MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

9:00 a.m.

Capitol Extension, Room E1.036

 

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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 Wednesday, August 27, 2008, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.036, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Robert Duncan

Senator John Carona

Senator Chris Harris

Senator Mike Jackson

Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.

 

Senator Tommy Williams

Senator Rodney Ellis

Senator Troy Fraser

Senator Leticia Van de Putte

 

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A joint hearing of the Senate State Affairs Committee and the Senate Finance Subcommittee on General Government Issues was held.  Chairmen Duncan and Averitt shared presiding duties.

 

Senator Averitt called the Subcommittee on General  Government Issues to order at 9:04 a.m.

 

Senator Duncan called the State Affairs Committee to order at 9:05 a.m.

 

The Subcommittee heard invited and public testimony regarding the Subcommittee's Interim Joint Charge to review and evaluate appropriate state regulation of a private operator of the state lottery should the state receive bids for a lease of the lottery that merit strong consideration.  Provide recommendations for ensuring the security and integrity of the lottery and for adequate consumer protections.  Witnesses testifying and registering on the subject are shown on the attached list.

 

A quorum of the Subcommittee on General Government Issues now being present, Senator Averitt laid out proposed interim subcommittee rules.  Senator Nelson moved adoption of the rules as presented.  There being no objection, they were adopted by unanimous consent.

 

At 9:22 a.m. Senator Duncan requested the roll call for the State Affairs Committee, and a quorum was established.

 

Invited testimony resumed.

 

Senator Duncan recognized Senator Patrick as being present at the hearing.

 

Invited and public testimony continued.

 

Senator Duncan moved that the public testimony regarding the Interim Charge be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

There being no further business before the Subcommittee on General Government Issues, at 1:14 p.m. Senator Averitt moved that the Subcommittee stand recessed subject until 10 minutes after adjournment of the State Affairs Committee hearing.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard invited testimony regarding the Committee's general oversight authority regarding the Teacher Retirement System.  Witnesses testifying on the subject are shown on the attached list.

 

Senator Duncan recognized Senator Shapiro, and Senator Ogden as being present at the hearing.

 

Invited testimony resumed.

 

There being no further business, at 2:36 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