MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS

Thursday, August 30, 2012

9:00 AM

Senate Chamber

 

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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 State Affairs was held on Thursday, August 30, 2012, in the Senate Chamber.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Robert Duncan, Chair

 

Senator Troy Fraser

Senator Bob Deuell, Vice Chair

 

Senator Mike Jackson

Senator Rodney Ellis

 

 

Senator Joan Huffman

 

 

Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.

 

 

Senator Leticia Van de Putte

 

 

Senator Tommy Williams

 

 

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:08 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

 

The Committee heard invited and public testimony regarding Interim Charge 3: Study the feasibility and fiscal impact to consumers of altering the insurance code to allow for the purchase of health insurance across state lines.

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the charge are shown on the attached list. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Committee heard invited and public testimony regarding Interim Charge 5: Study and make recommendations on statutory provisions and judicial decisions relating to the statute of limitations on a cause of action relating to consumer debt. 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the charge are shown on the attached list. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Committee heard invited and public testimony regarding Interim Charge 8: Consider the costs of benefits of the creation of liability protection for private companies and individuals when commissioned by the Texas Forest Service to assist in fighting a fire that is not on the company's or individual's own land. Examine whether state policy should prohibit an employer from terminating an employee who is a volunteer firefighter on the grounds that the employee missed work because the employee was responding to an emergency. Identify any appropriate limitations that should apply to such a policy.

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the charge are shown on the attached list. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

There being no further business, at 11:39 AM 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

 

 

__________________________________________

Erin Fry, Clerk