MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS

Monday, February 7, 2011

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.028

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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 Nominations was held on Monday, February 7, 2011, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Bob Deuell, Chair	Senator Troy Fraser
Senator Glenn Hegar, Vice Chair
Senator Jane Nelson
Senator Robert Nichols
Senator Jose Rodriguez
Senator Kirk Watson

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following member arrived after the roll was called: Senator Glenn Hegar

Senator Nelson moved adoption of the committee rules. There being no objection, it was so ordered.

Chairman Deuell introduced the committee staff, Robert Haley and Bogan Durr. Each member then made an introduction of the staff person with whom he or she will be working.

Chairman Deuell recognized Senator Watson to introduce Executive Commissioner of Health and Human Services Thomas Suehs. Senator Watson briefly detailed the accomplishments of Thomas Suehs, including his educational and employment history, along with his previous state service.

Chairman Deuell recognized Thomas Suehs to share his comments with the committee. Suehs expressed his commitment to follow the will of the Legislature.

Commissioner Suehs answered questions from the members of the committee.

Senator Watson moved that the committee vote to approve the nomination of Thomas Suehs as Executive Commissioner of Health and Human Services. At 9:52 AM, by a vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent, the committee voted to recommend Thomas Suehs to the full Senate for confirmation.

Senator Rodriguez moved that the committee vote on the non-appearing nominees to the following entities: 243rd Judicial District Court, El Paso County, 378th Judicial District Court, Ellis County, 431st Judicial District Court, Denton County, 438th Judicial District Court, Bexar County, 439th Judicial District Court, Rockwall County, 43rd Judicial District Court, Parker County, 96th Judicial District Court, Tarrant County, Administrative Judicial Region, Eighth, Administrative Judicial Region, Fifth, Administrative Judicial Region, Seventh, Administrative Judicial Region, Third, Board for Lease of Texas Department of Criminal Justice Lands, Board for Lease of Texas Parks and Wildlife Lands, Court of Appeals for the First Court of Appeals District, Court of Appeals for the Third Court of Appeals District, On-Site Wastewater Treatment Research Council, State Bar of Texas, State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, State Commission on Judicial Conduct, State Office of Administrative Hearings, and Texas Judicial Council. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

There being no further business, at 9:54 AM Senator Deuell 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 F. Deuell, M.D., Chair

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Bogan Durr, Clerk