MINUTES
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
Monday, April 14, 2003
3:00 p.m. or upon adjournment
Capitol Extension, Room E1.016
*****
Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule
11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Nominations
was held on Monday, April 14, 2003, in the Capitol Extension,
Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas.
*****
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Jon Lindsay Senator John Carona
Senator Bob Deuell Senator Juan Hinojosa
Senator Gonzalo Barrientos
Senator Chris Harris
Senator Mike Jackson
*****
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:15pm.
The Chair recognized Senator Nelson, who introduced Jamie Lou
Wheeler, nominee to the Texas School for the Blind and Visually
Impaired Governing Board.
The Chair recognized Senator Whitmire, who introduced Martha
Greenlaw, nominee to the Texas Funeral Service Commission.
The Chair introduced Martha Greenlaw, Janice Howard and Harry
Whittington, nominees to the Texas Funeral Commission. They
gave their opening remarks. The Chair asked if Texas had a
problem with dumping bodies. A discussion regarding crematory
jurisdiction proceeded.
Senator Barrientos introduced Harry Whittington.
Senator Deuell questioned the amount of complaints the
Commission receives. Senator Barrientos told the Commission to
offer suggestions to the Senate for a bill which gives the
Commission more control over pre-need lots.
There being no other questions, the Chair announced that the
consideration of the nominees would be left pending awaiting the
arrival of a quorum.
The Chair introduced pending nominee, Jose Montemayor with the
Texas Department of Insurance.
A quorum was present at 4:35pm.
A motion passed to accept the minutes from the previous meeting.
Senator Barrientos questioned the issue of homeowners' insurance
and the monetary relief to consumers.
There being no other questions, a motion passed to send Jose
Montemayor to the full Senate with 5 ayes and 0 nays. Senator
Harris asked to be shown voting aye.
The Chair recognized Senator Shapiro, who introduced James Dale
Griffin, nominee to the Correctional Managed Health Care
Committee.
A motion carried to send the Texas Funeral Commission to the
full Senate with 5 ayes and 0 nays. Senator Harris asked to be
shown voting aye.
Senator Deuell began questioning James Griffin regarding managed
health care in prisons.
Senator Lindsay questioned about the number of members on the
Committee, which was nine. He also discussed the amount of money
that went to inmate medication. Senator Barrientos asked about
the Committee's budget. There being no other questions, the
nominee passed to the full Senate with 5 ayes and 0 nays.
Senator Harris asked to be shown voting aye.
The Chair asked that the Texas Strategic Military Planning
Commission, Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners, On-Site
Wastewater Treatment Research Council, Texas Guaranteed Student
Loan Corporation, State Office of Risk Management, Office of
Public Insurance Counsel and the Texas State Board of Examiners
of Dietitians be sent to the full Senate; the motioned passed
with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Senator Harris asked to be
shown voting aye.
The Chair introduced Jesus Bautista, Gene Brooks, Donna Vaden
Clopton, Otilio Galindo, Frankie Swift, Mary Welch, Jamie
Wheeler, the nominees to the Texas School for the Blind and
Visually Impaired Governing Board. Senator Jackson questioned
the monetary value of seeing eye dogs. There being no other
questions the nominees, including non appearing nominee, Deborah
Louder, passed to the full Senate with 5 ayes and 0 nays.
Senator Barrientos asked to be shown voting aye.
There being no other business, at 6:45p.m., Chairman Lindsay
announced that the committee would stand in recess subject to
the call of the Chair. There being no objections, the committee
recessed.
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Jon Lindsay, Chairman
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Tanya Tillman, Committee Clerk