MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER & RURAL AFFAIRS

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

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 Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs was held on Tuesday, December 8, 2015, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Charles Perry, Chair	None
Senator Judith Zaffirini, Vice Chair
Senator Brandon Creighton
Senator Bob Hall
Senator Juan Hinojosa
Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Senator José Rodríguez

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senators Hall, Creighton, Rodríguez, Hinojosa, and Kolkhorst.

The chair laid out interim charge 6 at 9:04 AM:

Study the economic benefits the Texas Department of Agriculture's Market Development Services provide to the state through promoting Texas Agricultural products. Review the current marketing services and strategies available to Texas producers and determine additional resources necessary to increase the Market Development Services capabilities. Make recommendations for legislative action, if needed.

The chair called the following witnesses to provide invited testimony on interim charge 6 (see

attached witness list).

The chair moved that the testimony be closed at 12:11 PM; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out interim charge 5 at 12:12 PM:

Study and make recommendations on improving the laws regarding the management of game animals, production of domestic fowl, and development of agricultural products in the State to reduce the occurrence and spread of disease and harmful pests.

The chair called the following witnesses to provide invited testimony on interim charge 5 (see

attached witness list).

The chair moved that the testimony be closed at 2:02 PM; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out interim charge 3 at 2:04 PM:

Study and make recommendations on improving the law in this state regarding agricultural liens under Chapter 70, Agricultural Code. The study should include whether sufficient safeguards exist to protect the financial interest agricultural producers have in their product.

The chair called the following witnesses to provide invited testimony on interim charge 3 (see

attached witness list).

The chair moved that the testimony be closed at 2:37 PM; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out interim charge 4 at 2:38 PM:

Study and make recommendations on the effects of windblown and waterborne litter. The study should include an analysis of the economic effects of litter, any necessary methods to prevent and remediate litter, and an assessment of state and local programs to reduce litter.

The chair called the following witnesses to provide invited testimony on interim charge 4 (see

attached witness list).

The chair moved that the testimony be closed at 3:10 PM; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 3:10 PM Senator Zaffirini moved that the Committee stand

recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.