MINUTES
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Friday, May 14, 1999
8:00 am
Lt. Governor's Committee Room
*****
Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule
11.11, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Economic
Development was held on Friday, May 14, 1999 in the Lt.
Governor's Committee Room, at Austin, Texas.
*****
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator David Sibley, Chairman None
Senator Kenneth Armbrister, Vice Chairman
Senator John Carona
Senator Troy Fraser
Senator Mike Jackson
Senator Frank Madla
Senator John Whitmire
*****
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 8:10 am. There
being a quorum present, the following business was transacted.
The Chairman laid out HB 213 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Nelson, to explain the bill. Witnesses
testifying on the bill are shown on the attached list.
Senator Armbrister moved that HB 213 be reported favorably to
the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0
present not voting, and 2 absent. Senator Whitmire moved that
the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 3189, pending in Committee, and
recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Jackson, to explain the
bill. Senator Jackson moved that HB 3189 be reported
favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do
pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4
ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent.
The Chairman laid out HB 1777 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Lucio, to explain the bill. Witnesses
testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the
attached list. Senator Sibley moved that HB 1777 be reported
favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do
pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 5
ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.
The Chairman laid out HB 2844 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Moncrief, to explain the bill. Witnesses
testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the
attached list. Senator Whitmire moved that HB 2844 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that
it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of
5 ayes, 1 nay, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent.
The Chairman laid out HB 2035 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Armbrister, to explain the bill. Les
Findeisen, representing Texas Motor Transportation
Association, registered in favor of the bill but did not
testify. Senator Armbrister moved that HB 2035 be reported
favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do
pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 6
ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 1 absent. Senator
Armbrister moved that the bill be recommended for placement on
the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so
ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 2151 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Whitmire, to explain the bill. Laurie
Bricker, representing Houston ISD, registered in favor of the
bill but did not testify. Senator Whitmire moved that HB 2151
be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation
that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a
vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent.
Senator Whitmire moved that the bill be recommended for
placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without
objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 1086 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Shapleigh, to explain the bill. Witnesses
testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the
attached list. Senator Carona moved that HB 1086 be reported
favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do
pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4
ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator
Armbrister moved that the bill be recommended for placement on
the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so
ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 3029 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Brown, to explain the bill. Witnesses
testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the
attached list. Senator Carona moved that HB 3029 be reported
favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do
pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4
ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent.
The Chairman laid out HB 3624 and recognized Senator
Armbrister, in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain
the bill. Jim Butler, representing Texas A&M System,
testified on the bill. Senator Carona moved that HB 3624 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that
it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of
4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator
Armbrister moved that the bill be recommended for placement on
the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so
ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 2605 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Shapleigh, to explain the bill. Witnesses
testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the
attached list. Senator Carona moved that HB 2605 be reported
favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do
pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4
ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent.
At 9:00 am Senator Armbrister assumed the chair. The Chairman
laid out HB 3449 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator
Lucio, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and
registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
Senator Madla moved that HB 3449 be reported favorably to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.
The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present
not voting, and 3 absent.
The Chairman laid out HB 1814 and recognized Senator Sibley,
in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.
Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on
the attached list. Senator Sibley moved that HB 1814 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that
it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of
4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent.
At 9:15 am Senator Sibley resumed the chair. The Chairman
laid out HB 1059 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator
Barrientos, to explain the bill. Witnesses testifying and
registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
Senator Madla moved that HB 1059 be reported favorably to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.
The motion carried with a vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present
not voting, and 2 absent.
The Chairman laid out HB 319 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Cain, to explain the bill. Senator Carona
moved that HB 319 be reported favorably to the Senate with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting,
and 2 absent. Senator Carona moved that the bill be
recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar;
without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 1627 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Cain, to explain the bill. Terry Hale,
representing TML - Group Benefits Risk Pool, testified on the
bill. Senator Sibley moved that HB 1627 be reported favorably
to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0
present not voting, and 2 absent. Senator Madla moved that
the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 1628 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Cain, to explain the bill. Witnesses
testifying on the bill are shown on the attached list.
Senator Jackson moved that HB 1628 be reported favorably to
the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0
present not voting, and 2 absent.
At 9:55 am the Chairman moved that the Committee stand
recessed until after adjournment of the Senate; without
objection, it was so ordered.
At 10:05 pm the Committee reconvened. The Chairman laid out
HB 2585 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Cain, to
explain the bill. John Kuhl, representing Texas Business Law
Foundation, registered in favor of the bill but did not
testify. Senator Jackson moved that HB 2585 be reported
favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do
pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4
ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator
Jackson moved that the bill be recommended for placement on
the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so
ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 729 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Duncan, to explain the bill. Witnesses
registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
Senator Fraser moved that HB 729 be reported favorably to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.
The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present
not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Sibley moved that the bill
be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 1826 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Duncan, to explain the bill. Witnesses
registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
Senator Whitmire moved that HB 1826 be reported favorably to
the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0
present not voting, and 3 absent.
The Chairman laid out HB 2579 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Duncan, to explain the bill. Senator Whitmire
moved that HB 2579 be reported favorably to the Senate with
the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting,
and 3 absent.
