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12 Document(s) [ Subject: Small businesses ]

Committee:	House Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Attorney General of Texas | Consumer credit and debt | Consumer Credit Commissioner, Office of | Consumer protection | Employees Retirement System of Texas | Investment of public funds | Pension liabilities | Private retirement systems | Public retirement systems | Small businesses | Teacher health insurance | Teacher Retirement System of Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.86 P387
Session:	86th R.S. (2019)
Online version:	View report [42 pages  File size: 2,254 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 1442, which is the sunset bill for the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC). The legislation contains provisions relating to the regulation of online lenders. Monitor the OCCC's rules regulating the online lending industry. HB 2945, which relates to consumer protection against credit card skimmers. Monitor the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) rules, polices, and procedures regulating the payment terminals on motor fuel dispensers and credit card skimmer violations. Examine the process by which the OAG creates, manages, and utilizes the payment fraud fusion center. SB 322, which relates to the evaluation and reporting of investment practices and performances of certain public retirement systems. Examine the process by which state agencies and public retirement systems collaborate on, plan, and implement the structure necessary to perform these evaluations. SB 2224, which relates to requiring a public retirement system to adopt a written funding policy. Examine the process by which state agencies and public retirement systems collaborate on, plan, and implement the structure necessary to create sound and practical funding policies.
2.	Monitor the Teacher Retirement System's (TRS) actions in implementing high deductible regional plans for certain school districts interested in providing alternatives to the current TRS Active Care options.
3.	Study pension plan and personal retirement savings options for small businesses in order to be competitive with state and larger employers.
4.	Review and evaluate the actuarial soundness of the Employees Retirement System and TRSpension funds. Examine the cost of and potential strategies for achieving and maintaining the actuarial soundness of the funds. Examine the effect the unfunded liabilities could have on the state's credit. Examine the state's investment policies and practices, including investment objectives, targets, disclosure policies, and transparency. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Appropriations)
5.	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.
Committee:	House Business and Industry
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Corporate governance | Death benefits | Electronic security | Homeowners' associations | Independent contractors | International trade | Pharmaceutical industry | Pharmacies | Physicians | Prescription drug costs | Risk Management, State Office of | Small businesses | State agencies | Transportation network companies | Welfare-to-work | Workers' compensation |
Library Call Number:	L1836.84 B964
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View report [67 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study Texas businesses' utilization of the Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit, and the associated state tax refund under Subchapter H, Labor Code, in employing those who are receiving government benefits and/or have consistently faced significant barriers to employment. Conduct a cost/benefit analysis of the tax credit vis-a-vis savings in federal and state public assistance programs. Make recommendations to remove any unnecessary administrative obstructions and expand Texas business owners' use of the program.
2.	Identify and address potential gaps in Texas businesses’ cybersecurity policies and ensure that Texans’ personal information held by these businesses is secure.
3.	Evaluate how Texas can support shared economy growth in the state. Determine how the state can ensure customer security and satisfaction as well as consumer protections without enacting burdensome regulations. Additionally, study the effects of a growing portion of the state's workforce seeking full-time vs. supplemental part-time employment with related technology-based businesses. Analyze recent debate and legal precedent regarding the classification of these employees.
4.	Examine the regulatory powers of property owners associations, and the procedures available to home owners when an association restricts individual or property rights. Review current best practices to help clarify the balance of property rights, transparency in governance, and the best interests of property owners in the state.
5.	Study the impact of recent Texas cases related to the rights and remedies of shareholders of Texas corporate forms, including the impact of those decisions on the legal rights of both Texas corporations and shareholders and any impact on the Texas business climate.
6.	Study the requirement for state agencies and entities to purchase insurance through the State Office of Risk Management (SORM), and the agencies and entities that are exempt from this requirement. Examine the costs and benefits of each approach, and the waiver process by which SORM can allow agencies to purchase insurance on their own.
7.	Study the following aspects of the designated doctor process in the Texas workers' compensation system: a. the Division of Workers' Compensation's (DWC's) processes for educating, monitoring, and evaluating designated doctors; b. whether the DWC requires additional authority to regulate designated doctors or entities providing services for designated doctors; and c. any unique issues with "traveling" designated doctors.
8.	Examine the adequacy of benefits for injured employees in the Texas workers' compensation system who qualify for Lifetime Income Benefits, and for the beneficiaries of employees who receive Death Benefits. In particular, examine the application of benefit caps for those benefit types and the termination of Death Benefits to surviving spouses on remarriage.
9.	Analyze recent data attributing the decline in domestic manufacturing to a consistent trade deficit caused by steady increases in net imports. Study how expanding trade and investing in manufacturing communities’ partnerships can grow the state's skilled workforce and production as well as increase net exports and develop a trade balance. (Joint charge with the House Committee on International Trade & Intergovernmental Affairs)
10.	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.
