MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS & COMMERCE

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

8:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.016

 

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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 Business & Commerce was held on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Kelly Hancock, Chair

 

Senator John Whitmire

Senator Brandon Creighton, Vice Chair

 

 

Senator Donna Campbell

 

 

Senator Craig Estes

 

 

Senator Robert Nichols

 

 

Senator Charles Schwertner

 

 

Senator Larry Taylor

 

 

Senator Judith Zaffirini

 

 

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 8:02 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

 

Chairman Hancock made opening comments, and laid out the proposed Senate Business and Commerce Committee rules for the 85th Legislature. Senator Creighton moved adoption of the committee rules. There being no objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Hancock discussed the schedule for future committee hearings during the 85th Legislature.

 

Senator Creighton moved that testimony would be limited to 3 minutes; without objection, it was so ordered. Chairman Hancock moved that witnesses who have registered a position on a bill but who do not wish to testify, will be entered into the record. Without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chairman then recognized the Committee members to make opening remarks and introduce their respective staffs.

 

The chair laid out SB 79 and recognized the author, Senator Nelson, 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 Hancock moved that SB 79 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 347 and recognized the author, Senator Watson. Senator Creighton sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Watson to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. 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 Hancock moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 407 and recognized the author, Senator Watson. Senator Creighton sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Watson to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. 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 Hancock moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 408 and recognized the author, Senator Watson. Senator Creighton sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Watson to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. 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 Hancock moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 115 and recognized Senator Larry Taylor, in the absence of the author. Senator Creighton sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Larry Taylor to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  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 Hancock moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 510 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, 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 Hancock moved that SB 510 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 20 and recognized the author, Senator Larry Taylor. Senator Larry Taylor sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Larry Taylor to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  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 Hancock moved committee substitute be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 515 and recognized the author, Senator Van Taylor, to explain the bill.

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

 

Senator Creighton assumed the chair.

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Creighton moved that SB 515 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

There being no further business, at 10:32 AM Senator Creighton moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

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Senator Kelly Hancock, Chair

 

 

 

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Tatum Reagan, Clerk