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52 Document(s) [ Subject: Substance abuse ]

Committee: House Public Health
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Border health | Drug overdoses | Drug-related deaths | Hospitals | Interstate compacts | Medical education | Medical licensing | Medical marijuana | Nursing shortages | Opioids | Physician shortages | Public health | Rural health care | Substance abuse | Telemedicine |
Library Call Number: L1836.87 H39h
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View report [108 pages  File size: 2,369 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Consider issues involving access to health care along the Texas-Mexico border, including, but not limited to, the ability to access providers, hospital capacity, pharmaceutical adequacy and whether any particularized training or education is necessary or appropriate.
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 4, 87th R.S., relating to the provision and delivery of telemedicine and telehealth services; and
  • HB 1616, 87th R.S., relating to the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact.
3. Study the impact of fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths in Texas. Evaluate existing data collection, dissemination, and mitigation strategies regarding opioid abuse in Texas. Make recommendations to improve coordinated prevention, education, treatment, and data-sharing.
4. Study current telemedicine trends by assessing and making recommendations related to standardizing required documentation healthcare providers must obtain for consent for treatment, data collection, sharing and retention schedules, and providing telemedicine medical services to certain cancer patients receiving pain management services and supportive palliative care.
5. Examine existing resources and available opportunities to strengthen the state’s nursing and other health professional workforce, including rural physicians and nurses.
6. Assess ongoing challenges in the rural health care system and the impact of legislation and funding from the 87th regular and special sessions on strengthening rural health care and the sustainability of rural hospitals and health care providers. Evaluate federal regulations authorizing the creation of a Rural Emergency Hospital provider type and determine if promoting this type of facility could increase local access to care in rural areas of the state.
Committee: Senate Health and Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Emergency management | Employees Retirement System of Texas | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Foster care | Health and Human Services Commission, Texas | Health care costs | Healthy Texas Women | Hurricane Harvey | Insurance, Texas Department of | Juvenile justice system | Managed care | Medicaid | Natural disasters | Opioids | Prescription drugs | Public health | State Health Services, Texas Department of | Substance abuse | Teacher Retirement System of Texas |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 H349
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [98 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review the state's response to Hurricane Harvey with a focus on public health efforts at the local and state level. The review should include an analysis of the state and local response related to vector control, immunization needs, utilization of health-related volunteers, adequacy of an emergency medical network, evacuation of vulnerable populations from state operated or regulated facilities, and coordination between all levels of government. Recommend any legislative changes necessary to improve public health response and coordination during and after a disaster.
2. Evaluate the impact of Hurricane Harvey on the capacity of out-of-home placements and care for youth involved with the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Determine how the state can ensure support is available to provide appropriate care as close to home as possible as facilities and offices are rebuilt.
3. Child Welfare: Review the efficacy and quality of services offered to ensure family preservation while in the Family Based Social Services (FESS) stage of service at the Department of Family and Protective Services. Make recommendations to better track quality of services and link payments to providers of these services to outcomes for families and children. Analyze the Department of Family and Protective Services' progress in meeting statutory requirements related to timely visits to children involved in a reported case of abuse or neglect. Make recommendations to further improve the timeliness of these visits. Review services and supports provided to children in Permanent Managing Conservatorship of the state, and the level of preparedness given to youth aging out of state care. Examine the impact of recent legislation related to these populations, and make recommendations to ensure youth in care are ready for adulthood and to reduce the likelihood of intergenerational perpetuation of child maltreatment. Assess the effectiveness of public and private agency efforts to recruit and retain foster parents. Identify barriers to entry and obstacles that prevent interested families from continuing to provide foster care. Recommend solutions to increase foster recruitment and address non-renewals, especially in first-time foster parents.
4. Substance Abuse/Opioids: Review substance use prevention, intervention, and recovery programs operated or funded by the state and make recommendations to enhance services, outreach, and agency coordination. Examine the adequacy of substance use, services for pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in Medicaid or the Healthy Texas Women Program and recommend ways to improve substance use related health outcomes for these women and their newborns. Examine the impact of recent legislative efforts to curb overprescribing and doctor shopping via the prescription monitoring program and recommend ways to expand on current efforts.
5. Medicaid Managed Care Quality and Compliance: Review the Health and Human Services Commission's efforts to improve quality and efficiency in the Medicaid program, including pay-for-quality initiatives in Medicaid managed care. Compare alternative payment models and value-based payment arrangements with providers in Medicaid managed care, the Employees Retirement System, and the Teachers Retirement System, and identify areas for cross-collaboration and coordination among these entities. Evaluate the commission's efforts to ensure Medicaid managed care organizations' compliance with contractual obligations and the use of incentives and sanctions to enforce compliance. Assess the commission's progress in implementing competitive bidding practices for Medicaid managed care contracts and other initiatives to ensure the best value for taxpayer dollars used in Medicaid managed care contracts.
6. Health Care Cost Transparency: Study efforts by the Department of State Health Services and the Texas Department of Insurance to increase health care cost transparency, including a review of the Texas Health Care Information Collection (THCIC) system, and the Consumer Guide to Healthcare. Recommend ways to make provider and facility fees more accessible to consumers to improve health care cost transparency, increase quality of care, and create a more informed health care consumer base.
7. Monitoring Charge: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, 85th Legislature and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation, including but not limited to:
• Initiatives to increase capacity and reduce waitlists in the mental health system, including the construction of state hospitals and new community grant programs;
• Initiatives to better understand the causes of maternal mortality and morbidity, including the impact of legislation passed during the first special session of the 85th Legislature. Recommend ways to improve health outcomes for pregnant women and methods to better collect data related to maternal mortality and morbidity;
• Initiatives intended to improve child safety, Child Protective Services workforce retention, and development of additional capacity in the foster care system. Make additional recommendations to ensure children with high levels of medical or mental health needs receive timely access to services in the least restrictive setting;
• Efforts to transfer case management of foster children and families to Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCCs). Monitor the progress of this transition and make recommendations to ensure the process provides continuity of services for children and families and ongoing community engagement;
• Initiatives to strengthen oversight of long-term care facilities to ensure safety and improve quality for residents and clients of these entities; and
• Abortion complications and other reporting legislation that was passed by the 85th Legislature.
Committee: House Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Adoption | Assisted living facilities | Child abuse | Child abuse prevention | Child Protective Services | Early childhood intervention | Emergency management | Family preservation | Foster care | Hurricane Harvey | Long-term care | Managed care | Medicaid | Medicaid program management | Mentally ill persons | Natural disasters | Nursing homes | Pharmaceutical industry | Prescription drugs | State supported living centers | Substance abuse | Tropical storms |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 H88
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [50 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the impact of Hurricane Harvey and the response to the storm on individuals living in long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, state supported living centers, licensed community group homes, and children in the foster care system. Identify and recommend necessary solutions to ensure appropriate disaster-related protocols are in place to keep vulnerable Texans protected. Also, identify any challenges state agencies experienced in responding to the storm or during recovery efforts.
