MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER & RURAL AFFAIRS

Monday, July 25, 2016

11:00 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 Monday, July 25, 2016, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Charles Perry, Chair	Senator Judith Zaffirini, Vice Chair
Senator Brandon Creighton	Senator Juan Hinojosa
Senator Bob Hall	Senator José Rodríguez
Senator Lois Kolkhorst

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The chair called the meeting to order at 11:01 AM.

The following members arrived after the roll was called:

Senator Lois Kolkhorst

Senator Bob Hall

There being a quorum present at 11:12 AM, the following business was transacted:

The chair laid out the following interim charges:

· Study and make recommendations regarding the ownership, production, and transfer of surface water and groundwater in the state of Texas.

· Study and make recommendations on improving the process of developing and executing the State Water Plan.

· Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs during the 84th Legislature, Regular Session, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically monitor the Texas Water Development Board's process in the identification and designation of brackish groundwater zones.

The following persons provided invited testimony: see attached witness list.

There being no further business, at 3:50 PM Senator Perry moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Charles Perry, Chair

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Lauren Murray, Clerk