MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER & RURAL AFFAIRS

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

*****

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 Tuesday, June 5, 2018, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

*****

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

*****

The chair called the meeting to order at 9:01 AM. There being a quorum present at 9:04 AM, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called:

Senator Juan Hinojosa

Senator José Rodríguez

Senator Bob Hall

Senator Lois Kolkhorst

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

following interim charges (see attached witness list) :

1) Streamlining Water Permitting: Study and recommend changes that promote streamlining of water right permit issuance and the amendment process by the TCEQ for surface water, and that promote uniform and streamline permitting by groundwater conservation districts for groundwater. Evaluate more transparent process needs and proper valuation of water.

2) Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs during the 85th Legislature, Regular Session, including, but not limited to:

SB 1511 (prioritization in the regional water plan);

SB 1538 (Floodplain Management Account uses);

SB 864 (GCD application of state water);

HB 2004 (Texas economic development fund for TDA); and

HB 3433 (adoption of rules affecting rural communities. Make recommendations for any legislative improvements needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation including regional water planning, flood planning, and groundwater production.)

There being no further business, at 11:08 AM Senator Perry moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

__________________________________________

Senator Charles Perry, Chair

__________________________________________

Lauren Murray, Clerk