, that we need to pass. So if we could all be back at 2:30? Chair recognizes Senator Whitmire.

JOHN WHITMIRE: Also, Mr. President, I remind the members that as we recess now we're going to have lunch in the great room, and that's an important function. So if everyone would leave here and go directly to our lunch, it would be appreciated. And with that said, I move that the Senate recess until 2:30.

DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you. Members, you heard the motion by Senator Whitmire. Is there objection from any member? Chair hears no objection. So ordered.

REPRESENTATIVE DAVID DEWHURST: Members, the Senate will come to order. We have a number of different resolutions, but we're going to start off with some administrative recognitions first. Members, we have some recognition of some hard working, really fine Senate colleagues, and I am going to recognize Senator Eltife so that he can explain the background on our legislative awards and we can give the fitting (inaudible) in addition to our colleagues. The Chair recognizes Senator Eltife.

SENATOR KEVIN ELTIFE: Thank you, Mr. President and members. Members, we're about to recognize the 2011 recipients of the Betty King Public Service Award, which was established in 2001 as a tribute to the service of Betty King, the longest serving secretary of the Senate in Texas history. And to recognize Senate staffers who epitomize her service, one of legacy, dignity, honor, professionalism, humanity and exceptional commitment and dedication to the Senate. There are two categories: Legislative and administrative. The legislative recipient is selected from the Lieutenant Governor's office, a senator's office or a committee office. And the administrative recipient is selected from central staff. The decision continues to be extremely difficult because of the large number of worthy employees, and the outstanding service they give this Texas Senate. In many ways, the recipients today are receiving these awards for all of our Senate employees who always give more than a hundred percent and serve this body so loyally. This year, we had the largest participation ever, with more staff nominating someone and more staff nominated than ever before. At this time, Mr. President, we'd like to lay out the resolution for administrative award SR1264.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator Eltife. The Chair lays out Senate Resolution 1264 by Senator Eltife. The secretary will read the resolution.

PATSY SPAW: Senate Resolution 1264. Whereas, it is a pleasure for the Texas Senate to honor a respected, long-time staff member, Scott Cathy, by naming him the 2011 Administrative Recipient of the Betty King Service Award. And whereas the committee coordinator of the Senate, Scott Cathy has served the Senate with honor and distinction for 18 years and 11 months, over the course of his career he's handled his responsibilities with dedication and skill, and he is held in high regard by the legislators and the many Capitol staff members with whom he works. And whereas Scott joined the Senate staff in 1992 and worked for Senator Zaffirini with the Human Services Committee. In 2001 he joined the staff of Senator Moncrief and served with the Health and Human Services Committee. Scott became the Health and Human Services Committee coordinator in January of 2003. In that capacity he'd assists committee clerks with the preparation of hearing notices, committee reports and meeting arrangements. He also is responsible for scheduling and posting all legislative committee hearings during sessions and interims. And whereas in addition, Scott is in charge of the public use of the Senate chamber and committee rooms, and is responsible for coordinating the services of a sign language interpreter when needed, for committee hearings or other Senate related activities. And whereas widely admired for his organizational skills and efficiency, Scott plays a major role in helping to keep the Senate committee procedures running smoothly. And due to his imperturbable attitude and thorough understanding of the legislative process, and what is needed for timely scheduling, he has become an invaluable asset to the Senate. And whereas a role model for anyone in public service, Scott is known for his wry humor, his professionalism, and his ability to accomplish whatever mission is set before him. His high standards and commitment to excellence represent the finest qualities of the institution. And whereas he is highly respected for his dedication, his loyalty, his positive attitude, he is most deserving for the Betty King Service Award. Now therefore be it resolved that the Senate of the state of Texas 82nd Legislature hereby extend sincere appreciation to Scott Cathy for his outstanding service to the Texas Senate, and congratulations to him on earning the 2011 Betty King Public Service Award. By Eltife.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Eltife on the resolution.

SENATOR KEVIN ELTIFE: Mr. President, we are so happy today to honor Scott. First of all, let's give him a round of applause. What an incredible employee. Mr. President and members, I move adoption of SR1264.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator. Members, you heard the motion by Senator Eltife. Is there objection from any member? The Chair hears no objection from any member, and the resolution is adopted.