The Chairman laid out HB 499 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Ellis, to explain the bill. The bill was
left pending until later in the hearing to take testimony.
The Chairman laid out HB 2853 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Ellis, to explain the bill. Robert Croyle,
representing International Association of Drilling
Contractors, registered in favor of the bill but did not
testify. Senator Fraser moved that HB 2853 be reported
favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do
pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4
ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator
Sibley moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the
Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so
ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 3596 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Ellis, to explain the bill. Walter Hinojosa,
representing Texas AFL-CIO, registered in favor of the bill
but did not testify. Senator Fraser moved that HB 3596 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that
it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of
4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator
Fraser moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the
Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so
ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 1357 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Fraser, to explain the bill. Senator Fraser
moved that HB 1357 be reported favorably to the Senate with
the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting,
and 3 absent. Senator Fraser moved that the bill be
recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar;
without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 2781 and recognized Senator Whitmire,
in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.
Senator Whitmire moved that HB 2781 be reported favorably to
the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0
present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Whitmire moved that
the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 3315 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Ellis, to explain the bill. Senator Fraser
moved that HB 3315 be reported favorably to the Senate with
the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting,
and 3 absent.
The Chairman laid out HJR 73 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Shapleigh, to explain the bill. Witnesses
registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
Senator Sibley moved that HJR 73 be reported favorably to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.
The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present
not voting, and 3 absent.
The Chairman laid out HB 2022 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Lucio, to explain the bill. David Pinkus,
representing Small Business United of Texas, registered in
favor of the bill but did not testify. The Chairman moved that
HB 2022 be left pending to await a quorum; without objection,
it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Sibley
moved that HB 2022 be reported favorably to the Senate with
the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting,
and 3 absent. Senator Fraser moved that the bill be
recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar;
without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 1916 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Lucio, to explain the bill. Witnesses
registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The
Chairman moved that HB 1916 be left pending to await a quorum;
without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a
quorum, Senator Fraser moved that HB 1916 be reported back to
the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0
present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Fraser moved that
the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 3059 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Lucio, to explain the bill. The Chairman
moved that HB 3059 be left pending to await a quorum; without
objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum,
Senator Sibley moved that HB 3059 be reported back to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.
The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present
not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Whitmire moved that the
bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 3714 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Wentworth, to explain the bill. The Chairman
moved that HB 3714 be left pending to await a quorum; without
objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum,
Senator Carona moved that HB 3714 be reported back to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.
The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present
not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Whitmire moved that the
bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 3086 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Jackson, to explain the bill. The Chairman
moved that HB 3086 be left pending to await a quorum; without
objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum,
Senator Fraser moved that HB 3086 be reported back to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.
The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present
not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Carona moved that the bill
be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 1769 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Jackson, to explain the bill. The Chairman
moved that HB 1769 be left pending to await a quorum; without
objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum,
Senator Whitmire moved that HB 1769 be reported back to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.
The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present
not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Carona moved that the bill
be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 1829 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Haywood, to explain the bill. The Chairman
moved that HB 1829 be left pending to await a quorum; without
objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum,
Senator Fraser moved that HB 1829 be reported back to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.
The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present
not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Fraser moved that the bill
be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 2051 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Jackson, to explain the bill. Lisa McGiffert,
representing Consumers Union, registered in favor of the bill
but did not testify. The Chairman moved that HB 2051 be left
pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so
ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Carona moved that
HB 2051 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation
that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a
vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent.
Senator Whitmire moved that the bill be recommended for
placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without
objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 946 and recognized Senator Jackson,
in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.
The Chairman moved that HB 946 be left pending to await a
quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of
a quorum, Senator Sibley moved that HB 946 be reported back to
the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0
present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Sibley moved that
the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 3584 and recognized Senator Whitmire,
in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.
The Chairman moved that HB 3584 be left pending to await a
quorum; without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of
a quorum, Senator Whitmire moved that HB 3584 be reported back
to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0
present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Sibley moved that
the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 1700 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Barrientos, to explain the bill. Witnesses
registering on the bill are shown on the attached list. The
Chairman moved that HB 1700 be left pending to await a quorum;
without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a
quorum, Senator Fraser moved that HB 1700 be reported back to
the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0
present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Fraser moved that
the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 2910 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Barrientos, to explain the bill. The
Chairman moved that HB 2910 be left pending to await a quorum;
without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a
quorum, Senator Sibley moved that HB 2910 be reported back to
the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0
present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Sibley moved that
the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 3547 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Barrientos, to explain the bill. The
Chairman moved that HB 3547 be left pending to await a quorum;
without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a
quorum, Senator Fraser moved that HB 3547 be reported back to
the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0
present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Sibley moved that
the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 537 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Barrientos. The Chairman then left the bill
pending until later in the hearing in order to take testimony
on the bill.
The Chairman laid out HB 2482 and recognized Senator Whitmire,
in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.
The Chairman moved that HB 2482 be left pending to await a
quorum; without objection it was so ordered. H. W. Sputnik
Strain, representing Texas Motorcycle Rights Association,
testified for the bill. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator
Sibley moved that HB 2482 be reported back to the Senate with
the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting,
and 3 absent. Senator Sibley moved that the bill be
recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar;
without objection, it was so ordered.
