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16 Document(s) [ Subject: Coronavirus ]

Supporting documents
Committee:	House Appropriations
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, September 9, 2022
Library Call Number:
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View document [119 pages  File size: 5,578 kb]
Committee:	House Business and Industry
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Child care | Coronavirus | Correctional officers | Electronic security | Emergency medical services | Firefighters | Homeowners' associations | Peace officers | Privacy | Retail industry | Theft | Unemployment | Unemployment benefits | Workers' compensation | Workforce Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.87 B964
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [88 pages  File size: 4,132 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: HB 3746, 87th R.S., relating to certain notifications required following a breach of security or computerized data; SB 22, 87th R.S., relating to certain claims for benefits, compensation, or assistance by certain public safety employees and survivors of certain public safety employees; and SB 1588, 87th R.S., and SB 581, 87th R.S., relating to the powers and duties of certain property owners’ associations.
2.	Study workers’ compensation claims involving public safety employees described by SB 22, 87th R.S. This study should include an analysis of medical costs, return-to-work outcomes, utilization of care, satisfaction with care, and health-related functional outcomes.
3.	Study the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on unemployment trends, hurdles to workforce reentry, and industry-specific disruptions.
4.	Study the impact of organized retail crime on Texas businesses. Make recommendations for addressing the redistribution of stolen merchandise into the supply chain, including through online marketplaces, to protect Texas businesses and consumers. Make recommendations relating to transparency for online marketplaces and information that should be provided by sellers.
5.	Review operational changes and strategies employed by the Texas Workforce Commission to improve outcomes related to Unemployment Benefit Services, including application and payment processes, customer services, and fraud deterrence.
6.	Evaluate the overall state of data privacy and online consumer protections in Texas and study the related laws and legislative efforts of other states. Make recommendations to ensure consumer data protections and online privacy.
Supporting documents
Committee:	House Business and Industry
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, April 27, 2022 (Texas Workforce Commission and unemployment insurance, Impact of COVID-19 on unemployment trends)
Library Call Number:
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View document [14 pages  File size: 411 kb]
Committee:	House Culture, Recreation, and Tourism
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Battleship Texas | Commission on the Arts, Texas | Coronavirus | Fishing | Historical Commission, Texas | Hunting | Hunting licenses | Inflation | Parks and Wildlife, Texas Department of | State parks | Tourism | Veterans | Workforce |
Library Call Number:	L1836.87 R245
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [34 pages  File size: 1,697 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: HB 1728, 87th R.S., relating to partnerships between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and nonprofit entities to promote hunting and fishing by certain veterans; and HB 3081, 87th R.S., which relates to the issuance of digital tags for the taking of certain animals.
2.	Review the overall state of Texas' travel, tourism and hospitality industry. Make recommendations for statutory and regulatory changes to ensure industry resiliency and vitality. Consider the following: Access to federal recovery programs and efforts that enable the draw-down of federal funding; Improvement of workforce reliability; and Use of the supplemental money appropriated to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism through SB 8, 87th 3rd C.S.
3.	Review state efforts to preserve and develop Texas state parks and open spaces to ensure affordable public access to outdoor recreational and educational opportunities.
Committee:	Senate Education
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Coronavirus | Curriculum | Homestead exemptions | Property taxes | School bonds | School finance | Teacher shortages |
Library Call Number:
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [39 pages  File size: 1,510 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Educator Talent Pipeline: Examine the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the public school educator talent pipeline, staffing patterns and practices, and declining student enrollment and attendance. Review any policies and regulatory actions that prevent students from receiving instruction from a highly effective teacher. Monitor the impact of both the Teacher Incentive Allotment and non-administrator compensation increases directed under HB 3, 86th R.S., as well as the teacher pay raises implemented in 2019. Explore innovative models to improve recruitment and make recommendations to maintain a strong educator workforce pipeline, while adapting resilient school strategies to meet emergent demands in public education.
2.	Bond Efficiency: Conduct a comprehensive review of the school district bond issuance process. Specifically, review public notice and disclosure requirements, the bond election process, procurement requirements, and how unused bond proceeds may be utilized. Study the best practices implemented by school boards and make recommendations to improve bond issuance efficiencies.
