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The Senate Committee on Finance met on August 7 to consider SB 7 (Huffman), SB 10 (Nelson), and SB 11 (Nelson). SB 7 was voted out unanimously during the hearing.

The HillCo report below is a summary of remarks intended to give you an overview and highlight of the discussions on the various topics discussed. This report is not a verbatim transcript; it is based upon what was audible or understandable to the observer and the desire to get details out as quickly as possible with few errors or omissions.

SB 7 (Huffman) – Relating to a one-time supplemental payment of benefits under the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

  • Huffman laid out the bill
  • Provides eligible retirees a one-time supplemental check
  • No discussion/testimony
  • Fiscal note was in hand of committee Nelson noted
  • Voted out unanimously (12-0)

 

SB 10 (Nelson) – Relating to making appropriations for the legislature and legislative agencies.

  • Nelson laid out the bill
  • Bill addresses Article X funding, identical to report of SB 1 from 87th Session which passed unanimously and the one passed out of 1st Called Special
  • No discussion/testimony
  • Left pending

 

SB 11 (Nelson) – Relating to making supplemental appropriations and giving direction regarding appropriations.

  • Nelson laid out the bill
  • Bill is supplemental appropriations to fund several items on the call for this special session including:
    • $701 million to fund supplemental check for retired teachers, contingent on passage of legislation SB 7
    • $250 million for property tax relief, contingent on passage of SB 8 and SB 12
    • $90 million to increase foster care capacity through targeted rate increases and grants to providers
    • $17.4 million to enhance cybersecurity including funding to provide end point detection and response software on every state agency device, establish security operations center, and expand multi-factor authentication
    • $315.9 million to restore Article X of budget
    • $14.6 million to develop and implement a civics training program, contingent on passage of SB 3
    • $14.3 million to implement bail reform in accordance with SB 6
  • Lucio – asked if any funding in bill for infrastructure or to assist with TRS buildings
    • No
  • No testimony on bill
  • Left pending