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15 Document(s) [ Subject: Economic%20development%20incentives ]

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:
  • HB 619, 87th R.S., relating to developing a strategic plan to support the child-care workforce;
  • HB 1792, 87th R.S., relating to the evaluation of child-care providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program;
  • HB 2607, 87th R.S., relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Workforce Commission and local workforce development boards regarding the provision of childcare and the subsidized childcare program;
  • HB 3767, 87th R.S., relating to measures to support the alignment of education and workforce development with state workforce needs, including the establishment of the Tri- Agency Workforce Initiative; and
  • SB 1555, 87th R.S., relating to establishing reimbursement rates for certain child-care providers participating in the subsidized childcare program.
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 Natural Resources and Economic Development
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Abandoned oil wells | Boycotts | Carbon capture and sequestration | Economic development incentives | Emergency Management, Texas Division of | Fire prevention | Hotel occupancy taxes | Investment of public funds | Job training programs | Natural gas | Natural gas supplies | Parks and Wildlife, Texas Department of | Recycling | Tax incentives | Theft | Wildfires |
Library Call Number: L1836.87 N219e
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View report [70 pages  File size: 1,928 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Economic Development Programs: Review the programs in Chapters 380 and 381 of the Local Government Code. Consider the benefits of each program in generating economic development. Make recommendations for improvements to Chapters 380 and 381 to increase transparency and accountability and the effectiveness of the programs.
2. Hotel Occupancy Taxes: Study the collection and use of hotel occupancy taxes. Evaluate and make recommendations related to the effectiveness, costs of rebates, incentives, and other taxes applied to qualified hotel and convention center projects. Investigate and determine whether the creation of a standard Hotel Occupancy Tax legislative template is feasible, and whether it would enable the legislature to more efficiently evaluate proposed Hotel Occupancy Tax bills during the legislative session.
3. Natural Gas Storage: Study the economic benefits of expanding the state's underground natural gas storage capacity and infrastructure. Investigate and make recommendations for additional natural gas transportation opportunities.
4. Wildfires and Prescribed Burns: Examine ways to reduce the risk of and destructive impact of wildfires. Monitor the role the Prescribed Burning Board plays in controlled burns. Recommend practices and improvements that public and private landowners may use to reduce fire risks.
5. Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development 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 13, 87th R.S., Relating to state contracts with and investments in certain companies that boycott energy companies;
  • HB 1247, 87th R.S., Relating to the development of and report on a triagency work-based learning strategic framework by the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board;
  • HB 1284, 87th R.S., Relating to the regulation of the injection and geologic storage of carbon dioxide in this state;
  • HB 3973, 87th R.S., Relating to a study on abandoned oil and gas wells in this state and the use of the oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund; and
  • HB 4110, 87th R.S., Relating to the registration of metal recycling.
Committee: House Ways and Means
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Appraisal districts | Economic development | Economic development incentives | Property taxes | Sales taxes | Tax appraisals | Tax incentives | Tax relief | Texas Economic Development Act | Tobacco products |
Library Call Number:
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View report [70 pages  File size: 1,910 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor agencies and programs in the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Actively oversee associated rulemaking and agency actions to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
  • HB 2080, 87th R.S., and SB 903, 87th R.S., relating to taxpayers' suits;
  • HB 2404, 87th R.S., relating to creating and maintaining a database of information regarding certain local economic development agreements;
  • SB 248, 87th R.S., relating to the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, and e-cigarettes;
  • SB 2, 86th R.S. (the Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019) and related property tax reform legislation passed by the 87th Legislature, including HB 1869, 87th R.S.; HB 2429, 87th R.S.; HB 2723, 87th R.S.; and SB 1438, 87th R.S.; and
  • Legislation relating to reform of the property tax appraisal system, including HB 988, 87th R.S.; HB 2941, 87th R.S.; HB 3971, 87th R.S.; SB 63, 87th R.S.; SB 916, 87th R.S.; and SB 1919, 87th R.S..
2. Study and consider methods of providing additional property tax relief, including the use of $3 billion in available American Rescue Plan Act funds that were held for future tax relief by the 87th Legislature, and other sources of revenue. Explore options to reduce business property tax burdens and options for limiting the growth of property tax bills.
3. Study Texas' property tax appraisal system and make appropriate recommendations to improve the appraisal system. The study should include:
  • Assessing the accuracy of appraised values and operational effectiveness of appraisal districts;
  • Evaluating methods of selecting chief appraisers, appraisal review boards, and appraisal district directors; and
  • Evaluating existing appraisal protections for taxpayers and ease of taxpayer participation in the appraisal process.
4. Conduct a comprehensive review of the impact of not renewing Chapter 313, Tax Code. Evaluate tax incentives offered by other states and make recommendations for incentivizing manufacturers and other capital-intensive businesses to locate to Texas.
5. Evaluate the impact of shifting to destination sourcing for local sales and use tax purposes, including the benefits of reduced taxpayer confusion. Monitor the implementation of the Comptroller's amendments to 34 Tx. Admin. Code §3.334, relating to local sales and use taxes, and the Comptroller's Sales Tax Rate Locator. Make recommendations for legislation to improve Texas' local sales and use tax sourcing.
Committee: House Economic and Small Business Development
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Aerospace industry | Economic development | Economic development incentives | High tech employment | High tech industry | Hurricane Harvey | Occupational licenses | Workforce |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 Ec74h
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [37 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Examine Hurricane Harvey’s economic and workforce impact on the state and private sector. Analyze the effects and efficiency of state resources available to assist in job training and the recovery of the state’s workforce.
2. Study the state's effectiveness in developing and growing high-growth, high-tech start-ups. Review current regulations and determine if barriers exist that potentially impede investment and growth. Evaluate the concept of a "sandbox" as a regulatory approach for enabling innovation and the feasibility of implementing such an approach in Texas.
