MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WATER, AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

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 Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs was held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, 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 10:00 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Blanco.

The Chair laid out the following interim charges:

Water System Reliability: Evaluate water systems in Texas and identify opportunities to better equip those systems to serve the public. Review the coordination of relevant state agencies dealing with Texas water issues and identify opportunities for improved coordination and effectiveness.

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs passed by the 88th 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:

• Senate Bill 28, relating to financial assistance provided and programs administered by the Texas Water Development Board;
• Senate Bill 1289, relating to the disposal of reclaimed wastewater;
• Senate Bill 1414, relating to the temporary regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; and
• Senate Bill 1648, relating to the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund.

The following individuals provided invited and public testimony on the interim charges (see attached witness list).

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

There being no further business, at 2:14 PM Senator Perry moved that the Committee stand at ease 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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Jayna Grove, Clerk