MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Thursday, March 2, 2017

9:00 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 Natural Resources & Economic Development was held on Thursday, March 2, 2017, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Craig Estes, Chair	Senator Juan Hinojosa
Senator Judith Zaffirini, Vice Chair
Senator Konni Burton
Senator Sylvia Garcia
Senator Kelly Hancock
Senator Don Huffines
Senator Borris Miles
Senator José Rodríguez
Senator Kel Seliger
Senator Van Taylor

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:03 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Kelly Hancock and Senator Don Huffines.

The chair welcomed the members of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development, introduced committee staff, and recognized the members of the Committee to introduce their staff.

Senator Zaffirini moved that until the end of session, testimony be limited to 3 minutes per witness; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Zaffirini then moved that the 3 minute limit per witness be waived for the state officials providing invited testimony; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair called the following individuals to provide invited testimony on the following agencies: the Railroad Commission of Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Texas Workforce Commission (see attached witness list).

Senator Seliger moved adoption of the Rules of the Committee. There being no objection, it was so ordered.

At 10:18 AM Senator Zaffirini assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 26 and recognized the author, Senator Estes, 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 Estes moved that SB 26 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senators Huffines and Seliger submitted motions in writing requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye on SB 26; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 11:22 AM Senator Estes resumed the chair.

There being no further business, at 11:22 AM Senator Estes moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Craig Estes, Chair

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Paige McGhee, Clerk