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24 Document(s) [ Subject: Rural%20areas ]

Committee:	Senate Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Border security | Cattle | Daylight saving time | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Flood control | Groundwater | Groundwater conservation districts | Hydraulic fracturing | Infrastructure | Meat processing plants | Produced Water Consortium, Texas | Reservoirs | Rural areas | Rural economic development | Texas State Water Plan | Theft | Undocumented immigrants | Wastewater management | Water conservation | Water Development Board, Texas | Water recycling | Water supplies | Winter Storm Uri | Workforce Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.87 W291A
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [88 pages  File size: 4,475 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Water Utility Infrastructure: Evaluate the state's water infrastructure. Study and make recommendations on options to upgrade and update water infrastructure to address deferred maintenance, disasters, and water loss.
2.	Water Supply: Review and make recommendations to complete specific projects identified in the 2022 State Water Plan. In light of recent changes to the global economy, consider the current regulatory process regarding innovative technology solutions to water supply needs, such as marine desalination, and make recommendations for their improvement.
3.	Groundwater Management and Protection: Evaluate the status and effectiveness of the State's groundwater management process, including data used to support regional water planning and conservation goals. Report on the effectiveness of the State's groundwater protection efforts and whether statutory changes are needed to protect groundwater quality.
4.	Rural Employment: Study and make recommendations on rural small business development and workforce needs. Consider and recommend innovative methods for business development in rural parts of the state.
5.	Daylight Savings Time: Examine and report on how permanently maintaining daylight savings time impacts the agricultural community.
6.	Rural Immigration: Consider the Federal government's open border policies and practices of releasing illegal immigrants in rural areas of the state. Report on the impact to rural Texas, and their local ability to address social, health, and law enforcement needs.
7.	Meat Packing Facilities: Study the need for additional meat packing facilities in Texas. Evaluate and report on the increased cost to Texas ranchers and revenue lost in the Texas economy when meatpacking facilities are utilized outside of Texas.
8.	Agricultural Theft: Study the impact of cattle theft on farming and ranching operations throughout Texas and recommend cost-effective measures to mitigate loss and increase security.
9.	Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs passed by the 87th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following: SB 8, 86th R.S., Relating to state and regional flood planning; SB 601, 87th R.S., Relating to the creation and activities of the Texas Produced Water Consortium; SB 905, 87th R.S., Relating to guidance on the regulations applicable to the potable reuse of wastewater; and HB 3516, 87th R.S., Relating to the regulation of the recycling of fluid oil and gas waste.
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.
Committee:	House Transportation
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Amtrak | County government | Freight | Gulf Intracoastal Waterway | Highway finance | Highway maintenance | Highway planning | Highways | Light rail transit systems | Mass transit | Motor vehicle registration | Motor vehicle safety inspections | Motor Vehicles, Texas Department of | Municipalities | Natural gas fields | Panama Canal | Ports | Railroads | Rural areas | Semi-trailer trucks | Tax increment reinvestment zones | Traffic | Traffic safety | Transportation planning | Transportation, Texas Department of |
Library Call Number:	L1836.83 T687
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View report [0 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Evaluate actions by state agencies under the committee's jurisdiction to increase transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Consider the cost-saving outsourcing of technologies and recently developed practices, such as the conversion of roadways, used by the Department of Transportation designed to demonstrate savings. Identify and make recommendations on the credibility and effectiveness of these goals.
2.	Monitor the usage of state funds by the Texas Department of Transportation for improving road quality in areas impacted by Energy Sector activities.
3.	Evaluate the status of Texas's port system, including a review of the structure and operations of the Maritime Division of the Texas Department of Transportation.
4.	Evaluate the status of passenger and freight rail in Texas, including a review of the structure and operations of the Rail Division of the Texas Department of Transportation.
5.	Review the state of our current transportation infrastructure outside of the five most populous areas. Explore future needs of our infrastructure and make recommendations to ensure long-range sufficiency.
6.	Monitor the implementation of the "Turn-Back Program" by the Texas Department of Transportation, specifically its fiscal impact to municipalities and taxpayers.
7.	Examine county authority to utilize tax increment financing and transportation reinvestment zones to fund transportation projects.