SENATOR KEVIN ELTIFE: Members, for the first time ever we have a tie for the Legislative Award. The two recipients received an unprecedented number of nominations, both from coworkers in their respective offices, from staff and other members offices and from central staff. They truly do optimize the hard working staff who love this institution and serve us so well. Mr. President, if we could lay out the resolution for the Legislative Award, SR1265.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator. Members, the Chair lays out Senate Resolution No. 1256 by Senator Eltife. The secretary will read the resolution.

PATSY SPAW: Senate Resolution 1265. WHEREAS, It is a pleasure for the Texas Senate to honor a beloved and respected longtime staff member, Reta Cooke, by naming her a 2011 legislative recipient of the Betty King Public Service Award; and WHEREAS, The Executive Assistant in the office of Senator Tommy Williams, Reta is known for handling her multifaceted duties with enthusiasm, dedication, and efficiency, and she is cherished by legislators and by her colleagues for treating all who walk the Capitol halls with unfailing courtesy, warmth, and graciousness; and WHEREAS, After working in the House of Representatives for 19 years, Reta joined the Senate as part of Senator Williams's staff in January of 2003 and has served with distinction in his office for over eight years; as the senator's Executive Assistant, she holds a position that entails a wide range of responsibilities and puts her in daily contact with the public; and WHEREAS, Talented and resourceful, she has a well-established reputation for carrying out her duties in a flawless manner; she performs highly responsible administrative work and is known for using her initiative to handle the complex work in the office and for her reliable judgment; and WHEREAS, An exemplary Senate employee, Reta is noted for her poise, her cheerful spirit, and her ready smile, and her ability to maintain composure, even in the midst of chaos, endears her to all who know and work with her; and WHEREAS, Reta has now served the state for 27 years and four months; she is a valuable team leader who is highly respected for her loyalty, integrity, and professionalism, and she is most deserving of her selection for the Betty King Public Service Award; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby extend sincere appreciation to Reta Cooke for her commendable service to the Texas Senate and congratulations to her on earning a 2011 Betty King Public Service Award; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. By Eltife.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Madam Secretary. Before I go to Senator Eltife, I'm going to recognize Senator Williams on the award.

SENATOR TOMMY WILLIAMS: Well, thank you Mr. President, members. I just are to tell you one story about Rita, we have worked together for a long time, but the best moment that we had was when I was first elected to the House of Representatives about 16 years ago. And Jim Keffer and I both interviewed Rita, and after the interview was over I said well, will you have me Rita? I didn't know who I was interviewing, she had been here 16 years and I was brand new then, and I have been very well served by her picking me ever since. And she is not only a valued member of the staff, but she is a good friend and a close confidante. And I appreciate everything you've done to help our office keep running smoothly, and smooth over the rough patches that sometimes happen when I talk to folks and they're not too happy. They're always happy after they talk to Rita, though. So -- Thank you, Rita.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator Williams. The Chair recognizes Senator Eltife on the award.

SENATOR KEVIN ELTIFE: Members, I know of no one more deserving than Rita. Everyone loves Rita. She does an outstanding job. I move adoption of SR1265. Let's congratulate Rita.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you. Thank you, Senator Eltife. Members, you heard the motion by Senator Eltife. Is there objection from any member? The Chair hears no objection from any member, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Doorkeeper?

MR. DOORKEEPER: Mr. President, there is a message from the House.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Admit the messenger.

MESSENGER: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I am directed by the House to inform the Senate that the House has taken the following actions, the House has passed the following measures: HCR124 by Truitt, instructing the enrolling clerk of the House to make corrections to HB1422. HCR177 by Veasey, instructing the enrolling clerk --

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Members, the Chair lays out -- The Chair lays out resolution for legislative award SR1266 by Senator Eltife. The secretary will read the resolution.