2. Review the history and any future roll-out of Medicaid Managed Care in Texas. Determine the impact managed care has had on the quality and cost of care. In the review, determine: initiatives that managed care organizations (MCOs) have implemented to improve quality of care; whether access to care and network adequacy contractual requirements are sufficient; and whether MCOs have improved the coordination of care. Also determine provider and Medicaid participants’ satisfaction within STAR, STAR Health, Star Kids, and STAR+Plus managed care programs. In addition, review the Health and Human Services Commission's (HHSC) oversight of managed care organizations, and make recommendations for any needed improvement.
3. Examine the survey process for nursing facilities to determine any duplication of government regulations. Consider recommendations to reduce duplication while ensuring patient safety is preserved.
4. Review the availability of prevention and early intervention programs and determine their effectiveness in reducing maltreatment of children. In addition, review services available to children emancipating out of foster care, as well as services available to families post-adoption. Determine if current services are adequately providing for children's needs and meeting the objectives of the programs. While reviewing possible system improvements for children, follow the work of the Supreme Court of Texas Children's Commissions' Statewide Collaborative of Trauma-Informed Care to determine how trauma-informed care impacts outcomes for children.
5. Analyze the prevalence of children involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) who have a mental illness and/or a substance use disorder. In addition, analyze the prevalence of children involved with CPS due to their guardian's substance abuse or because of an untreated mental illness. Identify methods to strengthen CPS processes and services, including efforts for family preservation; increasing the number of appropriate placements designed for children with high needs; and ensuring Texas Medicaid is providing access to appropriate and effective behavioral health services. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Public Health)
6. Monitor the HHSC's implementation of Rider 219 in Article II of the General Appropriations Act related to prescription drug benefit administration in Medicaid. Analyze the role of pharmacy benefit managers in Texas Medicaid.
7. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee will also closely monitor the implementation of H.B. 4 (85R), H.B. 5 (85R), H.B. 7 (85R), and S.B. 11 (85R).
Committee: House Opioids and Substance Abuse, Select
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Child Protective Services | Criminal justice | Drug courts | Drug rehabilitation programs | Emergency medical services | Homelessness | Juvenile justice system | Law enforcement | Mentally ill persons | Opioids | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Pregnancy | Prescription drugs | Specialty courts | State agencies | Substance abuse | Synthetic drugs | Veterans |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 Op3
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [117 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the prevalence and impact of substance use and substance use disorders in Texas, including co-occurring mental illness. Study the prevalence and impact of opioids and synthetic drugs in Texas. Review the history of overdoses and deaths due to overdoses. Also review other health-related impacts due to substance abuse. Identify substances that are contributing to overdoses, related deaths and health impacts, and compare the data to other states. During the review, identify effective and efficient prevention and treatment responses by health care systems, including hospital districts and coordination across state and local governments. Recommend solutions to prevent overdoses and related health impacts and deaths in Texas.
2. Review the prevalence of substance abuse and substance use disorders in pregnant women, veterans, homeless individuals, and people with co-occurring mental illness. In the review, study the impact of opioids and identify available programs specifically targeted to these populations and the number of people served. Consider whether the programs have the capacity to meet the needs of Texans. In addition, research innovative programs from other states that have reduced substance abuse and substance use disorders, and determine if these programs would meet the needs of Texans. Recommend strategies to increase the capacity to provide effective services.
3. Review policies and guidelines used by state agencies to monitor for and prevent abuse of prescription drugs in state-funded or state-administered programs. Include in this review policies implemented by the Texas Medicaid Program, the Division of Workers’ Compensation of the Texas Department of Insurance, the Teacher Retirement System, and the Employee Retirement System. Make recommendations regarding best practices.
4. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of legislation passed by the 85th Legislature regarding the Prescription Monitoring Program. In addition, review the prescribing of addictive drugs by physicians and other health care providers within various geographic regions of this state. Determine the role of health care professionals in preventing overutilization and diversion of addictive prescriptions. Provide recommendations that will improve efforts to prevent overutilization and diversion of addictive prescriptions.
5. Identify how opioids have impacted the normal scope of work for law enforcement, first responders, and hospital emergency department personnel.
6. Examine the impact of substance abuse and substance use disorders on Texans who are involved in the adult or juvenile criminal justice system and/or the Child Protective Services system. Identify barriers to treatment and the availability of treatment in various areas of the state. Recommend solutions to improve state and local policy, including alternatives to justice system involvement, and ways to increase access to effective treatment and recovery options.
7. Examine the impact of overdose reporting defense laws known as "Good Samaritan" laws.
8. Identify the specialty courts in Texas that specialize in substance use disorders. Determine the effectiveness of these courts and consider solutions to increase the number of courts in Texas.
Supporting documents
Committee: House Opioids and Substance Abuse, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, March 27, 2018
Library Call Number:
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View document [233 pages  File size: 9,665 kb]
Committee: House Opioids and Substance Abuse, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, April 17, 2018 (Overview of opioids and substance abuse, prevalence of substance use disorders in special populations, review of policies and guidelines of state agencies, opioids and substance abuse impact on children and foster care).
Library Call Number:
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View document [140 pages  File size: 7,655 kb]
Committee: House Opioids and Substance Abuse, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, June 26, 2018 (Good Samaritan laws, law enforcement and first responders).
Library Call Number:
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View document [30 pages  File size: 1,629 kb]
Committee: House Opioids and Substance Abuse, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, August 7, 2018 (law enforcement and first responders, specialty courts)
Library Call Number:
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View document [142 pages  File size: 9,539 kb]
Committee: Joint Prescribing and Dispensing Controlled Substances
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Opioids | Pharmacists | Prescription drugs | Substance abuse |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 P925
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [10 pages]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Conduct an interim study on the monitoring of the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances.
Committee: House Public Health
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Affordable housing | Alzheimer's disease | Child Protective Services | Children's mental health | Dementia | Family preservation | Homelessness | Housing | Maternal mortality | Medicaid | Mental health services | Mentally ill persons | Organ and tissue donations | Rural areas | Rural health care | Substance abuse | Telemedicine | Transitional housing | Women's health |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 H349h
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [125 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review state programs that provide women’s health services and recommend solutions to increase access to effective and timely care. During the review, identify services provided in each program, the number of providers and clients participating in the programs, and the enrollment and transition process between programs. Monitor the work of the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force and recommend solutions to reduce maternal deaths and morbidity. In addition, review the correlation between pre-term and low birth weight births and the use of alcohol and tobacco. Consider options to increase treatment options and deter usage of these substances.
