MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Thursday, May 21, 2015

8:45 AM

Extension Auditorium, E1.004

 

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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 Thursday, May 21, 2015, in the Extension Auditorium, E1.004.

 

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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 8:45 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

 

The chair laid out HB 4130 and recognized the sponsor Senator Schwertner to explain the bill. There being no witnesses, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Lucio moved that the bill be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

The chair laid out HB 4155 and recognized the sponsor Senator Schwertner to explain the bill. Senator Bettencourt laid out the committee substitute and called on Senator Schwertner  to explain the difference between the bill and the committee substitute.  There being no witnesses, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Lucio moved that the bill be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

The chair laid out HB 1289  and recognized the sponsor Senator West to explain the bill. There being no witnesses, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Lucio moved that the bill be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out HB 4159 and recognized the sponsor Senator Lucio to explain the bill.  Witnesses 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 moved that HB 4159 be reported back 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 nays, 0 present not voting and 2 absent.  Senator Lucio moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Campbell submitted a motion in writing form indicating to vote aye.

 

The chair laid out HB 4160 and recognized the sponsor Senator Lucio to explain the bill.  Thre being no witnesses, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Lucio moved that HB 4160 be reported back to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting and 3 absent. Senator Lucio moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 737 and recognized the sponsor Senator Lucio to explain the bill. There being no witnesses, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Lucio moved that the bill be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Lucio assumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out HB 4147 and recognized the sponsor Senator Ellis to explain the bill. The chair called on Senator Ellis to explain the difference between the bill and the committee substitute. There being no witnesses, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Lucio moved that the committee substitute be adopted; there being no objection, the substitute was adopted. Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 4147 be reported back to the full senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for HB 4147 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present no voting and 3 absent.  Senator Bettencourt moved that the committee substitute be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 4156 and recognized the sponsor Senator Ellis to explain the bill. The chair called on Senator Ellis to explain the difference between the bill and the committee substitute. There being no witnesses, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

Senator Bettencourt moved that the committee substitute be adopted; there being no objection, the substitute was adopted. Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 4156 be reported back to the full senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for SB 4156 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present no voting and 3 absent.  Senator Bettencourt moved that the committee substitute be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 4136 and recognized the sponsor Senator Ellis to explain the bill. Senator Lucio laid out the committee substitute and called on Senator Ellis  to explain the difference between the bill and the committee substitute.  There being no witnesses, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Lucio moved that the bill be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out HB 2353 and recognized  Senator Lucio to explain the bill. The chair called on Senator Lucio to explain the difference between the bill and the committee substitute. There being no witnesses, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Lucio moved that the bill be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Lucio assumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out HB 3603 and recognized the Senator Bettencourt  to explain the bill. The chair called on Senator Bettencourt to explain the difference between the bill and the committee substitute. There being no witnesses, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Lucio moved that the bill be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

Senator Bettencourt moved that the committee substitute be adopted; there being no objection, the substitute was adopted. Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 3603 be reported back to the full senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for HB 3603 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present no voting and 2 absent.  Senator Bettencourt moved that the committee substitute be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Garcia submitted a motion in writing form indicating voting aye.

 

The chair laid out HB 2883 and recognized  Senator Bettencourt  to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering for the bill are listed on the attached sheet. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Lucio moved that the bill be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

The chair laid out HB 3244 and recognized  Senator Hall  to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering for the bill are listed on the attached sheet. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Lucio moved that the bill be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

The chair laid out HB 3605 and recognized  Senator Bettencourt  to explain the bill.  The chair laid out the committee substitute and recognized Senator Bettencourt to explain the difference between the bill and the committee substitute.  Witnesses testifying and registering for the bill are listed on the attached sheet. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  The chair moved that HB 3605 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 1150 and recognized the sponsor Senator Nichols to explain the bill.  Witnesses testifying and registering for the bill are listed on the attached.  The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Campbell moved that HB 1150 be reported back 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 nays, 0 present not voting and 2 absent. Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Garcia submitted a motion in writing form indicating voting aye.

 

The chair laid out HB 3311and recognized  Senator Nichols  to explain the bill.  Witnesses testifying and registering for the bill are listed on the attached sheet. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Lucio moved that HB 3311 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out HB 2259 and recognized Senator Campbell to explain the bill. The chair laid out the committee substitute and called on Senator Campbell to explain the difference between the bill and the committee substitute. Witnesses testifying and/or  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 the bill be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 4185and recognized  Senator Campbell  to explain the bill.  Witnesses testifying and/or  registering for the bill are listed on the attached sheet. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Campbell moved that HB 4185 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 4184and recognized  Senator Campbell  to explain the bill.  Witnesses testifying and/or  registering for the bill are listed on the attached sheet. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Campbell moved that HB 4184 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Campbell assumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out HB 4176 and recognized  Senator Bettencourt  to explain the bill.  Witnesses testifying and/or  registering for the bill are listed on the attached sheet. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Bettencourt  moved that HB 4176 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 1277and recognized  Senator Bettencourt  to explain the bill.  Witnesses testifying and/or  registering for the bill are listed on the attached sheet. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Campbell moved that HB 1277 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 1879 and recognized  Senator Bettencourt  to explain the bill.  Witnesses testifying and/or  registering for the bill are listed on the attached sheet. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 1879 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out HB 2091and recognized  Senator Kolkhorst  to explain the bill.  Witnesses testifying and/or  registering for the bill are listed on the attached sheet. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Campbell moved that HB 2091 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair recessed the meeting upon the call of the chair.