PATSY SPAW: Senate Resolution 1266. WHEREAS, It is a pleasure for the Texas Senate to pay tribute to a cherished and highly valued longtime staff member, Pat Kelly, by naming her a 2011 legislative recipient of the Betty King Public Service Award; and WHEREAS, The Deputy Chief of Staff in the office of Senator Jeff Wentworth, Pat is widely regarded for her managerial efficiency and the dedication with which she approaches her tasks, no matter the challenges they entail; and WHEREAS, Pat has loyally served the Senate for eight years and 11 months; she became a member of the Senate staff in 1996 and worked in the Human Resources office; she joined the staff of Senator Zaffirini in 1997, where she served until 2000; Pat joined Senator Wentworth's office in November of 2005, and as the senator's Deputy Chief of Staff, she holds a position that involves multiple responsibilities, all of which she faces with enthusiasm and handles with proficiency; and WHEREAS, Respected and well liked by legislators and her co-workers, she plays an important role in helping to meet the needs of constituents and to address their concerns; she brings insight and experience and a thorough understanding of policy issues to her position and helps to shepherd bills through the legislative process; along with a staff of legislative aides, she replies to the many questions on the various political issues that are typically directed to a senator's office; and WHEREAS, A first-rate team leader with superior organizational skills, Pat is a model Senate employee who is noted for her convivial personality and the high standards she consistently upholds, and she is truly a treasured asset to the Senate staff; and WHEREAS, Respected and admired for her loyalty and for her commitment to excellence in all of her endeavors, Pat is most deserving of her selection for the Betty King Public Service Award; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby extend sincere appreciation to Pat Kelly for her valuable service to the Texas Senate and congratulations to her on earning a 2011 Betty King Public Service Award; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate by Eltife.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Eltife to explain the award.

SENATOR KEVIN ELTIFE: Thank you, Mr. President and members. Unfortunately Pat Kelly cannot be with us to due to illness, but we want to send her congratulations, our love and our appreciation for all she does for the Texas Senate. Let's give Pat a round of applause and well wishes. Mr. President, I move adoption of SR1266.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator Eltife. Members, you have heard the motion by Senator Eltife. Is there objection from any member? The Chair hears no objection from any member, and the resolution is adopted.

SENATOR KEVIN ELTIFE: Mr. President, if I may conclude by saying I know the members join me when I say the following: It's easy for us to serve in the Texas Senate because of all of our staff. They do an incredible job every day. We just show up, they tell us where to go, they tell us how to vote, they take care of us. And to the staff on the floor that do an incredible job, let's give all of our staff members a round of applause. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, members.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: No, thank you, Senator Eltife. And all of us, all thirty-two of us could not exist without really great men and women around us. So to everyone that works in my office and works in your office, heartfelt thanks. Members, the Chair lays out the following resolution, HCR71 by Senator Van de Putte. The secretary will read the caption.

PATSY SPAW: House Concurrent Resolution No. 71. Conferring the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor on U.S. Marine Corporal Roy Cisneros of San Antonio.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Van de Putte to explain the resolution.

SENATOR LETICIA VAN DE PUTTE: Thank you, members. Mr. President and members, I would like to speak on behalf of HCR71 and have a positive outcome by passing this wonderful resolution. The resolution seeks to award Corporal Roy Cisneros the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor. Members, the Legislative Medal of Honor is based very much like our Congressional Medal of Honor, and it is bestowed upon a Texan that may have paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our great country at home or abroad. And Corporal Roy Cisneros is one of those great Texans. The process by which this the individual is selected is Chairman Pickett and the House Committee of Jurisdiction and myself, the Adjutant General, a representative from the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker's office, have actually a hearing. And we had several HCRs that were filed and we heard testimony on many Texans. Ultimately, the committee decided that Corporal Roy Cisneros should be awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor. And it is fitting because today is Memorial Day. If you would allow me to read what his commanding officer's words to describe Colonel Roy Cisneros' heroism: During the seizure of hill 461 in Mutters Ridge Area, Quan Tri Province, First Platoon Bravo Company was assigned to destroy several enemy bunkers. We were receiving heavy enemy fire from these bunkers, and Corporal Roy Cisneros, squad leader of the second squad, lead his squad under intense enemy fire and destroyed three bunkers. While attempting to destroy the fourth bunker, the squad had to fall back because of the intense fire coming from the bunker. At this time Corporal Roy Cisneros personally took one fire team and lead his fire team toward the enemy bunker which had the whole squad pinned down. As the team neared the bunker he instructed his team to stay and give his cover fire because there was no sense in all of them getting killed. As Corporal Roy Cisneros advanced to the bunker, he feared one LAAW and charged the bunker throwing the grenade. He attempted to fire the second LAAW but was too close, so he started to charge again firing his rifle. It was at that time that Corporal Roy Cisneros was killed in action by the enemy. Corporal Roy Cisneros' actions were above and beyond the call of duty, his daring initiative, his bold fighting, his spirit and selfless devotion to duty enabled the entire members of his squad to destroy the bunker and survive that fight. Undoubtedly, he was personally responsible for saving the lives of all of his fellow Marines. His personal valor, at grave risk to himself, reflect the highest credit upon himself, upon the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. Members, Corporal Roy Cisneros' brother and his family were there, as were many different veteran coalition groups to speak on behalf of adoption of the Texas Medal of Honor to Corporal Royce Roy Cisneros. I move adoption of HCR171.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator. What a moving description. Wow. Members, you've heard the motion by Senator Van de Putte. Is there objection from any member? The Chair hears no objection from any member, and the resolution is adopted.

