MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS

Monday, April 2, 2007

9:00 a.m.

Senate Chamber

 

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on State Affairs was held on Monday, April 2, 2007, in the Senate Chamber at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Robert Duncan

Senator Tommy Williams

Senator John Carona

Senator Rodney Ellis

Senator Troy Fraser

Senator Chris Harris

Senator Mike Jackson

Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.

Senator Leticia Van de Putte

 

None

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m. 

 

The following business was transacted:

 

The chair laid out SB 1068 and recognized the author, Senator Wentworth, to explain the bill.  Senator Carona sent up Committee Amendment 1.  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 Duncan moved that SB 1068 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered.   

 

The chair laid out SB 1306 and recognized the author, Senator Wentworth, to explain the bill.  Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  There being no witnesses testifying, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Duncan moved that SB 1306 be left pending temporarily.

 

The chair laid out SB 785 and recognized the author, Senator Shapiro, 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 Carona sent up Committee Amendment 1.  Senator Duncan moved that SB 785 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.   

 

 

Upon arrival of a quorum, the chair requested the roll call.  Senators Duncan, Carona, Ellis, Harris, Jackson, and Lucio, Jr. were all present.  A quorum was established at 10:40 a.m.

 

The following members arrived after the roll was called: 

Senator Tommy Williams

Senator Troy Fraser

Senator Leticia Van de Putte

 

The chair laid out SB 816 and recognized the author, Senator Averitt, 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 Fraser sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Averitt to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Fraser moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Fraser moved that SB 816 do not pass but that CSSB 816 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Having been present when a quorum was established, Senators Williams, Jackson, and Van de Putte requested unanimous consent to be shown voting AYE on CSSB 816.  Without objection it was so ordered. Senator Fraser moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1255 and recognized the author, Senator Averitt, 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 Duncan moved that SB 1255 be left pending temporarily; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1877 and recognized the author, Senator Averitt, to explain the bill. 

 

At 11:00 a.m. Senator Carona assumed the chair. 

 

Witnesses 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 Carona moved that SB 1877 be left pending temporarily; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1913 and recognized the author, Senator Shapleigh, to explain the bill.  Witnesses 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.  The chair moved that SB 1913 be left pending temporarily; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1548 and recognized Senator Shapleigh, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.  Witnesses 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.  The chair moved that SB 1548 be left pending temporarily; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1499 and recognized Senator Ellis, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.  Senator Ellis sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Ellis to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.    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. 

The chair  moved that SB 1499 be left pending temporarily; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

At 11:08 a.m. Senator Ellis assumed the chair. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1627 and recognized the author, Senator Carona, to explain the bill.  Witnesses 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 Ellis, the acting chair moved that SB 1627 be left pending temporarily; without objection, it was so ordered.  

 

The chair laid out SB 561 and recognized the author, Senator Carona, to explain the bill.  Senator Carona sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Carona to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The chair moved that SB 561 be left pending temporarily; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 11:16 a.m. Senator Carona resumed the chair.

 

At 11:17 a.m. Senator Carona, the acting chair, moved that the committee stand recessed until conclusion of Article 11 in Senate Finance.

 

At 12:30 p.m. the committee reconvened.  At 12:31 p.m. Senator Duncan moved that the committee stand recessed until 30 minutes after adjournment of the Senate; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

At 2:42 p.m. the chair reconvened the committee. 

 

At 2:43 p.m. Senator Van de Putte assumed the chair. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1847 and recognized the author, Senator Duncan, 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 Van de Putte moved that SB 1847 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1846 and recognized the author, Senator Duncan, to explain the bill. Senator Duncan sent up Committee Amendment 1.

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

 

At 3:50 p.m. Senator Harris assumed the chair. 

 

At 3:51 p.m. Senator Van de Putte resumed the chair. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony on SB 1846 be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Van de Putte moved that SB 1846 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1447 and recognized the author, Senator Duncan, 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 Van de Putte moved that SB 1447 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

At 4:05 p.m. Senator Duncan resumed the chair. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1039 and recognized the author, Senator Lucio, Jr., to explain the bill.  Senator Van de Putte sent up Committee Amendment 1.  Senator Lucio, Jr. 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. 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.

 

The chair moved that the committee stand at ease pending the arrival of a quorum.

 

Upon arrival of a quorum, at 4:19 p.m. the chair called the committee back to order.

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 561.  Senator Carona moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Carona moved that SB 561 do not pass but that CSSB 561 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Having been present when a quorum was established, Senator Harris requested unanimous consent to be shown voting AYE on CSSB 561.

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1039.  Senator Van de Putte moved to adopt Committee Amendment 1 to SB 1039; without objection it was so ordered. Senator Van de Putte requested unanimous consent to roll the amendment into a committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Lucio, Jr. then moved that the committee substitute be adopted; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 1039 do not pass but that CSSB 1039 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Having been present when a quorum was established, Senator Harris requested unanimous consent to be shown voting AYE on CSSB 1039. Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1068. Senator Wentworth was recognized to explain the bill.  Senator Carona moved adoption of Committee Amendment 1 to SB 1068; without objection it was so ordered.  Senator Carona requested unanimous consent to roll the amendment into a committee substitute; without objection it was so ordered. Senator Carona then moved that the committee substitute be adopted; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Carona moved that SB 1068 do not pass but that CSSB 1068 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 4 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Having been present when a quorum was established, Senators Williams, and Harris requested unanimous consent to be shown voting NAY on CSSB 1068.

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1306.  Senator Carona moved that SB 1306 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Having been present when a quorum was established, Senators Williams, and Harris requested unanimous consent to be shown voting AYE on SB 1306.

Senator Carona 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 Carona assumed the chair. 

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1447. Senator Carona, the acting chair, moved that SB 1447 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nay, 1 present not voting, and 0 absent. Having been present when a quorum was established, Senators Williams, and Harris requested unanimous consent to be shown voting AYE on SB 1447.

 

At 4:26 p.m. Senator Duncan resumed the chair. 

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1499.  Senator Lucio, Jr. moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 1499 do not pass but that CSSB 1499 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Having been present when a quorum was established, Senators Williams, and Harris requested unanimous consent to be shown voting AYE on CSSB 1499. Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1548.  Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 1548 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Having been present when a quorum was established, Senators Williams, and Harris requested unanimous consent to be shown voting AYE on SB 1548. Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1627.  Senator Carona moved that SB 1627 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Having been present when a quorum was established, Senators Williams, and Harris requested unanimous consent to be shown voting AYE on SB 1627. Senator Carona moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1877. Senator Fraser moved that SB 1877 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Having been present when a quorum was established, Senators Williams, and Harris requested unanimous consent to be shown voting AYE on SB 1877.  Senator Fraser moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1913.  Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 1913 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Having been present when a quorum was established, Senator Harris requested unanimous consent to be shown voting AYE on SB 1913.  Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 74.  Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 74 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Having been present when a quorum was established, Senators Williams, and Harris requested unanimous consent to be shown voting AYE on SB 74.  Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair announced that the following Health Insurance Mandate bills be referred to a sub-committee which consists of Senator Williams, chair, Senator Fraser and Senator Van de Putte; SB 54, SB 92, SB 481, SB 543, SB 568, SB 674, SB 725, SB 730, and SB 815.

 

There being no further business, at 4:35 p.m. Senator Duncan moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair.  Without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Robert Duncan, Chair

 

 

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Anna Beth White, Clerk