3.	Homestead Exemption: Study the use and effect of the optional homestead exemption available to independent school districts. Examine and report on costs to the state if school districts receive incentives to increase the optional percentage exemption.
4.	Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education passed by the 87th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following: SB 3, 87th 2nd C.S., Relating to civics training programs for certain public school social studies teachers and principals, parental access to certain learning management systems, and certain curriculum in public schools, including certain instructional requirements and prohibitions; SB 15, 87th 2nd C.S., Relating to virtual and off-campus electronic instruction at a public school, the satisfaction of teacher certification requirements through an internship teaching certain virtual courses, and the allotment for certain special-purpose school districts under the Foundation School Program; SB 1365, 87th R.S., Relating to public school organization, accountability, and fiscal management; SB 1716, 87th R.S., Relating to a supplemental special education services and instructional materials program for certain public school students receiving special education services; HB 1525, 87th R.S., Relating to the public school finance system and public education; HB 4545, 87th R.S., Relating to the assessment of public school students, the establishment of a strong foundations grant program, and providing accelerated instruction for students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments; HB 3, 86th R.S., relating to public school finance and public education; and HB 3906, 86th R.S., relating to the assessment of public school students, including the development and administration of assessment instruments, and technology permitted for use by students.
Committee:	Senate Finance
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Bail | Border security | Coronavirus | Economy | Employees Retirement System of Texas | Federal funds | Harris County | Homestead exemptions | Hospitals | Inflation | Investment of public funds | Long-term care | Medicaid | Mental health services | Nursing homes | Operation Lone Star (Border security) | Property tax exemptions | Property taxes | Public retirement systems | Recidivism | Retirees | Russia | School finance | State employee salaries | State employee turnover | Tax and expenditure limits | Tax revenue | Teacher Retirement System of Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.87 F49
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [108 pages  File size: 4,001 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Federal Funds: Report on the state use of federal COVID-19 relief funds provided under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, the American Rescue Plan Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Acts, and similar federal legislation. Examine local use of federal relief funding, including funding provided to school districts through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. Evaluate the overall fiscal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on state agencies, including costs incurred due to federal mandates. Identify barriers to the effective utilization of funds and make recommendations on the expenditure of unappropriated funds. In addition, evaluate and report on the spending by state agencies that have been utilizing "one-time" federal funding (temporary enhancements, e.g. FMAP and ESSER) sources, where federal funding will likely be significantly reduced in future biennia.
2.	Property Tax Relief: Examine and recommend ways to reduce Texans' property tax burden. Review and report on proposals to use or dedicate state revenues in excess of the state spending limit to eliminate the school district maintenance and operations property tax.
3.	Inflation: Review and report on the effect inflation is having on the business community and state government, including state salaries, retiree benefits, the state economy, and cost of state services.
4.	Inflation: Review and report on the impact of inflation on units of local governments' revenue collections and property taxpayers' tax bills, including the homestead exemption.
5.	Tax Exemptions: Examine Texans' current tax exemptions and report on whether adjustments are merited because of inflation or any other factors.
6.	Russia Divestiture: Examine and report on options for state asset owners to divest their positions in companies that invest in the Russian Federation.
7.	State Pension Reforms: Monitor the implementation of recent statewide pension reforms to the Employees Retirement System of Texas and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
8.	Bail Bond Reform: Monitor the implementation of recent bail bond reform legislation along with its economic impact on the judicial and correctional system. Assess any barriers to implementation, the law’s effect on pretrial release and jail populations, and ways to further promote public safety and efficiency.
9.	Operation Lone Star: Monitor appropriations and spending supporting Operation Lone Star. Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of spending to secure the southern border. Identify and report on resources needed to ensure support for the State National Guard, as well as overall resources necessary for border security for future legislative consideration.
10.	Long-term Care Funding: Examine state investments in the long-term nursing home care system. Study nursing facility funding issues and the impact of the pandemic on capacity and delivery of care. Explore nursing facility quality metrics and recommend strategies to improve the sustainability of the long-term care workforce.
