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10 Document(s) [ Subject: Economy ]
| Committee: | Senate Business and Commerce | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Subjects: | 911 emergency telephone service | Blockchain technology | Broadband infrastructure | Digital currencies | Economy | Electric power plants | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Electricity supplies | Electronic security | State employees | Telecommuters | Traffic | Universal Service Fund | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.87 B963 | |
| Session: | 87th R.S. (2021) | |
| Online version: | View report [42 pages File size: 639 kb] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Broadband and Telecommunications: Study broadband and other telecommunications related issues impacting Texans, including:
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| 2. | Supply Chains: Examine the causes and impacts of recent supply chain disruptions on the Texas economy and individual industries. Study the factors that weaken links in the supply chain and the extent the pandemic has exposed those vulnerabilities. Recommend actions to strengthen the supply chain in Texas and mitigate disruptions in the future. | |
| 3. | Blockchain and Virtual Currencies: Study current state and federal regulations surrounding blockchain and virtual currencies. Examine how these technologies impact industries such as banking, business, and electricity. Make recommendations to protect consumers while encouraging innovation. Monitor the implementation of HB 1576, 87th R.S., and HB 4474, 87th R.S. | |
| 4. | Electricity: Assess the electricity market in Texas. Study issues impacting the Texas electric grid, including weather preparedness, transmission planning, maintenance scheduling, and the natural gas supply chain. Study the consequences of increased electric vehicle usage and charging on the generation, transmission and distribution, and retail sectors of Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and evaluate their potential impact on increased electric demand and reliability of the grid. Evaluate potential benefits of real-time transparency of the intrastate gas market with respect to the functions of ERCOT and the Texas Energy Reliability Council. Examine the growth of renewable energy generation in the state and evaluate its impact on grid reliability. Make recommendations to strengthen the reliability of the grid, and meet the future generation needs of ERCOT through new and existing dispatchable generation. Assess plans to expeditiously add new dispatchable generation. Monitor the implementation of SB 2, 87th R.S., and SB 3, 87th R.S. | |
| 5. | Cybersecurity: Review current state and federal laws regarding cybersecurity protections and requirements for local governments, state agencies, and critical industries of our state. Make recommendations for legislation to improve resilience and protection against cybersecurity attacks and ensure the privacy protection of the citizens of Texas. | |
| 6. | State Workforce: Study where state employees are located and the benefits and drawbacks of remote working. Evaluate the impact of the potential growth of remote work and proximity of employees to their place of employment on traffic studies over the next 10 years. Study and make recommendations for establishing uniform statewide standards for remote work. Study possible implications and standards for statewide recruitment and employment of remote state employees from all parts of the state. | |
| Committee: | Senate Finance | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Subjects: | Bail | Border security | Coronavirus | Economy | Employees Retirement System of Texas | Federal funds | Harris County | Homestead exemptions | Hospitals | Inflation | Investment of public funds | Long-term care | Medicaid | Mental health services | Nursing homes | Operation Lone Star (Border security) | Property tax exemptions | Property taxes | Public retirement systems | Recidivism | Retirees | Russia | School finance | State employee salaries | State employee turnover | Tax and expenditure limits | Tax revenue | Teacher Retirement System of Texas | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.87 F49 | |
| Session: | 87th R.S. (2021) | |
| Online version: | View report [108 pages File size: 4,001 kb] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Federal Funds: Report on the state use of federal COVID-19 relief funds provided under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, the American Rescue Plan Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Acts, and similar federal legislation. Examine local use of federal relief funding, including funding provided to school districts through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. Evaluate the overall fiscal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on state agencies, including costs incurred due to federal mandates. Identify barriers to the effective utilization of funds and make recommendations on the expenditure of unappropriated funds. In addition, evaluate and report on the spending by state agencies that have been utilizing "one-time" federal funding (temporary enhancements, e.g. FMAP and ESSER) sources, where federal funding will likely be significantly reduced in future biennia. | |
| 2. | Property Tax Relief: Examine and recommend ways to reduce Texans' property tax burden. Review and report on proposals to use or dedicate state revenues in excess of the state spending limit to eliminate the school district maintenance and operations property tax. | |
| 3. | Inflation: Review and report on the effect inflation is having on the business community and state government, including state salaries, retiree benefits, the state economy, and cost of state services. | |
