Subject search results

24 Document(s) [ Subject: Public Safety, Texas Department of ]

Committee: House Defense and Veterans' Affairs
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Mental health services | Military families | Operation Lone Star (Border security) | Post-traumatic stress disorder | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Texas National Guard | Texas State Guard | Veterans | Veterans health care |
Library Call Number:
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View report [50 pages  File size: 3,879 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor the activities of the Texas State Guard and the Texas National Guard participating in Operation Lone Star. Consider any legal or logistical support that can be provided to these organizations to increase operational efficiencies in conjunction with the Department of Public Safety. Review and assess the inventory of these agencies. Make appropriate recommendations. (Joint charge with Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety)
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.
3. Examine programs and funding streams connected to services that improve mental health outcomes for servicemen and women suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
4. Evaluate the needs of veterans and their families as they return to civilian life, including access to employment, education, housing, counseling, and mental health services. Make recommendations to ensure coordination between state agencies to create a positive environment for veterans transitioning back into communities across the state.
Committee: House Homeland Security and Public Safety
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Criminal records | Emergency management | Emergency Management, Texas Division of | Natural disasters | Public information | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Semi-trailer trucks | Truck drivers | Truck inspection stations | Trucking | Vehicle emissions tests | Vehicle registration | Vehicle safety inspections |
Library Call Number: L1836.84 P96H
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View report [108 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review the functions of the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the state's natural disaster preparedness planning efforts to determine their effectiveness at addressing a growing range of threats. Identify best practices to ensure coordination between municipalities, counties, and state agencies.
2. Review the current penalties for operating a commercial motor vehicle that is in violation of state or federal safety standards. Evaluate the role of state and local law enforcement agencies in enforcing commercial motor vehicle standards, and make recommendations to ensure the safety of the traveling public.
3. Monitor the implementation of the "two steps, one sticker" program as it relates to passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, light duty trailers, and other vehicles. Recommend measures to ensure an efficient transition to this system and improve the ease of use for consumers.
4. Review the process of dissemination by public entities of criminal records containing incomplete or inaccurate information, assess options for the subjects of such records to correct the misinformation specifically as it interferes with their ability to obtain employment, and determine the need for greater regulations over this process. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Government Transparency & Operation)
5. 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, including legislation that expanded the ability to carry handguns openly and on the campuses of institutions of higher education and legislation that allows for the compassionate use of certain medically prescribed oils for intractable disorders. 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 Homeland Security and Public Safety
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, March 25, 2016 (Border security, CBD Oil, driver responsibility program, single vehicle registration sticker, teen driver safety)
Library Call Number:
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View document [219 pages  File size: 6,606 kb]
Committee: House Homeland Security and Public Safety
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Agricultural chemicals | Border security | Councils of government | Driver licenses | Driver Responsibility Program | Driving while intoxicated | Emergency management | Explosions | Hazardous substances | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Traffic violations | West, Texas |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 P96H
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [61 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Assess the level of preparedness among critical infrastructure entities, state and local emergency planning organizations, first response efforts, and overall coordination of jurisdictions across the state. Include a review of the state's role in preparing, resourcing, and coordinating with local emergency response, specifically in rural areas or areas that depend largely on volunteer response efforts.
2. Investigate the fatal explosion in West, Texas, in April 2013, for deficiencies in safety, risk management, and disaster planning by chemical facilities and state entities. Determine if any changes should be made to existing laws and rules relating to inspection, investigation, and enforcement, and make specific recommendations on how to reduce the likelihood for damage, injury, or death.
3. Evaluate state and local entities' effectiveness in meeting the state's border and homeland security program goals and objectives.
4. Review the Driver Responsibility Program and consider methods for overall improvement of the program.
5. Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 83rd 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 Homeland Security and Public Safety
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, October 7, 2014 (Border operations and unaccompanied children; Driver Responsibility Program draft legislation; Ammonium nitrate draft legislation; Interim charge #1 - Critical infrastructure preparedness)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [92 pages  File size: 2,567 kb]
Committee: House Homeland Security and Public Safety
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Border crossings | Border security | Driver licenses | Emergency communications | Peace officers | Ports | Public Safety, Texas Department of | School discipline |
Library Call Number: L1836.82 P96H
Session: 82nd R.S. (2011)
Online version: View report [23 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Examine the extent of interstate coordination concerning border security and intelligence sharing and determine whether any changes to state law are needed to enhance that coordination and cooperation. (Joint with the House Committee on Border & Intergovernmental Affairs)
2. Monitor the Texas Department of Public Safety's implementation of the driver's license improvement plan and the use of the funds appropriated to the department for such purposes by the 82nd Legislature. Evaluate the feasibility of privatization with the intent to minimize wait times for Texans. (Joint with the House Committee on Appropriations)
3. Determine the feasibility and need for a digital emergency public service messaging network to be developed on established evacuation routes.
