MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WATER, AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Monday, February 24, 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, February 24, 2025, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

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

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Senator Kelly Hancock, the Vice Chair, called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM. There being a quorum present at 8:10 AM, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Sparks.

The chair laid out SB 384 and recognized the author, 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 Hancock moved that SB 384 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 503 and recognized Senator Kolkhorst, 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 Hancock moved that SB 503 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 565 and recognized Senator Sparks, 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 Hancock moved that SB 565 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 740 and recognized Senator Sparks, 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 Hancock moved that SB 740 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

The chair laid out SB 616 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 Hancock moved that SB 616 be left pending; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hancock laid out as a matter of pending business SB 384. Senator Hancock moved that SB 384 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 Birdwell submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on SB 384.

Senator Hancock laid out as a matter of pending business SB 616.

Senator Hancock moved that SB 616 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 moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Birdwell submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on SB 616.

Senator Hancock laid out as a matter of pending business SB 565.

Senator Hancock moved that SB 565 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 moved that the bill be recommended for placement on the Local & Uncontested Calendar; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Birdwell submitted a motion in writing requesting to be shown voting aye on SB 565.

There being no further business, at 8:50 AM Senator Hancock moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Kelly Hancock, Vice Chair

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Jayna Grove, Clerk