MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERAN AFFAIRS & BORDER SECURITY

Wednesday, March 20, 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 20, 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 1:57 PM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

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

The Chair recognized Army Veteran and Veteran Affairs and Border Security Committee Intern, Marshall Newton, 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 March 13, 2019; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 601.

Senator Menéndez was recognized to discuss an amendment to SB 601, sunset bill, that Senator Menéndez intends to offer as a floor amendment to SB 601.

Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 601 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.

At 2:03 PM Senator Hall assumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 881 and recognized the author, Senator Campbell, to explain the bill.

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

The chair laid out SB 616 and recognized the author, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill.

A committee substitute was sent up. The chair recognized Senator Birdwell to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. 

Senator Campbell moved that SB 616 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1557 and recognized the author, Senator Lucio, to explain the bill.

Senator Lucio, Jr. sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Lucio, Jr. 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 1557 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 3:35 PM Senator Lucio, Jr. assumed the chair. 

The chair laid out SB 1443 and recognized the author, Senator Campbell, to explain the bill.

Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that SB 1443 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 3:40 PM Senator Campbell resumed the chair.

The chair moved that public testimony be opened on SB 616.

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 616 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair moved that public testimony be opened on SB 1557.

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 1557 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 4:19 PM Senator Hall assumed the chair.

The chair moved that public testimony be opened on SB 1443.

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.

The chair moved that SB 1443 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 4:21 PM Senator Campbell resumed the chair.

Senator Campbell moved that SB 1557 be left pending; 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 Campbell moved to adopt a motion in writing showing Senator Johnson voting “aye” on SB 601 and SB 881; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 4:23 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