4. Examine the role of law enforcement personnel assigned to school district campuses and postsecondary education campuses and determine whether any changes to laws concerning the enforcement of safety and discipline are necessary. Determine whether additional training of law enforcement personnel assigned to school district and secondary education campuses is necessary.
5. Examine state and federal law to determine whether existing provisions adequately address security and efficiency concerns for steamship agencies and land ports of entry along the Texas-Mexico border. Evaluate whether the state and the federal government have provided sufficient manpower, infrastructure, and technology to personnel in the border region. (Joint with the House Committee on Border & Intergovernmental Affairs)
Committee: Senate State Affairs
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Consumer credit and debt | Eminent domain | Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 | Employees Retirement System of Texas | Federal government | Firefighters | Forest Service, Texas A&M | Health insurance | Health insurance exchanges | Liability | Medicaid | Military personnel | Municipalities | Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act | Peace officers | Primary elections | Property rights | Public retirement systems | Public Safety, Texas Department of | State employee benefits | State employee turnover | States' rights | Statutes of limitation | Teacher Retirement System of Texas | Voting by mail | Voting systems | Wildfires | Workers' compensation | Zoning |
Library Call Number: L1836.82 St29a
Session: 82nd R.S. (2011)
Online version: View report [177 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the policies and actions the State can pursue to preserve state authority and protect Texas citizens from federal overreach in the form of conditional federal grants, conditional federal preemption, and excessive legislation and regulation interfering with states' enumerated powers by Congress.
2. Examine the Texas Workers' Compensation system and make recommendations for changes to meet the needs of Texas employers and employees. Specifically, review the following:
  • the dispute resolution process and benefits available from employers that do not subscribe to workers compensation;
  • the adequacy of income benefits in the workers’ compensation system, specifically on high?wage earners receiving the maximum compensation rate;
  • identify and report on fatalities in the Workers’ Compensation System, including the amount of death and burial benefits paid to beneficiaries and the Subsequent Injury Fund since 2000;
  • the return-­to-­work numbers and results for injured employees in the Workers’ Compensation System that are referred to the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.
3. Study the feasibility and fiscal impact to consumers of altering the insurance code to allow for the purchase of health insurance across state lines.
4. Monitor the potential impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) on insurance regulations, Medicaid and CHIP, health care outcomes and overall health of all Texans, and the state budget in Texas. Additionally, monitor the current constitutional challenges to PPACA and other court cases associated with PPACA, and ensure that the state does not expend any resources until judicial direction is clear. (Joint charge with Senate Health & Human Services Committee)
5. Study and make recommendations on statutory provisions and judicial decisions relating to the statute of limitations on a cause of action relating to consumer debt.
6. Examine establishing a workforce retention program or deferred retirement option plan (DROP) for Texas Department of Public Safety commissioned peace officers and whether any plan can be built with actuarially sustainable factors while meeting the needs of officers.
7. Examine the feasibility of implementing Health Reimbursement Accounts and Medicare exchanges for Medicare eligible participants currently covered by and receiving health coverage through the Employees Retirement System, the Teachers Retirement System, the University of Texas, and Texas A&M University. Identify any cost savings to the state and to retirees that would occur under such a plan.
8. Consider the costs and benefits of the creation of liability protection for private companies and individuals when commissioned by the Texas Forest Service to assist in fighting a fire that is not on the company's or individual's own land. Examine whether state policy should prohibit an employer from terminating an employee who is a volunteer firefighter on the grounds that the employee missed work because the employee was responding to an emergency. Identify any appropriate limitations that should apply to such a policy.
9. Examine the effectiveness of the Private Real Property Rights Preservation Act (Chapter 2007, Government Code), and whether it should apply to municipalities.
10. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on State Affairs, 82nd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following:
  • implementation of SB 100, relating to the implementation of the MOVE Act, and the impact on local and statewide elections and military voters;
  • implementation of the Interstate Health Care Compact.