SENATOR LETICIA VAN DE PUTTE: Thank you Mr. President and thank you members.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you for bringing it up. The Chair recognizes -- the Chair recognizes Senator Patrick for an announcement to -- and a resolution -- and a motion.

SENATOR DAN PATRICK: Members, if I could have you take your seats. It is with a heavy heart I stand. Today, Senator Van de Putte was on this floor. Just yesterday a police officer in San Antonio was gunned down. I lost an officer from Senate District 7 overnight, a night and a half ago. His name was Kevin Will. He was thirty-eight years old. And I have been thinking about this really since it happened. Your heart breaks for the family. He has a six-year-old, he has a ten-year-old and his wife is six months pregnant. Kevin, 38, had worked on a unit that investigates accidents and at 3:15 in the morning, in Senator Whitmire's district, up in the north loop, even though there were barricades around the accident scene, even though there were police cruisers with lights flashing around the accident scene -- Police have arrested a man, the alleged driver, who barreled through those barrels. And as Officer Will stood there taking witness' testimony, he had a moment to either save his life or the life of the person, the citizen, he was taking facts from. And he shouted to the witness get out of the way. And in that split second that he waited there for a moment, even though he saw the car barreling towards him, the citizen was saved but the officer was run down; by an alleged drunken driver, who now police say was in this country illegally. When are we in this nation, and when are we in the state going to take the issue of driving while drunk seriously? Texas leads the nation in drunk driving. Harris County leads Texas. And when are we going to secure our border? Kevin Will should be at home today with his two children and his pregnant wife. He celebrated one year, that morning, on this detail, and joked with his officers at morning call was he now a veteran? We need to make driving while drinking a zero tolerance policy in this state and, obviously, we need to secure our borders. Kevin Will should be alive today, and his family should be rejoicing his one year on this unit. So I hope the next time that we take a tough vote on these types of issues we remember Kevin Will and all the other people in the State of Texas who have been mowed down, their life taken from them, by a drunk driver; whether they're a citizen or a noncitizen. It is time we, in this legislature, stand tall in the name of Kevin and everyone else. Kevin was a hero. The last thing he did to serve the citizens of Houston, was to save a citizen. And I ask to keep his family in your prayers, and I ask the Dean that we will close in memory of Kevin Will, an officer who gave the total sacrifice for the citizens of Houston. Thank you very much, members.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Members, we have a memorial resolution for Senator Watson. The Chair lays out the following resolution. The secretary will read the resolution, HCR180.

PATSY SPAW: HCR180. In memory of Angus McSwain, Dean Emeritus of Baylor Law School. By Watson.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Madam Secretary. Chair recognizes Senator Watson to explain the resolution.

