MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS & COMMERCE

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

10:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.016

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Business & Commerce was held on Tuesday, August 14, 2012, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator John Carona, Chair	Senator Chris Harris, Vice Chair
Senator Kevin Eltife	Senator Mike Jackson
Senator Craig Estes
Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Senator Leticia Van de Putte
Senator Kirk Watson
Senator John Whitmire

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The chair called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The Committee took invited and public testimony (see witness list) on the interim study charge "Analyze the state of the telecommunications market in Texas, including the costs and benefits of full deregulation of the market; the impact and viability of the Texas Universal Service Fund and Provider of Last Resort requirements; the impact of SB 980, Regular Session, 82nd Legislature, relating to telecommunications regulation and rulemaking; the availability of broadband; telecommunications service discounts; and rights-of- way charges. Make recommendations to enhance services, support the industry, and ensure adequate and affordable access for consumers."

There being no further business, at 11:50 AM Senator Watson moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator John Carona, Chair

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Steven Polunsky, Clerk