11.	Medicaid: Monitor the financial impact of federal decision-making affecting supplemental Medicaid funding for Texas hospitals and health care systems, including negotiations between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Texas Medicaid agency regarding the state's 1115 Medicaid waiver and other federal proposals reducing supplemental funding streams for Texas.
12.	Mental Health Delivery: Examine the state mental health service delivery system. Study the state's Comprehensive Plan for State-Funded Inpatient Mental Health Services and the Statewide Behavioral Health Strategic Plan and evaluate the existing state investments in mental health services and state hospital capacity. Review current forensic and civil mental health service waitlists, and recommend ways to improve coordination and outcomes to reduce waitlists. Explore and report on options for additional mental health service capacity, including building state hospitals in the Panhandle and Rio Grande Valley areas.
Committee:	Senate Health and Human Services
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Child care | Coronavirus | Disease preparedness | Emergency management | Immunizations | Long-term care | Medical licensing | Mental health services | Nursing shortages | Physician shortages | Public health | State Health Services, Texas Department of | Vaccine mandates |
Library Call Number:	L1836.87 H349
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [38 pages  File size: 1,285 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Public Health Data: Review the processes for public health data collection and coordination by local and state entities as well as regional trauma centers. Identify any continuing barriers to the real-time dissemination of data concerning health care facility capacity—including data that can expedite timely care—and mortality rates, as well as other information that can assist in public policy decisions.
2.	Health Care Workforce: Study the impact of the global pandemic on the health care workforce in acute and long-term care. Identify health care staffing challenges and examine how staffing services and payment models changed the economics of the health care workforce. Identify and recommend ways to increase the health care workforce pipeline.
3.	Pandemic Response: Examine the impact of state and federal pandemic policies—including agency guidance, licensing and regulatory actions, and health care industry policies—on patient care and treatment delivery. Examine how regulatory guidance impacts the patient-doctor relationship. Recommend any changes needed to ensure Texas can develop its own data-driven guidance during public health emergencies.
4.	Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure intended legislative outcome of all legislation.
Committee:	Senate Higher Education
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Career preparedness | Community college enrollment | Coronavirus | Education Agency, Texas | Job training programs | Permanent University Fund | Student aid | University athletics | University enrollment | University finance | Workforce | Workforce Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [47 pages  File size: 1,392 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Workforce Education: Evaluate state efforts to support access to work-based learning and microcredential opportunities, including apprenticeships, industry-based certificates and certifications, as well as competency-based education. Assess the potential benefits of expanding access to work-based learning, apprenticeships, microcredentials, and industry-based certifications that are aligned to workforce needs and provide in-demand workforce skills and competencies. Evaluate existing resources and programs at institutions, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Workforce Commission to support these opportunities and ultimately reach Tri-Agency goals. Consider recommendations to standardize these programs in order increase postsecondary degree completions.
2.	Enrollment Trends: Study the postsecondary enrollment trends across all sectors and levels of higher education in Texas, with a review on specific challenges to enrollment. Consider the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on direct high school-to-college enrollment, first-time college enrollment, transferability, and retention rates, as well as the overall impact on community college enrollment. Make recommendations on specific methods to address disparities and pandemic impacts relating to enrollment trends in order to achieve Texas' higher education goals in building a Talent Strong Texas.
3.	Funding Permanent University Fund: Review the history and use of the Permanent University Fund for the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University, and explore the creation of a new legacy fund to address the needs of all other higher education institutions in Texas. Make recommendations on methods to streamline other existing research funds and finance research academic institutions in Texas.
4.	Teaching and Health Care Workforce Participation: Review financial aid and scholarship opportunities in Texas related to teaching, health care, and law enforcement, and examine methods to increase participation in these and other high-demand fields. In particular, study the participation rates of the Math and Science Scholars Loan Repayment Program, the Peace Officer Loan Repayment Program, and the Nursing Corps Loan Repayment Program, and make recommendations on ways to increase participation rates in each area.