Supporting documents
Committee:	House Business and Industry
Title:	Committee meeting handouts and testimony, June 9, 2016 (Texas businesses' cybersecurity policies, shareholders of Texas)
Library Call Number:
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View document [104 pages  File size: 10,930 kb]
Committee:	House Economic and Small Business Development
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Career preparedness | Career schools | e-commerce | Economic development | Economic development incentives | Economy | Energy industry employment | High tech employment | High tech industry | Natural gas industry | Office of Economic Development and Tourism | Oil industry | Rural economic development | Short-term rentals | Small businesses | State budgets | Transportation network companies | Workforce | Workforce Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.84 Ec74h
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View report [31 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the impacts of the declining price of oil and the continuously depressed price of natural gas on the Texas economy and the fiscal implications for the Texas budget. Consider impacts on local communities most dependent on oil and gas activity, including impacts on supporting economies such as retail, manufacturing, housing industries, etc. Recommend strategies for sustained energy development and workforce growth during times of depressed energy prices. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Energy Resources)
2.	Evaluate what local governments are doing to attract businesses to their communities and examine ways the state can leverage these practices and provide support. Include ways to improve local economic development programs to ensure a continued return on investment for taxpayers. In addition, study the authority, financial accountability, and types of statutorily allowed expenditures of economic development corporations. Provide analysis of 4A and 4B sales tax programs and determine if they are still meeting their intended purpose effectively.
3.	Study opportunities and financial incentives for expansion and growth of small businesses in Texas. Examine if adequate resources and capital exist for small businesses. Include analysis of any regulatory or tax hurdles and provide recommendations to alleviate these burdens. Furthermore, review programs available to provide training and support to develop business management and finance skills. Consider financial incentives that would incentivize expansion of existing small businesses and growth for new small businesses.
4.	Oversee implementation of HB 26 (84R). Review best practices for measuring success of economic development incentives. Consider general metrics or principles to aid the Legislature in determining viable and sustainable incentive programs that provide a "Return on Investment" for taxpayers.
5.	Evaluate Texas's competitiveness with other states in recruiting and cultivating high-growth, high-tech industries, fostering economic development, and creating new jobs. Examine if current incentives and regulations assist or hinder the state's ability to compete with other states for economic growth and sustainability.
6.	Examine if the state has an adequately diversified economic foundation and make recommendations on how to better achieve diversification. Look at ways to achieve balance between rural and urban economic development. Consider methods to improve workforce development initiatives and incentives that will improve re-employment after layoffs and release from incarceration as well as methods to improve employment rates for recent graduates.
7.	Evaluate how Texas can support shared economy growth in the state and include implications of such growth on existing, traditional businesses. Develop characteristics by which to classify "shared economy" business and determine how the state can ensure customer security and satisfaction as well as public health without enacting burdensome regulations.
8.	Examine partnerships between higher education institutions, public school districts, and workforce that promote postsecondary readiness. Provide coordination recommendations to ensure vocational, career, and technical education programs are more accessible. Determine the most effective ways to invest in these partnerships and programs to direct at-risk students to stable career paths. Examine current rules and laws limiting employers from providing meaningful internships, apprenticeships, and other opportunities. Consider new methods to finance workforce training programs and associated assets in high schools and postsecondary schools, including ways to reduce or eliminate these costs and options to incentivize businesses to invest in training equipment for schools. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Public Education)
9.	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. e. monitor the impact of major economic development legislation passed by the 84th Legislature. f. include updates regarding transfer of duties and services from health and human services agencies to the Texas Workforce Commission, including implementation of SB 208 and SB 212. Coordinate with the Legislative Oversight Committee constituted by SB 208, when necessary. g. evaluate the impact of incentive reform legislation, including the elimination of the Emerging Technology Fund and the transition of contracts to the Comptroller's office.
Committee:	Senate State Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Biometric identification | Cellular telephones | DNA databases | e-government | Electronic surveillance | Employees Retirement System of Texas | Health care costs | Health care navigators | Health insurance exchanges | Health insurance pools | Legislature, Texas | Medical billing | Patents | Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act | Personally identifiable information | Privacy | Rules of the Texas Senate | Search warrants | Searches and seizures | Small businesses | Teacher Retirement System of Texas | Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool | Texas Legislature Online | Texas Mutual Insurance | Websites | Workers' compensation |
Library Call Number:	L1836.83 St29a
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View report [128 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine the negative economic impact on Texas business from legal issues involving threatened and actual patent litigation by "patent assertion entities" (PAEs). Consider the effects of PAE actions on innovation and economic development in Texas, paying particular attention to threats and lawsuits involving software and technology patent claims. Make recommendations on how the State of Texas can address problems related to frivolous legal actions and unsubstantiated patent claims asserted against legitimate business enterprises in light of the relevant federal jurisdiction, laws, regulations, and court rules in patent cases.