| 4. | Inflation: Review and report on the impact of inflation on units of local governments' revenue collections and property taxpayers' tax bills, including the homestead exemption. | |
| 5. | Tax Exemptions: Examine Texans' current tax exemptions and report on whether adjustments are merited because of inflation or any other factors. | |
| 6. | Russia Divestiture: Examine and report on options for state asset owners to divest their positions in companies that invest in the Russian Federation. | |
| 7. | State Pension Reforms: Monitor the implementation of recent statewide pension reforms to the Employees Retirement System of Texas and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. | |
| 8. | Bail Bond Reform: Monitor the implementation of recent bail bond reform legislation along with its economic impact on the judicial and correctional system. Assess any barriers to implementation, the law’s effect on pretrial release and jail populations, and ways to further promote public safety and efficiency. | |
| 9. | Operation Lone Star: Monitor appropriations and spending supporting Operation Lone Star. Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of spending to secure the southern border. Identify and report on resources needed to ensure support for the State National Guard, as well as overall resources necessary for border security for future legislative consideration. | |
| 10. | Long-term Care Funding: Examine state investments in the long-term nursing home care system. Study nursing facility funding issues and the impact of the pandemic on capacity and delivery of care. Explore nursing facility quality metrics and recommend strategies to improve the sustainability of the long-term care workforce. | |
| 11. | Medicaid: Monitor the financial impact of federal decision-making affecting supplemental Medicaid funding for Texas hospitals and health care systems, including negotiations between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Texas Medicaid agency regarding the state's 1115 Medicaid waiver and other federal proposals reducing supplemental funding streams for Texas. | |
| 12. | Mental Health Delivery: Examine the state mental health service delivery system. Study the state's Comprehensive Plan for State-Funded Inpatient Mental Health Services and the Statewide Behavioral Health Strategic Plan and evaluate the existing state investments in mental health services and state hospital capacity. Review current forensic and civil mental health service waitlists, and recommend ways to improve coordination and outcomes to reduce waitlists. Explore and report on options for additional mental health service capacity, including building state hospitals in the Panhandle and Rio Grande Valley areas. | |
| Committee: | House International Relations and Economic Development | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Subjects: | Border crossings | Border economy | Border issues | Child care | Coronavirus | Economic development incentives | Economy | Federal funds | International trade | Investment of public funds | Mexico | Russia | Semiconductor industry | Unemployment | Workforce | Workforce Commission, Texas | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.87 EC74IR | |
| Session: | 87th R.S. (2021) | |
| Online version: | View report [44 pages File size: 1,762 kb] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Review the impact that trade across the Texas-Mexico border has on the Texas economy. Consider the impact of the recent increase in border migration on transnational trade, including its effects on the communities along the border, points of entry, and access by Texas businesses to supplies, labor, materials, and markets in Mexico. (Joint charge with Committee on Transportation) | |
| 2. | Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
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| 3. | Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021. | |
| 4. | Monitor the state’s economic recovery and identify obstacles impeding the state’s economic recovery. Examine the economic impact of inflation on both employers and employees. Examine global supply chain disruptions on state commerce and the flow of trade at Texas ports. Explore opportunities to attract businesses to Texas that have outsourced elements of their supply chain to foreign countries. | |
| 5. | Examine current economic development incentive programs and identify opportunities to enhance job creation in Texas. Make recommendations to promote transparency and enhance effectiveness of such programs. | |
| 6. | Evaluate Texas’ current efforts to attract semiconductor investment to the state. Identify potential strengths and vulnerabilities that could impact the success of Texas’ semiconductor industry and the ability to create and maintain a reliable semiconductor supply chain. | |
| 7. | Evaluate labor shortages and Texas’ unemployment numbers. Identify initiatives within the Texas Workforce Commission to expand job training and apprenticeship opportunities to help meet labor demands. Identify opportunities to increase outreach and information regarding career development. | |
| 8. | Review the impact that trade with Russia has on the Texas economy, including Texas manufacturers. Consider the impact of Texas investment in businesses and funds owned or controlled by the Russian government or Russian nationals, and determine the need for investment restrictions. Consider the impacts of any proposed investment restrictions on access by Texas businesses and the Texas scientific and technological community to capital investment, global markets, and competitive knowledge. | |
