MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS

Monday, March 15, 2021

1:30 PM

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 Nominations was held on Monday, March 15, 2021, in the Betty King Committee Room at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Dawn Buckingham, Chair	Senator Bryan Hughes
Senator Angela Paxton, Vice Chair	Senator Borris Miles
Senator Carol Alvarado
Senator Sarah Eckhardt
Senator Roland Gutierrez
Senator Kel Seliger
Senator Drew Springer

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The chair called the meeting to order at 1:42 PM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called:

Senator Carol Alvarado

Senator Sarah Eckhardt

Senator Springer moved adoption of the minutes from the previous hearing held on March 8, 2021; without objection, it was so ordered. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent.

Senator Eckhardt moved that the committee vote to approve the nominations of the individuals to the following entities: Injured Employee Public Council, Administrator of the Texas Bullion Depository—Comptroller of Texas Appointee, Texas Animal Health Commission, One-Call Board of Texas, Real Estate Research Advisory Committee, Statewide Health Coordinating Council, Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board, Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, Texas Crime Stoppers Council, Texas Emergency Services Retirement System Board of Trustees, and the Texas Health Services Authority Board of Directors. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. Senator Alvarado submitted a motion in writing to be shown voting aye. This did not change the outcome of the vote. Without objection; it was so ordered.

Senator Campbell was recognized to introduce Linda Molina, appointed to the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Chair Buckingham, on behalf of Senator Hinojosa, introduced Eddy Betancourt, appointed to the Texas Facilities Commission.

Chair Buckingham, on behalf of Senator Hancock, introduced Dr. John Scott, appointed to the University of North Texas System Board of Regents.

Chair Buckingham, on behalf of Senator Huffman, introduced Dr. Durga Agrawal, appointed to the University of Houston System Board of Regents.

Mrs. Molina made an opening statement. Questions and comments were offered by the following member: Chair Buckingham. No public testimony was offered.

Mr. Betancourt made an opening statement. Questions and comments were offered by the following member: Chair Buckingham. No public testimony was offered.

Dr. Agrawal made an opening statement. Questions and comments were offered by the following members: Chair Buckingham and Senator Alvarado. No public testimony was offered.

Dr. Scott made an opening statement. Questions and comments were offered by the following members: Chair Buckingham and Senator Alvarado. No public testimony was offered.

Chair Buckingham announced that all appearing and non-appearing nominees, on the posted agenda, would be left pending before the committee.

Chair Buckingham announced that the next hearing, would be held on Monday, March 22^nd, in the Betty King Committee Room.

There being no further business, at 2:26 p.m., 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 Dawn Buckingham, M.D., Chair

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George Moore, Clerk