Senate Committee on Agriculture, Rural Affairs, and Homeland Security - 83rd R.S. (2013)

Committee:	Senate Agriculture, Rural Affairs, and Homeland Security
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 84th Legislature
Library Call Number:	L1836.83 AG86R
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View report [25 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine the current regulatory and insurance requirements for the storage of ammonium nitrate, including the role of the State Chemist and the Texas Department of Insurance. Make recommendations on the changes to current law that are needed to eliminate duplication or inconsistencies, improve transparency, and protect Texans' safety without creating an undue burden on Texas businesses.
2.	Examine the role of state and local governments regarding recovery operations across the state in the event of a disaster. Study and make recommendations to identify essential personnel and resources needed to increase existing response capabilities. Make recommendations on how state, local governments, and businesses can work together in order to assist with the rebuilding/recovery of affected jurisdictions in the event of a disaster.
3.	Monitor the state's efforts to secure the border, including the state's increased investment in border security during the 83rd legislative session. Examine the most effective methods to address the evolving threats with securing the border and evaluate policies that deter illegal immigration and assist in border security efforts, including prohibiting sanctuary cities and requiring electronic verification of worker status. Make recommendations on the most effective policy options to prevent and stop illegal entry into Texas at the border and to deter transnational and drug-­related violence and crime. Examine the implementation and effectiveness of the recent Department of Public Safety surge operation on the border and make recommendations on options for the improvement and expansion of future surge operations.
4.	Study the current practice of reporting crime statistics in Texas, including border security crime statistics. Examine the different indices currently utilized and identify potential barriers regarding statewide adoption of a more comprehensive system. Determine whether current crime statistic reporting accurately measures all crime and whether it adequately measures crimes related to illegal border activities. Make recommendations on how to best take advantage of the available crime data maintained by modern law enforcement record systems and recommend any additional crime data that would improve law enforcement and border security efforts.
5.	Study and make recommendations on removing barriers to Second Amendment Rights, including but not limited to open carry legislation. Consider other state laws related to open carry.

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