MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS

Thursday, February 12, 2015

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.016

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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 State Affairs was held on Thursday, February 12, 2015, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Joan Huffman, Chair	None
Senator Rodney Ellis, Vice Chair
Senator Brian Birdwell
Senator Brandon Creighton
Senator Craig Estes
Senator Troy Fraser
Senator Jane Nelson
Senator Charles Schwertner
Senator Judith Zaffirini

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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:

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Birdwell and Senator Fraser.

The Chair made opening remarks and introduced committee staff.  The Chair then recognized the other members of the committee to make opening remarks and introduce their staff.

Senator Ellis moved adoption of the committee rules. There being no objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 11 and recognized the author, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill.

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

The chair laid out SB 17 and recognized the author, Senator Estes, to explain the bill.

Witnesses testifying and registering on SB 11 and SB 17 are shown on the attached list.

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 5:25 PM Senator Huffman moved that the Committee stand recessed until 5:40 PM. Without objection, it was so ordered.

At 5:45 PM Senator Huffman called the meeting back to order.

The Chair laid out anew SB 11 and the committee substitute.

Senator Ellis assumed the chair.

Senator Huffman sent up Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment was adopted.

Senator Huffman resumed the chair.

Senator Birdwell requested unanimous consent to incorporate the amendment into a committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Birdwell then moved that the committee substitute be adopted; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Birdwell moved that SB 11 do not pass but that CSSB 11 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

The Chair laid out anew SB 17.

Senator Estes moved that SB 17 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

There being no further business, at 5:52 PM Senator Huffman moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Joan Huffman, Chair

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Ashley Brooks, Clerk