2.	Examine possible measures to protect the personal privacy of Texas residents from governmental and commercial surveillance, including: (1) any necessary limits on warrantless search and seizure of data from electronic devices and wireless providers, including digital content and geolocational data; (2) any necessary protections against non-consented video and audio recordings collected by private handheld and wearable mobile devices and other private surveillance; and (3) any necessary limits on warrantless monitoring of the physical location of individuals through the use of biometrics, RFID chips, facial recognition, or other technologies. Examine related measures proposed or passed in other states.
3.	Review the types and scope of personal data collected by governmental and commercial entities and consider methods to minimize the government’s collection of data on its citizens. The study should include: (1) whether sufficient protections exist for DNA samples and information, including whether there should be a prohibition on the creation of DNA databases, except for felons and sex offenders; (2) methods to protect the privacy of gun owners from aggregated purchasing pattern tracking; (3) mechanisms to ensure that private health care information is properly protected; and (4) ways to ensure that previously anonymous data is not improperly re-identified and marketed. Examine related measures proposed or passed in other states.
4.	Examine possible reforms designed to increase citizens' ability to know what data is being collected about them by governmental andcommercial entities and with whom that data is being shared, including an analysis of consumer informed consent. Examine related measures proposed or passed in other states.
5.	Study the online legislative resources available to the public from Texas Senate Committee websites and compare esources to those provided by other state legislative committees in Texas and other states. Determine how Texas Senate websites can be improved to provide a more interactive and transparent government.
6.	Study the emerging negative impacts of the Federal Affordable Care Act, including the use of navigators, and make recommendations to mitigate any unintended consequences including rising health insurance premiums, lack of access to healthcare, mishandling of Texans' private information by insufficiently-trained navigators, and the Act’s overall effect on Texas employers and insurance consumers. Evaluate free-market alternatives to the Act, including state-led proposals to repeal, reduce or replace the Act. Closely monitor and make recommendations on the continuation of the Texas Health Insurance Pool.
7.	Study and make recommendations on increasing medical price transparency in Texas, including studying the impact of SB 1731, 80th Legislative Session. Analyze relevant reforms considered or implemented in other states, and make recommendations regarding potential changes designed to create a more open marketplace for enhanced consumer decision making in Texas.
8.	Monitor the actuarial and financial conditions of the pension and health care programs administered by the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) and the Employees Retirement System (ERS).
9.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on State Affairs, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.
10.	Study and make recommendations relative to the structure of Texas Mutual Insurance Company and the residual market for workers’ compensation insurance in Texas.
Committee:	House Economic and Small Business Development
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Automobiles | Biotechnology industry | Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas | Career and technical education | Economic development | Economic development incentives | Entrepreneurship | Manufacturing | Margins tax | Research and development tax incentives | Small businesses | Tax incentives | Technology transfer and commercialization | Texas Emerging Technology Fund | University research | Workforce |
Library Call Number:	L1836.82 Ec74h
Session:	82nd R.S. (2011)
Online version:	View report [90 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine previous Emerging Technology Fund (ETF) grants awarded for cancer-related research. Determine whether future awards for similar projects are appropriate for the ETF program or whether they should be considered by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
2.	Examine the impact of research at state universities on the state economy. Identify ways to increase the partnership opportunities between private business and research institutions to enhance the commercialization of newly discovered technology. (Joint with the House Committee on Higher Education)
3.	Examine the state's efforts to encourage new business growth and retain existing businesses in order to strengthen our state's economy. Determine whether a consolidated approach to statewide economic development would be more effective.
4.	Examine the economic impact of the automobile industry in Texas and the state's ability to compete with other states for future automotive manufacturing facilities. Identify policies, regulations, and current statutes that either hinder or facilitate job growth and investment by the automotive industry. Review opportunities available to partner manufacturers' research and development with Texas colleges and universities, including technology enhancements in safety or alternative fuel systems.
5.	Examine Texas' industry cluster initiatives in an effort to remain competitive in today's economic development arena. Review the implementation of recommendations made by the Governor's Competitiveness Council and consider new recommendations for Texas to remain an economic development leader.
6.	Examine current economic development programs available in urban areas in Texas and other states. Report on successful programs and make legislative recommendations for innovative economic development programs. (Joint with the House Committee on Urban Affairs)
7.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 82nd Legislature, with specific attention to the implementation of HB 2457, 82nd R.S., regarding the oversight of the Emerging Technology Fund.
