MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

9:30 a.m.

Capitol Extension, Room E1.028

 

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations was held on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:		MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Royce West Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr. Senator Dan Patrick Senator Jeff Wentworth		Senator Robert Nichols

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:31 a.m.,  The following business was transacted: 

 

The chair laid out SB 243 and recognized the author, Senator Deuell, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Patrick sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Deuell to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Patrick moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

At 9:54 a.m., a quorum was established.

 

Senator Wentworth moved adoption of the minutes from the previous hearing held on April 11, 2007; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Patrick moved that SB 243 do not pass but that CSSB 243 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Patrick moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1349 and recognized the author, Senator Patrick, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Patrick sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Patrick to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Patrick moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Patrick moved that SB 1349 do not pass but that CSSB 1349 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Patrick moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 986 and recognized the author, Senator Lucio, Jr., to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Wentworth sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Lucio, Jr. to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Wentworth moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Wentworth moved that SB 986 do not pass but that CSSB 986 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Wentworth moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 833 and recognized the author, Senator Lucio, Jr., to explain the bill. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Wentworth moved that SB 833 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Wentworth moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1630 and recognized the author, Senator Wentworth, to explain the bill. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Wentworth moved that SB 1630 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Wentworth moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1769 and recognized the author, Senator Watson, to explain the bill. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Wentworth moved that SB 1769 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Wentworth moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1063 and recognized the author, Senator Williams, to explain the bill. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Patrick moved that SB 1063 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Patrick moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

At 2:55 p.m. the committee reconvened. 

 

The chair laid out SB 727 and recognized the author, Senator Nichols, to explain the bill. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Nichols moved that SB 727 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered.  Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Nichols moved that SB 727 be left pending. 

 

The chair laid out HB 1562, in lieu of SB 633, and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Gallegos, Jr., to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Gallegos, Jr. sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Gallegos, Jr. to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that HB 1562 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that HB 1562 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 3 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. 

 

Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1213 and recognized the author, Senator Gallegos, Jr., to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Gallegos, Jr. sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Gallegos, Jr. to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that SB 1213 do not pass but that CSSB 1213 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 3 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1733 and recognized the author, Senator Gallegos, Jr., to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Gallegos, Jr. sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Gallegos, Jr. to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that SB 1733 do not pass but that CSSB 1733 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 3 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1584 and recognized the author, Senator Gallegos, Jr., to explain the bill. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that SB 1584 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered.  Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that SB 1584 be left pending.

 

The chair laid out SB 1537 and recognized the author, Senator Fraser, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Gallegos, Jr. sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Fraser to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that SB 1537 do not pass but that CSSB 1537 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 3 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. 

 

Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1867 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Patrick moved that SB 1867 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 3 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. 

 

Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Patrick moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

At 4:06 p.m. Senator Patrick assumed the chair. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1437 and recognized the author, Senator West, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Patrick sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator West to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator West moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator West moved that SB 1437 do not pass but that CSSB 1437 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 3 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. 

 

Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator West moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

At 4:16 p.m. Senator West resumed the chair. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1757 and recognized the author, Senator Ellis, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Patrick sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Ellis to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Patrick moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Patrick moved that SB 1757 do not pass but that CSSB 1757 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 3 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. 

 

Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Patrick moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

At 4:25 p.m. Senator Patrick assumed the chair. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1436 and recognized the author, Senator West, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Patrick sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator West to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator West moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator West moved that SB 1436 do not pass but that CSSB 1436 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 3 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. 

 

At 4:30 p.m. Senator West resumed the chair. 

 

At 4:31 p.m. Senator West moved that the committee stand recessed until 4:45 p.m; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

At 5:15 p.m. the committee reconvened.  With a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

 

The chair laid out SB 1777 and recognized Senator Patrick, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Patrick sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Patrick to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Patrick moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Patrick moved that SB 1777 do not pass but that CSSB 1777 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 3 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. 

 

Senator Patrick moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1778 and recognized Senator Patrick, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Patrick sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Patrick to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Patrick moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Patrick moved that SB 1778 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 878 and recognized the author, Senator Gallegos, Jr., to explain the bill. 

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that SB 878 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Gallegos, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

There being no further business, at 5:37 p.m. Senator West moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair.  Without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

 

 

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Senator Royce West, Chair

 

 

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Tiffany White, Clerk