2. Study treatment of traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's, and dementia, and recommend opportunities for advancing treatment and cures.
3. Study and make recommendations to improve services available for identifying and treating children with mental illness, including the application of trauma- and grief-informed practices. Identify strategies to assist in understanding the impact and recognizing the signs of trauma in children and providing school-based or community-based mental health services to children who need them. Analyze the role of the Texas Education Agency and of the regional Education Service Centers regarding mental health. In addition, review programs that treat early psychosis among youth and young adults.
4. Study the overlays among housing instability, homelessness, and mental illness. Review the availability of supportive housing opportunities for individuals with mental illness. Consider options to address housing stability and homelessness among people with mental illness. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Urban Affairs)
5. Review opportunities to improve population health and health care delivery in rural and urban medically underserved areas. Identify potential opportunities to improve access to care, including the role of telemedicine. In the review, identify the challenges facing rural hospitals and the impact of rural hospital closures.
6. Analyze the prevalence of children involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) who have a mental illness and/or a substance use disorder. In addition, analyze the prevalence of children involved with CPS due to their guardian's substance abuse or because of an untreated mental illness. Identify methods to strengthen CPS processes and services, including efforts for family preservation; increasing the number of appropriate placements designed for children with high needs; and ensuring Texas Medicaid is providing access to appropriate and effective behavioral health services. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Human Services)
7. Evaluate the process of organ and bone marrow donations. Consider opportunities to improve organ and bone marrow donation awareness in order to increase the number of willing donors.
8. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the Committee will also specifically closely monitor the implementation of H.B. 10 (85R), H.B. 13 (85R), and S.B. 292 (85R).
9. Consider testimony provided at the May 17 House Public Health Committee hearing regarding improving mental health services for children. Identify specific strategies that would enhance overall school safety. Study ways to help parents, youth and primary care providers support school personnel in their efforts to identify and intervene early when mental health problems arise. In addition to school-based trauma-informed programs and those that treat early psychosis, consider the benefits of universal screening tools and expanding the Child Psychiatry Access Program (CPAP). Make recommendations to enhance collaboration among the Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Education Agency, local mental health authorities, and education service centers.
Supporting documents
Committee: House Public Health
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, August 9, 2018 (joint hearing with House Committee on Public Health).
Library Call Number:
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View document [87 pages  File size: 3,035 kb]
Committee: House Corrections
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Administrative segregation | Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Texas Commission on | Bail | Court costs and fees | Criminal justice | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Drug enforcement | Drug rehabilitation programs | Expunction of criminal records | Fees | Illegal drugs | Inmate rehabilitation | Inmates | Pardons and Paroles, Texas Board of | Parole | Parole violations | Probation | Recidivism | State jail system | Substance abuse | Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facilities | Windham School District |
Library Call Number: L1836.84 C817
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View report [73 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Examine fees and revocations for those on probation and parole; examine effectiveness of fees imposed as a condition of probation and parole; study technical revocations in adult probation to identify drivers of revocations, disparities across the state, and strategies for reducing technical revocations while ensuring program effectiveness and public safety. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence)
2. Study recidivism, its major causes, and existing programs designed to reduce recidivism, including a review of current programs utilized by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Windham School District for incarcerated persons. Examine re-entry programs and opportunities for offenders upon release. Identify successful programs in other jurisdictions and consider how they might be implemented in Texas.
3. Study incarceration rates for non-violent drug offenses and the cost to the state associated with those offenses. Identify alternatives to incarceration, including community supervision, that could be used to reduce incarceration rates of non-violent drug offenders.
4. Study inmate release policies of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, including the release of inmates directly from administrative segregation. Identify best practices and policies for both the transitioning of these various inmate populations from the prison to appropriate supervision in the community. Identify any needed legislative changes necessary to accomplish these goals.
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. 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.
Committee: House Corrections
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Corsicana Residential Treatment Facility | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Inmate rehabilitation | Juvenile detention facilities | Juvenile Justice Department, Texas | Juvenile justice system | Mentally ill inmates | Pardons and Paroles, Texas Board of | Parole | Prison population | Privatization | Recidivism | School discipline | School district police | School safety | Substance abuse | Truancy |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 C817
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [0 pages  File size: 58 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study and review the correctional facilities and processes within Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, and Texas Juvenile Justice Department with emphasis on efficiencies, effectiveness, and recidivism. Examine the existing programmatic approach per facility in the areas of the vocation, education, visitation, rehabilitation, health and mental health services, parole supervision, and reentry initiatives. Evaluate opportunities for partnerships between facilities and private industries to offer education, job training, and potential employment for offenders during incarceration, parole, and final release.
2. Examine the association between co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorders and parole revocation among inmates from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Review current policies and procedures for incarcerating individuals with a dual mental health diagnosis in both state and county correctional facilities and examine potential remedies within the State's criminal justice system to ensure that the public is protected and that individuals with a mental health diagnosis receive a continuum of mental health services. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence)
3. In the area of Juvenile Justice, analyze and make recommendations on outcome-based financing models that allow the state to partner with private investors and innovative service providers willing to cover the upfront costs and assume performance risk to divert youths into cost-effective programs and interventions, while assuring that taxpayers will not pay for the programs unless the programs demonstrate success in achieving the desired outcomes.
4. Study the impact of SB 393, 83rd R.S. and SB 1114, 83rd R.S.. Assess the impact of school discipline and school-based policing on referrals to the municipal, justice, and juvenile courts, and identify judicial policies or initiatives designed to reduce referrals without having a negative impact on school safety. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Public Education)
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.
Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Alternatives to incarceration | Children's mental health | Criminal records | Deferred adjudication | Inmate rehabilitation | Internet | Jail population | Juvenile crime | Juvenile justice system | Juveniles certified as adults | Mental health services | Mentally ill inmates | Parole | Prisoner re-entry | Probation | Public information | Recidivism | Restorative justice | Rules of the Texas House of Representatives | State jail system | Statutory revision | Substance abuse | Texas Penal Code | Vandalism |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 C868h
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [82 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the classification of 17-year-olds as adults in the criminal justice system of Texas.
2. Study the effectiveness of deferred adjudication and orders for non-disclosure in spite of the many exceptions to the statute. Study extending the use of expunction of criminal records history and non-disclosures to certain qualified individuals with low-level, non-violent convictions. Examine the statutorily allowed but underused non-disclosure and expunction of criminal records, and the use of deferred adjudication.