Committee: Senate Transportation and Homeland Security
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Alternative fuel vehicles | Alternative fueling stations | Driver licenses | Homeland security | Houston Ship Channel | Natural gas | Panama Canal | Ports | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Toll roads | Traffic | Transportation, Texas Department of | Trucking | Vehicle registration |
Library Call Number: L1836.82 T688
Session: 82nd R.S. (2011)
Online version: View report [42 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Examine the anticipated impacts of the Panama Canal expansion on Texas' cargo and shipping industry, intermodal facilities, roadways, and ports. Examine the implementation of the Houston Ship Channel Security District and determine if additional security districts are needed for other ports.
2. Study current state statutes and agency rules regulating oversize and overweight vehicles. Evaluate the public safety benefit of enforcing these regulations and effectiveness in preventing roadway damage, including the cost of repair and maintenance to infrastructure associated with overweight vehicles. Provide recommendations that balance economic productivity, public safety, and protection and maintenance of roadways. Provide recommendations on the need for additional weights and measures training for law enforcement in this state.
3. Study the potential for toll collection and enforcement tools to pursue toll scofflaws for Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and local toll project entities.
4. Examine the need for additional natural gas fueling infrastructure to efficiently utilize Texas' vast domestic reserves of natural gas. Also, examine the future requirements for public and private electric vehicle charging stations and the impact of the increased usage of alternative-­fueled vehicles. Include geographic balance in the evaluation of alternative-­fuel infrastructure. Assess the impact that increasing numbers of electric vehicles will have on the state's electric grid.
5. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security, 82nd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following:
  • Implementation of the Sunset Advisory Commission recommendations, statutory changes specified in TxDOT's sunset legislation and TxDOT's modernization efforts, including the use of public and private engineering services and the implementation and use of business performance measures;
  • Implementation of Proposition 12 funding provided by the fiscal year 2012-­2013 Appropriations Act, including an assessment of the impact of this funding on the state's Top 50 list of congested roadway segments and the funding needed to advance each region's priorities in fiscal year 2014-­2015;
  • Progress of the Texas Department of Public Safety's Driver License Division efforts to enhance driver license processing, including technology and staff improvements, establishment of mega centers, additional mobile offices, and increased number of temporary visitor document processing staff.
Committee: Senate Criminal Justice
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report to the 82nd Legislature / Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
Subjects: Alcohol-related deaths | Alternatives to incarceration | Blood alcohol concentration | Child abuse | Child sexual abuse | Community notification of sex offenders | Concealed weapons | Crime laboratories | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | DNA testing | Driving while intoxicated | Forensics | Indigent criminal defense | Jail Standards, Texas Commission on | Juvenile detention facilities | Juvenile justice system | Juvenile Probation Commission, Texas | Mental health services | Mentally ill inmates | Municipal jails | Prison security | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Recidivism | School discipline | Sex offender registration | State Health Services, Texas Department of | Texas Fair Defense Act | Witnesses | Youth Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number: L1836.81 C868
Session: 81st R.S. (2009)
Online version: View report [115 pages  File size: 3,355 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the efficiency and fairness of the current sexual offender registry system and make recommendations to improve the system, if necessary. Study the issue of compliance with the Adam Walsh Act, focusing on the associated costs to the state and the punishment of juveniles. Examine the risk assessment tools used to measure the likelihood of recidivism of sexual predators.
2. Review statistics regarding the crime of driving while intoxicated, including accident statistics, alcohol-related deaths and injury, and other impacts on the community. Examine enforcement options used nationwide to deter driving under the influence and make recommendations to reduce the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities and accidents in Texas.
3. Review the performance of the Fair Defense Act and the Task Force on Indigent Defense. Study key outcomes of the law, including: appointment rates in felony and misdemeanor cases; state and county indigent defense expenditures; attorney caseloads; attorney compensation; access to investigators and experts; and overall quality of counsel for the indigent. Examine the Task Force on Indigent Defense's effectiveness in monitoring and enforcing standards and design strategies to improve the delivery of services for indigent defense, including timing of the appointment of counsel, the use of the appointment wheel and the monitoring of workloads and performance of attorneys.
4. Study and make recommendations related to municipal jails and other detention facilities that operate without state agency oversight. Identify the number of such facilities and the population detained, as well as best practices for municipal jails. Make recommendations to improve services and consider options for oversight of facilities by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.
5. Review the detention of juvenile offenders in local jails, state jails, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison units by examining conditions of confinement, including quality of education, mental health treatment and medical services, rehabilitative treatment, and equality of access to services for young female inmates. Review access to administrative and inspector general grievances in TDCJ facilities. Make recommendations for improving the system and reduce recidivism of juvenile offenders.