8.	Monitor and review the efforts of the Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Texas Technology Task Force (TTTF). The TTTF shall study emerging transportation, communication, and computing technologies and determine physical infrastructure and system components that TxDOT or other state departments would need to provide to enable selected technologies. The task is to be completed by TTTF as directed by SB 1, 83rd R.S., item 44, Article VII-31. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Technology)
9.	Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 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 Agriculture, Rural Affairs, and Homeland Security
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Agriculture | Aquaculture | Diet and nutrition | Droughts | Fire prevention | Firing ranges | Food safety | Food stamps | Grain elevators and warehouses | Horse slaughter | Horses | Land conservation | Obesity | Ranches and ranching | Rural areas | Small farms | Texas A&M AgriLife Research | Veterinarians | Water conservation |
Library Call Number:	L1836.82 Ag86r
Session:	82nd R.S. (2011)
Online version:	View report [47 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the impact of the drought on the Texas agricultural and ranching industry.
2.	Develop methods and legislative recommendations to minimize the effects of drought and respond to the challenges for farmers and ranchers.
3.	The committee should focus on the following: Implementation of best management practices for agricultural conservation Alternatives to federal assistance due to drought losses Long-term economic impact of the drought on the agricultural sector of the Texas economy Better management of federal, state, and local parkland/preserve-land to reduce fire risk, including cooperative fire mitigation efforts with surrounding properties and neighborhoods Analysis of Texas forest service and land management recommendations and options from other states for mitigating risk
4.	Study and make recommendations for ways to increase investment, employment and production in Texas agriculture. Include a review of current land use and market trends as they relate to agricultural use and make recommendations for ways to support and enhance small farm and ranch operations.
5.	Study current federal, state and local safeguards regarding seafood consumption in Texas. Review existing academic studies, and federal, state, and private data relating to the safety of imported seafood, and provide recommendations on the need for additional studies and testing related to safety advisories for the public.
6.	Assess the current veterinary medical workforce, and make recommendations to address any disparities between small animal (companion) and large animal (food/fiber) veterinarians. Review the Rural Veterinary Medical Loan program (RVML) and make recommendations to enhance the use of RVML funds and other funding sources to increase the veterinary medical workforce.
7.	Review the impact of state laws relating to the closure of horse slaughter facilities across the United States. Analyze the impact on the equine industry and agricultural sector of the Texas economy.
8.	Examine ways to increase the use of Texas agricultural products in healthy foods readily available to Texas consumers. Evaluate the role of community initiatives in reducing obesity and diet-related diseases and make recommendations to support state and local efforts.
9.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Affairs, 82nd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the implementation and effects of current and proposed federal laws and regulations, including Environmental Protection Agency initiatives that may impact the Texas farming and ranching industry.
Committee:	Senate Business and Commerce
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Broadband infrastructure | Building codes | Consumer credit and debt | Consumer Credit Commissioner, Office of | Credit service organizations | Droughts | Electric meters | Electric power plants | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Electric utilities | Electric utility deregulation | Electricity supplies | Electricity transmission and distribution | Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. | Homeowners insurance | Insurance, Texas Department of | Job training programs | Lifeline | Municipally-owned utilities | Occupational licenses | Rural areas | Subprime lending | Telecommunications | Telecommunications deregulation | Texas Windstorm Insurance Association | Universal Service Fund | Water and wastewater utility rates and charges | Workforce |
Library Call Number:	L1836.83 B963
Session:	82nd R.S. (2011)
Online version:	View report [222 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the impact of drought, regulatory changes proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency, and changing market conditions on Texas' electrical market. Make recommendations, if needed to ensure continued access to reliable and affordable electricity. *
2.	Assess the impact of extreme drought conditions on electric generation capacity.
3.	Identify those regions of Texas that will be most affected by a lack of capacity.
4.	Analyze response plans and make recommendations to improve and expedite those plans.
5.	Study and make recommendations for workforce training programs in Texas to ensure that such programs meet business and worker needs. Specifically, study whether such programs target economic growth areas and future workforce needs of the health care, skilled trades, construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and information technology industries and help retain workers in those trades and fields.
6.	Study the state's approach to licensing and regulation of occupations to ensure protection of public welfare, trust, health, and safety and eliminate unnecessary, overly restrictive, or anti-competitive regulation. Review guidelines and other states' approaches for determining when regulation is necessary and make recommendations for improving Texas' regulatory system.