SENATOR KIRK WATSON: Thank you, Mr. President and thank you members, together with Senator Harris, we are the two graduates of Baylor Law School on the Senate floor. And Baylor lost an iconic figure just two days ago when Dean Angus McSwain passed away. Dean McSwain was born in 1923. He graduated from Steven F. Austin High School in Bryan and went to Texas A&M University with his college career was interrupted so that he could serve in the US Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. When was war was over he completed his degree at A&M in 1947, earning a civil engineering degree. And then he graduated two years later from Baylor Law School, first in his law school class and with highest honors, cum laude. He went on to receive, at the university of Michigan a Master of Law degree. Dean McSwain became a professor at Baylor law school in 1949 and he became the Dean of the law school in 1965, and from that perch he guided Baylor University Law School for 19 years. He returned to full time teaching in 1984 and received the Master Teacher designation, which is Baylor's highest teaching honor, in 1990. He officially retired, and I put quotation around the words "officially" because he continued to conduct classes until 19 -- until 2008, when he marked his 59th year with Baylor Law School. He not only influenced law school, he influenced jurisprudence and the legal profession in the State of Texas. I -- Dean McSwain taught a variety of courses but the one most folks remember is he taught property law. And property law was a required course that every first year student had to take, and Baylor Law School is on the quarter system, so you had to take two quarters of property law. And I always thought that was the Dean's way of getting you into his class where he could shape you right off the bat. You had to start with your very first quarter taking property law, and he shaped you and he shaped your habits from the very first moment you hit that school. I still can remember, 30 plus years later now, very specific things that he thought us. I can even remember specific ways and catch phrases that he used to teach us the law. He served every one of his students. He was a very sweet man, very unassuming. Last time I got to see him he was not teaching full time, it was just a couple of years ago. I was up in Waco, and at the law school, and I just walked by and stuck my head in his office. He was in his 80s and invited me in, and had the mind -- he remembered things all the way back from the late '70s and early '80s about the time I was even at that law school. This was a towering figure of Texas civil jurisprudence, and somebody who has shaped so many different lives. So I'm going to yield to Senator Harris, but I ask that we adopt HCR No. 180. Senator Harris.

SENATOR CHRIS HARRIS: Thank you. In 1951 my father entered Baylor Law School. My dad was probably one of the most conscientious students they ever had at Baylor. He had graduated with a magna cum laude and all that kind of stuff. In turn, Angus McSwain was very important as far as dad getting that education. Then, in the '68 or '69, I went to Baylor Law and, of course, I had Angus McSwain for property. And I came from TCU to Baylor, so it was -- I did not shall we say meet the discipline that they expected. Angus McSwain was very, very patient with me and, thanks to him, I was able to get through law school. But Angus, one of the things he would do, you would ask him a question and he would lean his head forward and he would, on both sides, start rubbing his temples; and it was like he was rolling back through files. And then all of a sudden he would say well, that was case of Swanson versus Bernell, Southwest 2d so-and-so. And he was such an incredible legal mind and he so much influenced all of us who went to Baylor Law and all of us that had him. He is truly one of those jewels of an individual that I will always remember, and be thankful that I had him as a professor and as a friend.

SENATOR KIRK WATSON: Thank you, Senator Harris. Members, I misspoke, I said he died two days ago. He died yesterday, on his way to church, he was in his car on his way to church when he passed. A great man and somebody that's a legend to many of us. Mr. President, I would move adoption of HCR No. 180.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: A great influence on a lot of people. Members, you heard the motion by Senator Watson. All those in favor please rise, it being unanimous, the motion is adopted.

SENATOR DAN PATRICK: Mr. President?

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Yes.

SENATOR DAN PATRICK: I would like to have my remarks to honor Officer Kevin Will reduced to writing and placed in the journal for his children.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Members, you have heard the motion by Senator Patrick. Is there objection from any member? The Chair hears no objection. So ordered. Members, the Chair lays out the following resolution: HCR No. 181 by Senator Van de Putte. The secretary will read the resolution.

PATSY SPAW: HCR181, instructing the enrolling clerk of the House to make corrections in House Bill 2329.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Van de Putte to explain the resolution.

SENATOR LETICIA VAN DE PUTTE: Thank you Mr. President. Mr. President and members, one of the very successful things that we have done this session is to pass a entire package of anti human trafficking bills from the comprehensive Senate Bill 24, the continuous human trafficking and many others. This bill that we are attempting to correct, House Bill No. 2329 by Representative Zedler, dealt with protective orders for victims of trafficking of persons and the use of pseudonyms. The lege counsel, in its great work, noticed there was an error in it, in -- a typo, and if you look at on line ten it is -- they put in 7B.03, and it should have been referring to the code 7B.04. They caught this error and by passing this HCR we correct this typographical error and are able to pass this wonderful bill on anti human trafficking. I move adoption of HCR181.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator Van de Putte. Members, you have heard the motion by Senator Van de Putte. The secretary will call the roll.

