MINUTES
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS
Thursday, May 22, 2003
8:30 a.m., or upon adjournment
of the Local and Uncontested Calendar
Senate Chamber
*****
Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule
11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on State Affairs
was held on Thursday, May 22, 2003, in the Senate Chamber at
Austin, Texas.
*****
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Bill Ratliff Senator Frank Madla
Senator Todd Staples
Senator Kenneth Armbrister
Senator Robert Duncan
Senator Rodney Ellis
Senator Troy Fraser
Senator Chris Harris
Senator Jane Nelson
*****
Chairman Ratliff called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m. There
being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:
The chairman laid out HB 145 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Fraser, to explain the bill. Witnesses registering on
the bill are shown on the attached list. The chairman moved
that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was
so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 145 be left pending
to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Fraser moved that HB 145 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it
do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote
of 5 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 4 absent. Senator
Fraser moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the
Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so
ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 2198 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Fraser, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and
registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The
chairman moved that the public testimony be closed; without
objection, it was so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB
2198 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection, it
was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Fraser moved
that HB 2198 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not
voting, and 4 absent. Senator Fraser moved that the bill be
recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar;
without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 2199 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Fraser, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and
registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The
chairman moved that the public testimony be closed; without
objection, it was so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB
2199 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection, it
was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Armbrister
moved that HB 2199 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not
voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a motion in writing,
unanimous consent was requested and granted for Senator Nelson
to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include the motion in
writing). Senator Fraser moved that the bill be recommended for
placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without
objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 1863 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Lindsay, to explain the bill. The chairman opened
public testimony. There being no one present wishing to testify
or register on the bill, public testimony was closed without
objection. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 1863 be left pending
to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Armbrister moved that HB 1863 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it
do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote
of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant
to a motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested and
granted for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes
include the motion in writing). Senator Armbrister moved that
the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 2064 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Lindsay, to explain the bill. The chairman opened
public testimony. There being no one present wishing to testify
or register on the bill, public testimony was closed without
objection. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 2064 be left pending
to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Fraser moved that HB 2064 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it
do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote
of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant
to a motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested and
granted for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes
include the motion in writing). Senator Fraser moved that the
bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 1163 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Harris, to explain the bill. Senator Harris sent up
Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the
amendment was adopted. Witnesses registering on the bill are
shown on the attached list. The chairman moved that the public
testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 1163 be left pending to await a
quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a
quorum, Senator Armbrister moved that HB 1163, as amended, be
reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do
pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6
ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a
motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested and granted
for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include
the motion in writing). Senator Armbrister moved that the bill
be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 3237 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Harris, to explain the bill. The chairman opened public
testimony. There being no one present wishing to testify or
register on the bill, public testimony was closed without
objection. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 3237 be left pending
to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Armbrister moved that HB 3237 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it
do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote
of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator
Armbrister moved that the bill be recommended for placement on
the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so
ordered.
At 9:16 a.m., Senator Harris assumed the chair, laid out HB
2912, and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Ratliff, to
explain the bill. Senator Ratliff sent up a committee
substitute; Senator Harris recognized Senator Ratliff to
explain the difference between the committee substitute and the
bill as filed. Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill
are shown on the attached list. Senator Harris moved that the
public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so
ordered. Senator Harris moved that HB 2912 be left pending to
await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Staples moved adoption of the
committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Staples moved that HB 2912 do not pass but that CSHB 2912
be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it
do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote
of 5 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 4 absent. Senator
Staples moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the
Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so
ordered.
At 9:37 a.m., Chairman Ratliff resumed the chair, laid out HB
2562, and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Barrientos, to
explain the bill. Witnesses testifying on the bill are shown on
the attached list. The chairman moved that the public testimony
be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator
Armbrister moved that HB 2562 be reported favorably to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.
The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0
present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a motion in
writing, unanimous consent was requested and granted for Senator
Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include the motion in
writing). Senator Armbrister moved that the bill be recommended
for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without
objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 1487 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Armbrister, to explain the bill. Senator Armbrister
sent up a committee substitute; the chairman recognized Senator
Armbrister to explain the difference between the committee
substitute and the bill as filed. Witnesses testifying and
registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. At
10:31 a.m., the chairman stopped testimony and moved that the
committee stand recessed until after adjournment of the Senate;
without objection, it was so ordered. The committee reconvened
upon adjournment of the senate at 6:40 p.m., and public
testimony on HB 1487 continued. At the conclusion of testimony,
the chairman moved that the public testimony be closed; without
objection, it was so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB
1487 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection, it
was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Armbrister
moved that HB 1487 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not
voting, and 3 absent. Realizing there was a pending substitute
to HB 1487, Senator Armbrister moved to reconsider the vote to
report the bill favorably; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Armbrister moved to adopt the committee substitute;
without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Armbrister moved
that HB 1487 do not pass but that CSHB 1487 be reported back to
the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a motion in
writing, unanimous consent was requested and granted for Senator
Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include the motion in
writing).
