MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERAN AFFAIRS & BORDER SECURITY

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

1:30 PM or upon adjournment

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, March 13, 2019, in the Betty King Committee Room at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Donna Campbell, Chair	None
Senator Bob Hall, Vice Chair
Senator Nathan Johnson
Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Senator José Menéndez
Senator Charles Schwertner
Senator Kel Seliger

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The chair called the meeting to order at 1:34 PM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The Chair recognized U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Garcia who is a Veteran Affairs and Border Security Committee Intern to lead the committee in the pledges of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.

Senator Hall moved adoption of the minutes from the previous hearing held on February 20, 2019; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 607 and recognized the author, Senator Watson, to explain the bill. 

Senator Campbell sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Watson to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Campbell moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Campbell moved that SB 607 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 601 and recognized the author, Senator Hall, to explain the bill.

Senator Campbell sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Hall to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. 

Senator Campbell moved that SB 601 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

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

The chair laid out SB 89 and recognized the author, Senator Hall, to explain the bill.

Senator Campbell moved that SB 89 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 1:45 PM Senator Hall assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 881 and recognized the author, Senator Campbell, to explain the bill. 

Senator Campbell moved that SB 881 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1287 and recognized the author, Senator Campbell, to explain the bill.

Senator Campbell moved that SB 1287 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 1:50 PM Senator Campbell resumed the chair.

The chair moved that public testimony be opened on SB 607.

Witnesses 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.

The chair moved that public testimony be opened on SB 601; without objection, it was so ordered.

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 Hall moved that SB 607 do not pass but that CSSB 607 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent. 

Senator Campbell moved that SB 601 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair moved that public testimony be opened on SB 89; without objection, it was so ordered.

Witnesses 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 Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 89 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 2:19 PM Senator Hall assumed the chair.

The chair moved that public testimony be opened on SB 881.

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 Campbell moved that SB 881 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair moved that public testimony be opened on SB 1287.

Witnesses 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 Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 1287 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 2:25 PM Senator Campbell resumed the chair.

Senator Campbell moved that a motion in writing showing Senator Schwertner voting “aye” on SB 607, SB 1287, and SB 89; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 2:33 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