MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PROPERTY TAX REFORM & RELIEF, SELECT

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

9:00 AM

University of Houston

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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 Property Tax Reform & Relief, Select was held on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, in the University of Houston.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Paul Bettencourt, Chair	Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Senator Brandon Creighton
Senator Kelly Hancock
Senator Charles Perry
Senator Van Taylor
Senator Carlos Uresti

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:04 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

Senator Bettencourt made opening remarks.

Senator Konni Burton, Senator Sylvia Garcia and Senator Larry Taylor were present at the hearing.

Testimony was heard on the following interim charges:  

Study the property tax process, including the appraisal system, and recommend ways to promote transparency, simplicity, and accountability by all taxing entities.

Examine and develop options to further reduce the tax burden on property owners.

Witnesses testifying and registering are shown on the attached list.

At 11:59 AM Senator Uresti assumed the chair.

At 12:12 PM Senator Bettencourt resumed the chair.

Public testimony continued.

At 1:40 PM Senator Uresti assumed the chair.

At 2:12 PM Senator Bettencourt resumed the chair.

Public testimony continued.

The chair moved that public testimony be closed.

There being no further business, at 5:18 PM Senator Bettencourt moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Paul Bettencourt, Chair

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Stephanie Hoover, Clerk