MINUTES
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Thursday, February 1, 2018
9:00 AM
Houston, Texas
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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, February 1, 2018, in the Houston, Texas.
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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Senator Craig Estes, Chair |
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Senator Judith Zaffirini, Vice Chair |
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Senator Konni Burton |
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Senator Juan Hinojosa |
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Senator Sylvia Garcia |
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Senator Kel Seliger |
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Senator Kelly Hancock |
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Senator Don Huffines |
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Senator Borris Miles |
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Senator José Rodríguez |
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Senator Van Taylor |
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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:02 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:
The chair made opening remarks and welcomed all in attendance to the Committee’s first hearing of the 85th Session Interim. The chair then recognized the other members of the Committee to make opening remarks.
The chair introduced Mayor Sylvester Turner of the City of Houston, who welcomed the Committee.
The Committee heard invited testimony regarding the following interim charge:
1. Hotel Occupancy Taxes: Study and make recommendations regarding the collection and use of hotel occupancy taxes to increase transparency in the imposition, rate, and use of such taxes.
Witnesses testifying on the charge are shown on the attached list. The chair moved that the
testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Committee then heard invited and public testimony regarding the following interim charge:
2. Regulatory Barriers: Identify options to maintain our state's competitive advantage and make recommendations to remove or reduce administrative or regulatory barriers hindering economic growth, including permitting or registration requirements and fees.
Witnesses testifying on the charge are shown on the attached list. The chair moved that the
testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
There being no further business, at 12:38 PM 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