7.	Conduct a broad review of the Texas homeowners insurance market and make recommendations to improve transparency and consumer education, ensure fair practices, and lower rates. Specifically, consider the following: Compare Texas' homeowners insurance premiums with those of other states and identify the factors underlying Texas' premium levels and recommend steps that the Legislature may take to reduce homeowners' rates, if appropriate; Study strategies that increase awareness of state insurance resources to help consumers compare rates and coverage among various insurance providers Study the relationship between insurance premiums and construction costs, especially as associated with recovery from natural disasters, to ensure that consumers are treated fairly; Review the use by insurers, in rating and underwriting decisions, of customer inquiries regarding the general terms or conditions of, or coverage offered under, an insurance policy.
8.	Study the relationship between city governments and municipally-owned utilities, including any duplicative or redundant functions, the amounts and justifications required for transfer payments between the entities, and the benefits and disadvantages of alternative governance structures.
9.	Analyze the state of the telecommunications market in Texas, including the costs and benefits of full deregulation of the market; the impact and viability of the Texas Universal Service Fund and Provider of Last Resort requirements; the impact of SB 980, Regular Session, 82nd Legislature, relating to telecommunications regulation and rulemaking; the availability of broadband; telecommunications service discounts; and rights-­of-way charges. Make recommendations to enhance services, support the industry, and ensure adequate and affordable access for consumers.
10.	Review current and pending ERCOT protocols as they apply to all generation technology, and identify those protocols that may provide operational, administrative, or competitive advantages to any specific generation by fuel type. Consider the impact any revisions to the protocols may have on grid reliability and electricity rates. Make recommendations for revisions or statutory changes to limit distortions in the Texas electrical market.
11.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Business & Commerce, 82nd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, review the implementation of HB 2592 and HB 2594 relating to payday lending, and make recommendations relating to consistency and coordination with local ordinances and federal law.
12.	Study whether advanced meters, or smart meters, that have been, and will be, installed in Texas have harmful effects on health. Report findings on whether an independent testing company perform an analysis on the safety of advanced meters should be commissioned and the appropriate organization to conduct such a study.
Committee:	House Technology
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	911 emergency telephone service | Broadband infrastructure | High tech industry | Information Resources, Texas Department of | Personnel management | Privatization | Rural areas | Social media | Texas Emerging Technology Fund | Universal Service Fund | Workforce | Workforce Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.82 T227
Session:	82nd R.S. (2011)
Online version:	View report [41 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Examine ways to create incentives for technology companies to come to Texas, including the feasibility of public-private partnerships. The study should include the economic impact of the high-tech industry in Texas and the state's ability to compete with other states for high-tech jobs. Examine the state's current areas of differentiated technology research and development and recommend strategies to capitalize on that intellectual property and commercialization. Include strategies to attract Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding to Texas.
2.	Examine the benefits and financial costs associated with modernizing 911 call centers with the newest technology to connect dispatchers with callers using mobile means of communication in the fastest and most accurate manner possible during a time of emergency.
3.	Study the impact of federal broadband expansion programs on rural areas. Coordinate this review with the Public Utility Commission's evaluation of the state Texas Universal Service Fund and the Federal Communications Commission's national broadband plan.
4.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 82nd Legislature.
5.	Examine human resource policies of state agencies that would integrate the implementation of social media to strengthen the state's workforce.
Committee:	House Transportation
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Transportation, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2008 : a report to the House of Representatives, 81st Texas Legislature
Subjects:	Buses | Driver licenses | Driver Responsibility Program | Emergency medical services | Enhanced driver licenses | Graduated driver licenses | High-occupancy vehicle lanes | Homeland security | Identity requirements | Metropolitan areas | Parking facilities | Persons with disabilities | Railroad tracks | Rural areas | Teenage drivers | Traffic | Traffic safety | Trans-Texas Corridor | Transportation planning | Trauma Facilty/EMS account | Uninsured motorists |
Library Call Number:	L1836.80 T687
Session:	80th R.S. (2007)
Online version:	View report [71 pages  File size: 8,336 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Research and make recommendations to the legislature on programs to improve safety for teen drivers.
2.	Study the concept of using corridor planning organizations to provide a mechanism for local involvement in the Trans-Texas Corridor.
