MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN (INTERIM)

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

10:00 a.m.

Capitol Extension, Room E1.016

 

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Power of Eminent Domain (Interim) was held on Wednesday, October 25, 2006, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Kyle Janek

Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.

Representative Beverly Woolley

Representative Frank Corte, Jr.

Representative Phil King

Representative Aaron Pena

Representative Marc Veasey

 

Senator Robert Duncan

Senator Jane Nelson

Senator Tommy Williams

 

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The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m.  The following business was transacted: 

 

Senator Janek made opening remarks and recognized Co-Chairman Woolley.   The Clerk called roll at 10:15am.  A quorum was present.  Senator Janek made a motion to adopt the proposed Committee rules be adopted.  There being no objection it was so ordered. 

 

The following member arrived after the roll was called:  Representative Frank Corte. 

 

The Chair explained that the purpose of the hearing was to discuss the power of eminent domain.  During the Second Called Special Session of the 79th Legislative Session, Senator Janek authored SB 7 relating to the power of eminent domain.  Included in this bill was a directive to form a joint committee to review the power of eminent domain in Texas.

 

The Committee heard invited testimony regarding the following panels:

·         Public use and Public Purpose

·         Adequate Compensation from  a Policy Perspective

·         Adequate Compensation from  a Property Owner's Perspective

·         Adequate Compensation from  a Condemning Entity's Perspective

 

Public testimony was taken.

 

Witnesses testifying on, for or against are shown on the attached list.

 

There being no further business, at 3:08p.m. Senator Janek moved that the Committee be adjourned. Without objection, it was so ordered.