MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER & RURAL AFFAIRS

Monday, March 13, 2017

2:00 PM or upon adjournment

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 Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs was held on Monday, March 13, 2017, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Charles Perry, Chair	Senator José Rodríguez, Vice Chair
Senator Brandon Creighton
Senator Bob Hall
Senator Juan Hinojosa
Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Senator Borris Miles

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The chair called the meeting to order at 3:50 PM. There being a quorum present at 4:06 PM, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called:

Senator Bob Hall

Senator Lois Kolkhorst

Senator Brandon Creighton

Senator Borris Miles

Senator Juan Hinojosa

The chair laid out SB 689 and recognized the author, Senator Seliger, 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 Perry moved that SB 689 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 3:56 PM Senator Hall assumed the chair. 

The chair laid out SB 721 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 Hall moved that SB 721 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 4:03 PM Senator Perry resumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 226 and recognized the author, Senator Taylor, Van, 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 Perry moved that SB 226 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 4:30 PM Senator Kolkhorst assumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 689 and asked if members had any questions. There being none, Senator Hall moved that SB 689 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senators Hinojosa and Miles submitted motions in writing requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye on SB 689; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Kolkhorst moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 721 and asked if members had any questions. There being none, Senator Creighton moved that SB 721 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senators Hinojosa and Miles submitted motions in writing requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye on SB 721; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Kolkhorst moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 865 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 Creighton moved that SB 865 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senators Hinojosa and Miles submitted motions in writing requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye on SB 865; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Kolkhorst moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1009 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 Hinojosa moved that SB 1009 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator Miles submitted a motion in writing requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye on SB 1009.

Senator Kolkhorst moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 4:52 PM Senator Perry resumed the chair.

There being no further business, at 4:53 PM Senator Kolkhorst moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Charles Perry, Chair

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Lauren Murray, Clerk