3. Study the impact of SB 1289, 83rd R.S.. Examine the sale of criminal histories that may be erroneous as well as the lasting impact that arrest records have on individuals who are arrested but not charged or convicted. Assess the need for revision of existing statutes and consider designating an agency responsible for regulating entities involved in the industry.
4. Examine the association between co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorders and parole revocation among inmates from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Review current policies and procedures for incarcerating individuals with a dual mental health diagnosis in both state and county correctional facilities and examine potential remedies within the State's criminal justice system to ensure that the public is protected and that individuals with a mental health diagnosis receive a continuum of mental health services. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Corrections)
5. Examine the current pecuniary loss thresholds associated with graffiti offenses. Study the costs of enhancing the penalties associated with the offense of graffiti, as well as a study of pretrial diversion programs that exist in other states and are specific to persons convicted of graffiti offenses. Study the existing Graffiti Abatement Programs in Texas.
6. Evaluate the approximately 1,500 non-traditional criminal offenses that can be found outside of the Penal Code. Study the feasibility of streamlining these offenses and examine ambiguities in the law. Study the existing use of the Rule of Lenity and Mens Rea requirements in Texas and the benefit of codifying both of these standards.
7. Examine the utilization of community supervision in state jail felonies and the effectiveness of the state jail in light of its original purpose.
8. 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.
Committee: Senate Health and Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas | Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Computers and government | Contraceptives | Dental Examiners, Texas State Board of | Family planning | Foster care | Healthy Texas Women | Homelessness | Medicaid | Medicaid fraud | Medically uninsured | Mental health services | Mentally ill persons | Office of Inspector General, Health and Human Services Commission, Texas | Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act | Substance abuse | Temporary Assistance for Needy Families | Welfare eligibility | Welfare reform | Welfare-to-work | Women's health |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 H349
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [58 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review the Department of Family and Protective Services’ efforts to reduce child fatalities. Review the process by which the Department of Family and Protective Services collects and uses data to evaluate agency performance and improve outcomes for children in the Child Protective Services system. Make recommendations to ensure the process effectively uses data to strategically improve caseworker performance, and identify and improve upon deficiencies within the system and improve overall outcomes for children and reduce child fatalities.
2. Monitor the implementation of programs that were created or expanded by the 83rd Legislature to improve mental health and substance abuse services and assess these efforts' contribution to improved outcomes such as reduced recidivism in state hospitals, diversion from emergency rooms and county jails, and access to permanent supportive housing. Identify and address gaps in the current mental health and substance abuse system and make recommendations to better coordinate services across agencies and programs.
3. Build on previous legislative achievements in women's healthcare by examining women’s access to preventative health care, pregnancy services, and post-partum care, and exploring ways to expand access and improve quality, particularly in rural and underserved areas of the state. Monitor the implementation of women's health programs in Texas. Assess these programs' impact on outcomes such as improving access to preventative services, reducing unplanned pregnancies, and achieving cost savings. Recommend ways to better coordinate the various programs in a manner that increases the number of women served, ensures adequate provider capacity statewide, and maximizes efficiencies to the state.
4. Identify cost-effective alternatives to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to better connect low income individuals to health care services through private market-based solutions, including Medicaid block grants and waivers. Recommendations should strive to encourage cost sharing, promote personal responsibility, reduce uncompensated care costs, contain increasing health care costs, improve access to care, address access to emergency department care issues in rural areas, promote the use of existing private coverage or employee sponsored coverage, reduce non-­?emergency use of emergency departments, and reduce the need for federal approval to the state Medicaid plan.
5. Evaluate the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program structure. Make recommendations to improve the program's operations and ensure the program achieves outcomes that allow TANF recipients to find employment and achieve self-sufficiency. Recommendations should seek to ensure Texas is using the most effective work-related requirements and drug testing protocols.
6. Evaluate the current state of prescription drug abuse and strategies for reducing prescription drug abuse in Texas. Make recommendations on how these policies can be improved or modified to enhance the State of Texas’ handling of services, treatments and education related to prescription drug abuse and to reduce the overall prevalence of prescription drug abuse.
7. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation, including but not limited to:
  • Monitor implementation of initiatives aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of Medicaid long-term care services and supports, including the redesign of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Monitor implementation of initiatives aimed at reducing fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas Medicaid and other health and human services programs.
  • Dental Board Reforms: Monitor implementation of initiatives aimed at improving the State Board of Dental Examiners' ability to protect public safety, including strengthening the Board's authority and enforcement powers, improving the complaint review and resolution processes, and increasing staffing to improve the Board's ability to respond to complaints and potential fraudulent activity. Determine whether there are additional changes necessary to ensure that the Board is able to regulate the practice of dentistry and ensure public safety.
  • Cancer Prevention and Research Institute: Monitor implementation of initiatives aimed at restructuring the governance structure, eliminating conflicts of interest, and increasing transparency at the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).
Committee: House Public Health
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Border crossings | Border issues | Border security | Dental Examiners, Texas State Board of | Dentists | Ebola | Food and Drug Administration, U.S. | Foster care | Immunizations | Medical records | Pharmaceutical industry | Pharmacies | Pregnancy | Prenatal care | Prescription drugs | Psychoactive drugs | Substance abuse | Unaccompanied minors | Undocumented immigrants | Workers' compensation | Workforce Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 H349h
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [82 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Assess the prevalence of nonmedical prescription drug use in the state (including opioid analgesics, stimulants, tranquilizers, and sedatives). Identify adverse health impacts. Recommend strategies to curb emerging substance abuse trends among children, pregnant women, and adults, as well as to reduce health care costs and mortality.
2. Study and make recommendations for improvements to the licensing, regulation, and monitoring of compounding pharmacies, including a review of the joint cooperative efforts between the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, Department of State Health Services, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Consider the impact of the passage of SB 1100, 83rd R.S., additional appropriations made by the 83rd Legislature to strengthen inspections, and any relevant federal legislation.
3. Identify strategies to support the efficient exchange of electronic health information with Texas Health and Human Services enterprise agencies. Examine legal and technical issues around the accessibility of information held in registries maintained by state agencies to authorized health care providers. Identify issues related to health information exchange and providers' liability, as well as concerns related to transitioning patient data in cases where a provider selects a new electronic health record vendor.
4. Examine the current practice for dispensation of biologic and follow-on biologic (biosimilar) pharmaceutical products in our state. Review any practices for interchangeability of drugs that might pertain to these particular medicines. Review and make recommendations regarding the substitution of biosimilar and biologic medicines.