5.	Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Higher Education passed by the 87th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following: SB 1102, 87th R.S., relating to the establishment of the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Program to support workforce education; SB 1230, 87th R.S., relating to establishing the Texas Commission on Community College Finance; SB 1385, 87th R.S., relating to the compensation and professional representation of student athletes participating in intercollegiate athletic programs at certain institutions of higher education; and HB 3767, 87th R.S., relating to measures to support the alignment of education and workforce development in the state with state workforce needs, including the establishment of the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative.
Committee:	House Human Services
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Border issues | Child abuse prevention | Child Protective Services | Coronavirus | Data management | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Family preservation | Federal funds | Healthy Texas Women | Long-term care | Managed care | Medicaid | Medicare | Senior citizens | Services for persons with disabilities | Unaccompanied minors | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number:	L1836.87 H88
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [39 pages  File size: 2,582 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Monitor the impact of children, including unaccompanied minors, crossing the Texas-Mexico border on the Department of Family and Protective Services child protective services programs. Consider ways to encourage consistent, transparent, and timely review of abuse and neglect of these children. Consider strategies to ensure better coordination and collaboration among local agencies, faith-based organizations, the private sector, non-profits, and law enforcement to reduce the incidence of abuse and neglect fatalities and human trafficking of migrating children. Identify any particularized services that these children will need and assess the costs of providing these services.
2.	Review the ongoing development of federal laws, rules, and regulations associated with the distribution of the federal pandemic recovery funds, including reporting requirements, and make recommendations to the House Committee on Appropriations for use of the funds to respond to the Texas-Mexico border crisis.
3.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: Legislation implementing the Healthy Families, Healthy Texas initiative, including: HB133, 87th R.S. relating to the provision of benefits under Medicaid and the Healthy Texas Women program; and Relevant provisions of HB 2658, 87th R.S. relating to the administration and operation of the Medicaid managed care program, especially those provisions that relate to continuous eligibility for a child for Medicaid; and HB 3041, 87th R.S. related to the implementation of the Family Preservation Services Pilot Program.
4.	Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.
5.	Evaluate current prevention and early intervention programs and make recommendations for improving the effectiveness of these programs in reducing child abuse and neglect.
6.	Monitor implementation of SB 1, 87th R.S., Rider 30 (Health and Human Services Commission) and make recommendations for reducing the interest list for waiver services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and reducing associated staffing shortages.
7.	Evaluate further action needed to improve the safety and quality of the foster care system, including preventing children in foster care from being without a placement and increasing recruitment of foster families. Identify methods to strengthen Child Protective Services processes and services, focusing on efforts for family preservation and eliminating fatalities within the foster care system. This evaluation should: Study the causes for children without placement; Assess the safety concerns for children without placement, including the use of out-of- state and temporary emergency placement for children without placement; injuries while in the care of Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) employees; and exposure to child sex trafficking; and Study how and why children without placement frequently enter the juvenile justice and adult criminal justice systems and the steps DFPS is taking to identify and prevent these instances.
8.	Assess the quality and effectiveness of the DFPS IMPACT system for security, transparency, and accuracy. Review DFPS processes relating to the integrity of digital case management. Evaluate whether DFPS data collection adequately responds to child wellbeing indicators.
9.	Examine the long-term services and support system of care in Texas. Study workforce challenges for both institutional and community services. Assess opportunities to improve patient safety at senior living facilities. Consider mechanisms to promote a stable, sustainable, and quality-based long-term care system to address current and future needs of the state.
10.	Monitor federal decisions that may impact the delivery and financial stability of the state's health programs, including: the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ rescission of its prior approval of the State’s 1115 Waiver, the state and federal negotiations of the Medicaid directed payment programs (including hospital finance methods), federal changes to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program and the exclusion of certain costs from the uncompensated care program authorized through the 1115 Waiver.