The chairman laid out HB 1268 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Carona, to explain the bill. Witnesses registering on
the bill are shown on the attached list. The chairman moved
that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was
so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 1268 be left pending
to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Staples moved that HB 1268 be
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Minutes
Thursday, May 22, 2003
page 5
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it
do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote
of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant
to a motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested and
granted for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes
include the motion in writing). Senator Staples moved that the
bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 3168 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Carona, to explain the bill. Senator Armbrister sent up
a committee substitute; the chairman recognized Senator Carona
to explain the difference between the committee substitute and
the bill as filed. Witnesses testifying and registering on the
bill are shown on the attached list. The chairman moved that
the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so
ordered. Senator Armbrister moved adoption of the committee
substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Chairman
Ratliff moved that HB 3168 be left pending to await a quorum;
without objection, it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum,
Senator Staples moved that HB 3168 do not pass but that CSHB
3168 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that
it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record
vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent.
Pursuant to a motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested
and granted for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6
ayes include the motion in writing). Senator Staples moved that
the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 3439 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Carona, to explain the bill. The chairman opened public
testimony. There being no one present wishing to testify or
register on the bill, public testimony was closed without
objection. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 3439 be left pending
to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Staples moved that HB 3439 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it
do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote
of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator
Staples moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the
Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so
ordered.
The chairman laid out, as pending business, HB 3109 and
recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Carona, to explain the
bill. Senator Armbrister sent up a committee substitute; the
chairman recognized Senator Carona to explain the difference
between the committee substitute and the bill as filed. Senator
Armbrister moved adoption of the committee substitute; without
objection, it was so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB
3109 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection, it
was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Staples moved
that HB 3109 do not pass but that CSHB 3109 be reported back to
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Minutes
Thursday, May 22, 2003
page 6
the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Staples moved
that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 2323 (the posting rule was suspended on
the floor) and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Carona,
to explain the bill. The chairman opened public testimony.
There being no one present wishing to testify or register on the
bill, public testimony was closed without objection. Chairman
Ratliff moved that HB 2323 be left pending to await a quorum;
without objection, it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum,
Senator Staples moved that HB 2323 be reported favorably to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.
The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0
present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Staples moved that
the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 1797 and recognized Senator Armbrister,
in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached
list. The chairman moved that the public testimony be closed;
without objection, it was so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved
that HB 1797 be left pending to await a quorum; without
objection, it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator
Staples moved that HB 1797 be reported favorably to the Senate
with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The
motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present
not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a motion in writing,
unanimous consent was requested and granted for Senator Nelson
to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include the motion in
writing). Senator Staples moved that the bill be recommended
for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without
objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 1798 and recognized Senator Armbrister,
in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.
Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached
list. The chairman moved that the public testimony be closed;
without objection, it was so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved
that HB 1798 be left pending to await a quorum; without
objection, it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator
Staples moved that HB 1798 be reported favorably to the Senate
with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The
motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present
not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a motion in writing,
unanimous consent was requested and granted for Senator Nelson
to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include the motion in
writing). Senator Staples moved that the bill be recommended
for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without
objection, it was so ordered.
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Minutes
Thursday, May 22, 2003
page 7
The chairman laid out HB 1799 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Averitt, to explain the bill. Witnesses registering on
the bill are shown on the attached list. The chairman moved
that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was
so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 1799 be left pending
to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Staples moved that HB 1799 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it
do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote
of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant
to a motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested and
granted for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes
include the motion in writing). Senator Staples moved that the
bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 1800 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Averitt, to explain the bill. Witnesses registering on
the bill are shown on the attached list. The chairman moved
that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was
so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 1800 be left pending
to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Staples moved that HB 1800 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it
do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote
of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant
to a motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested and
granted for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes
include the motion in writing). Senator Staples moved that the
bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 2947 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Armbrister, to explain the bill. Senator Armbrister
sent up a committee substitute; the chairman recognized Senator
Armbrister to explain the difference between the committee
substitute and the bill as filed. Witnesses registering on the
bill are shown on the attached list. The chairman moved that
the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so
ordered. Senator Armbrister moved adoption of the committee
substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Chairman
Ratliff moved that HB 2947 be left pending to await a quorum;
without objection, it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum,
Senator Armbrister moved that HB 2947 do not pass but that CSHB
2947 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that
it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record
vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent.
