Senate Passes Dyess Military Land Use Regulation

Tonight the Senate passed HB 2919 by S. King (Senate Sponsor Fraser). This bill would require the "defense community" around Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene to consult with base authorities before adopting an ordinance or approving a permit for a proposed structure within 8 miles of the base.

Unfortunately, HB 2919 was amended on 2nd reading with language from 2223 by Van de Putte (bracketed for Camp Bullis in San Antonio) and SB 2439 by Uresti (bracketed for Laughlin Air Force Base).

Sen. Fraser moved that rules requiring bills to be read on three separate days be suspended to allow HB 2919 to be placed on its third reading and final passage.  On its third reading, the only senators voting against the bill were Harris and Hegar.