MINUTES SENATE COMMITTEE ON BORDER AFFAIRS - SPECIAL Thursday, February 11, 1999 8:30 am Capitol Building, Room 2E.20 ***** Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.11, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Border Affairs - Special was held on Thursday, February 11, 1999 in the Capitol Building, Room 2E.20, at Austin, Texas. ***** MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. Senator David Sibley Senator Teel Bivins Senator Robert Duncan Senator Eliot Shapleigh Senator Carlos Truan Senator Judith Zaffirini ***** The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:30 am. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted. The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Robert Duncan The Chair introduced Alfonso Salazar Arzola, International Affairs Director in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The Chair gave opening remarks. The Chair introduced the Committee Staff: Daniel Esparza/Committee Director, Mindy McCracken/General Counsel, Stephanie Hoover/Committee Clerk, and Lori Flores/Research Analyst. The Chair recognized Attorney General John Cornyn. Attorney General John Cornyn introduced his staff: Clark Ervin, General Counsel and Jennifer Lustina, Deputy Director of Government Relations. He gave an overview with his concerns on public health problems relating to colonias along the Texas-Mexico border. General Cornyn also shared his concerns on health and safety issues relating to NAFTA. The Chair asked that the Committee receive a written copy of General Cornyn's presentation. The Chair introduced the members of the Senate Committee on Border Affairs. The first order of business was to adopt the Committee Rules. Senator Sibley inquired on Committee Rule 9. Sibley asked if there would be any notice or publication as to what bills will be heard on an uncontested calendar of the Committee. Senator Sibley suggested that there be an understanding to give a one week notice for any uncontested calendar. Senator Truan suggested that the Committee look into Rule 9 but adopt the rules as they were presented to the committee. Senator Sibley moved that the rules be adopted. Senator Truan seconded the motion. With unanimous consent of all the members, the rules were adopted. The Chair introduced Bill Summers, President of the Rio Grande Chamber of Commerce. A brief discussion followed. There being no further business, at 9:00 am Senator Duncan moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the Chair. Without objection, it was so ordered. ______________________ Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Chair ______________________ Stephanie R. Hoover, Clerk