MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

10:00 AM

Senate Chamber

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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 State Affairs was held on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, in the Senate Chamber.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Bryan Hughes, Chair	Senator Joan Huffman
Senator Brian Birdwell
Senator Brandon Creighton
Senator Pat Fallon
Senator Bob Hall
Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Senator Jane Nelson
Senator Judith Zaffirini

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The chair called the meeting to order at 10:04 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Brandon Creighton

The committee heard invited and public testimony regarding the following interim charges:

1) Human Trafficking: Examine opportunities and make recommendations to reduce the profitability of and demand for human trafficking in Texas. Determine ways to increase public awareness on the proliferation of human trafficking, as well as resources for victims and survivors. Review the interaction between local, state, and federal agencies in responding to and prosecuting human trafficking and sex trafficking offenses in Texas' five most populous counties. Make recommendations to ensure law enforcement agencies and prosecutors have the tools necessary to promptly and thoroughly respond to these crimes.

2) Personal Property Protections: Examine prosecution rates for thefts involving property valued under $1,000. Make recommendations to ensure law enforcement agencies and prosecutors have the tools necessary to thoroughly protect Texans' personal property from theft.

3) Second Amendment: Examine Second Amendment legislation passed since the 84th Legislative Session including open carry, campus carry, and lowering the license to carry fee. Determine the impact these laws have made on furthering and protecting Second Amendment rights. Make recommendations that may further protect and enhance Texans' Second Amendment right to bear arms.

Witnesses testifying on the charges are shown on the attached list.

There being no further business, at 7:45 PM Senator Hughes moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Bryan Hughes, Chair

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Drew Tedford, Clerk