MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERAN AFFAIRS & BORDER SECURITY

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

9:00 AM

Betty King Committee Room

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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 Veteran Affairs & Border Security was held on Wednesday, August 29, 2018, in the Betty King Committee Room at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Donna Campbell, Chair	Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Senator Don Huffines, Vice Chair
Senator Dawn Buckingham
Senator Bob Hall
Senator José Rodríguez

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 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 third

hearing of the 85th Session Interim.

The Chair recognized US Army (Res.) Captain, Lance Kennedy, to lead the committee in the pledges of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.

The roll was called at 9:01 AM. A quorum was present.

The chair laid out the first interim charge of the hearing: Border Security - Law Enforcement: Study and make recommendations on opportunities to create public safety partnerships. Consider the federal 287(g) program and any needs of a state or local jurisdiction when entering in a Memorandum of Agreement for receiving delegated federal authority. Review cross training programs offered in other states that allow U.S. Border Patrol agents to be certified as state peace officers, and determine if Texas could create such a program.

Chairwoman Campbell opened invited testimony on the interim charge. Witnesses testifying are

shown on the attached list.

Chairwoman Campbell opened public testimony on the interim charge. Witnesses testifying on

the charge are shown on the attached list. The Chair moved that all testimony be closed; without

objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out the second interim charge of the hearing: Border - Invasive Species: Study and make recommendations on the impact to border security caused by invasive plant species, such as carrizo cane and salt cedar. Review proposals for eradication of invasive plant species that provide a natural shelter for human trafficking and/or smuggling arms and illicit substances.

Chairwoman Campbell opened invited testimony on the interim charge. Witnesses testifying are

shown on the attached list.

At 11:47 AM Senator Huffines assumed the chair.

At 11:50 AM Senator Campbell resumed the chair.

Chairwoman Campbell opened public testimony on the interim charge. Witnesses testifying on

the charge are shown on the attached list. The Chair moved that all testimony be closed; without

objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out the third interim charge of the hearing: Monitoring: Monitor the implementation and impact of legislation passed by the Texas Legislature. Make recommendations for any needed improvements or steps to ensure completion. SB 27 by Campbell 85(R), relating to the mental health program for veterans

Chairwoman Campbell opened invited testimony on the interim charge. Witnesses testifying are

shown on the attached list.

The Chair laid out the fourth interim charge of the hearing: Monitoring: Monitor the implementation and impact of legislation passed by the Texas Legislature. Make recommendations for any needed improvements or steps to ensure completion. SB 277 by Campbell 85(R), relating to ad valorem tax incentives for wind-powered energy devices near military aviation facilities.

Chairwoman Campbell opened invited testimony on the interim charge. Witnesses testifying are

shown on the attached list.

The Chair laid out the fifth interim charge of the hearing: Monitoring: Monitor the implementation and impact of legislation passed by the Texas Legislature. Make recommendations for any needed improvements or steps to ensure completion. SB 389 by Rodriguez 84(R), relating to the addition of military occupational specialty codes on state agency employment listings.

Chairwoman Campbell opened invited testimony on the interim charge. Witnesses testifying are

shown on the attached list.

Chairwoman Campbell opened public testimony on the three monitoring interim charges. Witnesses testifying on the charges are shown on the attached list. The Chair moved that all testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 1:06 PM Senator Campbell moved that the Committee stand

recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Donna Campbell, Chair

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Elliot Smith, Clerk