3.	Study and make recommendations for funding mechanisms for the Rail Relocation Fund.
4.	Study and make recommendations regarding the feasibility of a motor bus-only lane program for state highways in Texas that focuses on the use of improved shoulders as a low-speed bypass of congested highway lanes. Examine comparable laws form other states that allow transit buses to operate on state highway shoulders.
5.	Examine the role of metropolitan planning authorities in state law, as well as the creation of rural planning authorities to address the planning needs outside of metropolitan planning organizations but within council of government boundaries.
6.	Study and make recommendations for changes to statutes regarding handicapped parking.
7.	Review the effectiveness of the Driver Responsibility Program and provide recommendations for increasing the collection rate of assessed penalties. Provide recommendations for amnesty and incentive programs established by the passage of SB 1723, 80th R.S.. Examine the status of Texas' current statewide trauma system infrastructure and how the system may be optimized to meet future trauma care needs in a rapidly growing state with overburdened emergency rooms. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Public Health.)
8.	Review the current requirements for driver's license and identification card holders in Texas in order to recommend legislative measures to prevent these documents from being used to further criminal activities, and recommend ways to enhance homeland security. (Joint Interim Charge with House Committee on Defense Affairs and State-Federal Relations.)
9.	Monitor the continued implementation of the Texas Financial Responsibility Verification Program authorized by SB 1670, 79th R.S., and determine whether any further statutory enhancements are needed to reduce the number of uninsured motorists in Texas. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Insurance.)
10.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee:	Senate International Relations and Trade
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report, 79th legislative interim
Subjects:	Affordable housing | Colonias | Economic development | Economic development incentives | Rural areas | Rural economic development | Substandard housing |
Library Call Number:	L1836.79 In9
Session:	79th R.S. (2005)
Online version:	View report [80 pages  File size: 5,143 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study state and federal programs aimed at assisting cities and businesses to compete in national and international markets. Develop recommendations to increase the competitiveness of Texas communities and entities in trade and commerce.
2.	Study and develop recommendations to address the infrastructure and economic development needs of border and coastal communities in rural and non-urban areas of Texas.
3.	Study and report on the availability of housing in distressed areas of the state, especially along the Border colonias and rural Texas. Review state, federal and private initiatives aimed at providing housing assistance. Work with private and non-profit entities to address the growing housing needs. Develop recommendations for the cost-effective use of existing housing monies, leveraging of funds and initiatives for new funding sources.
4.	Review state and local policies impacting the water/wastewater services, transportation and health infrastructure needs of Texas colonias. Work with the Texas Water Development Board, the Office of the Attorney General and the Colonia Coordinator to develop recommendations aimed at improving and strengthening the available resources and policies affecting economically distressed areas.
Committee:	Senate Intergovernmental Relations
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report, 79th Legislature
Subjects:	Affordable housing | Alcohol laws and regulations | Alcoholic beverage industry | County clerks | Fees | Rural areas | Rural economic development | Rural issues | Substandard housing | Wine and wine industry |
Library Call Number:	L1836.78 L786
Session:	78th R.S. (2003)
Online version:	View report [69 pages  File size: 300 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study and make recommendations on the need for statutory language relating to fees charged for copies of documents filed electronically or in paper format with a county clerk. Examine all state and local policies relating to document fees and analyze the impact of any recommended changes on local and state revenues.
2.	As required by SB 264, 78th R.S., jointly study with the House Urban Affairs Committee the effect of subdividing uniform state service regions into urban/exurban areas and rural areas and upon the provision of state and federal financial assistance to meet housing needs of rural areas.
3.	Study the unique challenges and opportunities in rural areas from an economic development standpoint. Study the future and unmet needs of rural communities, residents and businesses and examine the quality of infrastructure, housing, health care, and community involvement. Make recommendations for promoting investment in growth industries in rural areas.
4.	Study and make recommendations relating to development of the Texas wine producing industry. Assess the impact of state and federal laws on the shipment and delivery of wine and make recommendations for increasing the economic impact of the wine producing industry in Texas.