6. Study and make recommendations to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of testing done in Texas forensic laboratories, including DNA and blood/alcohol testing. Assess and make recommendations for improving the capacity of Texas criminal laboratories to process evidence, identify ways to reduce the backlog of DNA evidence processing, identify ways to encourage qualified applicants for crime lab jobs, ensure adequate training for new crime lab technicians, ensure the availability of efficient crime lab processing to all regions of the state, and determine the impact of additional collection requirements on the capacity of Texas crime labs to process evidence. Consider the costs and benefits of creating a statewide crime lab.
7. Assess how the Commission on Jail Standards, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Criminal Justice, and Department of State Health Services are working together to identify defendants with mental health issues, notify magistrates when defendants have been identified and, where appropriate, provide crisis stabilization services to defendants. Monitor legislation passed by the 81st Legislature for mental illness and make recommendations for any needed improvements to improve mental health services and reduce recidivism.
8. Study and evaluate the success of juvenile probation pilot programs aimed at community-based diversion of youth from Texas Youth Commission facilities. Make recommendations for needed legislative action and additional programs to increase the number of delinquent youth successfully rehabilitated in their home communities.
9. Consider the impact that secondary education school disciplinary laws and policies have on the juvenile justice system and the adult prison system. Recommend changes, if needed, to current law.
10. Evaluate the usage of current Texas practices for facilitating the fair and accurate courtroom testimony of children and reducing the trauma associated with testifying, particularly for children who are victims of sexual abuse. Specifically consider recent efforts and trends across the nation to develop best practices, including "court orientation" programs, and ensure that courtrooms are more child friendly and accommodating for young victims to reduce the trauma associated with testifying in court while ensuring that fair and accurate information is solicited from the child as a witness.
11. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, 81st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.
  • Study the impact of certain provisions in the 2009 DPS Sunset bill on the timely processing of concealed handgun license applications and the issuance of licenses.
  • Monitor and make recommendations, if needed, on actions by TDCJ to improve security and reduce contraband.
Committee: House Public Safety
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Public Safety, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2010 : a report to the House of Representatives, 82nd Texas Legislature
Subjects: Border drug trafficking | Border security | Concealed weapons | Driver Responsibility Program | Drug trafficking | Drug-related crimes | Peace officers | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Statutory revision |
Library Call Number: L1836.81 P96h
Session: 81st R.S. (2009)
Online version: View report [106 pages  File size: 10,402 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the recruitment and retention practices that the Department of Public Safety currently employs and make recommendations on how to make improvements. Specifically, examine the current officer shortage in Texas and the effect it is having on the state's public safety.
2. Investigate best practices to process concealed hand gun licenses in order to alleviate backlog and make recommendations for implementation, if appropriate.
3. Monitor the Driver Responsibility Program and consider methods for overall improvement of the program.
4. Study the statutory definition, duties, and authority of a Texas peace officer.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of state operations at controlling drug-related crimes and other violence along the Texas-Mexico border. Joint Interim Charge with House Committee on Border and Intergovernmental Affairs
6. Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee: House Law Enforcement
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Law Enforcement, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2006 : a report to the House of Representatives, 80th Texas Legislature
Subjects: Alarm and security systems | DNA databases | Methamphetamine | Missing persons | Peace officer licenses | Peace officers | Police officers | Public Safety, Texas Department of | University of North Texas Health Science Center |
Library Call Number: L1836.79 L41
Session: 79th R.S. (2005)
Online version: View report [42 pages  File size: 6,046 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the adequacy and effectiveness of Department of Public Safety trooper training.
2. Oversee the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of HB 164, 79th R.S., as it relates to the manufacture of methamphetamines, and the distribution and sale of prescription and non-prescription drugs.
3. Research options for stable funding sources for the University of North Texas Mission Persons DNA database.
4. Monitor the implementation of SB 568, 79th R.S., as it relates to law enforcement response to private home alarms.
5. Evaluate the efficacy of designing a law enforcement training program specifically applicable to small or rural police agencies.
6. Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee: Senate Transportation and Homeland Security
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Report to the 80th Legislature
Subjects: Animal diseases | Border crossings | Border issues | Child car seats | County courthouses | Driver licenses | Driving while intoxicated | Emergency management | Federal funds | Highway finance | Highway rest areas | Highways | Historic preservation | Homeland security | Official designations | Operation Linebacker | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Railroad crossings | Railroads | Real ID Act | Rights of way | Safe Routes to School Program | Semi-trailer trucks | Traffic safety | Transportation Enhancement Program | Transportation planning | Truck inspection stations | Underground utility lines | Undocumented immigrants | USA Patriot Act | Wright Amendment |
Library Call Number: L1836.79 In5hs
Session: 79th R.S. (2005)
Online version: View report [294 pages  File size: 21,985 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study and make recommendations for updating the state's overweight truck fees. Include an analysis and recommendations relating to the distribution of fees collected.