Pursuant to a motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested
and granted for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6
ayes include the motion in writing). Senator Armbrister moved
that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 1791 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS
Minutes
Thursday, May 22, 2003
page 8
Senator Armbrister, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying
and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The
chairman moved that the public testimony be closed; without
objection, it was so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB
1791 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection, it
was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Armbrister
moved that HB 1791 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not
voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a motion in writing,
unanimous consent was requested and granted for Senator Nelson
to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include the motion in
writing). Senator Armbrister moved that the bill be recommended
for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without
objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 1297 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Armbrister, to explain the bill. Senator Armbrister
sent up a committee substitute; the chairman recognized Senator
Armbrister to explain the difference between the committee
substitute and the bill as filed. The chairman opened public
testimony. There being no one present wishing to testify or
register on the bill, public testimony was closed without
objection. Senator Armbrister moved adoption of the committee
substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Chairman
Ratliff moved that HB 1297 be left pending to await a quorum;
without objection, it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum,
Senator Armbrister moved that HB 1297 do not pass but that CSHB
1297 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that
it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record
vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent.
Pursuant to a motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested
and granted for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6
ayes include the motion in writing). Senator Armbrister moved
that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 649 (the posting rule was suspended on
the floor) and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Estes, to
explain the bill. Witnesses registering on the bill are shown
on the attached list. The chairman moved that the public
testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 649 be left pending to await a
quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a
quorum, Senator Staples moved that HB 649 be reported favorably
to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Staples moved
that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 2397 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Williams, to explain the bill. Witnesses registering on
the bill are shown on the attached list. The chairman moved
that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was
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Minutes
Thursday, May 22, 2003
page 9
so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 2397 be left pending
to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Staples moved that HB 2397 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it
do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote
of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant
to a motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested and
granted for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes
include the motion in writing). Senator Staples moved that the
bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 508 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Williams, to explain the bill. The chairman opened
public testimony. There being no one present wishing to testify
or register on the bill, public testimony was closed without
objection. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 508 be left pending to
await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Staples moved that HB 508 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it
do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote
of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant
to a motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested and
granted for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes
include the motion in writing). Senator Staples moved that the
bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 3022 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Williams, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and
registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The
chairman moved that the public testimony be closed; without
objection, it was so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB
3022 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 3023 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Williams, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and
registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The
chairman moved that the public testimony be closed; without
objection, it was so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB
3023 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 833 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Janek, to explain the bill. Witnesses registering on
the bill are shown on the attached list. The chairman moved
that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was
so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 833 be left pending
to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Ellis moved that HB 833 be reported
favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass
and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6
ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a
motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested and granted
for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include
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Minutes
Thursday, May 22, 2003
page 10
the motion in writing).
The chairman laid out HB 2496 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Janek, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying on the
bill are shown on the attached list. The chairman moved that
the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so
ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 2496 be left pending to
await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Staples moved that HB 2496 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it
do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote
of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator
Staples moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the
Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so
ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 2053 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Janek, to explain the bill. Senator Ellis sent up
Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the
amendment was adopted. The chairman opened public testimony.
There being no one present wishing to testify or register on the
bill, public testimony was closed without objection. Chairman
Ratliff moved that HB 2053 be left pending to await a quorum;
without objection, it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum,
Senator Staples moved that HB 2053, as amended, be reported back
to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a motion
in writing, unanimous consent was requested and granted for
Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include the
motion in writing). Senator Staples moved that the bill be
recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar;
without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HCR 199 (the posting rule was suspended on
the floor) and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Van de
Putte, to explain the resolution. The chairman opened public
testimony. There being no one present wishing to testify or
register on the resolution, public testimony was closed without
objection. Chairman Ratliff moved that HCR 199 be left pending
to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Chairman Ratliff moved that HCR 199 be left
pending; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 1053 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Ellis, to explain the bill. Senator Ellis sent up
Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the
amendment was adopted. Witnesses registering on the bill are
shown on the attached list. The chairman moved that the public
testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 1053 be left pending to await a
quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a
quorum, Senator Ellis moved that HB 1053, as amended, be
reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do
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Minutes
Thursday, May 22, 2003
page 11
pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6
ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a
motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested and granted
for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include
the motion in writing). Senator Ellis moved that the bill be
recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar;
without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 999 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Ellis, to explain the bill. Senator Ellis sent up a
committee substitute; the chairman recognized Senator Ellis to
explain the difference between the committee substitute and the
bill as filed. Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on
the attached list. The chairman moved that the public testimony
be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Ellis
moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection,
it was so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 999 be left
pending to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered.
Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Ellis moved that HB 999 do not
pass but that CSHB 999 be reported back to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not
voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a motion in writing,
unanimous consent was requested and granted for Senator Nelson
to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include the motion in
writing). Senator Ellis moved that the bill be recommended for
placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without
objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 1602 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Ellis, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and
registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The
chairman moved that the public testimony be closed; without
objection, it was so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB
1602 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection, it
was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Ellis moved
that HB 1602 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not
voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a motion in writing,
unanimous consent was requested and granted for Senator Nelson
to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include the motion in
writing). Senator Ellis moved that the bill be recommended for
placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without
objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 3096 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Ellis, to explain the bill. Senator Ellis sent up
Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption; without objection, the
amendment was adopted. Witnesses registering on the bill are
shown on the attached list. The chairman moved that the public
testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 3096 be left pending to await a
quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS
Minutes
Thursday, May 22, 2003
page 12
quorum, Senator Ellis moved that HB 3096, as amended, be
reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do
pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6
ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a
motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested and granted
for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include
the motion in writing). Senator Ellis moved that the bill be
recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar;
without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 403 and recognized Senator Ellis, in
the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. The
chairman opened public testimony. There being no one present
wishing to testify or register on the bill, public testimony was
closed without objection. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 403 be
left pending to await a quorum; without objection, it was so
ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Armbrister moved
that HB 403 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not
voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a motion in writing,
unanimous consent was requested and granted for Senator Nelson
to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include the motion in
writing). Senator Armbrister moved that the bill be recommended
for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without
objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out, as pending business, HB 408 (the posting
rule was suspended on the floor) and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Fraser, to explain the bill. Chairman Ratliff
moved that HB 408 be left pending to await a quorum; without
objection, it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator
Fraser moved that HB 408 be reported favorably to the Senate
with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The
motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present
not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Fraser moved that the bill be
recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar;
without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 1597 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Staples, to explain the bill. The chairman opened
public testimony. There being no one present wishing to testify
or register on the bill, public testimony was closed without
objection. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 1597 be left pending
to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Staples moved that HB 1597 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it
do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote
of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant
to a motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested and
granted for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes
include the motion in writing). Senator Staples moved that the
bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS
Minutes
Thursday, May 22, 2003
page 13
The chairman laid out HB 1697 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Staples, to explain the bill. The chairman opened
public testimony. There being no one present wishing to testify
or register on the bill, public testimony was closed without
objection. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 1697 be left pending
to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Staples moved that HB 1697 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it
do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote
of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant
to a motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested and
granted for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes
include the motion in writing). Senator Staples moved that the
bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HB 2095 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Staples, to explain the bill. Upon the conclusion of
Pam Beachley's testimony (Texas Cotton Ginners Association),
Senator Staples sent up a committee substitute. Witnesses
testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached
list. The chairman moved that the public testimony be closed;
without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Staples moved
adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was
so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 2095 be left pending
to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Staples moved that HB 2095 do not
pass but that CSHB 2095 be reported back to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not
voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a motion in writing,
unanimous consent was requested and granted for Senator Nelson
to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include the motion in
writing).
The chairman laid out HB 2636 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Staples, to explain the bill. Witnesses registering on
the bill are shown on the attached list. The chairman moved
that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was
so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HB 2636 be left pending
to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Staples moved that HB 2636 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it
do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote
of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant
to a motion in writing, unanimous consent was requested and
granted for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes
include the motion in writing). Senator Staples moved that the
bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The chairman laid out HCR 90 and recognized the Senate sponsor,
Senator Staples, to explain the resolution. Witnesses
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS
Minutes
Thursday, May 22, 2003
page 14
registering on the resolution are shown on the attached list.
