MINUTES
SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERAN AFFAIRS & MILITARY INSTALLATIONS
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
8:00 a.m.
Betty King Committee Hearing Room, 2E.20
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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Military Installations was held on Wednesday, April 4, 2007, in the Betty King Committee Hearing Room, 2E.20, at Austin, Texas.
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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Senator Leticia Van de Putte Senator Eliot Shapleigh Senator Craig Estes Senator Chris Harris Senator Steve Ogden |
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None |
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The chair called the meeting to order at 8:09a.m. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:
The Chair recognized Yaritza Villasana to lead the Committee in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Ogden arrived at 9:20a.m.; Senator Shapleigh at 9:35a.m.
Senator Estes moved adoption of the minutes from the previous hearings held on March 28, 2007, and on March 7, 2007; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Estes assumed the Chair at 8:12a.m.
The Chair laid out SB 363 and recognized the author, Senator Van de Putte, to explain the bill.
Senator Van de Putte sent up the committee substitute on SB 363. The Chair recognized Senator Van de Putte to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. Senator Van de Putte moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection it was so ordered.
The Chair opened public testimony on CSSB 363.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached witness list.
The Chair moved that the public testimony on CSSB 363 be closed; without objection it was so ordered.
Senator Van de Putte moved that SB 363 do not pass but that CSSB 363 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried by a record vote of 4 ayes; 0 nays; and 1 absent. Senator Van de Putte moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection it was so ordered.
Senator Van de Putte resumed the Chair at 8:36a.m.
The Chair laid out SB 1058 and recognized the author, Senator West, to explain the bill.
Senator Van de Putte sent up committee substitute for SB 1058; the chair recognized Senator West to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. Senator Van de Putte moved adoption of the committee substitute for SB 1058; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chair opened public testimony on CSSB 1058.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached witness list.
The Chair moved that CSSB 1058 be left pending; without objection it was so ordered.
At 9:41a.m. the Chair moved that the Committee stand at ease until after Sen. West's press conference; without objection it was so ordered.
At 10:24a.m. the Committee reconvened.
As a matter of pending business, the Chair re-opened public testimony on CSSB 1058.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached witness list.
The Chair moved that public testimony on CSSB 1058 be closed; without objection it was so ordered.
The Chair moved that CSSB 1058 be left pending; without objection it was so ordered.
At 10:58a.m. the Chair moved that the Committee stand at ease until 30 minutes upon adjournment of the Senate; without objection it was so ordered.
At 1:22p.m. the Chair reconvened the Committee.
At 1:22p.m. Senator Harris assumed the Chair.
The Chair laid out SCR 37 and recognized the author, Senator Van de Putte, to explain the resolution.
The Chair opened public testimony on SCR 37.
Witnesses testifying and registering for the resolution are shown on the attached witness list.
The Chair moved that public testimony on SCR 37 be closed; without objection it was so ordered.
Senator Van de Putte moved that SCR 37 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 nays; and 2 absent. Senator Van de Putte moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Van de Putte resumed the Chair at 1:34p.m.
The Chair laid out SCR 17 and recognized the author, Senator Averitt, to explain the resolution.
The Chair opened public testimony on SCR 17.
Witnesses testifying and registering for the resolution are shown on the attached witness list.
The Chair moved that public testimony on SCR 17 be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Estes moved that SCR 17 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 nays; and 2 absent. Senator Estes moved that SCR 17 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chair laid out SCR 46 and recognized the author, Senator Averitt, to explain the resolution.
The Chair opened public testimony on SCR 46.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached witness list.
The Chair moved that public testimony on SCR 46 be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Harris moved that SCR 46 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 nays; and 2 absent. Senator Harris moved that SCR 46 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Estes assumed the Chair at 1:47p.m.
As a matter of pending business, the Chair laid out SB 1454 and recognized the author, Senator Van de Putte, to explain the bill.
The Chair opened public testimony on SB 1454.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached witness list.
The Chair moved that public testimony on SB 1454 be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Van de Putte sent up a committee substitute for SB 1454; the Chair recognized Senator Van de Putte to explain the difference between the substitute and the senate bill as filed. Senator Van de Putte moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection it was so ordered.
Senator Van de Putte moved that SB 1454 do not pass but that CSSB 1454 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 nays; 2 absent. Senator Van de Putte moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection it was so ordered.
Senator Van de Putte resumed the Chair at 1:57p.m.
As a matter of pending business, the Chair re-called SB 518.
The Chair sent up the committee substitute for SB 518 and explained the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.
Senator Estes moved adoption of the new substitute for SB 518; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chair opened public testimony on CSSB 518.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached witness list.
The Chair moved that public testimony on CSSB 518 be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chair moved CSSB 518 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
There was no action taken for the following bills:
SB 960
SB 961
SB 962
SB 855
SB 1724
There being no further business, at 2:00 p.m. Senator Van de Putte moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to call of the Chair; without objection, it was so ordered.
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Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Chair
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Crystal Slover-Papic, Clerk