| Committee: | Senate Finance | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Subjects: | Alamo | Alternatives to incarceration | Appropriations bill riders | Business taxes | Criminal justice | Delinquent taxes | Disaster relief | Driver Responsibility Program | Economy | Emergency medical services | Federal aid | Federal funds | Fees | General Land Office, Texas | Hurricane Harvey | Interest rates | Juvenile justice system | Legislative Budget Board, Texas | Natural disasters | Personal property taxes | Probation | Rainy Day Fund | State budget certification | State budgets | Tax refunds | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.85 F49 | |
| Session: | 85th R.S. (2017) | |
| Online version: | View report [64 pages] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Monitor all funds currently being used to address Hurricane Harvey relief and recovery. Identify ways to maximize the use of federal funds and ensure the efficient use of state funds. | |
| 2. | Evaluate the long-term impact of Hurricane Harvey on the Texas economy and the gulf coast region. | |
| 3. | Alamo Historical Site Renovation: Monitor the expenditures of state funds appropriated to the General Land Office for the preservation, maintenance, and operation of the Alamo historical site. Ensure the funds are spent to emphasize the architectural design and the historical impact the battle had on the development of Texas as a nation and as a state. | |
| 4. | Economic Stabilization Fund: Examine options to increase investment earnings of the Economic Stabilization Fund in a manner that mini mizes overall risk to the fund balance. Investment options should ensure the liquidity of a sufficient portion of the balance so that the legislature has the resources necessary to address the needs of the state, including natural disasters. Evaluate how the Economic Stabilization Fund constitutional limit is calculated; consider alternative methods to calculate the limit, and alternative uses for funds above the limit. | |
| 5. | Texas Emission Reduction Plan: Review the Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP) and its economic benefits to the state. Examine whether the state's investment in TERP, including transfers from the Department of Transportation, are being effectively utilized to comply with federal air quality standards, reduce pollution, and protect the public health of Texans. | |
| 6. | Request to Exceed Review: Review all riders requiring interim action by the Legislative Budget Board to reduce the number of times interim budget modification is necessary. | |
| 7. | Fee Structure Review: Review state General Revenue - Dedicated fees and make recommendations to reduce fees and lessen reliance on General Revenue - Dedicated fee balances to certify the budget. | |
| 8. | Adult and Juvenile Corrections Funding: Examine the funding patterns used to fund the juvenile justice system and adult probation departments. Develop recommendations to ensure the Texas Juvenile Justice Department budget does not dis-incentivize the use of cost-effective best practices such as diverting youth from the juvenile justice system, providing services to youth in their community, and keeping youth closer to home. In addition, review funding to adult probation departments and ensure it provides for an equitable distribution to all Texas Probation Departments. | |
| 9. | Trauma Funding: Review revenue sources currently funding the state's trauma system and the impact of declining revenues and balances in General Revenue - Dedicated accounts. Evaluate the impact of statutory changes affecting trauma system funding, including efforts to eliminate the Driver Responsibility Program. Examine ways to ensure sustainability of the trauma system in Texas. | |
| 10. | Property Tax on Business Personal Property: Evaluate the property tax as it applies to business personal property and the current $5oo exemption. Quantify the economic effect of taxing business personal property and determine whether the tax places Texas at a competitive disadvantage relative to other states. Evaluate the burden on taxpayers and local governments of administering the property tax on business personal property and determine whether the current $soo exemption should be increased. | |
| 11. | Interest Rate Disparity: Evaluate the rate of interest charged on delinquent property taxes and delinquent state taxes, compared to the rate of interest paid on property tax refunds and state tax refunds. • Evaluate the effect of interest rate disparity on the assessment decisions of governments and the payment decisions of taxpayers. • Quantify the amount by which state and local governments profit from interest rate disparity. • Identify best practices among other states regarding interest rates charged and paid. • Recommend a plan and timeline to reduce interest rate disparity. | |
| 12. | Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of the following funding initiatives: • CPS Critical Needs - Monitor the impact of salary increases and additional caseworkers allocated to Child Protective Services last interim. • Health Care Costs Across State Agencies - Monitor coordination efforts among state agencies to improve health care and reduce costs pursuant to Article IX, Section 10.06 and Section 10.07. • Behavioral Health - Monitor the state's progress in coordinating behavioral health services and expenditures across state government, pursuant to Article IX section 10.04, including the impact of new local grant funding provided by the 85th Legislatu re. • Sporting Goods Sales Tax - Identify state and local park needs and determine whether the Sporting Goods Sales Tax is meeting those needs. | |