Committee:	House International Relations and Economic Development
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Border crossings | Border economy | Border issues | Child care | Coronavirus | Economic development incentives | Economy | Federal funds | International trade | Investment of public funds | Mexico | Russia | Semiconductor industry | Unemployment | Workforce | Workforce Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.87 EC74IR
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [44 pages  File size: 1,762 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the impact that trade across the Texas-Mexico border has on the Texas economy. Consider the impact of the recent increase in border migration on transnational trade, including its effects on the communities along the border, points of entry, and access by Texas businesses to supplies, labor, materials, and markets in Mexico. (Joint charge with Committee on Transportation)
2.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: HB 619, 87th R.S., relating to developing a strategic plan to support the child-care workforce; HB 1792, 87th R.S., relating to the evaluation of child-care providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program; HB 2607, 87th R.S., relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Workforce Commission and local workforce development boards regarding the provision of childcare and the subsidized childcare program; HB 3767, 87th R.S., relating to measures to support the alignment of education and workforce development with state workforce needs, including the establishment of the Tri- Agency Workforce Initiative; and SB 1555, 87th R.S., relating to establishing reimbursement rates for certain child-care providers participating in the subsidized childcare program.
3.	Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.
4.	Monitor the state’s economic recovery and identify obstacles impeding the state’s economic recovery. Examine the economic impact of inflation on both employers and employees. Examine global supply chain disruptions on state commerce and the flow of trade at Texas ports. Explore opportunities to attract businesses to Texas that have outsourced elements of their supply chain to foreign countries.
5.	Examine current economic development incentive programs and identify opportunities to enhance job creation in Texas. Make recommendations to promote transparency and enhance effectiveness of such programs.
6.	Evaluate Texas’ current efforts to attract semiconductor investment to the state. Identify potential strengths and vulnerabilities that could impact the success of Texas’ semiconductor industry and the ability to create and maintain a reliable semiconductor supply chain.
7.	Evaluate labor shortages and Texas’ unemployment numbers. Identify initiatives within the Texas Workforce Commission to expand job training and apprenticeship opportunities to help meet labor demands. Identify opportunities to increase outreach and information regarding career development.
8.	Review the impact that trade with Russia has on the Texas economy, including Texas manufacturers. Consider the impact of Texas investment in businesses and funds owned or controlled by the Russian government or Russian nationals, and determine the need for investment restrictions. Consider the impacts of any proposed investment restrictions on access by Texas businesses and the Texas scientific and technological community to capital investment, global markets, and competitive knowledge.
Committee:	House Juvenile Justice and Family Issues
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Border issues | Child support | Coronavirus | Court congestion | Family violence | Federal funds | Juvenile detention facilities | Juvenile Justice Department, Texas | Juvenile justice system | Operation Lone Star (Border security) | Probation | Protective orders | Unaccompanied minors | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number:
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [42 pages  File size: 2,822 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Monitor the impact of children, including unaccompanied minors, crossing the Texas-Mexico border on the juvenile justice system, including gang violence. Identify any particularized services that children, including unaccompanied minors, will need and assess the costs of providing these services.
2.	Examine current caseloads and capacity issues for courts handling matters related to the Texas-Mexico border. Evaluate the preparedness of the court system to handle increases in caseloads that may result from the border crisis response and make recommendations to ensure the continued fair and efficient administration of justice in the state in addressing any increased caseloads. (Joint charge with Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence)
3.	Review the ongoing development of federal laws, rules, and regulations associated with the distribution of the federal pandemic recovery funds, including reporting requirements, and make recommendations to the House Committee on Appropriations for use of the funds to respond to the Texas-Mexico border crisis.
4.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: HB 4544, 87th R.S., relating to providing children committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department with certain documents on discharge or release, authorizing a fee.
5.	Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.
6.	Examine obstacles to the reporting of domestic violence and how these obstacles contribute to the difficulty in obtaining and enforcing a protective order. Examine new technologies that could facilitate domestic violence reporting without putting victims at risk of further violence and harm.
7.	Explore ways to modernize the juvenile justice system for youth on probation and incarcerated youth. Review statewide resource allocation, including available staffing, and identify potential geographic limitations. Investigate the best practices of smaller specialized facilities for youth committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department while leveraging the Department's current facilities and staff. Analyze the current gaps in county-level services and funding and make recommendations to address those gaps.
