MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Monday, April 24, 2017

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.028

 

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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 Intergovernmental Relations was held on Monday, April 24, 2017, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Chair

 

None

Senator Paul Bettencourt, Vice Chair

 

 

Senator Donna Campbell

 

 

Senator Sylvia Garcia

 

 

Senator Don Huffines

 

 

Senator José Menéndez

 

 

Senator Van Taylor

 

 

 

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The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:03 AM.  There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

 

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Don Huffines and Senator José Menéndez.

 

The Chair laid out SB 1869 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, to explain the bill.  The Chair 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 Bettencourt moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 1869 be opened.  Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  The Chair moved that SB 1869 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 989 and recognized the author, Senator Watson, to explain the bill.  Senator Bettencourt sent up a committee substitute.  The Chair recognized Senator Watson to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Garcia moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 989 be opened.  Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Garcia moved that SB 989 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Menéndez submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Garcia moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 1656 and recognized the author, Senator Watson, to explain the bill.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 1656 be opened.  Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  The Chair moved that SB 1656 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 517 and the committee substitute adopted on April 19, 2017.  Senator Garcia moved that SB 517 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Menéndez submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Garcia moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 636.  Senator Huffines moved that SB 636 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Huffines moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1727.  Senator Campbell moved that SB 1727 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Bettencourt moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2117 and the committee substitute sent up at a previous hearing.  Senator Bettencourt moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2117 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Bettencourt moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 1990 and recognized the author, Senator Watson, to explain the bill.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 1990 be opened.  Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  The Chair moved that SB 1990 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 1991 and recognized the author, Senator Watson, to explain the bill.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 1991 be opened.  Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 1991 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Menéndez submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.

 

The Chair laid out SB 2282 and recognized the author, Senator Nichols, to explain the bill.  Senator Bettencourt sent up a committee substitute.  The Chair recognized Senator Nichols to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Bettencourt moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 2282 be opened.  Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2282 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Bettencourt moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 2265 and recognized the author, Senator Taylor, Larry, to explain the bill.  Senator Bettencourt sent up a committee substitute.  The Chair recognized Senator Taylor, Larry to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Bettencourt moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 2265 be opened.  Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Bettencourt moved that SB 2265 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Campbell submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Menéndez submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.

 

The Chair laid out SB 2251 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 2251 be opened.  Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Garcia moved that SB 2251 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Bettencourt submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Garcia moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 2257 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 2257 be opened.  Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Garcia moved that SB 2257 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Bettencourt submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Garcia moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 2258 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill.  Senator Garcia sent up a committee substitute.  The Chair recognized Senator Kolkhorst to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 2258 be opened.  Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  The Chair moved that SB 2258 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 2259 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill.  Senator Garcia sent up a committee substitute.  The Chair recognized Senator Kolkhorst to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 2259 be opened.  Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  The Chair moved that SB 2259 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 2245 and recognized the author, Senator Campbell, to explain the bill.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 2245 be opened.  Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  The Chair moved that SB 2245 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 2263 and recognized the author, Senator Campbell, to explain the bill.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 2263 be opened.  Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Campbell moved that SB 2263 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Bettencourt submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Taylor, V. submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Campbell moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2245.  Senator Campbell moved that SB 2245 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Bettencourt submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Taylor, V. submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Campbell moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 2273 and recognized the author, Senator Campbell, to explain the bill.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 2273 be opened.  Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Campbell moved that SB 2273 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Bettencourt submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Taylor, V. submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Campbell moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2258 and the committee substitute sent up previously in the hearing.  Senator Garcia moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Garcia moved that SB 2258 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.  Senator Bettencourt submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Garcia moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 2259 and the committee substitute sent up previously in the hearing.  Senator Campbell moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Campbell moved that SB 2259 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Bettencourt submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Campbell moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 2267 and recognized the author, Senator Creighton, to explain the bill.  Senator Huffines sent up a committee substitute.  The Chair recognized Senator Creighton to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Huffines moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 2267 be opened.  Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Garcia moved that SB 2267 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Bettencourt submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Campbell moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 2268 and recognized the author, Senator Creighton, to explain the bill.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 2268 be opened.  Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Garcia moved that SB 2268 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Bettencourt submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Campbell moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 2170 and recognized the author, Senator Huffines, to explain the bill.  Senator Huffines sent up a committee substitute.  The Chair recognized Senator Huffines to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Huffines moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 2170 be opened.  Witnesses registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Huffines moved that SB 2170 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Bettencourt submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Campbell submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Huffines moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 1331 and recognized Senator Taylor, V., in absence of the author, to explain the bill.  Senator Taylor sent up a committee substitute.  The Chair recognized Senator Taylor, V. to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Taylor, V. moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 1331 be opened.  Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Garcia moved that SB 1331 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do not pass but that the committee substitute adopted in lieu thereof do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Bettencourt submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Campbell submitted a motion in writing form requesting unanimous consent to be shown voting aye.  Senator Taylor, V. moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The Chair laid out SB 1742 and recognized Senator Garcia, in absence of the author, to explain the bill.  The Chair moved that public testimony for SB 1742 be opened.  Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.  The Chair moved that public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Garcia moved that SB 1742 be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Garcia 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 11:04 AM Senator Campbell moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Chair

 

 

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Dilip Kanuga, Clerk