MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.028

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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 Intergovernmental Relations was held on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Chair	None
Senator Paul Bettencourt, Vice Chair
Senator Donna Campbell
Senator Sylvia Garcia
Senator José Menéndez
Senator Robert Nichols
Senator Larry Taylor

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The chair called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Bettencourt, Senator Campbell and Senator Garcia.

The chair laid out SB 839 and recognized Senator Garcia, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill. Senator Garcia sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Garcia to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. 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 Lucio, Jr. moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1575 and recognized the author, Senator Rodríguez, to explain the bill. Senator Lucio, Jr. sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Rodriguez to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. Senator Lucio, Jr. moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 887 and recognized Senator Garcia, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill. Senator Garcia sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Garcia to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. 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 Lucio, Jr. moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Campbell assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 1804 and recognized Senator Garcia, in the absence of the author, 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 Campbell moved that SB 1804 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2025 and recognized Senator Campbell, in the absence of the author, 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 Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 2025 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2026 and recognized Senator Campbell, in the absence of the author, 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 Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 2043 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2043 and recognized Senator Campbell, in the absence of the author, 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 Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 2043 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2044 and recognized Senator Campbell, in the absence of the author, 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.

The chair laid out SB 1363 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill.

Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 2044 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Garcia sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Kolkhorst to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  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 Lucio, Jr. moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1365 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst, 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 Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 1365 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 997 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill.

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

Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 997 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1002 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst, 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 Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 1002 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1679 and recognized the author, Senator Huffines, to explain the bill.

Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Huffines to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  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 Lucio, Jr. moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1345 and recognized the author, Senator Huffines, 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 Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 1345 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1314 and recognized the author, Senator Watson, to explain the bill.

Senator Lucio, Jr. sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Watson to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.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 Lucio, Jr. moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1315 and recognized the author, Senator Watson, 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 Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 1315 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1316 and recognized the author, Senator Watson, to explain the bill.

Senator Lucio, Jr. sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Watson to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. Senator Lucio, Jr. moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.  The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 1316 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1005 and recognized the author, Senator Creighton, to explain the bill.

Senator Garcia sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Creighton to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. 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 Lucio, Jr. moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 333 and recognized the author, Senator Nichols, 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 Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 333 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Nichols assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 2053 and recognized the author, Senator Bettencourt, 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 Nichols, Jr. moved that SB 2053 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2056 and recognized the author, Senator Bettencourt, 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 Nichols, Jr. moved that SB 2056 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2059 and recognized the author, Senator Bettencourt, 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 Nichols, Jr. moved that SB 2059 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1855 and recognized the author, Senator Lucio, to explain the bill.

Senator Bettencourt sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Lucio, Jr. to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. 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 Bettencourt moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1255 and recognized the author, Senator Birdwell, 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 Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 1255 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1138 and recognized Senator Bettencourt, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 1138 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 1377 and recognized the author, Senator Lucio, to explain the bill.

Senator Lucio, Jr. sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Lucio, Jr. to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.

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 Lucio, Jr. moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair recessed the meeting and stated that the committee would be returning 30 minutes upon adjournment of the Senate. There being no objection, it was so ordered.

The chair reconvened the meeting thirty minutes upon adjournment from the Senate floor.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 305 and the committee substitute.  Senator Garcia moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Garcia moved that SB 305 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for SB 305 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Garcia moved that the committee substitute for SB 305 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 797 and the committee substitute.  Senator Garcia moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Lucio moved that SB 797 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for SB 797 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 946 and the committee substitute.  Senator Bettencourt moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 946 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for SB 946 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

Senator Bettencourt moved that the committee substitute for SB 946 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 976 and the committee substitute.  Senator Garcia moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Garcia moved that SB 976 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for SB 976 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Garcia moved that the committee substitute for SB 976 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 998 and the committee substitute.  Senator Nichols moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Garcia moved that SB 998 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for SB 998 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

Senator Nichols moved that SB 998 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1001.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 1001 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 1001 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1436.  Senator Campbell moved that SB 1436 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1575.  Senator Garcia moved that SB 1575 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1634 and the committee substitute.  Senator Campbell moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Campbell moved that SB 1634 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for SB 1634 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1716 and the committee substitute.  Senator Bettencourt moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 1716 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for SB 1716 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. 

Senator Bettencourt moved that the committee substitute for SB 1716 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1760.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 1760 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2002.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2002 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2002 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2007.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2007 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of  7 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2007 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2008.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2008 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2008 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2009.  Senator Garcia moved that SB 2009 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Garcia moved that SB 2009 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2010.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2010 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of  5 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

Senator Garcia moved that SB 2010 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2011.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2011 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes,  0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2011 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2012.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2012 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of  7 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0

Senator Garcia moved that SB 2012 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2013.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2013 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of  7 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Garcia moved that SB 2013 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2014.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2014 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of  5 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.

Senator Bettencourt moved that  SB 2014 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SJR 48.  Senator Lucio moved that SJR 48 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of  5 ayes, 2 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Lucio assumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2027.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2027 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of  7 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Nichols moved that SB 2027 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2028 and the committee substitute.  Senator Bettencourt moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2028 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for SB 2028 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Nichols moved that the committee substitute for SB 2028 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2032.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2032 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of  7 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Garcia moved that SB 2032 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2033.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2033 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of  7 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2033 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2036.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2036 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of  7 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent

Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2036 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2037 and the committee substitute.  Senator Bettencourt moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2037 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for SB 2037 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

Senator Bettencourt moved that the committee substitute for SB 2037 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2039 and the committee substitute.  Senator Bettencourt moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2039 be reported favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for SB 2039 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.

Senator Bettencourt moved that the committee substitute for SB 2039 be recommended for placement on the Local and Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Chair

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Donna Chatham, Clerk