At 10:35 pm Senator Whitmire assumed the chair. The Chairman
laid out HB 3016 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator
Sibley, to explain the bill. The Chairman moved that HB 3016
be left pending to await a quorum; without objection it was so
ordered. Upon arrival of a quorum, Senator Fraser moved that
HB 3016 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation
that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a
vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent.
Senator Whitmire moved that the bill be recommended for
placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without
objection, it was so ordered.
At 10:40 pm Senator Sibley resumed the chair. The Chairman
laid out HB 2941 and recognized Senator Whitmire, in the
absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. The
Chairman moved that HB 2941 be left pending to await a quorum;
without objection it was so ordered. Upon arrival of a
quorum, Senator Fraser moved that HB 2941 be reported back to
the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0
present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Sibley moved that
the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 2868 and recognized Senator Whitmire,
in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.
Senator Fraser moved that HB 2868 be reported favorably to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.
The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present
not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Carona moved that the bill
be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 3493 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Moncrief, to explain the bill. Scott
McAnally, representing Research & Oversight Council on
Workers' Compensation, registered on the bill but did not
testify. Senator Sibley moved that HB 3493 be reported
favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do
pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4
ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator
Sibley moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the
Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so
ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 3497 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Moncrief, to explain the bill. Scott
McAnally, representing Research & Oversight Council on
Workers' Compensation, registered on the bill but did not
testify. Senator Fraser moved that HB 3497 be reported
favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do
pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4
ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator
Fraser moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the
Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so
ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 1184 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Gallegos, to explain the bill. Witnesses
testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the
attached list. Senator Whitmire moved that HB 1184 be
reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that
it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of
4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator
Fraser moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the
Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so
ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 3603 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Fraser, to explain the bill. Harold Freeman,
representing Texas Medical Association, registered in
opposition to the bill but did not testify. Senator Fraser
moved that HB 3603 be reported favorably to the Senate with
the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting,
and 3 absent.
The Chairman laid out HB 643 and recognized Senator Whitmire,
in the absence of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill.
Senator Whitmire moved that HB 643 be reported favorably to
the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0
present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Whitmire moved that
the bill be recommended for placement on the Local &
Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 814 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator West, to explain the bill. Senator Sibley
moved that HB 814 be left pending; without objection, it was
so ordered.
The Chairman laid out SB 1907 and recognized the author,
Senator Gallegos, to explain the bill. Bruce Austin,
representing Harris County Community Development Department,
registered in favor of the bill but did not testify. Senator
Whitmire moved that SB 1907 be reported favorably to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.
The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present
not voting, and 3 absent. Senator Whitmire moved that the
bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested
Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered.
At 11:00 pm Senator Fraser assumed the chair. The Chairman
laid out HB 3021 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator
Sibley, to explain the bill. Lisa McGiffert, representing
Consumers Union, registered in favor of the bill but did not
testify. Senator Sibley moved that HB 3021 be reported
favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do
pass and be printed. The motion carried with a vote of 4
ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent. Senator
Sibley moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the
Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so
ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 3658 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Sibley, to explain the bill. Craig Pinkley,
representing Texas Department of Economic Development,
testified in favor of the bill.
Senator Sibley moved that HB 3658 be reported favorably to the
Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.
The motion carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present
not voting, and
3 absent. Senator Sibley moved that the bill be recommended
for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without
objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman laid out HB 1991 and recognized the Senate
sponsor, Senator Sibley, to explain the bill. Randy Lee,
representing Stewart Title Guarantee Co., registered in
opposition to the bill but did not testify. Senator Sibley
moved that HB 1991 be left pending; without objection, it was
so ordered.
At 11:10 pm Senator Sibley resumed the chair. The Chairman
laid out HB 1811 and recognized Senator Carona, in the absence
of the Senate sponsor, to explain the bill. Senator Carona
moved that HB 1811 be reported favorably to the Senate with
the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion
carried with a vote of 4 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting,
and 3 absent. Senator Carona moved that the bill be
recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar;
without objection, it was so ordered.
The Chairman then called for public testimony on HB 499, laid
out earlier in the hearing, to commence. Witnesses testifying
and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
Lacking a quorum, no action was taken on HB 499.
Chairman Sibley called for public testimony on HB 537, laid
out earlier in the hearing, to commence. Witnesses testifying
and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.
Lacking a quorum, no action was taken on HB 537.
The following bills received favorable votes in Committee but
due to the committee report deadline established under Senate
Rule 7.24(b), the Committee was unable to report the bills:
HB 643
HB 946
HB 1769
HB 1829
HB 2051
HB 2482
HB 2579
HB 2868
HB 2910
HB 3086
HB 3315
HB 3493
HB 3497
HB 3547
HB 3584
HB 3603
HB 3714
HJR 73
SB 1907
There being no further business, at 12:05 am Senator Sibley
moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of
the Chairman. Without objection, it was so ordered.
__________________________
Senator David Sibley, Chairman
__________________________
Barbara Henderson, Clerk