2. Monitor the impact of federal actions regarding the Patriot Act on homeland security activities in Texas. Make recommendations for statutory changes required to implement federal legislation and improve the efficiency of the process.
3. Study the implementation of SB 9, 79th R.S., relating to homeland security, and make recommendations to enhance its effectiveness. Focus on implementation of provisions relating to mutual aid, including the need for a statewide compact, agricultural inspection stations, the health alert network, radio and computer interoperability and the protection of drinking water and of vital infrastructure. Assess the feasibility of establishing and operating a statewide public building mapping information system for state-owned buildings.
4. Study and make recommendations relating to the Texas Department of Transportation's ability to build, maintain, and relocate rail facilities. Monitor and report on the Departments ability to efficiently contract and provide funding for rail facility construction.
5. Evaluate and make recommendations relating to the naming of state highways and the criteria which should be followed in order to name a highway after a natural person. Include an analysis of criteria used in other states.
6. Study and make recommendations relating to the Texas Department of Transportation's programs designed to increase safety on all state transportation facilities.
7. Monitor ongoing federal, state and local efforts along the Texas Mexico border to combat criminal activity and prevent illegal border crossings. Study other border state activities in regard to the safety, efficiency and security of border crossings. Include an assessment of the impact of security measures on trade and vehicular and pedestrian commerce.
8. Study and make recommendations relating to the relocation of utilities from state owned right-of-way, including an assessment of the costs of relocations, possible funding sources and methods to decrease delays associated with relocation. Joint Charge with Senate Business & Commerce Committee.
9. Review the process by which the Texas Department of Transportation Commission allocates funds to the districts through the Allocation Program. Include a description of all scoring mechanisms used in making allocations of resources and make recommendations for maximizing the use of these funds to meet Legislative objectives. Joint Charges with Senate Finance Committee.
10. Review the process by which the Texas Department of Transportation Commission determines which federal funding sources should be implemented to comply with funding reductions mandated by Congress. Assess the Commission's options for determining how projects that were to be funded out of these reduced revenue sources will be funded this biennium. Joint Charges with Senate Finance Committee.
Committee: House General Investigating
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on General Investigating, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2002 : a report to the House of Representatives, 78th Texas Legislature.
Subjects: County development districts | Crime laboratories | Education, Texas State Board of | Minority contractors | Minority-owned/women-owned businesses | Municipal utility districts | Permanent School Fund | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Special taxing districts |
Library Call Number: L1836.77 g286
Session: 77th R.S. (2001)
Online version: View report [34 pages  File size: 265 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review the state's laws and procedures for the creation of special purpose districts whose jurisdiction is limited to a specific geographic area or areas and whose powers may include the imposition of taxes, the creation of public debt, the exercise of eminent domain, or the exercise of police power. Consider the proliferation of special purpose districts, and investigate whether the activities of these districts comport with the legislative intentions and public purposes for which they were created.
2. Examine policies and procedures governing the Texas Department of Public Safety's crime lab to insure high standards for the testing of evidence for law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
3. Monitor procedures and activities of the State Board of Education in its management of the Permanent School Fund.
4. Review the compliance of state agencies with state law related to Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Participation.
Committee: Senate Criminal Justice
Title: Interim Report - Cold crimes
Library Catalog Title: Interim report, 77th Legislature : charge one.
Subjects: Crime | Crime laboratories | DNA databases | DNA testing | Homicide | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Texas Rangers (Law enforcement) |
Library Call Number: L1836.76 c868 1
Session: 76th R.S. (1999)
Online version: View report [54 pages  File size: 2,007 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Determine if "cold crime" investigations, especially of violent crimes, conducted by specially trained personnel should be augmented with additional resources and personnel within the Department of Public Safety.
Committee: House General Investigating
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on General Investigating, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2000 : a report to the House of Representatives, 77th Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Dentists | Education, Texas State Board of | General Services Commission, Texas | Homeland security | Investment managers | Medicaid | Medicaid fraud | Permanent School Fund | Persons with disabilities | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Risk Management, State Office of | State buildings | State employees | State government contracts | State Preservation Board | Stock investments | Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities | Texas Health Steps Program | Texas State Capitol |
Library Call Number: L1836.76 g286
Session: 76th R.S. (1999)
Online version: View report [85 pages  File size: 495 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Investigate allegations of excessive use of crowns and other aggressive dental procedures by certain providers in the Medicaid program.