8.	Examine workforce issues at state and local juvenile correctional facilities and consider the state's incentives to recruit quality staff. Consider the geographic areas where specialty providers are concentrated and the viability of opening specialized facilities for the state's youth with the highest therapeutic need to relieve the state's current rural facilities struggling with staffing. Consider consistent investments the state can make in local probation to encourage their facilities to divert youth from the juvenile justice system.
9.	Study how child support is calculated and administered in Texas and how the Texas method compares to other states' plans for calculating child support, including identifying modern trends across the country for calculating child support. Consider how alternative methods for calculating child support affect each parents' share of responsibility for child support, health care, childcare, and other matters in other jurisdictions compared to Texas.
Committee:	House Public Education
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Border education | Border issues | Career preparedness | Children's mental health | Coronavirus | Educational accountability | Educational tests | Federal funds | Parent-school relationships | Public schools | School finance | Sex education | Special education | State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness | Teacher retention | Teacher retirement | Teacher Retirement System of Texas | Teacher salaries | Teacher shortages | Teacher training | Undocumented immigrant students |
Library Call Number:	L1836.87 Ed84h
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [118 pages  File size: 5,785 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine the impact, including any financial impact, to the Texas public school system of an increase in the number of children crossing the Texas-Mexico border. Review the history, any applicable precedents, and the legal landscape regarding the education of migrant children in Texas’s public schools.
2.	Review the ongoing development of federal laws, rules, and regulations associated with the distribution of the federal pandemic recovery funds, including reporting requirements, and make recommendations to the House Committee on Appropriations for use of the funds to respond to the Texas-Mexico border crisis.
3.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: HB 1525, 87th R.S., and HB 3, 86th R.S., relating to public school finance and public education; HB 4545, 87th R.S., relating to assessment of public school students and providing accelerated instruction; SB 1365, 87th R.S., relating to public school organization, accountability, and fiscal management; SB 1716, 87th R.S., relating to supplemental special education services and instructional materials for certain public school students; and HB 3906, 86th R.S., relating to the assessment of public school students, including the development and administration of assessment instruments, and technology permitted for use by students.
4.	Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.
5.	Identify and examine efforts to ensure that parents have a meaningful role in their children’s education. Recommend necessary changes in both independent school district board and open- enrollment charter governing board governance to protect the right of parents to participate in their child’s education.
6.	Examine partnerships between K-12, higher education institutions, and employers that promote postsecondary and career readiness and identify current obstacles that public schools, higher education institutions, and employers face. Make recommendations to ensure career and technical education programs, internships, apprenticeships, and other opportunities are more accessible.
7.	Evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the state’s teacher workforce, and current practices to improve the recruitment, preparation, and retention of high-quality educators. Explore the impact of the educator preparation program regulatory environment. Make recommendations to improve educator recruitment, retention, and preparation throughout the state. (Joint charge with Committee on Higher Education)
8.	Study the effects of COVID-19 on K-12 learning loss and best practices that exist to address learning loss. Monitor the implementation of state and local plans to address students' achievement gaps. Make recommendations for supporting the state and local efforts to increase academic development.
9.	Examine the impact of COVID-19 on students' mental health, including the availability and workload of mental health professionals across the state and their role in the public school system. Make recommendations to reduce or eliminate existing barriers to providing mental health services in a traditional classroom setting or through teletherapy.
10.	Study the unfulfilled recommendations from the 2016 Commission on Next Generation Assessments and Accountability. Evaluate the state’s progress on assessments and accountability and consider possible legislation to support the recommendations from the report. Study and recommend measures needed at the state level to prevent unintended consequences to students, campuses, and districts, including changes that could improve the system for students or help public schools serving a disproportionate number of educationally disadvantaged students impacted by the pandemic.
