MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PROPERTY TAX REFORM & RELIEF, SELECT

Thursday, September 29, 2016

10:00 AM

Houston Community College - West Loop Center

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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 Thursday, September 29, 2016, in the Houston Community College - West Loop Center.

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

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The chair called the meeting to order at 10:03 AM. The following business was transacted:

Senator Bettencourt made opening remarks.

Dr. Cesar Maldonado, Chancellor at Houston Community College, made welcoming remarks. 

Senator Joan Huffman and Senator Lois Kolkhorst 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.

Senator Hancock assumed the chair.

Senator Bettencourt resumed the chair.

Public testimony continued.

The chair moved that public testimony be closed.

There being no further business, at 4:12 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