MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WATER, AGRICULTURE & RURAL AFFAIRS

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

9:00 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 Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs was held on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Charles Perry, Chair	Senator Roland Gutierrez
Senator Drew Springer, Vice Chair	Senator Nathan Johnson
Senator Brandon Creighton
Senator Sarah Eckhardt
Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Senator Beverly Powell
Senator Larry Taylor

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:04 AM. There being a quorum present at 9:09 AM, the following business was transacted:

The chair made opening remarks. The committee heard invited and public testimony on the following interim charges:

Rural Employment: study and make recommendations on rural small business development and workforce needs. Consider and recommend innovative methods for business development in rural parts of the state.

Rural Immigration: consider the Federal government's open border policies and practices of releasing illegal immigrants in rural areas of the state. Report on the impact to rural Texas, and their local ability to address social, health, and law enforcement needs.

Meat Packing Facilities: study the need for additional meat packing facilities in  Texas. Evaluate and report on the increased cost to Texas ranchers and revenue lost in the Texas economy when meatpacking facilities are utilized outside of Texas.

Agricultural Theft: study the impact of cattle theft on farming and ranching operations throughout Texas and recommend cost-effective measures to mitigate loss and increase security.

Witnesses testifying and registering are shown on the attached list. The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. There being no further business, at 4:30 PM Senator Perry 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 Perry, Chair

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Lauren Murray, Clerk