MINUTES SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERAN AFFAIRS AND MILITARY INSTALLATIONS Monday, March 15, 1999 12:00 pm Lt. Governor's Committee Room ***** Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.11, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Military Installations was held on Monday, March 15, 1999 in Lt. Governor's Committee Room, at Austin, Texas. ***** MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: Senator Carlos F. Truan Senator Eliot Shapleigh Senator Gregory Luna Senator Troy Fraser Senator Steve Ogden ***** The Chair called the meeting to order at 12:05 pm. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted. The following member arrived after the roll was called: Senator Ogden A Briefing from the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse on how their programs address the needs of Texas Veterans was held. Registered for testimony from the Commission were: Beverly Barron, Vice-Chairman, Terry Bleier, Executive Director, and John Keppler. Senator Truan recognized Colonel Chet Brooks, former Dean of the Texas Senate, to testify as a resource witness. There being no questions, testimony was closed. The Chair laid out SB 525 and recognized its sponsor, Senator Luna, to explain the bill. Senator Luna announced that no action would be taken on SB 525. Senator Truan moved that SB 525 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered. The Chair laid out SB 526 and recognized its sponsor, Senator Luna, to explain the bill. Senator Luna sent up a committee substitute; the Chair recognized Senator Luna to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. Senator Ogden was recognized for questions on the committee substitute for SB 526. Chairman Truan moved SB 526 be removed from the pending list and testimony was opened on the bill. The Chair recognized Mr. O. M. Little with the Reserve Officers Association, to testify against the committee substitute for SB 526. Colonel Brooks was recognized for testimony. The Chair recognized Adjutant General James as a resource witness for the bill. There being no further testimony for or against the committee substitute, the hearing was closed. Senator Luna moved that the committee substitute for SB 526 be reported favorably to the Senate with a recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with 3 ayes, no nays, and 2 absent. Senator Ogden moved to approve the minutes. There being no objections, the minutes were unanimously approved. There being no further business, at 12:40 pm, Senator Luna moved that the committee stand recessed subject to call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered. __________________________________________ Senator Carlos F. Truan, Chairman ___________________________________________ Emma Dibbles, Committee Clerk Attachments