MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

9:30 a.m.

Capitol Extension, Room E1.028

 

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations was held on Wednesday, May 2, 2007, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Royce West

Senator Robert Nichols

Senator Dan Patrick

Senator Jeff Wentworth

 

Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr.

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:34 a.m., the following business was transacted: 

 

The chair laid out SB 919 and recognized the author, Senator Harris, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Harris to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Nichols moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

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. 

 

Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Nichols moved that SB 919 do not pass but that CSSB 919 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1706 and recognized the author, Senator Harris, 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. 

 

A quorum was established at 9:42 a.m.

 

Senator Wentworth moved adoption of the minutes from the previous hearing held on April 30, 2007; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out HB 1899 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Harris, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Harris to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.  Senator Nichols moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

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 West moved that HB 1899 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out HB 680 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Seliger, to explain the bill. 

 

There were no persons registered to testify on this bill.

 

Senator Nichols moved that HB 680 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out HB 35 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Seliger, 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 Nichols moved that HB 35 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1498 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Zaffirini to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Nichols moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

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 Nichols moved that SB 1498 do not pass but that CSSB 1498 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Patrick moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out HB 2840 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Fraser, to explain the bill. 

 

There were no persons registered to testify on this bill.

 

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

 

Senator Nichols moved that HB 2840 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out HB 1067 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Janek, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Nichols sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Janek to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.  Senator Nichols moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

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 Patrick moved that HB 1067 do not pass but that CSHB 1067 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Patrick moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out HB 923 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Carona, 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 Patrick moved that HB 923 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

The chair laid out HB 2090 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Carona, 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 Nichols moved that HB 2090 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out HB 2168 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Carona, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Wentworth sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Carona to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.  Senator Wentworth moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

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 Wentworth moved that HB 2168 do not pass but that CSHB 2168 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 3 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. 

 

Senator Wentworth moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 2003 and recognized the author, Senator Estes, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Wentworth sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Estes to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Wentworth moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

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 Nichols moved that SB 2003 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 2004 and recognized the author, Senator Estes, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Wentworth sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Estes to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Wentworth moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

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 West moved that SB 2004 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

At 10:18 a.m. Senator Nichols assumed the chair. 

 

The chair laid out HB 989 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Hegar, 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 Nichols moved that HB 989 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out HB 2281 and recognized Senator Wentworth, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, 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 Nichols moved that HB 2281 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out HB 1491 and recognized Senator Wentworth, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, 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 Nichols moved that HB 1491 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out HB 1298 and recognized Senator Wentworth, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, 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 Nichols moved that HB 1298 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out HB 1251 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Wentworth, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator Wentworth sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Wentworth to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.  Senator Wentworth moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

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 Wentworth moved that HB 1251 do not pass but that CSHB 1251 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Wentworth moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out HB 1768 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator West, 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 West moved that HB 1768 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator West moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out HB 1850 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator West, to explain the bill. 

 

Senator West sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator West to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.  Senator West moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

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 West moved that HB 1850 do not pass but that CSHB 1850 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator West moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

At 10:50 a.m. Senator West resumed the chair. 

 

At 10:51 a.m. Senator West moved that the committee stand recessed until after adjournment of the Senate; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

At 5:15 p.m. the committee reconvened. 

 

On a matter of pending business, Senator West laid out HB 989 and Senator Nichols moved that HB 989 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

On a matter of pending business, Senator West laid out HB 1298 and Senator Nichols moved that HB 1298 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

On a matter of pending business, Senator West laid out HB 1491 and Senator Nichols moved that HB 1491 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

On a matter of pending business, Senator West laid out SB 1989 and Senator Nichols moved that SB 1989 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

On a matter of pending business, Senator West laid out SB 1998 and Senator Nichols moved that SB 1998 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

On a matter of pending business, Senator West laid out HB 2281 and Senator Nichols moved that HB 2281 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Wentworth moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

On a matter of pending business, Senator West laid out SB 2003 and Senator Wentworth moved that SB 2003 do not pass but that CSSB 2003 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 4 ayes, 0 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

There being no further business, at 5:23 p.m. Senator West moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair.  Without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

 

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Senator Royce West, Chair

 

 

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Tiffany White, Clerk