PATSY SPAW: Birdwell, Carona, Davis, Deuell, Duncan, Ellis, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Gallegos, Harris, Hegar, Hinojosa, Huffman, Jackson, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Ogden, Patrick, Rodriguez, Seliger, Shapiro, Uresti, Van de Putte, Watson, Wentworth, West, Whitmire, Williams, Zaffirini.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: There being 31 ayes and no nays, the resolution is adopted.

SENATOR LETICIA VAN DE PUTTE: Thank you Mr. President. Thank you members.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Mr. Doorkeeper?

MR. DOORKEEPER: Mr. President, there's a message from the House.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Admit the messenger.

MESSENGER: Thank you Mr. President. Mr. President, I am directed by the House to inform the Senate that the House has taken the following actions, the House has passed the following measures: HCR2 by Branch, in memory of former Governor William B. Bill Clements. HCR15 by Gallego, in memory of John R. Boettiger of Houston. Respectfully, Robert Hainy, Chief Clerk.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: The president signs in the presence of the Senate the following:

PATSY SPAW: Senate Bill 28, Senate Bill 40, Senate Bill 89, Senate Bill 158, Senate Bill 316, Senate Bill 341, Senate Bill 408, Senate Bill 472, Senate Bill 516, Senate Bill 542, Senate Bill 602, Senate Bill 652, Senate Bill 747, Senate Bill 1000, Senate Bill 1600, Senate Bill 1664, Senate Bill 1087, Senate Bill 1134, Senate Bill 1331, Senate Bill 1534, Senate Bill 1588, House Concurrent Resolution 144, House Concurrent Resolution 106, House Concurrent Resolution 166, House Concurrent Resolution 172, House Concurrent Resolution 117, 176, House Bill 1781, House Bill 1788, House Bill 1951, House Bill 2048, House Bill 2089, House Bill 2093, House Bill 1335, House Bill 1400, House Bill 1413, House Bill 1451, House Bill 1496, House Bill 1517, House Bill 1541, House Bill 1616, House Bill 1646, House Bill 736, House Bill 742, House Bill 753, House Bill 871, House Bill 992, House Bill 971, House Bill 2154, House Bill 2194, House Bill 2226, House Bill 2327, House Bill 2337, House Bill 2367, House Bill 1711, House Bill 1720, House Bill 1728, House Bill 1732, House Bill 1754, House Bill 3109, House Bill 3268, House Bill 3302, House Bill 3395, House Bill 3396, House Bill 3409, House Bill 3453, House Bill 3468, House Bill 3577, House Bill 3691, House Bill 3708, House Bill 218, House Bill 232, House Bill 242, House Bill 290, House Bill 300, House Bill 335, House Bill 362, House Bill 411, House Bill 414, House Bill 628, House Bill 3841, House Bill 3859, House Bill 1173, House Bill 1112, House Bill 1103, House Bill 1043, House Bill 1,000, House Bill 1178, House Bill 1206, House Bill 1228, House Bill 1224, House Bill 1286, House Bill 9, House Bill 51, House Bill 90, House Bill 167, House Bill 200, House Bill 2357.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Members, the Senate will come to order. It is my intention, members, we've got a couple of resolutions, we have six resolutions yet to do, one of which is a memorial resolution. And I would assume it would take us another 20 minutes or 25 minutes. Then it's my intention to sine die. As hard as I've tried we've not been able to get an agreement to suspend the rules, so we will be back tomorrow morning. All right. The Chair lays out the following resolution by Senator Watson. House Concurrent Resolution No. 174. Secretary will read the resolution.

PATSY SPAW: HCR174. Instructing the enrolling clerk of the House to make corrections to House Bill 1422.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Watson to explain the resolution.

SENATOR KIRK WATSON: Thank you, Mr. President and members. HCR174 will correct a drafting error in HB1422. It corrects section number changes from 502.0925 which is a statute that doesn't exist to 501.0925 a statute created by HB1422. I move adoption of HCR174.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator Watson. Members, you've heard the motion by Senator Watson. Is there objection -- The secretary will call the roll.

PATSY SPAW: Birdwell, Carona, Davis, Deuell, Duncan, Ellis, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Gallegos, Harris, Hegar, Hinojosa, Huffman, Jackson, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Ogden, Patrick, Rodriguez, Seliger, Shapiro, Uresti, Van de Putte, Watson, Wentworth, West, Whitmire, Williams, Zaffirini.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: There being 31 ayes, 0 nays, the resolution is adopted. Thank you Senator Watson. The Chair lays out HCR182 by Senator Rodriguez. The secretary will read the resolution.