The chairman moved that the public testimony be closed; without
objection, it was so ordered. Chairman Ratliff moved that HCR
90 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection, it was
so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Staples moved
that HCR 90 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not
voting, and 3 absent. Senator Staples moved that the resolution
be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
At 8:21 p.m., Senator Staples assumed the chair, laid out HB
402, and recognized Senator Fraser, in the absence of the Senate
sponsor, to explain the bill. Senator Staples opened public
testimony. There being no one present wishing to testify or
register on the bill, public testimony was closed without
objection. Senator Staples moved that HB 402 be left pending to
await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, and with Chairman Ratliff presiding,
Senator Staples moved that HB 402 be reported favorably to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.
The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0
present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a motion in
writing, unanimous consent was requested and granted for Senator
Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include the motion in
writing). Senator Staples moved that the bill be recommended
for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without
objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Staples laid out HB 736 and recognized Senator Fraser,
in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on
the attached list. Senator Staples moved that the public
testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Staples moved that HB 736 be left pending to await a
quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a
quorum, and with Chairman Ratliff presiding, Senator Fraser
moved that HB 736 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not
voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a motion in writing,
unanimous consent was requested and granted for Senator Nelson
to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include the motion in
writing). Senator Fraser moved that the bill be recommended for
placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without
objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Staples laid out HB 705 and recognized Senator Fraser,
in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.
Senator Fraser sent up Committee Amendment 1 and moved adoption;
without objection, the amendment was adopted. Senator Fraser
sent up Committee Amendment 2 and moved adoption; without
objection, the amendment was adopted. Witnesses registering on
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS
Minutes
Thursday, May 22, 2003
page 15
the bill are shown on the attached list. Senator Staples moved
that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was
so ordered. Senator Staples moved that HB 705 be left pending
to await a quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon
arrival of a quorum, and with Chairman Ratliff presiding,
Senator Ellis moved that HB 705, as amended, be reported back to
the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Pursuant to a motion
in writing, unanimous consent was requested and granted for
Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye (the 6 ayes include the
motion in writing). Senator Ellis moved that the bill be
recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar;
without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Staples laid out HB 2085 and recognized Senator Fraser,
in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.
Senator Staples opened public testimony. There being no one
present wishing to testify or register on the bill, public
testimony was closed without objection. Senator Staples moved
that HB 2085 be left pending to await a quorum; without
objection, it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, and
with Chairman Ratliff presiding, Senator Fraser moved that HB
2085 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation
that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a
record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 3
absent. Pursuant to a motion in writing, unanimous consent was
requested and granted for Senator Nelson to be shown voting aye
(the 6 ayes include the motion in writing). Senator Fraser
moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Staples laid out, as pending business, HJR 54 (with a
pending committee substitute and a pending Committee Amendment
1) and recognized Senator Armbrister, in the absence of the
Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. Senator Armbrister sent up
Committee Amendment 2 and moved adoption; without objection, the
amendment was adopted. Senator Armbrister sent up Committee
Amendment 3 and moved adoption; without objection, the amendment
was adopted. Senator Armbrister moved the adoption of Committee
Amendment 1 (laid out and left pending at a previous hearing);
without objection, the amendment was adopted. Senator
Armbrister requested unanimous consent to roll the amendments
into a new committee substitute; without objection, it was so
ordered. Senator Armbrister then moved that the committee
substitute be adopted; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Staples moved that HJR 54 be left pending to await a
quorum; without objection, it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a
quorum, and with Chairman Ratliff presiding, Senator Armbrister
moved that HJR 54 do not pass but that CSHJR 54 be reported back
to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0
nay, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Armbrister
moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS
Minutes
Thursday, May 22, 2003
page 16
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
Senator Staples laid out HB 2261 and recognized Senator Ratliff,
in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.
Senator Ratliff sent up a committee substitute; Senator Staples
recognized Senator Ratliff to explain the difference between the
committee substitute and the bill as filed. Witnesses
testifying on the bill are shown on the attached list. At 8:45
p.m., Chairman Ratliff resumed the chair and closed public
testimony. Chairman Ratliff moved adoption of the committee
substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. The bill was
then left pending awaiting the arrival of a quorum. Upon
arrival of a quorum, Senator Armbrister moved that HB 2261 do
not pass but that CSHB 2261 be reported back to the Senate with
the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not
voting, and 3 absent.
There being no further business, at 9:17 p.m. Chairman Ratliff
moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of
the chairman. Without objection, it was so ordered.
________________________
Senator Bill Ratliff, Chairman
______________________
Nancy B. Macken, Clerk