Committee:	House Transportation
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Alternative fuel vehicles | Border economy | Border issues | Coronavirus | Electric vehicles | Federal funds | Freight | Highway finance | International trade | License plates | Motor Vehicles, Texas Department of | Ports | Railroads | Ships and shipping | Texas Mobility Fund | Transportation planning | Trucking |
Library Call Number:	L1836.87 T687
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [74 pages  File size: 2,966 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the impact that trade across the Texas-Mexico border has on the Texas economy. Consider the impact of the recent increase in border migration on transnational trade, including its effects on the communities along the border, points of entry, and access by Texas businesses to supplies, labor, materials, and markets in Mexico. (Joint charge with Committee on International Relations & Economic Development)
2.	Review the ongoing development of federal laws, rules, and regulations associated with the distribution of the federal pandemic recovery funds, including reporting requirements, and make recommendations to the House Committee on Appropriations for use of the funds to respond to the Texas-Mexico border crisis.
3.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: HB 2219, 87th R.S., relating to the issuance of Texas Mobility Fund obligations; HB 3514, 87th R.S., relating to the functions of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles; and HB 3927, 87th R.S., relating to temporary motor vehicle tags.
4.	Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.
5.	Study current and future transportation needs and consider improvements to ensure that Texas is adequately planning for the state's population growth forecasts. Evaluate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on transportation projects and investment decisions.
6.	Study the impacts that increased federal funding, formula changes, and new programs authorized in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will have on state transportation projects. Evaluate strategies to ensure Texas communities can maximize receipt of federal grant funds.
7.	Study the impact of the increasing sale and use of electric and alternatively fueled vehicles on revenue predictions for the state highway fund. Recommend a road use revenue equalization methodology to create fairness and parity between gasoline, electric and alternatively fueled vehicles.
8.	Study policies impacting truck transportation, a key link in the supply-chain, including utilizing state property and right-of-way for natural gas fueling stations and truck parking, the potential shortage of drivers and sellers of commercial trucks, the shortage of truck parking options to accommodate hours of service regulations, and ways to reduce border crossing wait times. Examine regulatory and statutory impediments to connected vehicle and autonomous technologies aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of trucking in Texas.
9.	Examine the ability of the state’s seaports to promote the public purposes of state economic growth, diversification, and commerce through development of port-owned properties within their boundaries. Review the investments needed for Texas ports to remain competitive in handling increased cargo volumes and ensuring a resilient supply chain.
Committee:	House Youth Health and Safety, Select
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Child Protective Services | Children's health care | Children's mental health | Coronavirus | Emergency communications | Emergency management | Gun safety | Inmate rehabilitation | Juvenile justice system | Mental health services | School discipline | School safety | Shootings | Youthful offenders |
Library Call Number:
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [56 pages  File size: 2,708 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Provide a cross-jurisdictional forum for the examination and consideration of issues that broadly affect the health, safety, and rights of Texas youth.
2.	Improve the ability of federal, state, and local governmental entities to address the needs of Texas youth through, among other things, expanded coordination between all programs and systems that serve youth and their families, including child protective services, mental health services, educational institutions, and the juvenile justice system.
3.	Study the allocation and use of state resources to preventative and rehabilitative services that address the primary challenges facing Texas youth placed in the juvenile justice system, including the redirection of those resources as necessary to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
4.	Study the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health needs of Texas youth and identification of effective treatment strategies.
5.	Study the expansion of prevention efforts and the strengthening of service systems to permit the behavioral health challenges faced by Texas youth to be addressed closer to their homes, including efforts and systems that permit youth to remain in their classrooms and stay out of institutionalized healthcare and juvenile justice systems.
6.	Study programs, services, and governmental action focused on the rehabilitation of youthful offenders, including considerations related to developmental factors that impact a youth's entry into the justice system.
7.	Study the implementation and impact of SB 11, 86th R.S. and any other pertinent laws. Identify additional policies, protocols and strategies that will help create a safer environment in schools and local communities.
8.	Examine strategies to prevent acts of mass violence, including measures to enhance firearm safety in Texas.
9.	Evaluate the preparedness of and coordination between state and local agencies, nongovernmental entities, and law enforcement for the prevention of and response to mass violence, including the content and efficacy of active shooter response training.
10.	Examine the role of online communications in mass violence scenarios and identify technological resources and solutions for detecting, mitigating, and reporting threats.