2. Investigate recent actions of the State Board of Education relating to its management of the Permanent School Fund.
3. Review the security resources available to protect state employees and state buildings.
4. Review the program and processes by which disabled workers are afforded priority in certain state procurements, including the roles of the General Services Commission, the Council for Purchasing from People with Disabilities, and the Texas Industries for the Blind and Handicapped.
Committee: House Public Safety
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Public Safety, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2000 : a report to the House of Representatives, 77th Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Driver licenses | Highways - safety | One call to dig program | Pipeline safety | Privacy | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Semi-trailer trucks | Social Security numbers | Truck inspection stations | Vehicle records | Vehicle safety inspections |
Library Call Number: L1836.76 p96h
Session: 76th R.S. (1999)
Online version: View report [32 pages  File size: 1,199 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study all issues surrounding the use of social security numbers to obtain a driver's license. The study should consider federal law and rules as well as issues related privacy and identity theft.
2. Review the manner in which driver's license information, including arrests, convictions and other personal information, is made available for public safety and commercial purposes. The review should consider the parties who may obtain such information, the security of information, and the extent to which the system meets the needs of requesting parties.
3. Evaluate the need for county or municipal law enforcement officers to conduct motor carrier safety inspections.
4. Review the "One Call to Dig" program to determine how well it is working.
5. Conduct active oversight of the agencies under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee: Senate Criminal Justice
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report, 75th Legislature.
Subjects: Blood alcohol concentration | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Driving while intoxicated | Drug rehabilitation programs | Gun laws | Guns | Handguns - Registration | Inmate rehabilitation | Open container laws | Parole | Prison construction | Prison population | Privately-operated prisons | Probation | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Recidivism | Right to Carry Act | Services for persons with disabilities | Sex offenders | State jail system | Statutory revision | Substance abuse |
Library Call Number: L1836.74 c868
Session: 74th R.S. (1995)
Online version: View report [32 pages  File size: 1,664 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study and determine if there are any needed changes in the Driving While Intoxicated or related statutes, with a review of statutes in other states. This review should include, but not be limited to: the use of sobriety checkpoints; prohibition of open alcoholic beverage containers in motor vehicles; changing the blood alcohol threshold; and penalties for DWI offenses, including Intoxication Manslaughter.
2. Review present and future substance abuse treatment programs in community programs, correctional facilities, and parole programs, to determine the number of offenders requiring treatment in all stages of the criminal justice system, the facility and personnel requirements to effectively treat offenders and to provide necessary aftercare by the year 2002, including projections for the next two bienniums.
3. Review the progress of the state jails, including determining; (a) is programming available and effective for all state jail felons and if some are not receiving programming, why not; (b) is there effective programming in both the state operated and locally operated facilities; and (c) are programming efforts including preventing offenders from placing future demands on the criminal justice system.
4. Review alternatives to incarceration that will reduce the need for further prison expansion, while improving public safety in light of the demand for prison space, through the year 2002.
5. Review whether the Legislature should implement funding of the Department of Criminal Justice on performance of their efforts to reduce recidivism, including review of the Task Force on Recidivism.
6. Monitor implementation of SB 60, 74th R.S., Right to Carry Act, and develop legislation to address administrative problems encountered by the Department of Public Safety and any other problems that may be identified.
7. Review the cost and effectiveness of construction and operations, including programming, of Mode I and Mode II state jails, and any correctional facilities that are operated by private entities for use by the state, to determine which type of facility is the most cost effective to operate and which have the most effective programming and treatment, and to make recommendations to improve future operations, including cost effectiveness.
8. Study and make recommendations for any penal or criminal justice issues that are identified as problems in legislation passed in the 74th Legislative Session, including omissions and unintended consequences of the legislation or related statutes, specifically including review of the criminal offenses created in the Education Code that may or may not conflict with provisions of the Penal Code.
9. Review parole issues regarding sex offenders including available treatment and the statutory requirements as to which county the Parole Board may release an offender, to make recommendations for statutory changes, if any, that may be needed.
Committee: Senate Juvenile Justice and Child Support, Interim
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Senate Interim Committee on Juvenile Justice and Child Support final report submitted to the 75th Legislature.
