MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERAN AFFAIRS & MILITARY INSTALLATIONS

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

1:30 PM or upon adjournment

Betty King Committee Room

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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 Veteran Affairs & Military Installations was held on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, in the Betty King Committee Room at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Chair	Senator Craig Estes
Senator Brian Birdwell, Vice Chair
Senator Wendy Davis
Senator Jose Rodriguez

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The chair called the meeting to order at 5:31 PM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The chair recognized Captain Dana Collins to lead the committee in the Pledge of Allegiance and Pledge to the Texas Flag.

The chair laid out HB 447 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Uresti, to explain the bill.

Senator Birdwell sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Uresti to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. Senator Birdwell moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Birdwell moved that HB 447 do not pass but that CSHB 447 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

Senator Birdwell moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1493 and recognized the author, Senator Uresti, to explain the bill.

Senator Rodriguez sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Uresti to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. Senator Rodriguez moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Van de Putte moved that SB 1645 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1645 and recognized the author, Senator Uresti, to explain the bill.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Van de Putte moved that SB 1645 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 6:35 PM Senator Birdwell assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 1737 and recognized the author, Senator Van de Putte, to explain the bill.

Senator Van de Putte sent up a committee substitute; 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.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Van de Putte moved that SB 1737 do not pass but that CSSB 1737 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

At 6:42 PM Senator Van de Putte assumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 34.

Senator Davis moved that SB 34 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

Senator Davis moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 451.

Senator Davis moved that SB 451 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, 1 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

At 6:50 PM Senator Birdwell assumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1621.

Senator Van de Putte moved that SB 1621 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, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

At 6:52 PM Senator Van de Putte assumed the chair.

There being no further business, at 6:55 PM Senator Van de Putte moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Chair

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Felicia Wright, Clerk