MINUTES SENATE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE Tuesday, January 4, 2005 9:00 a.m. Houston Community College Conference and Training Center Auditorium ***** Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice was held on Tuesday, January 4, 2005, at Houston Community College, Houston Texas. ***** MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: Senator John Whitmire Senator John Carona Senator Rodney Ellis Senator Juan Hinojosa Senator Kel Seliger Senator Steve Ogden Senator Tommy Williams ***** The chair called the meeting to order at 9:25 a.m. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted: The committee heard invited testimony concerning problems that have occurred within the Houston Crime Lab, as well as similar issues experienced statewide. Senator Ellis assumed the chair. Senator Whitmire resumed the chair. At 12:10 p.m. Senator Whitmire moved that the Committee stand recessed for lunch. Without objection it was so ordered. At 12:45 p.m. Senator Whitmire reconvened the hearing. Invited testimony resumed. The committee then heard public testimony from individuals that were wrongfully convicted as well as citizens concerned with both Houston and statewide Crime Lab issues. There being no further business, at 3:45 p.m. Senator Whitmire moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered. _____________________________ Senator John Whitmire, Chair _____________________________ Carley Rose, Clerk _____________________________ Senator John Whitmire, Chair _____________________________ Carley Rose, Clerk