| Committee: | Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Subjects: | Economy | Environmental protection | Hotel occupancy taxes | Natural disasters | Rules and regulations | Solid waste disposal | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.85 N219E | |
| Session: | 85th R.S. (2017) | |
| Online version: | View report [87 pages] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Hotel Occupancy Taxes: Study and make recommendations regarding the collection and use of hotel occupancy taxes to increase transparency in the imposition, rate, and use of such taxes. | |
| 2. | Regulatory Barriers: Identify options to maintain our state's competitive advantage and make recommendations to remove or reduce administrative or regulatory barriers hindering economic growth, including permitting or registration requirements and fees. | |
| 3. | Environmental Safety: Study the strategies and best practices for ensuring environmental safety during maintenance, startup, and shutdown activities due to emergencies. Recommend actions to improve safety without compromising compliance or penalizing good actors. | |
| 4. | Waste Disposal Regulation: Study the permitting and compliance processes for waste disposal and processing, including evaluating the criteria for approval, denial, and application return. Make recommendations for improving and streamlining the permitting and compliance processes while maximizing public participation for effective outreach and education. Review the allocation of the Municipal Solid Waste disposal fees and make recommendations regarding allocation methods to adequately support existing programs. | |
| 5. | Monitoring: Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature, including: • Texas Railroad Commission Sunset and funding; • Environmental Regulatory and Legal Primacy; and • The effectiveness of emission reductions recognized from the Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP) and grant flexibility. | |
| Committee: | House Economic and Small Business Development | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Subjects: | Career preparedness | Career schools | e-commerce | Economic development | Economic development incentives | Economy | Energy industry employment | High tech employment | High tech industry | Natural gas industry | Office of Economic Development and Tourism | Oil industry | Rural economic development | Short-term rentals | Small businesses | State budgets | Transportation network companies | Workforce | Workforce Commission, Texas | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.84 Ec74h | |
| Session: | 84th R.S. (2015) | |
| Online version: | View report [31 pages] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Study the impacts of the declining price of oil and the continuously depressed price of natural gas on the Texas economy and the fiscal implications for the Texas budget. Consider impacts on local communities most dependent on oil and gas activity, including impacts on supporting economies such as retail, manufacturing, housing industries, etc. Recommend strategies for sustained energy development and workforce growth during times of depressed energy prices. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Energy Resources) | |
| 2. | Evaluate what local governments are doing to attract businesses to their communities and examine ways the state can leverage these practices and provide support. Include ways to improve local economic development programs to ensure a continued return on investment for taxpayers. In addition, study the authority, financial accountability, and types of statutorily allowed expenditures of economic development corporations. Provide analysis of 4A and 4B sales tax programs and determine if they are still meeting their intended purpose effectively. | |
| 3. | Study opportunities and financial incentives for expansion and growth of small businesses in Texas. Examine if adequate resources and capital exist for small businesses. Include analysis of any regulatory or tax hurdles and provide recommendations to alleviate these burdens. Furthermore, review programs available to provide training and support to develop business management and finance skills. Consider financial incentives that would incentivize expansion of existing small businesses and growth for new small businesses. | |
| 4. | Oversee implementation of HB 26 (84R). Review best practices for measuring success of economic development incentives. Consider general metrics or principles to aid the Legislature in determining viable and sustainable incentive programs that provide a "Return on Investment" for taxpayers. | |
| 5. | Evaluate Texas's competitiveness with other states in recruiting and cultivating high-growth, high-tech industries, fostering economic development, and creating new jobs. Examine if current incentives and regulations assist or hinder the state's ability to compete with other states for economic growth and sustainability. | |
| 6. | Examine if the state has an adequately diversified economic foundation and make recommendations on how to better achieve diversification. Look at ways to achieve balance between rural and urban economic development. Consider methods to improve workforce development initiatives and incentives that will improve re-employment after layoffs and release from incarceration as well as methods to improve employment rates for recent graduates. | |
| 7. | Evaluate how Texas can support shared economy growth in the state and include implications of such growth on existing, traditional businesses. Develop characteristics by which to classify "shared economy" business and determine how the state can ensure customer security and satisfaction as well as public health without enacting burdensome regulations. | |