PATSY SPAW: HCR182, instructing the enrolling clerk of the Senate to make corrections in Senate Bill 1198.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Chair recognizes Senator Rodriguez to explain the resolution.

SENATOR JOSE RODRIGUEZ: Thank you, Mr. President. Members, this resolution makes technical corrections to Senate Bill 1198. This was the bill that you recall did some provisions to the probate code regarding decedents of estates. It's a bill that relates to probate court, which we passed yesterday, and it corrects a statutory drafting error and clarifies criteria applicable to probate judges. Mr. President and members, I move to adopt HCR182.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator Rodriguez. Members, you have heard the motion by Senator Rodriguez, The secretary will call the roll.

PATSY SPAW: Birdwell, Carona, Davis, Deuell, Duncan, Ellis, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Gallegos, Harris, Hegar, Hinojosa, Huffman, Jackson, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Ogden, Patrick, Rodriguez, Seliger, Shapiro, Uresti, Van de Putte, Watson, Wentworth, West, Whitmire, Williams, Zaffirini.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: There being 31 ayes, zero nays, the resolution is adopted.

SENATOR JOSE RODRIGUEZ: Thank you Mr. President and members.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair lays out House Concurrent Resolution No. 169 by Senator Harris. The secretary will read the resolution.

PATSY SPAW: House Concurrent Resolution No. 169, instructing the enrolling clerk of the House to make corrections in House Bill 3833.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Harris.

SENATOR CHRIS HARRIS: Mr. President, House Bill 3833, there was two mis-numbering areas and this corrects those mis-numbered areas. I move adoption.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you Senator. Members, you heard the motion by Senator Harris on the two mis-numbering corrections. The secretary will call the roll.

PATSY SPAW: Birdwell, Carona, Davis, Deuell, Duncan, Ellis, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Gallegos, Harris, Hegar, Hinojosa, Huffman, Jackson, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Ogden, Patrick, Rodriguez, Seliger, Shapiro, Uresti, Van de Putte, Watson, Wentworth, West, Whitmire, Williams, Zaffirini.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: There being 31 ayes, 0 nays, the resolution is adopted. Members, the Chair recognizes Senator Birdwell to suspend all necessary rules and able to take up and consider House Concurrent Resolution No. 83.

SENATOR BRIAN BIRDWELL: Thank you, Mr. President. Members, Mr. President, I move to suspend all necessary rules to withdraw HCR83 from the committee on xxx manufactures to allow the Senate to consider adoption. Members this House Concurrent Resolution recognizes Lake Whitney and hill county, home of our Dean, as the get-away Capitol of Texas. It's located on the Brazos River Basin, and was completed in 1951 as part of the Brazos River Conservation and Reclamation Program and it's maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers in the Fort Worth district. The 955-acre state Lake Whitney Park features a number of amenities giving Lake Whitney a reputation as a general location to catch bass and catfish, which we'd all like to be doing tomorrow. But draws people from across the nation for fishing enthusiasts, etc. People from all over the nation enjoy the amenities provided by the lake. Mr. President, I move to suspend all the rules to be able to consider HCR83.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator Birdwell. Members, you have heard the motion by Senator Birdwell. Is there objection from any member? The Chair hears no objection from any member, and the rules to take up and consider HCR83 are suspended. Chair recognizes Senator Birdwell -- the chair lays out HCR35 by Senator Birdwell. The secretary will read the caption.

PATSY SPAW: HCR83, redesignating the Lake Whitney area as the get-away Capitol of Texas.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Birdwell for a motion.

SENATOR BRIAN BIRDWELL: I move adoption, Mr. President.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Members, you heard the motion by Senator Birdwell. The secretary will call the roll.

PATSY SPAW: Birdwell, Carona, Davis, Deuell, Duncan, Ellis, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Gallegos, Harris, Hegar, Hinojosa, Huffman, Jackson, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Ogden, Patrick, Rodriguez, Seliger, Shapiro, Uresti, Van de Putte, Watson, Wentworth, West, Whitmire, Williams, Zaffirini.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: There being 31 ayes, 0 nays, the resolution is adopted. Thank you Senator Birdwell.

