MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

8:30 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

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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 Natural Resources & Economic Development was held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Brian Birdwell, Chair	Senator Judith Zaffirini, Vice Chair
Senator Carol Alvarado	Senator César Blanco
Senator Kelly Hancock	Senator Bryan Hughes
Senator Borris Miles	Senator Lois Kolkhorst
	Senator Kevin Sparks

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The chair called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM.

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Miles and Senator Hancock.

There being no quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The chair laid out HB 1689 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Flores, 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 Birdwell moved that HB 1689 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair moved to stand at ease temporarily. The chair reconvened the Committee at 8:39 AM.

The chair laid out HB 1034 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Parker, 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 Birdwell moved that HB 1034 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2497 and recognized Senator Miles, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.

Witnesses registered 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 Birdwell moved that HB 2497 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2606 and recognized the author, Senator Creighton, to explain the bill.

Senator Alvarado 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 public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Birdwell moved that SB 2606 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair moved to stand at ease temporarily. The chair reconvened the Committee at 9:14 AM.

The chair laid out HB 1950 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Hancock, to explain the bill.

Witnesses registered 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 Birdwell moved that HB 1950 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2416 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Alvarado, to explain the bill.

Senator Alvarado sent up a committee substitute.  The chair recognized Senator Alvarado to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the house bill as engrossed.

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 Birdwell moved that HB 2416 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 9:23 AM Senator Hancock assumed the chair.

The chair laid out HB 1615 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill.

Witnesses registered 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 Hancock moved that HB 1615 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2353 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Birdwell, to explain the bill.

Witnesses registered 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 Hancock moved that HB 2353 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 9:25 AM Senator Birdwell resumed the chair.

There being no further business, at 9:27 AM Senator Birdwell moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Brian Birdwell, Chair

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Jennifer Trevino, Clerk