| 8. | Examine partnerships between higher education institutions, public school districts, and workforce that promote postsecondary readiness. Provide coordination recommendations to ensure vocational, career, and technical education programs are more accessible. Determine the most effective ways to invest in these partnerships and programs to direct at-risk students to stable career paths. Examine current rules and laws limiting employers from providing meaningful internships, apprenticeships, and other opportunities. Consider new methods to finance workforce training programs and associated assets in high schools and postsecondary schools, including ways to reduce or eliminate these costs and options to incentivize businesses to invest in training equipment for schools. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Public Education) | |
| 9. | Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 84th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs. e. monitor the impact of major economic development legislation passed by the 84th Legislature. f. include updates regarding transfer of duties and services from health and human services agencies to the Texas Workforce Commission, including implementation of SB 208 and SB 212. Coordinate with the Legislative Oversight Committee constituted by SB 208, when necessary. g. evaluate the impact of incentive reform legislation, including the elimination of the Emerging Technology Fund and the transition of contracts to the Comptroller's office. | |
| Committee: | House State Affairs | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Subjects: | Banks and banking | Economy | Electric meters | Electric utility rates and charges | Electronic security | Emergency management | Fetal rights | Medical ethics | Natural disasters | Organ and tissue donations | Organized labor | Public Utility Commission of Texas | State employees | State government contracts | State purchasing | Telephone service | Undocumented immigrants | Universal Service Fund | Utility service | Water and sewer utilities | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.84 St29h | |
| Session: | 84th R.S. (2015) | |
| Online version: | View report [78 pages] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Study if the state's infrastructure is adequately prepared for disasters, whether man-made or natural. Include preparedness assessments of the maintenance and recovery of vital infrastructure such as transportation and utility systems. | |
| 2. | Examine procedures regarding contract monitoring, compliance, performance evaluation and notification requirements for state contracting procedures. Include recommendations to determine a "best value" for the state and prevent conflicts of interests. Evaluate guidelines regarding the state's participation in contracts funded by grants and suggest methods to ensure the best use of taxpayer funds. | |
| 3. | Determine if the state has sufficient authority and the tools to ensure continued operation of the state's government and economy under existing budgetary and statutory authority. Make contingency recommendations to prevent collapse in the event of an economic disaster. | |
| 4. | Study the policies used by research and medical entities to adhere to the highest ethical standards for acquiring human fetal tissue for medical and scientific purposes. Specifically, review compliance to ensure informed consent and that all state and federal laws sufficiently respect the dignity of the human body. Study criteria for which persons have standing when giving consent for the use of fetal remains and to investigate potential violations of state laws regulating organ/tissue donation. Determine whether additional disclosure and reporting requirements are necessary to ensure moral and ethical research practices. Review practices and statutes in other states regarding fetal tissue harvesting. | |
| 5. | Study support mechanisms for the Small and Rural Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier - Universal Service Fund. Consider alternative funding mechanisms as well as necessary statutory changes to ensure reasonable cost of basic local phone service in high cost, rural areas without expanding the size of the Texas Universal Service Fund. | |
| 6. | Evaluate the administrative process used to determine utility rates. Consider if sufficient opportunities exist to ensure customer representation. Also determine if additional legislative guidance is needed to ensure public notification and participation. | |
| 7. | Examine how the Public Utility Commission of Texas, when applicable, and utility providers, whether vertically integrated, privately owned, or municipally owned, can ensure consumer protection regarding metering devices for water, gas, and electricity service. Review recent examples of inaccurate or confusing billings and offer recommendations on appropriate consumer recourse and appeal. In addition, assess utility procedures regarding meter installation. | |
| 8. | Examine state and local laws applicable to undocumented immigrants throughout the State of Texas and analyze the effects of those laws in conjunction with federal immigration laws and the policies and practices followed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. | |
| 9. | Examine payroll deductions from state or political subdivision employees for the purpose of labor organization membership dues or fees as well as charitable organization and nonprofit contributions. Determine if this process is an appropriate use of public funds. | |
| 10. | Monitor the impact of major State Affairs legislation passed by the 84th Legislature, including updates regarding recent contracting reforms. Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction and the implementing 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: | Senate Economic Development | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Subjects: | Droughts | Economy | Wildfires | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.82 Ec74s | |
