House

The House gaveled in yesterday afternoon and unanimously adopted HR 10 (Goldman) “reaffirming Texas’ support for Israel and recognizing Israel’s right to defend its citizens.” Before adjourning until Thursday, October 12 at 10:00 AM, House Speaker Dade Phelan noted that during special session work schedule is typically determined on a day-to-day basis. The House has not referred bills to committee at this time.

Senate

Yesterday, the Senate gaveled in briefly before standing at ease to discuss the Senate’s upcoming work schedule in a caucus of the whole. After returning and a lengthy break, the Senate referred the following bills to committee:

SB 1 (Creighton) Relating to the establishment of an education savings account program to Education

SB 2 (Creighton/Huffman/Bettencourt) Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, a security officer employed by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation to Finance

  • This bill was heard in Finance on 10/9 and voted out the same day 13-0

SB 4 (Hall/King) Relating to the punishment for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties to Border Security

SB 7 (Middleton) Relating to prohibiting an employer from adopting or enforcing certain COVID-19 vaccine mandates; authorizing an administrative penalty to Health & Human Services

SB 11 (Birdwell) Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of improper entry from a foreign nation to Border Security

The Senate will gavel back in today at 9:00 AM.

Legislative Update

See below for a snapshot of currently scheduled hearings. The latest hearing information can be found by visiting HillCo’s “Legislative News from Texas.” Please note that dates and times are subject to change and additional hearing dates may also be added at any time.

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Senate Education – Time: 9:30 AM, Location: E1.028

  • SB 1 (Creighton) Relating to the establishment of an education savings account program.

Senate Health & Human Services – Time: 9:30 AM or on adj., Location: Senate Chamber

  • SB 7 (Middleton | et al.) Relating to prohibiting an employer from adopting or enforcing certain COVID-19 vaccine mandates; authorizing an administrative penalty.

Senate Border Security – Time: 2:00 PM or on adj., Location E1.016

  • SB 4 (Flores | et al.) Relating to the punishment for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.
  • SB 11 (Birdwell | et al.) Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of improper entry from a foreign nation.