MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Tuesday, March 10, 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 Natural Resources & Economic Development was held on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Troy Fraser, Chair	None
Senator Craig Estes, Vice Chair
Senator Brian Birdwell
Senator Bob Hall
Senator Kelly Hancock
Senator Juan Hinojosa
Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Senator Robert Nichols
Senator Kel Seliger
Senator Carlos Uresti
Senator Judith Zaffirini

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The chair laid out SCR 13 and recognized the author, Senator Seliger, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. Senator Fraser moved to limit testimony to 3 minutes; without objection, it was so ordered. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Seliger moved that SCR 13 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

The chair laid out SB 722 and recognized the author, Senator Perry, 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 Estes moved that SB 722 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 3 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

The chair laid out SB 695 and recognized the author, Senator Larry Taylor, 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 Estes moved that SB 695 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Estes moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 652 and recognized the author, Senator Schwertner, 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 Estes moved that SB 652 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 10 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

The chair laid out SB 529 and recognized the author, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill.

Senator Estes assumed the chair.

Senator Fraser resumed the chair.

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 Hancock moved that SB 529 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. Senator Hancock moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 664 and recognized the author, Senator Van Taylor, 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 Birdwell moved that SB 664 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 10 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.

The chair laid out SB 209 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 Hinojosa moved that SB 209 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 10 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Hinojosa moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 10:55 AM Senator Fraser moved that the Committee stand recessed until 10 minutes after adjournment of the Senate. Without objection, it was so ordered.

At 12:10 PM Senator Fraser reconvened the meeting.

The chair laid out SB 603 and recognized Senator Birdwell, 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 Fraser moved that SB 603 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 749 and recognized the author, Senator Hinojosa, 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 Fraser moved that SB 749 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Motions in Writing requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye were submitted by the following: Senator Zaffirini on SB 209 and SCR 13; Senator Hinojosa on SCR 13; Senator Lucio on SB 722; Senator Seliger on SB 209, SB 529, SB 652, SB 664, and SB 695.  These votes are votes are reflected in the final votes on the aforementioned bills.

There being no further business, at 12:40 PM Senator Fraser moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Troy Fraser, Chair

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Tatum Reagan, Clerk