| Session: | 82nd R.S. (2011) | |
| Online version: | View report [37 pages] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Assess the economic impact of long-term drought on all sectors of the Texas economy. | |
| 2. | Include additional analysis of economic consequences of wildland fires. | |
| 3. | Develop a compendium of federal, state, and local funding and other assistance alternatives for reducing the long-term economic consequences of the drought. | |
| Committee: | House County Affairs | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Library Catalog Title: | House Committee on County Affairs, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2010 : a report to the House of Representatives, 82nd Texas Legislature | |
| Subjects: | Agriculture | Bail | Counties | County government | Economy | Indigent health care | Land use regulations | Open government | Rural economic development | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.81 C832 | |
| Session: | 81st R.S. (2009) | |
| Online version: | View report [99 pages File size: 2,515 kb] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Study the current practices and tools available to counties to manage growth and development. Consider incompatible land uses and county rulemaking authority, including rulemaking authority bracketed to counties of a certain population. | |
| 2. | Study county- level health care delivery models for indigent health care that emphasize community-based care to improve the continuity and quality of care. Compare urban and rural health care delivery models and make necessary legislative recommendations. | |
| 3. | Study county oversight related to pretrial release on bond in criminal cases. | |
| 4. | Examine how local governments can better inform the public about local government debts. | |
| 5. | Survey rural economic development programs. Analyze the economic relationship between rural communities and the agriculture industry and their combined impact on the state's economy. Joint Interim Charge with House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock | |
| 6. | Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. | |
| Committee: | Senate Education Subcommittee on Higher Education | |
| Title: | Interim Report | |
| Subjects: | Economic forecasts | Economy | Flagship universities | Health insurance | Higher education | Higher education accountability | Nuclear power plants | Student aid | University campuses | University graduation rates | University research | Workforce | | |
| Library Call Number: | L1836.80 Ed83h | |
| Session: | 80th R.S. (2007) | |
| Online version: | View report [112 pages File size: 8,273 kb] | |
| Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
| 1. | Examine different methodologies for assessing the quality of degree and certificate programs at higher education institutions and for measuring student learning outcomes. Review current institutional performance standards and make recommendations that promote academic and financial accountability. Review the method for measuring graduation rates to determine whether alternative measures are more appropriately suited for institutions with a large percentage of non-traditional students. | |
| 2. | Identify potential future economic trends and workforce needs, including those created by additional nuclear generation facilities, and identify strategies to help meet these needs. | |
| 3. | Examine ways to assess and improve academic advising to help students succeed in higher education and complete their course of study and graduate in the minimum time required. | |
| 4. | Study the need for new higher education institutions and make recommendations for developing a long-term strategy for creating and supporting new institutions, especially additional flagship public research universities. Explore methods for determining where such universities should be located and ensuring that such universities admit a qualified and diverse student body. Consider the state's allocation of and need for resources for medical education, including graduate medical education, geographic distribution of those resources, and the value of associating a medical school with a top-tier academic campus. | |
| 5. | Study research funding and assess the research infrastructure and capabilities at higher education institutions. Make recommendations for streamlining the various sources of funding (Texas Competitive Knowledge Fund, the Research Development Fund, and the Advanced Research Program) and for developing a statewide strategy for increasing research at higher education institutions, including ways to improve research commercialization. | |
| 6. | Evaluate the cost and feasibility of a range of options for providing health care insurance for students attending institutions of higher education. | |
| 7. | Review the status, effects, and success or failure of higher education authorities operating under Chapters 53, 53A, and 53B, Education Code, and nonprofit corporations carrying out the functions of higher education authorities under those chapters. Make recommendations regarding any necessary changes in the statutes and administration of same. (Joint charge with Senate Finance Committee) | |
| 8. | Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Subcommittee on Higher Education, 80th R.S., and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor any pending federal legislation that would impact student financial aid. | |
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