MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Monday, September 22, 2014

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

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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 Economic Development was held on Monday, September 22, 2014, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Bob Deuell, Chair	Senator Kelly Hancock, Vice Chair
Senator Brian Birdwell	Senator Wendy Davis
Senator Kirk Watson	Senator Kevin Eltife
	Senator Troy Fraser

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:01 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The Committee heard invited and public testimony on the following Interim Charges

1. Study current legislative and regulatory barriers that could impede capital investment, growth, and expansion of Texas businesses. Make recommendations for reducing barriers to entry for professions regulated by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, including deregulation, additional reciprocity, and credit for military service.

2. Study and make recommendations to develop a biennial state review process for economic development programs to determine their effectiveness in keeping Texas economically competitive while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely. As a part of this study, the committee should review processes used in other states related to the analysis and reporting requirements for economic development programs.

3. Monitor implementation of SB 21 (83-R), which requires drug testing for unemployment insurance claimants. Investigate options to begin implementation of the rule without relying on U.S. Department of Labor regulations. Make recommendations to ensure that unemployment insurance claimants are actively seeking work and not using illegal drugs.

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

There being no further business, at 10:42 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 Bob Deuell, Chair

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Hillery Stephens, Clerk