MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Wednesday, March 11, 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 Higher Education was held on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Kel Seliger, Chair	Senator Royce West, Vice Chair
Senator Paul Bettencourt
Senator Konni Burton
Senator José Menéndez
Senator Charles Perry
Senator Kirk Watson

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:03 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

Senator Watson moved adoption of the minutes from the previous hearing held on February 11, 2015; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 44 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, 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 Perry moved that SB 44 be reported favorably to the 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 and Senator Menéndez submitted motions in writing to be shown voting aye on SB 44.

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

The chair laid out SB 317 and recognized the author, Senator Hinojosa, 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 Perry moved that SB 317 be reported favorably to the 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 and Senator Menéndez submitted motions in writing to be shown voting aye on SB 317.

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

The chair laid out SB 495 and recognized the author, Senator Watson, 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 Perry moved that SB 495 be reported favorably to the 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 and Senator Menéndez submitted motions in writing to be shown voting aye on SB 495.

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

At 9:11 AM Senator Watson assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 177 and recognized the author, Senator Seliger, to explain the bill.

At 9:31 AM Senator Watson asked the clerk to call the roll.

Senator Menéndez made introductory remarks and recognized his staff.

The chair then opened public testimony on SB 177.

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.

The chair moved that SB 177 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 9:35 AM Senator Seliger resumed the chair.

There being no further business, at 9:36 AM Senator Seliger moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Kel Seliger, Chair

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Sarah Harrington, Clerk