MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER & RURAL AFFAIRS

Monday, June 4, 2018

10:00 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 Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs was held on Monday, June 4, 2018, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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

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The chair called the meeting to order at 10:01 AM. There being a quorum present at 10:10 AM, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called:

Senator Lois Kolkhorst

Senator Juan Hinojosa

The Chair called the following individuals to provide invited and public testimony on the

following interim charges (see attached witness list) :

1) Regulatory Framework of Groundwater Conservation Districts and River Authorities: Study and make recommendations on the regulatory framework for managing groundwater in Texas to ensure that private property rights are being sufficiently protected. Study the role of river authorities and groundwater conservation districts including the state's oversight role of their operations and fees imposed.

2) Agricultural Fees: Review licensing, permitting, or registration requirements and fees imposed on the agriculture industry by licensing agencies within the committee's jurisdiction. Make recommendations for state licenses and fees that should be reduced, repealed or transitioned to private-sector enforcement.

There being no further business, at 2:26 PM Senator Perry 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