Subjects: At-risk youth | Attorney General Child Support Division | Child support | Children's health insurance | Criminal Justice Policy Council | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Juvenile crime | Juvenile justice alternative education programs | Juvenile justice system | Medically uninsured | Progressive sanctions (Criminal justice) | Protective and Regulatory Services, Texas Department of | Public Safety, Texas Department of | School discipline | Services to Runaways and At-Risk Youth Program | Sex offenders | Texas Child Support Enforcement System | Traffic violations | Youth Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number: L1836.74 j988r
Session: 74th R.S. (1995)
Online version: View report [171 pages  File size: 7,838 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study whether the criminal offense of "Failure to Stop and Render Aid," which applies to adults, should apply to juveniles.
2. Study and make recommendations regarding the juvenile justice revisions made by the 74th Legislature, with a special focus on (a) implementation of progressive sanctions and related programming by local entities and (b) the expansion of the STARS (Services to At-Risk Youth) program by the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, by the Juvenile Justice Reform Bill, HB 327, 74th R.S., and the Appropriations Act, HB 1, 74th R.S..
3. Study and make recommendations for any juvenile justice related issues that are identified as problems in the revisions of juvenile justice, including omissions and unintended consequences of the Juvenile Justice Reform Bill or related statutes and legislation.
4. Review analysis of the Criminal Justice Policy Council and other information required to be reported to the legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, or the Legislative Budget Board by HB 327, 74th R.S., or related statutes and make recommendations from those reports as necessary.
5. Study and make recommendations regarding child support payments, specifically relating to the collection and distribution of child support as in SB 793, 74th R.S..
6. Study and determine whether the expansion of the Texas Youth Commission and local juvenile justice facilities is sufficient to go into the year 2002.
Committee: House Public Safety
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Committe on Public Safety, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1996 : a report to the House of Representatives, 75th Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Boating | Boating safety | Concealed weapons | Driver licenses | Drug seizures | Gun laws | Guns | Harris County | Harris County Sheriff's Office | Law Enforcement, Texas Commission on | One call to dig program | One-Call Board of Texas | Pipeline safety | Private Security Bureau, Texas | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Right to Carry Act | Searches and seizures |
Library Call Number: L1836.74 p96
Session: 74th R.S. (1995)
Online version: View report [23 pages  File size: 1,029 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study procedures for assets seized during arrest, including the authority and jurisdiction of the county sheriff, chief of police and the DPS; and the relationship between those offices and respective county, city and state governing entities. The study should include a review of how the proceeds of seizures and forfeitures are used.
2. Study "one-call" and "dial before you dig" legislation.
3. Study the Harris County contract deputy program.
4. Study water safety laws for revisions that may be necessary to enhance protection of the public.
5. Conduct active oversight of agencies under the committee's jurisdiction, including implementation of SB 60, 74th R.S. and HB 713, 74th R.S..
Committee: House Public Safety
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: To the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 74th Legislature : report of the Committee on Public Safety, Texas House of Representatives, 74th Legislature.
Subjects: Criminal databases | Criminal records | Law Enforcement, Texas Commission on | Peace officers | Public Safety, Texas Department of | State agency mandated reports |
Library Call Number: L1836.73 p96s
Session: 73rd R.S. (1993)
Online version: View report [39 pages  File size: 1,438 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Conduct active oversight of agencies under the committee's jurisdiction, including a study of mandated reports to the legislature and legislative agencies. The study should consist of a review of the legislative reporting requirements of all agencies to identify areas where reporting obligations could be streamlined and agency accountability improved. The committee shall make specific recommendations about the continuation, modification or elimination of required legislative reports.
2. Study the statutes creating the position of peace officer, including the criteria for peace officer classification.
3. Examine the accuracy and completeness of reports of convictions to the Department of Public Safety for purposes of driver's license and criminal history checks.
Committee: Senate Criminal Justice, Interim
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Report to the 73rd Texas Legislature / Senate Interim Committee on Criminal Justice.
Subjects: County jails | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Drug rehabilitation programs | Family violence | Inmate rehabilitation | Medically recommended intensive supervision | Money laundering | Parole | Prison construction | Prison population | Prison reform | Probation | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Ruiz lawsuit | Searches and seizures | Stalking |
Library Call Number: L1836.72 c868s
Session: 72nd R.S. (1991)
Online version: View report [270 pages  File size: 13,790 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. The Committee shall monitor the construction and location of additional prison beds authorized by HB 93, 72nd Legislature, 2nd Called Session.
2. The Committee shall study and monitor the use of funds appropriated for the prison and criminal justice system.
3. The Committee shall study and monitor the progress and impact of jail litigation in cooperation with the Attorney General's Office, including but not limited to HB 93, 72nd Legislature, 2nd Called Session.