SENATOR BRIAN BIRDWELL: Thank you Mr. President. Thank you members.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Members, we have a memorial resolution that we talked a little bit about yesterday. The Chair lays out House Concurrent Resolution No. 2 by Senator Carona, to honor the life of Governor Bill Clements. The secretary will read the resolution.

PATSY SPAW: HCR2, in memory of former Governor William B. Clements, by Carona.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Carona to explain the resolution.

SENATOR JOHN CARONA: Members, the resolution is self-explanatory, but a number of us in here have great fondness and memory of former Governor Clements. I am very proud to say he was one of my

(inaudible)r from the first day I entered public office. And I know the hour's late. I appreciate you considering the resolution and, Mr. President, I move adoption at this time.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you Senator. And I think he touched all of Texas and was always very kind and a supporter to me. You've heard the motion by Senator Carona. Is there objection from any member? Would all those in favor please stand? It being unanimous, the resolution is adopted.

SENATOR JEFF WENTWORTH: Mr. President?

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Senator Wentworth, for what purpose?

SENATOR JEFF WENTWORTH: I add that all members' names be added to that resolution.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Members, you heard the motion by Senator Wentworth. Is there objection from any member? The chair hears no objection, so ordered. Members, we have one more matter and then the president's desk is going to be clear. The Chair lays out Senate Resolution No. 1262 by Senator Whitmire. The secretary will read the resolution.

PATSY SPAW: Senate Resolution 1262, the caucus resolution.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: The Chair recognizes Senator Whitmire to explain the caucus resolution.

SENATOR JOHN WHITMIRE: Thank you, Mr. President and members. This would be the caucus resolution we adopted this morning in caucus, stating our Senate officers, our budget amounts and, actually, I think it reduces the amount of journals we're going to print. Effort to have some cost savings measures. Pretty much that wraps it up. I would move adoption at this time. We shall do that in a moment.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Senator Whitmire. Members, you heard the motion by Senator Whitmire. The secretary will call the roll.

PATSY SPAW: Birdwell, Carona, Davis, Deuell, Duncan, Ellis, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Gallegos, Harris, Hegar, Hinojosa, Huffman, Jackson, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Ogden, Patrick, Rodriguez, Seliger, Shapiro, Uresti, Van de Putte, Watson, Wentworth, West, Whitmire, Williams, Zaffirini.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Members, there being 31 ayes, 0 nays, the resolution is adopted. The president signs in the presence of the Senate the following.

PATSY SPAW: House Bill 3726, House Bill 3743, House Bill 3804, House Bill 3853, House Bill 2857, House Bill 2910, House Bill 2931, House Bill 2949, House Bill 2975, House Bill 2981, House Bill 3025, House Bill 3033, House Bill 3090, House Bill 3099, House Bill 3643, House Bill 2694, House Bill 2702, House Bill 2728, House Bill 2729, House Bill 2734, House Bill 2761, House Bill 2770, House Bill 2779, House Bill 2810, House Bill 2817, House Bill 2847, House Bill 2308, House Bill 2467, House Bill 2463, House Bill 2477, House Bill 2490, House Bill 2499, House Bill 2599, House Bill 2516, House Bill 2560, House Bill 2605, and House Bill 2608.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Members, we talked to the Governor's office in the last two minutes, we talked to the Speaker's office in the last two minutes. They know I am about to sine die. They have a few more things administratively but they're fine. So, on that note, we're going to be coming in at 8:00 clock tomorrow morning. So, on that note, the Chair recognizes the Dean of the Senate for a highly privileged motion.

SENATOR JOHN WHITMIRE: Thank you, Mr. President. I would move that the Senate of the 82nd Legislature adjourn sine die, pending the completion of administrative duties and receipt of House messages that we do so in memory of Dean Angus McSwain and Officer Kevin Will. I so move.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: And in memory of Governor Bill Clements.

SENATOR JOHN WHITMIRE: Obviously Governor Bill Clements.

SENATOR DAVID DEWHURST: Thank you, Dean. Senator Whitmire moves that the Senate of the 82nd Legislature adjourn sine die, pending the completion of administrative duties and House messages. Is there objection from any member? The chair hears no objection from any member, and the Senate will stand adjourned sine die. And I am telling you in advance, 8:00 clock.

(The Senate stands adjourned sine die.)