MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JURISPRUDENCE

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

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 Jurisprudence was held on Tuesday, February 5, 2013, in the Betty King Committee Room at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Royce West, Chair	Senator John Carona
Senator José Rodríguez, Vice Chair
Senator Donna Campbell
Senator Kelly Hancock
Senator Ken Paxton

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The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:33 PM.  There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The Chair offered welcoming remarks, introduced committee staff and recognized other members to introduce their staff representatives.

The Chair laid out proposed committee rules for the 83rd Legislature.  Senator Rodriguez moved adoption of the committee rules.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair called the following invited witnesses from the Office of Court Administration and the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.  See attached list.

At 2:25 PM Senator Rodríguez assumed the Chair.

The Chair laid out SB 246 and recognized the author, Senator West, to explain the bill.

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

Senator West moved that SB 246 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

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

The Chair laid out SB 251 and recognized the author, Senator West, 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 West moved that SB 251 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

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

At 2:38 PM Senator West resumed the Chair.

There being no further business, at 2:39 PM Senator West moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the Chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Royce West, Chair

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Tiffany White, Clerk