Committee:	Senate Intergovernmental Relations
Title:	Interim Report - Appendices
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report, 79th Legislature
Subjects:	Affordable housing | Alcohol laws and regulations | Alcoholic beverage industry | County clerks | Fees | Rural areas | Rural economic development | Rural issues | Substandard housing | Wine and wine industry |
Library Call Number:	L1836.78 L786
Session:	78th R.S. (2003)
Online version:	View report [376 pages  File size: 20,945 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study and make recommendations on the need for statutory language relating to fees charged for copies of documents filed electronically or in paper format with a county clerk. Examine all state and local policies relating to document fees and analyze the impact of any recommended changes on local and state revenues.
2.	As required by SB 264, 78th R.S., jointly study with the House Urban Affairs Committee the effect of subdividing uniform state service regions into urban/exurban areas and rural areas and upon the provision of state and federal financial assistance to meet housing needs of rural areas.
3.	Study the unique challenges and opportunities in rural areas from an economic development standpoint. Study the future and unmet needs of rural communities, residents and businesses and examine the quality of infrastructure, housing, health care, and community involvement. Make recommendations for promoting investment in growth industries in rural areas.
4.	Study and make recommendations relating to development of the Texas wine producing industry. Assess the impact of state and federal laws on the shipment and delivery of wine and make recommendations for increasing the economic impact of the wine producing industry in Texas.
Committee:	Senate Intergovernmental Relations
Title:	Interim Report - Recommendations
Library Catalog Title:	Interim report, 79th Legislature
Subjects:	Affordable housing | Alcohol laws and regulations | Alcoholic beverage industry | County clerks | Fees | Rural areas | Rural economic development | Rural issues | Substandard housing | Wine and wine industry |
Library Call Number:	L1836.78 L786
Session:	78th R.S. (2003)
Online version:	View report [18 pages  File size: 145 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study and make recommendations on the need for statutory language relating to fees charged for copies of documents filed electronically or in paper format with a county clerk. Examine all state and local policies relating to document fees and analyze the impact of any recommended changes on local and state revenues.
2.	As required by SB 264, 78th R.S., jointly study with the House Urban Affairs Committee the effect of subdividing uniform state service regions into urban/exurban areas and rural areas and upon the provision of state and federal financial assistance to meet housing needs of rural areas.
3.	Study the unique challenges and opportunities in rural areas from an economic development standpoint. Study the future and unmet needs of rural communities, residents and businesses and examine the quality of infrastructure, housing, health care, and community involvement. Make recommendations for promoting investment in growth industries in rural areas.
4.	Study and make recommendations relating to development of the Texas wine producing industry. Assess the impact of state and federal laws on the shipment and delivery of wine and make recommendations for increasing the economic impact of the wine producing industry in Texas.
Committee:	House Land and Resource Management
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Land and Resource Management, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2002 : a report to the House of Representatives, 78th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	County roads | Farm-to-market roads | Gulf Intracoastal Waterway | Office of Rural Community Affairs | Rural areas | Rural issues | Urban sprawl |
Library Call Number:	L1836.77 l229
Session:	77th R.S. (2001)
Online version:	View report [71 pages  File size: 795 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Conduct a comprehensive examination of issues associated with the expansion of metropolitan areas into formerly rural areas ("urban sprawl"), including impacts on infrastructure, alteration of the rural or small town character, and the loss of open spaces including farm land and wildlife habitat. Consider the range of state, local and private measures (including the purchase of development rights) that might mitigate the negative aspects of such growth.
2.	Consider issues associated with the ownership and maintenance of rural roads. Assess the benefits of legislation that would clarify ownership and county responsibility for maintenance of those roads.
3.	Pursuant to HB 2684, 77th R.S., conduct a study on the placement and use options for dredged material from the Gulf Intracoastal waterway.
4.	Actively monitor agencies and programs under the committee's oversight jurisdiction, including the implementation of HB 7, 77th R.S., and the new Office of Rural Community Affairs.
Committee:	House State, Federal and International Relations
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on State, Federal, and International Relations, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2002 : a report to the House of Representatives, 78th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Base realignment and closure | Border economy | Border issues | Border transit corridors | Cemeteries | Military bases | Museums | Rural areas | Rural issues | Texas Legislative Medal of Honor | Tourism | Veterans | Veterans health care |
Library Call Number:	L1836.77 st30
Session:	77th R.S. (2001)
Online version:	View report [111 pages  File size: 2,483 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the readiness of military installations and communities for possible base closings and realignment. Assess opportunities to attract new military units because of base closings in other states.