 

The chair resumed the business of the committee upon the final adjournment of the Senate and established a quorum as indicated on the roll call.

 

Senator Bettencourt assumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out HB 4059 and recognized the Senator Lucio   to explain the bill. The chair laid out the committee substitute and called on Senator Lucio to explain the difference between the bill and the committee substitute.  There being no witnesses, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Lucio moved that the committee substitute be adopted; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Lucio moved that HB 4059 be reported back to the full senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for HB 4095 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present no voting and 2 absent. Senator Lucio moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out HB 3951 and recognized the Senator Bettencourt to explain the bill. There being no witnesses, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.   Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 3951 be reported back to the full senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for HB 3951 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 no voting and 1 absent. Senator Bettencourt moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 737.  Senator Taylor moved that HB 737 reported back to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 1 nays, 0 present not voting and 1 absent.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 1277.  Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 1277 reported back 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 Campbell submitted a motion in writing form indicating to vote aye. Senator Bettencourt moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 1289.  Senator Menendez  moved that HB 1289 reported back 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 Campbell submitted a motion in writing form indicating to vote aye. Senator Menendez  moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 1681 and the committee substitute. Senator Bettencourt moved that the committee substitute be adopted; there being no objection, the substitute was adopted. Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 1681 be reported back to the full senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for SB 1681 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 1 nays, 0 present no voting and 0 absent.  Senator Campbell submitted a motion in writing form indicting voting aye.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 1879.  Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 1879 reported back 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 Campbell submitted a motion in writing form indicating to vote aye. Senator Bettencourt  moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 2091.  Senator Bettencourt  moved that HB 2091 reported back 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 Campbell submitted a motion in writing form indicating to vote aye. Senator Bettencourt  moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 2353.  Senator Garcia  moved that HB 2353 reported back 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.   Senator Campbell submitted a motion in writing form indicating to vote aye.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 2830.  Senator Menendez  moved that HB 2830 reported back 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.   Senator Campbell submitted a motion in writing form indicating to vote aye. 

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 2883.  Senator Garcia moved that HB 2883 reported back 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 Campbell submitted a motion in writing form indicating to vote aye. Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 3244.  Senator Garcia  moved that HB 3244 reported back 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 Campbell  submitted a motion in writing form indicating to vote aye. Senator Bettencourt  moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 3311.  Senator Nichols moved that HB 3311 reported back 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 nays, 0 present not voting and 1 absent.  Senator Campbell  moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 3576 and the committee substitute. Senator Menendez moved that the committee substitute be adopted; there being no objection, the substitute was adopted. Senator Menendez moved that HB 3576 be reported back to the full senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for HB 3576 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 no voting and 1 absent.  Senator Campbell submitted a motion in writing form indicting voting aye.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 3605 and the committee substitute. Senator Bettencourt moved that the committee substitute be adopted; there being no objection, the substitute was adopted. Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 3605 be reported back to the full senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for HB 3605 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 no voting and 1 absent.  Senators Campbell and Garcia submitted a motion in writing form indicting voting aye.  Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 3605 be recommended for local and uncontested; there being no objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 4130.  Senator Nichols moved that HB 4130 reported back 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 nays, 0 present not voting and 1 absent.   Senators Campbell and Garcia submitted a motion in writing form indicating to vote aye. Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 4154 and the committee substitute. Senator Bettencourt moved that the committee substitute be adopted; there being no objection, the substitute was adopted. Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 4154 be reported back to the full senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for HB 4154 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 no voting and 1 absent.  Senators Campbell and Garcia submitted a motion in writing form indicting voting aye.  Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 4154 be recommended for local and uncontested; there being no objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 4155 and the committee substitute. Senator Bettencourt moved that the committee substitute be adopted; there being no objection, the substitute was adopted. Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 4155 be reported back to the full senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for HB 4155 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present no voting and 2 absent.  Senators  Garcia submitted a motion in writing form indicting voting aye.  Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 4155 be recommended for local and uncontested; there being no objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 4176.  Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 4176 reported back 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 nays, 0 present not voting and 1 absent.  Senator Campbell submitted a motion in writing form indicating aye.  Senator Bettencourt  moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 4184.  Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 4184 reported back 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 nays, 0 present not voting and 1 absent.  Senator Bettencourt  moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 4185.  Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 4185 reported back 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 nays, 0 present not voting and 1 absent. Senator Campbell submitted a motion in writing form indicating voting aye.  Senator Bettencourt  moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out pending business HB 74 and the committee substitute. Senator Nichols moved that the committee substitute be adopted; there being no objection, the substitute was adopted. Senator Bettencourt moved that HB 74 be reported back to the full senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute for HB 74 be reported back with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present no voting and 2 absent. 

 

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