MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Thursday, April 12, 2012

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.028

*****

Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations was held on Thursday, April 12, 2012, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.

*****

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

*****

The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:02 AM.  The following business was transacted:

The Chair laid out the interim committee charge to study the statutory oversight granted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regarding the financial feasibility of bonds issued by special purpose districts, including determining whether changes in the oversight structure are needed.

The Chair called 2 panels to provide invited testimony, followed by public testimony, for this interim committee charge.  See attached witness list.

At 10:35 AM Senator Nichols assumed the Chair.

At 10:40 AM Senator West resumed the Chair.

The Chair laid out the interim committee charge to monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations, 82nd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the codification of Senate Bill 1234, relating to municipal management districts and the use of the "standardized language" for municipal management district (MMD) creation.

The Chair called a panel to provide invited testimony, followed by public testimony, on this interim committee charge.  See attached witness list.

The Chair laid out the interim committee charge to study ways to assist local governments in reducing the costs associated with procurement. Include an assessment of the costs and benefits of electronic notices for bid notices.

The Chair called 2 panels to provide invited testimony, followed by public testimony, on this interim committee charge.  See attached witness list.

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

__________________________________________

Senator Royce West, Chair

__________________________________________

Tiffany White, Clerk