MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WATER, AGRICULTURE & RURAL AFFAIRS

Monday, April 24, 2023

8:00 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 Monday, April 24, 2023, 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 Kelly Hancock, Vice Chair
Senator César Blanco
Senator Pete Flores
Senator Nathan Johnson
Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Senator Kevin Sparks
Senator Drew Springer

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The chair called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Flores, Senator Johnson and Senator Kolkhorst.

The chair laid out SB 1468 and recognized the author, Senator Springer, to explain the bill.

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.

Senator Perry moved that SB 1468 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1671 and recognized the author, Senator LaMantia, to explain the bill.

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.

Senator Perry moved that SB 1671 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 8:10 AM Senator Hancock assumed the chair.

The chair laid out HB 1845 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Perry, to explain the bill.

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.

Senator Hancock moved that HB 1845 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 8:16 AM Senator Perry resumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 2578 and recognized Senator Hancock, in the absence of the author, to explain the bill.

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.

Senator Perry moved that SB 2578 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2582 and recognized the author, Senator Johnson, to explain the bill.

Senator Hancock sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Johnson to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.

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.

Senator Perry moved that SB 2582 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2036 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill.

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.

Senator Perry moved that SB 2036 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 8:37 AM 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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Wrye Akers, Clerk