11.	Study the needs of the state related to mental health professionals, educators, school administrators, and related professionals overseeing youth mental health programs and the delivery of those mental health services.
Committee:	Senate Health and Human Services
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Coronavirus | Electronic cigarettes | Medicaid |
Library Call Number:	L1836.86 H349
Session:	86th R.S. (2019)
Online version:	View report [52 pages  File size: 3,965 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Health Care Costs: Examine the state health and human services finance system including, but not limited to, the following programs and methods of finance: Local Provider Participation Funds, the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program, Medicaid 1115 waivers and Section 1332 State Innovation waivers, Pay for Quality programs, the Quality Incentive Payment Program, and other state and local funding used to finance health care systems in Texas. Identify ways to streamline functions and reduce unnecessarily burdensome and costly requirements in the Texas Medicaid program. Provide recommendations to ensure the sustainability of the state's health and human services system and judicious use of taxpayer dollars.
2.	Public Health: Examine the emerging public health concerns from the rise in e-cigarette use and "vaping," especially among minors. Determine if additional policies or laws are needed to protect the public's health.
3.	Analyze the procedures for collecting, modeling, and reporting data on COVID-19 tests, cases, hospitalizations, and fatalities. Examine the role of state agencies, local governments, and private entities.
4.	Examine clinical best practices, including therapeutics, for treating COVID-19 patients at each stage of the disease. Monitor the status of vaccine development and distribution.
5.	Evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 public health emergency and the impact of the COVID-19 response on behavioral health, child abuse, family violence, long-term care residents, and delayed medical care.
6.	Evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 public health emergency and the impact of the COVID-19 response on behavioral health, child abuse, family violence, long-term care residents, and delayed medical care.
Committee:	House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Coronavirus | Court records | Criminal justice | Guardianship | Highway construction | Juries | Jurisdiction (Legal) | Sex crimes | Sexual harassment | Statutes of limitation | Wills and estates |
Library Call Number:	L1836.86 J898
Session:	86th R.S. (2019)
Online version:	View report [79 pages  File size: 5,349 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 86th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: HB 2899, which specifies that highway construction contractors are not liable for design defects. Investigate whether expansion of those policies to other areas of public/private contracting is in the best interest of the state. HB 3809, which raises the statute of limitations for suit for injuries from a sexual assault of a child from 15 years to 30 years. Study and deliberate ways to enhance protections for victims of sexual abuse. Review other Texas laws relating to reporting and investigating incidents of workplace sexual harassment. Make recommendations to remove barriers to reporting and investigating incidents of sexual harassment and to make improvements to existing policies where necessary. HB 4531, which authorizes adults under guardianship to consent to forensic medical examination protocols. Monitor the impact of the legislation on the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of sexual assault, and study the impact on other related offenses and the treatment and services provided to victims of those offenses. SB 2342, which increases the amount in controversy for certain courts and expedited proceedings and makes reforms to jury requirements in order to improve access to courts. Review the impact of the legislation on the administration of justice and access to courts for Texas citizens
2.	Study opportunities to modernize and improve local and statewide data collection throughout the criminal justice system in Texas, including improving the collection and reporting of court records, to promote transparency and ensure uniform data collection processes.
3.	Study the Rule Against Perpetuities as used by trusts. Examine whether statutory changes are necessary and appropriate to make Texas more competitive and keep trust capital and estate planning business in Texas.
4.	Monitor the State Auditor's review of agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction. The Chair shall seek input and periodic briefings on completed audits for the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years and bring forth pertinent issues for full committee consideration.
5.	Compile information regarding the effects of COVID-19 on the judiciary, with particular reference to the following questions: 1. Have you had any difficulty acquiring PPE for your court, county, or staff? 2. How have your caseloads been impacted by COVID-19? Do you have a backlog of cases? 3. What has been your experience in using Zoom or other online platforms for court proceedings? 4. How has the pandemic impacted court staff, e.g. space, teleworking, flexible work shifts, etc.? *

* This represents an abstract of the report contents. Charge text is incomplete or unavailable.

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