MINUTES 
                                           
                    SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION 
                               Thursday, May 6, 2004 
                           1:00 p.m. or upon adjournment 
                           Capitol Extension, Room E1.028 
                                           
                                       ***** 
                                           
         Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule  
         11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Government  
         Organization was held on Thursday, May 6, 2004, in the Capitol  
         Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas. 
          
                                       ***** 
                                           
         MEMBERS PRESENT:                        MEMBERS ABSENT: 
         Senator Rodney Ellis                    Senator John Carona 
         Senator Jane Nelson                     Senator Chris Harris 
         Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr.             Senator John Whitmire 
         Senator Mike Jackson 
                                           
                                       ***** 
                                           
         The chair called the meeting to order at 1:14 p.m.  The  
         following business was transacted:   
          
         The committee heard invited and public testimony on interim  
         charge one concerning the consolidation of those agencies  
         related to the arts, cultural, and library services;  
         consolidation of certain agricultural-related agencies; and  
         consolidation of certain licensing agencies and their  
         administrative functions.  Witnesses registering and testifying  
         on the topic are shown on the attached list. 
          
         The committee heard invited testimony on interim charge two  
         concerning the management of state assets and leases, possible  
         use of sales-leaseback opportunities, and review allegations of  
         theft of state property.  Witnesses registering and testifying  
         on the topic are shown on the attached list. 
          
         At 2:20 p.m. roll was taken and quorum was established. 
          
         Senator Nelson moved for adoption of the committee rules.   
         Hearing no objection, the rules were adopted. 
          
         There being no further business, at 2:28 p.m. Senator Ellis  
         moved that the committee stand recessed subject to the call of  
         the chair.  Hearing no objection, it was so ordered.