MINUTES
SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS & COMMERCE
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
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 Business & Commerce was held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.
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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 José Menéndez |
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Senator Phil King, Vice Chair |
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Senator Brian Birdwell |
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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 Mayes Middleton |
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Senator Robert Nichols |
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Senator Judith Zaffirini |
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The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:
The following member arrived after the roll was called: Senator Creighton
The Chair laid out the following interim charges and opened invited testimony (see attached
witness list) for discussion:
Artificial Intelligence: Examine the development and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI). Evaluate the implications of AI adoption across the public and private sectors. Make recommendations for a responsible regulatory framework for AI development, including data privacy, industry standards, consumer protections, risk mitigation, and compliance processes. Propose any necessary changes to state law to protect the Texas radio, television, music, and film industries against unauthorized use by AI. Monitor the findings of the Texas Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council.
Senator King assumed the chair.
Senator Schwertner resumed the chair.
Texas Energy Fund: Review and report on the impact of Senate Bill 2627, the Powering Texas Forward Act, as passed by the 88th Legislature, which established the Texas Energy Fund (TEF) to provide grants and loans to finance the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric facilities in Texas.
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.
There being no further business, at 12:58 PM Senator King 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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Annika Vandayar, Clerk