House Committee on General Investigating and Ethics - 84th R.S. (2015)

Committee Members

Charges

Examine the ethics laws governing public officers and employees in this state and identify areas in which the laws are inadequate to maintain the public's trust and confidence in government. Assess whether required financial disclosures by those making governmental decisions adequately inform the public of potential conflicts of interest.

Study the contracting practices at major state agencies to determine if additional reforms are needed to maintain public confidence and trust in the expenditure of state funds.

Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 84th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should:
a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens;
b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate;
c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and
d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.

Examine the use by state agencies of emergency leave and settlement payments to provide supplemental compensation to departing employees. Recommend any revisions or clarifications to the law necessary to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used prudently.

Notes

Charge four added by the Speaker in a letter dated June 1, 2016.

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