5. Monitor transition of the state's immunization registry to a new system. Determine whether the registry can be better utilized to prevent and/or respond to communicable disease outbreaks, including pertussis. Identify potential factors contributing to the rise in the number of pertussis cases and strategies to prevent future outbreaks.
6. 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, including HB 15, 83rd R.S.. 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.
Committee: House Corrections
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Border security | County jails | Criminal justice | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Disciplinary alternative education programs | Inmate rehabilitation | Juvenile justice alternative education programs | Juvenile Probation Commission, Texas | Mentally ill inmates | Mentally ill persons | Municipal jails | Prisoner re-entry | State jail system | Substance abuse | Undocumented immigrants | Youth Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number: L1836.80 C817
Session: 80th R.S. (2007)
Online version: View report [66 pages  File size: 29,320 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Explore the use of technology practices that improve efficiency, safety, and coordination of criminal justice activities on the state, local and county levels.
2. Consider new strategies for meeting prisoner reentry challenges in Texas, including the evaluation of programs with documented success. This review should include the availability of housing and occupational barriers.
3. Provide a comprehensive analysis and study of the Texas state jail system, including original intent for use, sentencing guidelines, and effectiveness. Develop suggestions for changes and improvements in the state jail system.
4. Study the organizational structure of the Texas Youth Commission and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission to determine if the current system is effectively and efficiently addressing the needs of the juvenile justice system in conjunction with the sunset review of these agencies. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Juvenile Justice and Family Issues.)
5. Study Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs and Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Programs, including referral rates, age of students, whether parents have sufficient recourse to challenge a placement, funding, and course requirements. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Juvenile Justice and Family Issues.)
6. Review and research the availability, coordination, efficiency, and allocation of substance abuse treatment resources for probationers, pretrial defendants, people in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), and parolees. This review should include methods to reduce and improve current assessments, training, and referring protocols and the identification of any barriers that may be impeding all of the above. (Joint Interim Charge wit the House Committee on Appropriations.)
7. Study policies and procedures related to illegal immigration and border security of the TDCJ, county probation departments, and local and county jail facilities, and make recommendations to improve coordination with international, federal, state and local authorities. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on County Affairs.)
8. Assess the relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior and offer reforms needed to address the proliferation of mental illness in the adult and juvenile justice systems. This review should include an examination of data sharing between criminal justice and health and human services agencies, proper screening, assessments, treatment, discharge planning, post-release supervision, and community services. (Joint Charge with the House Committee on Appropriations.)
9. Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee: Senate Criminal Justice
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report to the 81st Legislature
Subjects: Capital murder trials | Child abuse | Correctional officers | Criminal justice | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Deferred adjudication | Drug trafficking | Homicide | Juvenile justice system | Mental health services | Mentally ill inmates | Methamphetamine | Occupational licenses | Ombudsmen | Pardons and Paroles, Texas Board of | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Police officers | Prison population | Prison security | Prisoner re-entry | Privately-operated prisons | Pseudoephedrine | Recidivism | Searches and seizures | Sex offenders | Substance abuse | Texas Code of Criminal Procedure | Theft | Youth Commission, Texas | Youthful offenders |
Library Call Number: L1836.80 C868
Session: 80th R.S. (2007)
Online version: View report [113 pages  File size: 13,967 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Determine how private prisons are complying with state laws and how cost, safety, living conditions and rehabilitative services at private prisons compare with state-run facilities. Include an assessment of the staff turnover rates and compensation of private contractors when compared with state-operated facilities, and of the contract bidding processes used by the Texas Youth Commission and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
2. Monitor the implementation of SB 103, 80th R.S., and the continuing reforms to the Texas Youth Commission and the juvenile criminal justice system. Identify barriers to effective implementation and provide recommendations to ensure that the goals of this legislation are achieved. Provide recommendations relating to best practices and identify needed additional treatment programs for juvenile sex offenders.
3. Study the impact of laws designed to reduce illegal drug use and make recommendations for reducing access to illegal drugs and for developing best practices for preventative programs, focusing on drugs targeted for the younger population, such as cheese heroin. Assess the impact of limiting access to pseudoephedrine, including the impact restrictions have had on illegal manufacturers' methods for producing methamphetamine.
4. Monitor the implementation of the new and expanded programs provided to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) within the Fiscal Year 2008 and 2009 budget, and identify their impact on the criminal justice populations. Study security issues within TDCJ, including staffing issues, use of lock down procedures, the control and containment of infectious diseases and the introduction and control of contraband within the institutions. Review the use of career ladders for employees of TDCJ and issues surrounding the retention of professional corrections staff. Study the issues of independent oversight of TDCJ, including the use and effectiveness of the TDCJ ombudsman system. Provide recommendations for the reduction or elimination of barriers to an effective corrections system.
5. Study and make recommendations for reducing the number of law enforcement officer deaths in the line of duty. This study should include:
  • an assessment of the types of calls and assignments that put law enforcement officers most at risk;
  • the geographic regions of the state that suffer the most deaths;
  • the agencies experiencing the highest rate of deaths in the line of duty;
  • the time in an officer's career, and the officer's age that he or she is most susceptible to death in the line of duty; and
  • the times of year, month, and day that are most dangerous.
6. Study the issue of criminal asset seizure and the use of seized and forfeiture funds by district attorneys and law enforcement agencies. Review the oversight of these matters by the Texas Attorney General and provide recommendations to improve the dissemination of information concerning these funds. Ensure that these funds have the appropriate accountability and fiscal controls required for public funds.
7. Study the system of deferred adjudication in Texas courts and make recommendations for resolving any problems and reducing the potential for release of dangerous criminals.
8. Study and recommend best practices for reducing re-victimization of child abuse victims associated with delay in resolution of criminal cases. Recommend options for reducing the time lapse between child victimization and criminal hearings.
9. Review the processes for re-entry of criminal offenders into communities. Identify barriers to the successful return to law-abiding behavior, including the absence of employment opportunities created by restriction on obtaining certain state occupational licenses. Provide recommendations for improvements to our current statutes governing this matter.
10. Study whether Articles 36.09 (relating to trying multiple defendants from the same transaction either separately or jointly) and 36.10 (relating to severing defendants that show prejudice from a joint trial) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure provide sufficient safeguards to ensure fair and reliable trial results in capital cases with multiple defendants. Determine whether the articles provide trial judges with sufficient instruction regarding joinder or severance of defendants and, if not, make recommendations to improve procedures.