8.	Study and make recommendations for significantly improving the state's manufacturing capability.
Committee:	Senate Economic Development
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 82nd Texas Legislature
Subjects:	Economic development | Economic stabilization | Historically Underutilized Business Program | Job training programs | Minority-owned/women-owned businesses | Small businesses | State purchasing | Tax incentives | Texas Emerging Technology Fund | Texas Enterprise Fund | Workforce | Workforce Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.81 Ec74s
Session:	81st R.S. (2009)
Online version:	View report [23 pages  File size: 217 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Assess the effectiveness of major economic development programs in Texas. The review should include but not be limited to such programs as the Enterprise Fund, Emerging Technology Fund, Skills Development, and Enterprise Zones. Review major tax policy issues that encourage or hinder business development, including options for reinstating a margins tax research and development tax credit. Examine economic development programs in other states that have been successful and recommend changes to existing state programs, new programs, or changes in tax policy incentives that could increase job creation in Texas.
2.	Review the effectiveness of state programs aimed at assisting small business growth and development, including whether the development of a Small Business Commission could lead to a more efficient use of state resources. Include an assessment of all state policies aimed to assist small business and minority-owned business persons with procurement of state contracts.
3.	Review the impact of workforce development programs on economic development across the state. Focus on the impact of Texas Workforce Commission initiatives, the JET (Jobs and Education for Texas) program administered by the Comptroller's office, and federally funded stimulus programs. Make recommendations for legislation to improve and enhance workforce development in Texas.
4.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Economic Development, 81st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.
Committee:	Senate Business and Commerce
Title:	Interim Report - State Business Licenses
Library Catalog Title:	State business licenses : interim report to the 81st Texas Legislature
Subjects:	Business climate | Business filings | Occupational licenses | Small businesses |
Library Call Number:	L1836.80 B963b
Session:	80th R.S. (2007)
Online version:	View report [19 pages  File size: 4,995 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Study the number of state business licenses and the need and cost for each license. Estimate the cost and benefits to consumers of licenses and impact on small, start-up businesses.
Committee:	House Small Business Access to Capital, Special
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	A report to the House of Representatives, 74th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Business loans | Small businesses |
Library Call Number:	L1836.73 sm18m
Session:	73rd R.S. (1993)
Online version:	View report [40 pages  File size: 1,784 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Created to study the special problems of small business in attracting capital in the current lending climate, and to examine ways to promote access to needed capital. The study shall include all small businesses but should give specific attention to agricultural and historically underutilized businesses.
Committee:	Senate Creation and Expansion of Minority and Women-Owned Business Ownership Opportunities, Special Advisory
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Texas State Senate interim report to the 72nd Texas Legislature / Senate Special Advisory Committee on the Creation and Exapansion of Minority and Women Owned Business Ownership Opportunities.
Subjects:	Historically Underutilized Business Program | Minority contractors | Minority-owned/women-owned businesses | Small businesses | Women |
Library Call Number:	L1836.71 b96
Session:	71st R.S. (1989)
Online version:	View report [164 pages  File size: 7,969 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Formulate a plan for remedying past discrimination against minority and women-owned businesses and expanding opportunity for all economically disadvantaged groups that includes specific goals, timelines for achievement and methodology for implementing the plan, as well as recommendations on using current authorized bonding for small business start-up loan assistance or development and expansion of incubator plans and models, and using any other available resources for business start-up or expansion at local, state and federal levels.
2.	Monitor the progress of all relevant agencies.
Supporting documents
Committee:	Senate Creation and Expansion of Minority and Women-Owned Business Ownership Opportunities, Special Advisory
Title:	Committee documentation: daily minutes record
Library Catalog Title:	Minutes
Library Call Number:	L1836.71 B96M
Session:	71st R.S. (1989)
Online version:	View document [1 pages  File size: 17 kb]
Committee:
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report to the 72nd Texas Legislature / Committee on Business & Commerce.
Subjects:	Business loans | Cable telecommunications providers | Job training programs | Mergers and acquisitions | Minority-owned/women-owned businesses | Persons with disabilities | Privatization | Small businesses |
Library Call Number:	L1836.71 b964
Session:	()
Online version:	View report [38 pages  File size: 1,908 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	To monitor all activities and to have budget oversight responsibilities for the agencies, boards and commissions as listed in Rule 3, Section 3.
2.	To study problems associated with the business climate of Texas' inner cities and identify potential solutions.
3.	To study trade practices and competition involving the transmission of cable television programming in Texas.
4.	To study the Job Training Partnership Act program (joint with the Government Organization Committee).
5.	To study competition practices between government entities and private enterprise.
6.	To study the implementation of HB 174, 71st Legislature, Regular Session, relating to the regulation of certain telephone services.
7.	To study the effect and feasibility of state legislation governing hostile corporate takeovers of domestic corporations.

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