MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Thursday, December 5, 2019

2:00 PM

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 Intergovernmental Relations was held on Thursday, December 5, 2019, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Chair	Senator Donna Campbell
Senator Charles Schwertner, Vice Chair
Senator Carol Alvarado
Senator Pat Fallon
Senator José Menéndez
Senator Robert Nichols

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The Chair called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator José Menéndez.

The Chair made opening remarks.  The Chair recognized the following members of the Committee for opening remarks: Senator Robert Nichols, Senator Charles Schwertner, and Senator Pat Fallon.

The Chair announced that the Committee will be operating under the rules adopted during the 86th Regular Session. Senator Schwertner moved that the Committee continue to operate under those rules for the duration of the 86th Legislative Interim; without objection, it was so ordered.

The Chair laid out the Committee’s interim charges:

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program: Review existing regulations governing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program and the Qualified Allocation Plan to determine whether regulations exist that unnecessarily increase the cost of developing and maintaining affordable housing. Make recommendations to provide regulatory relief and provide greater development of affordable housing in Texas.

Federal Housing Review: Study all federal housing programs accessible to Texas. Make recommendations that ensure the state maximizes the use of those programs.

Infrastructure Resiliency: Examine the authority special purpose districts have to generate natural disaster resilient infrastructure. Determine ways state government can work with special purpose districts to mitigate future flooding and promote more resilient infrastructure. Make recommendations on how special purpose districts may use their statutory authority to assist in mitigating damage from future natural disasters.

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations passed by the 86th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:

· Senate Bill 1303, relating to landowner rights in a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction;

· Senate Bill 1474, relating to private activity bonds; and

· House Bill 2330, relating to simplifying disaster assistance.

The Chair opened invited testimony on the Committee’s interim charges.

Invited testimony was heard. Witnesses testifying and registering are shown on the attached list.

The Chair moved that invited testimony be closed.

There being no further business, at 3:24 PM Senator Alvarado moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the Chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Chair

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Favianna Moreno, Clerk