11. Study the relationship between the public mental health system and the criminal justice and civil courts systems, including the identification and sharing of information regarding mentally ill offenders, including minors, among criminal justice and mental health agencies, the courts, state hospitals, and the Veterans Administration. Study how current confidentiality laws impact the exchange of information among groups described above. Study the sentencing of mentally ill offenders compared to non-mentally ill offenders, including minors, and the affect that has on statewide prison capacity and on the health care provided to mentally ill offenders. (Joint Charge with Senate State Affairs Committee)
12. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Criminal Justice Committee, 80th R.S., and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, report on the implementation of SB 909, 80th R.S., the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Sunset legislation, including provisions relating to the Board of Pardons and Paroles, and monitor implementation of the new laws relating to copper theft (SB 1154, 80th R.S., HB 1766, 80th R.S., and HB 1767, 80th R.S.).
Committee: House Public Health
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Public Health, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2002 : a report to the House of Representatives, 78th Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Alternative medicine | Biological weapons | Drug rehabilitation programs | Health, Texas Department of | Homeland security | Hospital districts | Immunizations | Medical licensing | Medical reimbursements | Mental health services | Prescription drug costs | Public health | Substance abuse | Terrorism | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number: L1836.77 h349h
Session: 77th R.S. (2001)
Online version: View report [119 pages  File size: 429 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Assess the state of the healthcare infrastructure in Texas in light of hospital closures, rising costs, constrained reimbursement rates, workforce issues and any other pertinent factors. Consider differences in regions or localities that might adversely affect healthcare delivery to specific groups of Texans.
2. Conduct an extensive review of access to programs and treatment options for mental illness and substance abuse. Identify barriers to access and any gaps in existing programs.
3. Examine the costs and benefits of allowing state and local governments to provide health and preventive care without regard to the immigration status of the patient.
4. Gather information about the production, distribution, use and disposal of biological agents that could be used in terrorist actions, as well as vaccines that would be used to respond to biological attacks. Review hospital plans for responding to large-scale emergencies. Review government regulations and business practices to determine whether legislation is needed to protect life and property and to detect, interdict and respond to acts of terrorism.
5. Study the use of complementary and alternative medicines in Texas. Is there a need for the state to develop a regulatory framework for their use?
6. Assess the procedures of health-related licensing agencies regarding the intake of complaints, investigation procedures and timetables, and enforcement of laws and rules. Comment on any factors involving the use or abuse of patient information by healthcare agencies or institutions.
7. Actively monitor agencies and programs under the committee's oversight jurisdiction. Pay particular attention to implementation of recommendations to restructure the Department of Health including the childhood immunization program; and implementation of pharmaceutical legislation passed by the 77th Legislature.
Committee: House Public Safety
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Public Safety, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2002 : a report to the House of Representatives, 78th Texas Legislature.
Subjects: Concealed weapons | Drug trafficking | Emergency management | Gun laws | Guns | Handguns - Registration | Homeland security | Law enforcement | Substance abuse | Terrorism |
Library Call Number: L1836.77 p96h
Session: 77th R.S. (2001)
Online version: View report [36 pages  File size: 1,543 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study current laws relating to the possession of weapons, including but not limited to the administration of the concealed handgun laws, and interactions among state, local and federal laws concerning firearms. Make any appropriate recommendations to enhance the efficiency, consistency and clarity of the laws.
2. Study trends and causes in drug use by teens and young adults.
3. Gather information related to state and local emergency planning and preparedness for major disasters, including emergency warning systems and large-scale evacuation planning. Determine whether legislation is needed to protect life and property and to detect, interdict and respond to acts of terrorism.
4. Examine the use of advanced technologies by local law enforcement offices, including various forms of high-tech surveillance. Consider the dilemmas that exist between effective law enforcement and government encroachment into citizens' private lives.
5. Actively monitor agencies and programs under the committee's oversight 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 Domestic Violence, Interim
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Senate Interim Committee on Domestic Violence : a report to the 74th Legislature.
Subjects: Child abuse | Elder abuse | Family violence | Substance abuse |
Library Call Number: L1836.73 d712
Session: 73rd R.S. (1993)
Online version: View report [136 pages  File size: 4,256 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Study and report on the role domestic violence plays in Texas' crime rate, both as a percentage of overall crime relative to other offenses and as a factor in future crimes committed by members of households with a history of domestic violence; study the relationship between domestic violence and alcohol and drug abuse; make recommendations regarding Texas' criminal laws and procedures
Committee: House Liquor Regulation
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: To the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, Seventy Third Legislature : report of the Committee on Liquor Regulation, Texas House of Representatives, Seventy Second Legislature.
Subjects: Alcohol laws and regulations | Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Texas | Alcoholism | Bingo | Municipalities | Substance abuse | Sunset review process | Tax revenue |
Library Call Number: L1836.72 l669
Session: 72nd R.S. (1991)
Online version: View report [70 pages  File size: 3,170 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 Liquor Regulation Committee; 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 22. A. Monitor and oversee documenation 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 problem of municipal ordinances regulating alcohol consumption that are in direct conflict with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.
4. Study the feasibility of using the mixed beverage gross receipts tax to fund chemical dependency treatment programs in counties and cities that receive mixed beverage tax refunds.
Committee: House Corrections
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: To the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 72nd Legislature : report of the Committee on Corrections, Texas House of Representatives, 71st Legislature.
Subjects: Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Drug trafficking | Electronic monitoring of offenders | Parole | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Prison security | Substance abuse |
Library Call Number: L1836.71 c868
Session: 71st R.S. (1989)
Online version: View report [17 pages  File size: 701 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. To study the implementation of electronic monitoring as a sentencing alternative.
2. To study the use, sale and distribution of drugs within the Texas Department of Corrections.
Committee: House Public Health
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report to the 72nd Texas Legislature / Committee on Public Health.
Subjects: At-risk youth | Health maintenance organizations | Medical research | Pharmaceutical industry | Pharmacists | Prescription drug costs | Prescription drugs | Substance abuse | Texas Pharmacy Act | Underage drinking |
Library Call Number: L1836.71 h349
Session: 71st R.S. (1989)
Online version: View report [39 pages  File size: 1,612 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. To study substance abuse problems of Texas youth.
2. To study the benefits and public necessity of licensing and regulating medical laboratories in Texas, including the relative merits of state regulation versus federal regulation.
3. To study prescription drug programs provided under health insurance policies or contracts and employee benefit plans.
Committee: Joint State and Local Drug Control, Task Force on
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report to the 72nd Legislature / Task Force on State and Local Drug Control.
