MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

9:00 AM

Senate Chamber

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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 Wednesday, February 17, 2016, in the Senate Chamber.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Joan Huffman, Chair	Senator Troy Fraser
Senator Rodney Ellis, Vice Chair	Senator Jane Nelson
Senator Brian Birdwell
Senator Brandon Creighton
Senator Craig Estes
Senator Charles Schwertner
Senator Judith Zaffirini

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:02 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The committee heard invited and public testimony regarding the following interim charge: Examine measures to affirm 1st Amendment religious liberty protections in Texas, along with the relationship between local ordinances and state and federal law. Make recommendations to ensure that the government does not force individuals, organizations or businesses to violate their sincerely held religious beliefs.

 Witnesses testifying on the charge are shown on the attached list. The chair moved that the testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 12:19 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