MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & TRADE

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

9:00 a.m.

Capitol Extension, Room E1.016

 

*****

 

 

 

Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on International Relations & Trade was held on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas.

 

*****

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.

Senator Kel Seliger

Senator Wendy Davis

 

Senator Craig Estes

Senator Troy Fraser

Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr.

Senator Tommy Williams

 

*****

 

The chair called the meeting to order at 9:11 a.m.  The following business was transacted: 

 

The committee heard invited testimony on pending items from the hearing held on March 9, 2010, and on interim charges #1, #2, and #7:

 

1. Review the effectiveness of the Coordination of Colonia Initiatives and related measures    addressed by the Committee and develop recommendations to better address substandard           communities across the state where no potable water or sewage services are provided.         Review state and local laws and policies relating to development and growth in    unincorporated regions of the state and develop recommendations aimed at providing       local units of government the necessary

local control tools to curtail the spread of colonia-like developments in their jurisdictions.

 

             

2. Examine effectiveness of state homeownership programs serving colonia residents. Study the need for contract for deed conversions in the colonias within 150 miles of the Texas/Mexico border. Examine existing statute regarding statewide distribution of the Texas Bootstrap Loan Program and recommend changes to increase the state’s ability to expedite allocation of funds. Develop recommendations to address abusive lending practices in distressed areas and fair housing violations in the colonias.

7. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on International Relations and Trade, 81st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.

           

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on pending items and on the interim charges #1#, 2, and #7 are shown on the attached list. 

 

At 10:34 a.m. Senator Seliger assumed the chair. 

 

At 10:41 a.m. Senator Lucio, Jr. resumed the chair. 

 

At 11:52 a.m. Senator Seliger assumed the chair.

 

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

 

The chair opened the hearing to public testimony.

 

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

 

There being no further business, at 12:35 p.m. Senator Seliger moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair.  Without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

 

_____________________________

Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Chair

 

_____________________________

Natalie Fontenot, Clerk