MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Monday, June 13, 2022

10:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

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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 Natural Resources & Economic Development was held on Monday, June 13, 2022, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Brian Birdwell, Chair	Senator Bryan Hughes
Senator Judith Zaffirini, Vice Chair
Senator Carol Alvarado
Senator Kelly Hancock
Senator Juan Hinojosa
Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Senator Kel Seliger

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The chair called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Alvarado

Other Senate members attending: Senator Sarah Eckhardt

The Chair laid out the following Committee charge:

· Wildfires and Prescribed Burns: Examine ways to reduce the risk of and destructive impact of wildfires. Monitor the role the Prescribed Burning Board plays in controlled burns. Recommend practices and improvements that public and private landowners may use to reduce fire risks.

The following individuals provided invited testimony (see attached witness list).

            Texas A&M AgriLife

                        Dr. Rick Avery, Director

                        Dr. Bill Fox, Associate Professor & Extension Specialist

            Texas A&M Forest Service

                        Al Davis, Interim Director

                        Rich Gray, Chief Regional Fire Coordinator

            Texas Department of Agriculture – Texas Prescribed Burn Board

                        Justin Penick, Chairman, Texas Prescribed Burn Board

            Texas Division of Emergency Management

                        Nim Kidd, Chief

            Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

                        Carter Smith, Executive Director

The Chair laid out the following Committee charges:

· Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development passed by the 87th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:

House Bill 1247, Relating to the development of and report on a tri-agency work-based learning strategic framework by the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The following individuals provided invited testimony (see attached witness list).

            Texas Education Agency

                        Monica Martinez, Associate Commissioner for Standards and Support

            Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

                        Tina, Jackson, Assistant Commissioner of Workforce Education

            Texas Workforce Commission

                        Kerry Ballast, Deputy Division Director for Workforce Education

House Bill 4110, Relating to the registration of metal recycling.

The following individuals provided invited testimony (see attached witness list).

            Texas Department of Public Safety

                        Jason Hester, Assistant Chief, Regulatory Division

            Texas Automobile Dealers Association

                        Claire McDonald, Legislative Chair

            Recycling Council of Texas

                        Mel Wright, President

There being no further business, at 2:55 PM Senator Birdwell moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Brian Birdwell, Chair

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David Estrada, Clerk