MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WATER, AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

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

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Charles Perry, Chair	None
Senator Kelly Hancock, Vice Chair
Senator Brian Birdwell
Senator César Blanco
Senator Roland Gutierrez
Senator Adam Hinojosa
Senator Nathan Johnson
Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Senator Kevin Sparks

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The chair called the meeting to order at 8:01 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senator Blanco, Senator Gutierrez, Senator Hinojosa, and Senator Kolkhorst.

At 8:02 AM Senator Hancock assumed the chair.

The chair laid out SB 7 and recognized the author, Senator Perry, to explain the bill. Senator Johnson sent up a committee substitute. The chair recognized Senator Perry to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the senate bill as filed. Invited witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

At 11:15 AM Senator Hancock moved that the Committee stand recessed until 11:20 AM. Without objection, it was so ordered.

At 11:20 AM Senator Hancock reconvened the meeting.

Public testimony on CSSB 7 was heard, 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 7 do not pass but that CSSB 7 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 503. Senator Perry moved that SB 503 be reported favorably to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

At 12:28 PM Senator Perry resumed the chair.

The chair laid out as a matter of pending business SB 1484. Senator Hancock sent up a committee substitute. The chair moved the adoption of the committee substitute; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hinojosa moved that SB 1484 do not pass but that CSSB 1484 be reported back to the Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion carried with a record vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present not voting, and 0 absent.

There being no further business, at 12:30 PM Senator Perry moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Charles Perry, Chair

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Jayna Grove, Clerk