4. The Committee shall monitor and oversee legislation enacted during the 72nd Regular and Special Called Sessions that was considered by the Standing Committee on Criminal Justice including legislative mandates, all Performance Audit Review Recommendations, adopted or otherwise, and any agency-initiated changes. The Committee shall determine whether the programs that are the focus of study are functioning as planned.
5. The Committee shall monitor implementation of sunset legislation.
Committee: House Public Safety
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Committee on Public Safety, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1992 : a report to the House of Representatives, 73rd Texas Legislature.
Subjects: 911 emergency telephone service | At-risk youth | Cellular telephones | Concealed weapons | Gangs | Gun control | Gun laws | Guns | Homeland security | Law enforcement | Law Enforcement, Texas Commission on | Liability | Peace officers | Police officers | Police pursuits | Polygraph Examiners Board, Texas | Private Security Bureau, Texas | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Right to Carry Act | State buildings | Texas State Capitol |
Library Call Number: L1836.72 p96s
Session: 72nd R.S. (1991)
Online version: View report [119 pages  File size: 5,613 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor and oversee legislation enacted during the 72nd regular and Special Called Sessions that was considered by the Committee on Public Safety; Performance Audit Review Recommendations; and any agency-initiated changes.
2. Carry out budget and oversight responsibilities for all agencies, boards, and commissions listed in Rule 3, Section 27. A. Monitor and oversee documentation of salary increases. B. Verify the number and status of outcomes and outputs as identified in the Appropriations Bill (HB 1, 72nd Legislature, 1st Called Session). C. Review agencies' existing performance standards and determine whether new standards are needed.
3. Study the process by which peace officers are commissioned by public, private, and quasi-public entities and to study the conflict of jurisdictional powers and limitations of officers commissioned by entities with limited geographic boundaries.
4. Coordinate with and monitor the Criminal Jurisprudence committee's study on youth crime and gangs.
5. Study the location of the Law Enforcement Management Institute as authorized by Article 415.092, Government Code.
6. Study the feasibility of implementing and funding an emergency network for mobile phone users similar to the 911 available to general phone users.
7. Study the indemnification and civil liability of peace officers involved in incidents or accidents while carrying out in good faith the official duties of their office.
8. Study the current state and federal laws concerning the right to carry weapons by citizens and other non-commissioned peace officers and to study possible policy alternatives surrounding the issue of allowing citizens to legally carry weapons.
9. Study the current organizational status of the Capitol Police Department and study the impact that the Capitol restoration will have on the security of the Capitol.
Committee: House Transportation
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Committee on Transportation, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1992 : a report to the House of Representatives, 73rd Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Eminent domain | Federal funds | Federal government | Hazardous spills | Hazardous substances | Highway finance | Property rights | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Railroad Commission of Texas | Rights of way | Transportation, Texas Department of |
Library Call Number: L1836.72 t687
Session: 72nd R.S. (1991)
Online version: View report [106 pages  File size: 4,305 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor and oversee legislation enacted during the 72nd Regular and Special Called Sessions that was considered by the Committee on Transportation; Performance Audit Review Recommendations; and any agency-initiated changes.
2. Monitor activities of the Traffic Law Enforcement section of the Department of Public Safety and the Transportation Division of the Texas Railroad Commission.
3. Examine the transportation of hazardous materials in the state, with an emphasis on federal directives to the state.
4. Consider the effects on Texas of the federal transportation legislation, including the Federal Highway Reauthorization Act.
5. Examine the issues of condemnation as it affects transportation.
Committee: House Public Safety
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report of the House Committee on Public Safety, Texas House of Representatives, 70th Legislature.
Subjects: Biometric identification | Databases | Drug enforcement | Drug trafficking | Emergency management | Gun control | Gun laws | Guns | Handguns | Law enforcement | Overtime pay | Peace officers | Police officers | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Right to Carry Act |
Library Call Number: L1836.70 sa17
Session: 70th R.S. (1987)
Online version: View report [159 pages  File size: 5,326 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. To study the extent of overlap and duplication of effort of state, local, and federal narcotics law enforcement personnel.
2. To study the impact and benefits of new technological advances in the field of law enforcement, including, but not limited to automated finger print retrieval systems, and automated traffic tickets and stolen vehicle checks.
3. To study and compare commissioned law enforcement officers' salaries with cities, other states, and other state employees.
4. Study various gun licensing or permitting laws to carry firearms among the states.
5. To study procedures and emergency management that would be required in the event of a national emergency, including attack, terrorism, or other disruptions of essential governmental activity.

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