MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WATER, AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Monday, March 17, 2025

8:00 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 Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs was held on Monday, March 17, 2025, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:		MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Charles Perry, Chair		Senator Kelly Hancock, Vice Chair
Senator Brian Birdwell		Senator César Blanco
Senator Adam Hinojosa		Senator Roland Gutierrez
Senator Nathan Johnson
Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Senator Kevin Sparks

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The chair called the meeting to order at 8:02 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following member arrived after the roll was called: Senator Johnson.

The chair laid out SB 1532 and recognized the author, Senator Zaffirini, 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 Perry moved that SB 1532 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1194 and recognized the author, Senator Flores, to explain the bill.

Senator Hinojosa sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Flores 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 Perry moved that SB 1194 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1302 and recognized the author, Senator Kolkhorst, to explain the bill.

Senator Kolkhorst sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Kolkhorst 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 Perry moved that SB 1302 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1215 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 Perry moved that SB 1215 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1268 and recognized Senator Johnson, in the absence of the author, 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 Perry moved that SB 1268 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 1484 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 Perry moved that SB 1484 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 9:03 AM Senator Birdwell assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 1253 and recognized the author, Senator Perry, to explain the bill. Senator Perry sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Perry 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 Perry moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Perry moved that SB 1253 do not pass but that CSSB 1253 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, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent.

At 9:26 AM Senator Perry resumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1194. Senator Kolkhorst moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Kolkhorst moved that SB 1194 do not pass but that CSSB 1194 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, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 3 absent.