MINUTES
SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
10:00 AM
Capitol Extension, Room E1.036
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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 Finance was held on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.036, at Austin, Texas.
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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Senator Jane Nelson, Chair |
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Senator Paul Bettencourt |
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Senator Juan Hinojosa, Vice Chair |
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Senator Kel Seliger |
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Senator Brian Birdwell |
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Senator Carlos Uresti |
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Senator Kelly Hancock |
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Senator Joan Huffman |
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Senator Lois Kolkhorst |
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Senator Robert Nichols |
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Senator Charles Schwertner |
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Senator Larry Taylor |
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Senator Kirk Watson |
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Senator Royce West |
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Senator John Whitmire |
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The chair called the meeting to order at 10:02 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:
Senator Nelson made opening remarks.
The Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Legislative Budget Board gave an update on Hurricane Harvey.
Testimony was heard on the following interim charges:
Request to Exceed Review: Review all riders requiring interim action by the Legislative Budget Board to reduce the number of times interim budget modification is necessary.
Trauma Funding: Review revenue sources currently funding the state's trauma system and the impact of declining revenues and balances in General Revenue - Dedicated accounts. Evaluate the impact of statutory changes affecting trauma system funding, including efforts to eliminate the Driver Responsibility Program. Examine ways to ensure sustainability of the trauma system in Texas.
Texas Emission Reduction Plan: Review the Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP) and its economic benefits to the state. Examine whether the state's investment in TERP, including transfers from the Department of Transportation, are being effectively utilized to comply with federal air quality standards, reduce pollution, and protect the public health of Texans.
Fee Structure Review: Review state General Revenue - Dedicated fees and make recommendations to reduce fees and lessen reliance on General Revenue - Dedicated fee balances to certify the budget.
Witnesses registering and testifying are shown on the attached list.
Senator Hinojosa assumed the chair.
Senator Nelson resumed the chair.
Senator Nelson closed public testimony.
Senator Nelson announced that the next Senate Finance Committee hearing will be held on February 20, 2018.
There being no further business, at 3:05 PM Senator Nelson moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.
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Senator Jane Nelson, Chair
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Stephanie Hoover, Clerk