MINUTES
SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS & COMMERCE
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
9:00 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 Business & Commerce was held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in the Senate Chamber.
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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Senator Charles Schwertner, Chair |
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Senator Robert Nichols, Vice Chair |
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Senator Donna Campbell |
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Senator Brandon Creighton |
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Senator Nathan Johnson |
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Senator Lois Kolkhorst |
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Senator José Menéndez |
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Senator Angela Paxton |
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Senator John Whitmire |
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The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:04 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:
The Chair made opening remarks. The Chair recognized members of the Committee to make opening remarks.
The Chair opened invited testimony (see attached witness list) for discussion on the following interim charges:
Supply Chains: Examine the causes and impacts of recent supply chain disruptions on the Texas economy and individual industries. Study the factors that weaken links in the supply chain and the extent the pandemic has exposed those vulnerabilities. Recommend actions to strengthen the supply chain in Texas and mitigate disruptions in the future.
Cybersecurity: Review current state and federal laws regarding cybersecurity protections and requirements for local governments, state agencies, and critical industries of our state. Make recommendations for legislation to improve resilience and protection against cybersecurity attacks and ensure the privacy protection of the citizens of Texas.
Senator Menéndez assumed the chair.
Senator Schwertner resumed the chair.
State Workforce: Study where state employees are located and the benefits and drawbacks of remote working. Evaluate the impact of the potential growth of remote work and proximity of employees to their place of employment on traffic studies over the next 10 years. Study and make recommendations for establishing uniform statewide standards for remote work. Study possible implications and standards for statewide recruitment and employment of remote state employees from all parts of the state.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the interim charges are shown on the attached witness list. The Chair opened public testimony for discussion on the above listed interim charges. The Chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
The following members arrived after the roll was called:
Senator Brandon Creighton
Senator José Menéndez
There being no further business, at 2:52 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 Charles Schwertner, Chair
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Lucy Tiblier, Clerk