Subjects: Crime prevention | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Drug rehabilitation programs | Drug trafficking | Drug-related crimes | Inmate rehabilitation | Prison population | Substance abuse |
Library Call Number: L1836.71 d842r
Session: 71st R.S. (1989)
Online version: View report [84 pages  File size: 4,044 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Study issues of public policy relating to drug control, including the following: (a) the need for state of Texas coordination with new federal initiatives in the War on Drugs; (b) the cost to the state of new federal drug control; (c) new initiatives and methods of drug abuse prevention in public elementary schools and the feasibility and cost of implementing new programs at that level; (d) the large increase of felony offenses by persons referred to juvenile probation programs; and (e) means of more efficient and effective coordination of drug-related law enforcement activities between agencies and levels of government. The task force shall also monitor the progress and effectiveness of pilot programs established by the lieutenant governor's anticrime legislative package.
Supporting documents
Committee: Joint State and Local Drug Control, Task Force on
Title: Proclamation
Library Catalog Title: Proclamation
Library Call Number: L1800.1 p926
Session: 71st R.S. (1989)
Online version: View document [1 pages  File size: 96 kb]
Committee: Joint Inhalant Abuse, Special
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Final summary of the Special Committee on Inhalant Abuse.
Subjects: Hazardous substances | Substance abuse |
Library Call Number: L1836.70 in3
Session: 70th R.S. (1987)
Online version: View report [8 pages  File size: 360 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Monitor the effect of HB 173, 70th R.S., on the problem of inhalant abuse. *
Committee: Senate Juvenile Justice System, Select
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Blueprint for prevention: the future of juvenile justice in Texas : the report of the Senate Select Committee on the Juvenile Justice System, the Senate of Texas.
Subjects: At-risk youth | Child abuse | Child safety | Crime prevention | Juvenile crime | Juvenile justice system | Juvenile Probation Commission, Texas | Mental health services | Runaway children | School dropouts | Substance abuse | Teenage pregnancy | Youth Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number: L1836.70 j988
Session: 70th R.S. (1987)
Online version: View report [68 pages  File size: 3,096 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Study the state's juvenile justice system, emphasizing improved coordination between state and local service.
Supporting documents
Committee: Senate Juvenile Justice System, Select
Title: SR 572
Library Call Number: SR 572
Session: 70th R.S. (1987)
Online version: View document [4 pages  File size: 1,062 kb]
Committee: House Sentencing and Recidivism, Select
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Report of the House Select Committee on Sentencing and Recidivism, 70th Legislature : to the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 71st Legislature.
Subjects: Adult Probation Commission | Alcoholism | Alternatives to incarceration | Corrections, Texas Department of | Crime victims | Criminal justice | Drug rehabilitation programs | Inmate rehabilitation | Pardons and Paroles, Texas Board of | Parole | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Prison population | Probation | Substance abuse |
Library Call Number: L1836.70 se59
Session: 70th R.S. (1987)
Online version: View report [32 pages  File size: 1,059 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Undertake a comprehensive study of state laws and procedures regarding sentencing and probation, the operation of correctional facilities, and parole and other supervised release.
2. Examine how the various state agencies involved in alcoholism and substance abuse treatment are coordinating their efforts with the criminal justice system at the state and local level to reduce recidivism.
3. Monitor implementation of provisions of the sunset renewal acts for the Texas Department of Corrections, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Texas Adult Probation Commission
4. Review current laws relating to sentencing and recommend a revised sentencing structure that takes into account prison and jail overcrowding and current and projected rates of recidivism.
Supporting documents
Committee: House Sentencing and Recidivism, Select
Title: Interim report - Outline of revised system
Library Catalog Title: Outline of revised Texas sentencing system.
Library Call Number: L1836.70 se59o
Session: 70th R.S. (1987)
Online version: View document [56 pages  File size: 2,558 kb]
Committee: Joint Substance Abuse Treatment Delivery
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: House concurrent resolution 21 : report and recommendations / Committee on Substance Abuse Treatment Delivery.
Subjects: Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Texas Commission on | Alcoholism | Drug rehabilitation programs | Substance abuse |
Library Call Number: L1836.70 su16
Session: 70th R.S. (1987)
Online version: View report [108 pages  File size: 6,561 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Examine the substance abuse treatment delivery system for the purpose of making recommendations to the 70th Legislature.
Supporting documents
Committee: Joint Substance Abuse Treatment Delivery
Title: HCR 110, 70th Leg.
Library Call Number: HCR 110
Session: 70th R.S. (1987)
Online version: View document [1 pages  File size: 86 kb]
Committee: Joint Substance Abuse Treatment Delivery
Title: HCR 21, 70th Leg.
Library Call Number: HCR 21
Session: 70th R.S. (1987)
Online version: View document [1 pages  File size: 77 kb]
Committee: Joint Alcohol and Drug Abuse Task Force
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Final report of the Task Force on Alcohol and Drug Abuse created by SB 601, 69th Legislature.
Subjects: Alcoholism | Drug rehabilitation programs | Substance abuse |
Library Call Number: L1836.69 al18
Session: 69th R.S. (1985)
Online version: View report [13 pages  File size: 870 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. To study necessary changes in certification, licensure, and commitment procedures for substance abusers, including alcoholics, drug dependent persons, and polydrug abusers.
Committee: House Health Services
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: To the speaker and members of the House of Representatives, 68th Legislature : interim report / of the Health Services Committee, Texas House of Representatives, 67th Legislature.
Subjects: Alcoholism | Autism | California | Drug rehabilitation programs | Drug trafficking | Hazardous substances | Health care providers | Mental Health and Mental Retardation, Texas Department of | Mental health services | Mentally disabled persons | Patients' rights | Pesticides | Services for persons with disabilities | State agency budgets | Substance abuse | Underage drinking | Veterans | Veterans health care |
Library Call Number: L1836.67 h349
Session: 67th R.S. (1981)
Online version: View report [103 pages  File size: 4,438 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Investigate the problems of alcohol addiction and drug abuse among youth.
2. Oversight functions shall be conducted for all appropriations-related actions of those agencies assigned to this committee for appropriative purposes during the 67th Regular Session of the Legislature. In addition, a study should be made of the impact of any federal cuts, and the differences in the operational aspect of the agencies under block vs. categorical grants. Close scrutiny should be given to each agency to ascertain if legislative intent is being carried out in the rules promulgated by the agency and if the rules are feasible and practical in their application. These agencies include: Department of Health Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation Governor's Commission on Physical Fitness Health Facilities Commission Texas Commission on Alcoholism Board of Morticians Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners Texas Board of Examiners in the Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Aids Board of Nurse Examiners Texas Optometry Board State Board of Pharmacy Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners Texas Board of Podiatry Examiners Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists State Board of Dental Examiners State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and Texas State Board of Medical Examiners.
