MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERAN AFFAIRS & MILITARY INSTALLATIONS

Friday, November 20, 2015

8:45 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 Veteran Affairs & Military Installations was held on Friday, November 20, 2015, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Donna Campbell, Chair

 

Senator Konni Burton, Vice Chair

Senator Brian Birdwell

 

Senator Bob Hall

Senator Sylvia Garcia

 

 

Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.

 

 

Senator José Rodríguez

 

 

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 8:50 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

 

The chair recognized Colonel Matthew Elledge to lead the committee in the Pledges to the United States and Texas flags.

 

The chair laid out the following interim charge: “Given pending litigation on the subject, study what veteran benefits, if any, are currently only offered to residents of the state of Texas-whether by being born here or by entering the service in Texas--and assess whether any of these additional benefits leave the state liable for lawsuits under the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Make recommendations for legislation that could reduce the state's liability”.

 

Invited testimony was provided by those designated on the attached list.

 

 

 

There being no further business, at 10:40 AM Senator Campbell moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Donna Campbell, Chair

 

 

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Bailey Olderog, Clerk