MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

8:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.016

 

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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 Transportation was held on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:		MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Robert Nichols, Chair		None
Senator Bob Hall, Vice Chair
Senator Brandon Creighton
Senator Sylvia Garcia
Senator Kelly Hancock
Senator Juan Hinojosa
Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Senator Charles Perry
Senator José Rodríguez

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM. The following business was transacted:

 

The chair laid out SB 1643, which had been left pending at a previous hearing. Senator Hancock moved to withdraw a committee substitute sent up at a previous hearing; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Hancock sent up a new committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Watson to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Nichols moved that SB 1643 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The roll was called, and a quorum was established.

 

The chair laid out SB 1644 and recognized the author, Senator Watson, to explain the bill. 

Senator Hancock sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Watson to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  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 1644 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2006 and recognized the author, Senator Watson, to explain the bill. 

Senator Hall sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Watson to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  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 2006 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 848 and recognized the author, Senator Huffines, 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 SB 848 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1126 and recognized the author, Senator Hall, to explain the bill.

The chair opened public testimony.  There being no public testimony, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Nichols moved that SB 1126 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1143 and recognized the author, Senator Hall, 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 SB 1143 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 399 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst, 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 SB 399 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1921 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst, 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 SB 1921 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

The chair laid out SB 1291 and recognized the author, Senator Creighton, 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 SB 1291 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1560 and recognized the author, Senator Taylor, Larry, 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 SB 1560 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1864 and recognized the author, Senator Taylor, Larry, to explain the bill. 

Senator Rodríguez 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.  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 1864 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 928 and recognized the author, Senator Rodríguez, to explain the bill. 

Senator Hall sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Rodríguez  to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

 

Senator Hall assumed the chair.

 

Testimony continued.

 

Senator Nichols resumed the chair.

 

Testimony continued.

 

 The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Nichols moved that SB 928 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1830 and recognized the author, Senator Rodríguez, to explain the bill. 

Senator Rodríguez sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Rodríguez to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  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 1830 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2075 and recognized the author, Senator Rodríguez, 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 SB 2075 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2076 and recognized the author, Senator Rodríguez, to explain the bill. 

Senator Rodríguez sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Rodríguez  to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  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 2076 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2205 and recognized the author, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill. 

Senator Hancock sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Hancock to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  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 2205 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 10:57 AM Senator Nichols moved that the Committee stand recessed until 30 minutes after adjournment of the Senate. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

At 2:30 PM Senator Nichols reconvened the Committee.

 

The chair laid out SB 1334 and recognized the author, Senator Hinojosa, 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 SB 1334 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1395 and recognized the author, Senator Creighton, to explain the bill. 

Senator Creighton sent up a committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Creighton to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The chair moved that the registering a position only witness cards not be read aloud, but that they be entered into the witness list; without objection, it was so ordered.  The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Nichols moved that SB 1395 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1460 and recognized the author, Senator Hinojosa, 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 SB 1460 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2227 and recognized the author, Senator Hinojosa, to explain the bill.

The chair opened public testimony.  There being no public testimony, the chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Nichols moved that SB 2227 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SCR 37 and recognized the author, Senator Hinojosa, 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 SCR 37 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair moved to re-open the public testimony on SB 2227; 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 2227 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Hall assumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out SB 2252 and recognized the author, Senator Nichols, 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 Hall moved that SB 2252 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2253 and recognized the author, Senator Nichols, 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 Hall moved that SB 2253 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2252, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Nichols moved that SB 2252 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst, Senator Perry and Senator Rodríguez requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.  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 2253, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Nichols moved that SB 2253 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Nichols moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

Senator Nichols resumed the chair.

 

The chair laid out SB 399, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Hall moved that SB 399 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 848, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Hall moved that SB 848 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst and Senator Perry requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Hall moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 928, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Rodríguez moved adoption of a committee substitute sent up earlier in the hearing; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Rodríguez moved that SB 928 do not pass but that CSSB 928 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.   Senator Rodríguez  moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

The chair laid out SB 1126, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Hall moved that SB 1126 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Hall moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1291, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Creighton moved that SB 1291 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Creighton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1334, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Hinojosa moved that SB 1334 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1644, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Hinojosa moved adoption of a committee substitute sent up earlier in the hearing; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Hinojosa moved that SB 1644 do not pass but that CSSB 1644 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.   Senator Hinojosa moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1830, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Rodríguez moved adoption of a committee substitute sent up earlier in the hearing; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Rodríguez moved that SB 1830 do not pass but that CSSB 1830 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.   Senator Rodríguez  moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1864, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Hall moved adoption of a committee substitute sent up earlier in the hearing; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Hall moved that SB 1864 do not pass but that CSSB 1864 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.   Senator Hall moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2006, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Hinojosa moved adoption of a committee substitute sent up earlier in the hearing; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Hinojosa moved that SB 2006 do not pass but that CSSB 2006 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 2 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.  

 

The chair laid out SB 2075, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Rodríguez moved that SB 2075 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair laid out SB 2076, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Rodríguez moved adoption of a committee substitute sent up earlier in the hearing; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Rodríguez moved that SB 2076 do not pass but that CSSB 2076 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 2205, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Hancock moved adoption of a committee substitute sent up earlier in the hearing; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Hancock moved that SB 2205 do not pass but that CSSB 2205 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

The chair laid out SB 2227, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Hinojosa moved that SB 2227 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Hinojosa moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SCR 37, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Hinojosa moved that SCR 37 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting aye; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Hinojosa moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1643, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Hinojosa moved adoption of a committee substitute sent up earlier in the hearing; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Hinojosa moved that SB 1643 do not pass but that CSSB 1643 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, 3 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.  Senator Kolkhorst requested unanimous consent to be shown voting nay; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1732, which had been left pending at a previous hearing. Senator Creighton moved to withdraw a committee substitute sent up at a previous hearing; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Creighton sent up a new committee substitute; the chair recognized Senator Creighton to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed.  Senator Creighton moved adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Creighton moved that SB 1732 do not pass but that CSSB 1732 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Creighton moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

The chair laid out SB 1395, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Creighton moved adoption of a committee substitute sent up earlier in the hearing; without objection, it was so ordered.  Senator Creighton moved that SB 1395 do not pass but that CSSB 1395 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. 

 

The chair laid out SB 1560, which had been left pending earlier in the hearing.  Senator Hall moved that SB 1560 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.  Senator Hall 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 3:26 PM Senator Nichols moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Robert Nichols, Chair

 

 

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Amy Jeter, Clerk