2.	Review the state of tourism in rural Texas. Consider tourism products that are successful in rural Texas and those that hold the promise of greater success. Collaborate with local officials and state agencies involved in promoting tourism to design strategies for communities and entrepreneurs to increase tourist business.
3.	Consult with and monitor state and federal agencies with duties related to commercial and personal traffic across the international border with Mexico. Make suggestions to improve the efficiency of border crossings without compromising security or crime detection operations.
4.	Develop options for creating a museum of Texas music and music history.
5.	Review the laws and procedures concerning the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to assure that the award will remain an appropriate symbol of extraordinary merit for Texas veterans.
6.	Actively monitor agencies and programs under the committee's oversight jurisdiction, including the state veterans medical facilities and, upon passage, implementation of the state veterans cemetery system.
Committee:	House Rural Development, Select
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Select Committee on Rural Development, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2000 : a report to the House of Representatives, 77th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	County roads | Economic development | Farm-to-market roads | Railroads | Rural areas | Rural health care | Rural issues | Rural population | Rural schools | Telecommunications infrastructure | Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund |
Library Call Number:	L1836.76 r88
Session:	76th R.S. (1999)
Online version:	View report [92 pages  File size: 5,357 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Conduct a comprehensive study of all issues pertaining to the current and future viability of rural areas and small cities and towns in Texas. The committee shall develop plans to maintain and improve the economic, social and cultural life of rural Texans.
2.	Studies shall include rural industries, transportation, telecommunications, environmental and natural resource issues, health and human needs, housing, and any other matters substantially affecting the quality of life in rural Texas.
3.	Report should recommend both short-term and long-term strategic changes in state policy, rules and regulations.
Committee:	House State, Federal and International Relations
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on State, Federal, and International Relations, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2000 : a report to the House of Representatives, 77th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Commission on the Arts, Texas | Economic development | Economic Development, Texas Department of | Historical Commission, Texas | Official designations | Parks and Wildlife, Texas Department of | Poets Laureate | Rural areas | Rural issues | Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund | Tourism | Transportation, Texas Department of | Veterans | Veterans Commission, Texas | Veterans health care |
Library Call Number:	L1836.76 st30
Session:	76th R.S. (1999)
Online version:	View report [50 pages  File size: 1,923 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the tourism benefits of a program linking tourist destinations by signage, maps, trails, and other means. Consider how such a program should be coordinated, in light of different agencies' responsibilities for tourism and transportation and for natural, cultural and historical sites.
2.	Study the demographics of Texas' population of military veterans. Compare and contrast veterans' demographics with those of the general population to determine which current or prospective programs have the most benefit.
3.	Review the practices used by other states to designate "state artists" and "state poets." Consider the value of having a permanent procedure for making such designations in Texas.
4.	Assess the potential of community telecommunications networks and technology centers for tourism and business development.
5.	Conduct active oversight of the agencies under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee:	Senate Rural Transportation Infrastructure, Interim
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Senate Interim Committee on Rural Transportation Infrastructure interim report 1994 : a report to the Texas Senate, 74th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Bridges | Farm-to-market roads | Highway finance | Rural areas | Rural issues | Transportation infrastructure |
Library Call Number:	L1836.73 r88
Session:	73rd R.S. (1993)
Online version:	View report [94 pages  File size: 3,943 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	To study and make recommendations regarding rural transportation infrastructure system in the state, with emphasis on safety and maintenance of existing farm-to-market roads and substandard bridges located in rural areas.
2.	Study the current method of allocating funding for farm-to-market roads and substandard bridges located in rural areas to determine the best method of allocating state resources for these transportation projects.
3.	Study and make recommendations regarding the distribution and source of funding for rural transportation infrastructure projects.
4.	Review and evaluate methods for determining the needs of counties in constructing new farm-to-market roads and bridges.
5.	Study and make recommendations regarding any additions or other changes that the Committee determines should be made to the Texas Constitution and statutory law that would improve rural transportation infrastructure and provide an equitable system for funding rural transportation infrastructure, including farm to market roads and substandard bridges located in rural areas.
Committee:	House Agriculture and Livestock
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Report of the Committee on Agriculture and Livestock : to the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 72nd Legislature.