3. Study the operations of the Health Systems Agencies in Texas.
4. Examine California's statutes relating to freedom of choice in selecting health care services and providers and determine if similar changes should be made in Texas' statutes.
5. Coordinate efforts with the Joint Committee on Autistic Citizens to develop possible alternatives to institutionalization of mentally retarded and autistic persons.
6. Monitor the activities and progress of the programs designed to provide aid to veterans suffering from Agent Orange. Look at number of veterans served, percentages with abnormalities, costs, etc.
7. Study the impact of pesticides on health in Texas.
8. Study the proposed construction of the Houston Psychiatric Hospital.
Committee: House Drugs and Alcohol Abuse and Control, Select
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Final report : to the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 66th Legislature / by the Select Committee on Drugs and Alcohol Abuse and Control.
Subjects: Drug enforcement | Drug rehabilitation programs | Drug trafficking | Substance abuse |
Library Call Number: L1836.65 d842
Session: 65th R.S. (1977)
Online version: View report [20 pages  File size: 986 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. This Select Committee is directed to conduct in-depth studies, to take and receive testimony, and to pursue all possible research avenues in an effort to develop proposed legislation and other recommendations for the 66th Legislature designed to curb the spread of the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol. The committee will work on the premise that detection and cure of alcoholism and drug addiction at its early stages may lower the costs of later related illnesses and reduce the number of long-term abusers. The committee should deal with possible legislative measures designed to curtail the supply of illicit drugs into the Texas market place as well as revisions to the Texas Penal Code which would inhibit the distribution of such contraband. The committee should consider requirement of alcohol or drug-related coverage in health insurance plans; and of diagnostic and referral services and the state's proper role in providing assistance. Additionally, the committee should seek out innovative ways to handle abusers and how to best see to their treatment.
Committee: House Drug Abuse Education, Interim
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Report / Drug Abuse Education Interim Study Committee.
Subjects: Substance abuse |
Library Call Number: L1836.64 d842
Session: 64th R.S. (1975)
Online version: View report [39 pages  File size: 1,152 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Study the potential responses to the problem of drug abuse in Texas, with a particular focus on educational programs in public schools, law enforcement activities, and drug abuse prevention and treatment programs. *
Supporting documents
Committee: House Drug Abuse Education, Interim
Title: Committee Documentation
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: Call number Copies Material Location
Session: 64th R.S. (1975)
Online version: View document [5 pages]
Committee: Senate Drug Study
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: A report to the Senate of the 62nd Legislature, state of Texas / by the Senate Drug Study Committee.
Subjects: At-risk youth | Drug enforcement | Drug rehabilitation programs | Drug trafficking | Drug-related crimes | Substance abuse |
Library Call Number: L1836.61 us2
Session: 61st R.S. (1969)
Online version: View report [64 pages  File size: 2,845 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Conduct public hearings and give intense study to the dangers involved in the continued increase in the availability of narcotics and dangerous drugs, by Texas high school and college age youth. The interim committee shall extend its attention to the chemical properties of narcotics and dangerous drugs, and their harmful physical and psychological effects. The committee shall also recommend a positive program for educating our youth concerning the properties of narcotics and dangerous drugs and their possible effect.
Supporting documents
Committee: Senate Drug Study
Title: Transcript and Testimony, March 4, 1970, Austin
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: L1836.61 US2M 3/4/70
Session: 61st R.S. (1969)
Online version: View document [171 pages  File size: 70,588 kb]
Committee: Senate Drug Study
Title: Transcripts, Testimony, and Exhibits, March 4, May 8, June 10, September 30, October 7, October 13, and October 22, 1970, list of hearing dates (does not contain April 24, 1970 hearing on dangerous drugs)
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: L1836.61 US2M
Session: 61st R.S. (1969)
Online version: View document [472 pages  File size: 181,487 kb]
Committee: Senate Drug Study
Title: Transcript and Testimony, Subcommittee on Law Enforcement, Committee Hearing on Dangerous Drugs, April 24, 1970, Dallas
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: L1836.61 US2M 4/24/70
Session: 61st R.S. (1969)
Online version: View document [36 pages  File size: 14,172 kb]
Committee: Senate Drug Study
Title: Transcript, Subcommittee on Causation and Rehabilitation, May 8, 1970, San Antonio
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: L1836.61 US2M 5/8/70
Session: 61st R.S. (1969)
Online version: View document [41 pages  File size: 19,613 kb]
Committee: Senate Drug Study
Title: Transcript, Subcommittee on Education and Research, June 10, 1970, Austin
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: L1836.61 US2M 6/10/70
Session: 61st R.S. (1969)
Online version: View document [39 pages  File size: 17,704 kb]
Committee: Senate Drug Study
Title: Transcript and Exhibits, Subcommittee on Causation and Rehabilitation of Drug Abuse, September 30, 1970, San Antonio
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: L1836.61 US2M 9/30/70
Session: 61st R.S. (1969)
Online version: View document [60 pages  File size: 24,554 kb]
Committee: Senate Drug Study
Title: Transcript, Subcommittee on Enforcement, October 7, 1970, San Antonio
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: L1836.61 US2M 10/7/70
Session: 61st R.S. (1969)
Online version: View document [55 pages  File size: 872 kb]
Committee: Senate Drug Study
Title: Transcript, Subcommittee on Enforcement, October 13, 1970, Houston
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: L1836.61 US2M 10/13/70
Session: 61st R.S. (1969)
Online version: View document [51 pages  File size: 21,984 kb]
Committee: Senate Drug Study
Title: Transcript and Exhibits, Subcommittee on Enforcement, October 22, 1970, Dallas
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: L1836.61 US2M 10/22/70
Session: 61st R.S. (1969)
Online version: View document [54 pages  File size: 26,187 kb]
Committee: House Psychiatric Problems of Youth
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Report of the Committee to Study the Psychiatric Problems of Youth.
Subjects: At-risk youth | Children's mental health | Drug rehabilitation programs | Mental health services | Substance abuse |
Library Call Number: L1836.61 p959
Session: 61st R.S. (1969)
Online version: View report [15 pages  File size: 682 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Study the psychiatric problems of youth, including mental health issues related to drug abuse. Determine the extent of the need for mental health services for young people, and make recommendations for improving the services available to at-risk youth. *
Supporting documents
Committee: House Psychiatric Problems of Youth
Title: Transcript and Exhibits, October 16, 1970, Dallas (Testimony of W. Forrest Smith)
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number: L1836.61 P959M 10/16/70
Session: 61st R.S. (1969)
Online version: View document [142 pages  File size: 12,453 kb]

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

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