As previously announced, the Regulated Industries Committee scheduled HB 1635 for a hearing on Tuesday, April 8. HB 1635, which had been filed by Rep. Phil King, eliminated libraries and healthcare from eligibility for Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund grants (see Texline 150).

In a marathon hearing, the Committee began taking testimony on HB 1635 at approximately 3 am on Wednesday morning. Librarians from across the state attended the hearing to testify on behalf of libraries. Shortly after HB 1635 was laid out, Chairman King (the bill's author) stated that he had heard from many libraries across the state and that he understood the importance of including libraries as eligible entities for TIF grants. He stated that his intent was to reinstate libraries into the bill should it go forward.

The committee members then spent some time discussing TIF funding and the needs of libraries. The hearing was very cordial, and Rep. Hunter commented that Chairman King's decision to reinstate libraries was proof of the Chairman's wisdom. All the members in attendance expressed support for libraries, and Chairman King thanked everyone who testified. Library-related testimony was given by Martha Tandy of Weatherford Community College; Sarah O'Neal of the Atascocita Branch Library of Harris County Public Library; Janis Test of Abilene Public Library; and Herb Canales of Corpus Christi Library. Beth Fox of the Westbank Community Library District also attended the hearing.

TLA expresses it thanks to the members of the Regulated Industries Committee for their support of libraries. The committee members in attendance included:

• Phil King, Chair, Office phone 512/463-0738; Fax 512/463-1957
• Bob Hunter, Vice-Chair, Office phone 512/463-0718; Fax 512/463-6244
• Sylvester Turner, CBO, Office phone 512/463-0554; Fax 512/463-8380
• Todd Baxter, Office phone 512/463-0631; Fax 512/236-1065
• Joe Crabb, Office phone 512/463-0520; Fax 512/463-5896
• Ryan Guillen, Office phone 512/463-0416; Fax 512/463-5896