MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Wednesday, May 3, 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 3, 2023, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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

Senator Borris Miles

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The chair called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

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

The chair laid out HB 1602 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Zaffirini, 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 1602 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 2060 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 Birdwell moved that SB 2060 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 1526 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Hughes, 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 1526 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 1515 in lieu of SB 1940 which was left pending from a previous hearing.

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

Senator Birdwell moved that HB 1515 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out HB 2459 and recognized the Senate sponsor, Senator Alvarado, 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 2459 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

At 9:00 AM Senator Birdwell moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

At 2:32 PM Senator Birdwell reconvened the meeting.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business HB 1949 in lieu of SB 606 which was left pending from a previous hearing

Senator Zaffirini moved that HB 1949 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. Senator Hancock submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 1949.

Senator Zaffirini 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 HB 2575 in lieu of SB 1595 which was left pending from a previous hearing.

Senator Zaffirini moved that HB 2575 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. Senator Hancock submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 2575.

Senator Zaffirini 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 HB 2489 in lieu of SB 712 which was left pending from a previous hearing.

Senator Zaffirini moved that HB 2489 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 2 absent. Senator Hancock submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on HB 2489.

Senator Zaffirini 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 2:37 PM 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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David Estrada, Clerk