Subjects:	African honey bees | Agriculture | Animal diseases | Aquaculture | Border economy | Border environment | Border health | Border transportation | Colonias | Economic development | Exotic species | Fire ants | Food safety | Hazardous substances | Hazardous waste | Insects | International trade | Livestock | Pesticides | Rio Grande River | Rural areas | Rural issues | Solid waste disposal | Truck traffic | Water rights | Water supplies |
Library Call Number:	L1836.71 ag83
Session:	71st R.S. (1989)
Online version:	View report [59 pages  File size: 3,029 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	To study the promotion of the exotic livestock industry and potential public necessity of governmental regulation thereof.
2.	To study international agriculture (joint study with State, Federal and International Relations Committee).
3.	To study exotic pests and their impact on Texas agriculture.
4.	To study nutrition education and food safety.
5.	To study pesticide disposal.
6.	To study agricultural economic diversification and development in rural areas.
7.	To study the economic development opportunities of the aquaculture industry and the regulatory responsibilities of the State.
Committee:	Joint Rural Health Care Delivery, Special Task Force
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Report and recommendations / the Special Task Force on Rural Health Care Delivery in Texas.
Subjects:	Center for Rural Health Initiatives | Emergency medical services | Medicaid | Medical liability insurance | Medical reimbursements | Nursing shortages | Rural areas | Rural health care | Rural issues | Trauma centers |
Library Call Number:	L1836.70 r88
Session:	70th R.S. (1987)
Online version:	View report [142 pages  File size: 5,399 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Define minimal desired medical care for rural counties and communities with due regard for population, geography, proximity to tertiary care centers, physician manpower, and medical transportation availability; define the resources available and/or needed to provide a voluntary plan to meet the needs of Texas counties, including methods of financing the implementation and operation of such a voluntary plan; and seek consensus among affected parties to support the plan when and where counties and communities seek to implement it.
Supporting documents
Committee:	Joint Rural Health Care Delivery, Special Task Force
Title:	SCR 25, 70th Leg.
Library Call Number:	SCR 25
Session:	70th R.S. (1987)
Online version:	View document [2 pages  File size: 170 kb]
Committee:	House Natural Resources
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Report of the House of Representatives, Natural Resources Committee ; a report to the House of the 64th Legislature.
Subjects:	Energy conservation | Energy policy | Mining | Natural gas industry | Oil industry | Rural areas | Subsidence | Wastewater management | Water supplies |
Library Call Number:	L1836.63 n219
Session:	63rd R.S. (1973)
Online version:	View report [26 pages  File size: 833 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Hear testimony on the issue of unitization of oil and gas properties. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of allowing owners of large interests in an oil or gas reservoir should be allowed to compel smaller owners to merge interests and consolidate the operations of the reservoir. *
2.	Review issues related to surface mining and land reclamation, land surface subsidence, water supplies, waste disposal, and water law. *
3.	Undertake a study of the energy crisis in rural areas and make legislative recommendations *
Supporting documents
Committee:	House Natural Resources
Title:	Subcommittee Members
Library Catalog Title:	Minutes
Library Call Number:	L1801.9 N218H 63
Session:	63rd R.S. (1973)
Online version:	View document [1 pages]
Committee:	Senate Population Distribution, Interim
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Population distribution in Texas [final] report.
Subjects:	Municipalities | Population | Rural areas | Rural issues |
Library Call Number:	L1836.62 p819
Session:	62nd R.S. (1971)
Online version:	View report [33 pages  File size: 1,563 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Conduct a study for the purpose of identifying the causes of and recommending remedies for this major problem.
2.	The committee shall study the movement of Texas youth from rural to urban areas, and the increasing ecological and sociological problems in the urban areas. *
Supporting documents
Committee:	Senate Population Distribution, Interim
Title:	Effects of taxation upon rural development in Texas : statement to the Senate Interim Committee on Population Distribution.
Library Catalog Title:	Effects of taxation upon rural development in Texas : statement to the Senate Interim Committee on Population Distribution.
Library Call Number:	L1836.62 p819o
Session:	62nd R.S. (1971)
Committee:	Senate Population Distribution, Interim
Title:	Testimony, Statement by Mike McManigal, Texas Farmers Union, March 10, 1972
Library Catalog Title:	Minutes
Library Call Number:	L1836.62 M819M
Session:	62nd R.S. (1971)
Online version:	View document [12 pages  File size: 466 kb]

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

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