3. Evaluate the ongoing and long-term workforce needs of the state’s businesses and industries. Determine whether state resources are adequate to address shortages and assist with closing existing or future gaps in workforce readiness and skills to ensure the continued economic security and success of the state.
4. Analyze current data on the distribution of state economic development incentives across the state. Identify advantages or qualities, if any, possessed by the regions frequently awarded state incentives. Accordingly, identify resources available to underserved regions to increase awareness or utilization of incentives.
5. Study the economic impact of the aviation, aerospace, & defense manufacturing industry in Texas and the state's ability to facilitate industry job growth and investment. Review the relationship between the economic vitality of industry and military veterans transitioning into the workforce. Determine existing and potential barriers to the retention and expansion of the manufacturing industry in the state and the broader economic implications it may have on workforce readiness, as well as veteran employment and support services. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Defense & Veterans’ Affairs)
6. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature.
Committee: House Economic and Small Business Development
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Career preparedness | Career schools | e-commerce | Economic development | Economic development incentives | Economy | Energy industry employment | High tech employment | High tech industry | Natural gas industry | Office of Economic Development and Tourism | Oil industry | Rural economic development | Short-term rentals | Small businesses | State budgets | Transportation network companies | Workforce | Workforce Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number: L1836.84 Ec74h
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View report [31 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the impacts of the declining price of oil and the continuously depressed price of natural gas on the Texas economy and the fiscal implications for the Texas budget. Consider impacts on local communities most dependent on oil and gas activity, including impacts on supporting economies such as retail, manufacturing, housing industries, etc. Recommend strategies for sustained energy development and workforce growth during times of depressed energy prices. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Energy Resources)
2. Evaluate what local governments are doing to attract businesses to their communities and examine ways the state can leverage these practices and provide support. Include ways to improve local economic development programs to ensure a continued return on investment for taxpayers. In addition, study the authority, financial accountability, and types of statutorily allowed expenditures of economic development corporations. Provide analysis of 4A and 4B sales tax programs and determine if they are still meeting their intended purpose effectively.
3. Study opportunities and financial incentives for expansion and growth of small businesses in Texas. Examine if adequate resources and capital exist for small businesses. Include analysis of any regulatory or tax hurdles and provide recommendations to alleviate these burdens. Furthermore, review programs available to provide training and support to develop business management and finance skills. Consider financial incentives that would incentivize expansion of existing small businesses and growth for new small businesses.
4. Oversee implementation of HB 26 (84R). Review best practices for measuring success of economic development incentives. Consider general metrics or principles to aid the Legislature in determining viable and sustainable incentive programs that provide a "Return on Investment" for taxpayers.
5. Evaluate Texas's competitiveness with other states in recruiting and cultivating high-growth, high-tech industries, fostering economic development, and creating new jobs. Examine if current incentives and regulations assist or hinder the state's ability to compete with other states for economic growth and sustainability.
6. Examine if the state has an adequately diversified economic foundation and make recommendations on how to better achieve diversification. Look at ways to achieve balance between rural and urban economic development. Consider methods to improve workforce development initiatives and incentives that will improve re-employment after layoffs and release from incarceration as well as methods to improve employment rates for recent graduates.
7. Evaluate how Texas can support shared economy growth in the state and include implications of such growth on existing, traditional businesses. Develop characteristics by which to classify "shared economy" business and determine how the state can ensure customer security and satisfaction as well as public health without enacting burdensome regulations.
8. Examine partnerships between higher education institutions, public school districts, and workforce that promote postsecondary readiness. Provide coordination recommendations to ensure vocational, career, and technical education programs are more accessible. Determine the most effective ways to invest in these partnerships and programs to direct at-risk students to stable career paths. Examine current rules and laws limiting employers from providing meaningful internships, apprenticeships, and other opportunities. Consider new methods to finance workforce training programs and associated assets in high schools and postsecondary schools, including ways to reduce or eliminate these costs and options to incentivize businesses to invest in training equipment for schools. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Public Education)
9. Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 84th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs. e. monitor the impact of major economic development legislation passed by the 84th Legislature. f. include updates regarding transfer of duties and services from health and human services agencies to the Texas Workforce Commission, including implementation of SB 208 and SB 212. Coordinate with the Legislative Oversight Committee constituted by SB 208, when necessary. g. evaluate the impact of incentive reform legislation, including the elimination of the Emerging Technology Fund and the transition of contracts to the Comptroller's office.
Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Aerospace industry | Air pollution | Air quality | Carbon dioxide | Clean Air Act | Economic development | Economic development incentives | Electric power plants | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Environmental permits | Environmental protection | Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Ground level ozone | Oil fields | School districts | Spaceports | SpaceX | State administrative hearings | Tax incentives | Texas Emissions Reduction Plan | Theft |
Library Call Number: L1836.84 N219E
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View report [155 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Implementation of Federal Regulations: Study the impact and identify challenges Texas faces implementing proposed federal Environmental Protection Agency regulations, including, but not limited to the Clean Power Plan, Reduction of Methane & Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from oil and gas facilities, Ozone standards, Regional Haze, and Waters of the U.S. Make recommendations for legislative or constitutional action the committee considers necessary.
2. Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP): Study and make recommendations regarding the use of Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP) funds, including reducing air emissions from mobile sources in response to changes in ozone standards.
3. Economic Development: Evaluate the effectiveness and necessity of programs and resources currently used to support economic development in Texas. Make recommendations regarding continuation of effective strategies, modification of existing administrative or regulatory barriers, and the reduction or elimination of ineffective programs.
4. Expedited Permitting: Evaluate the permitting process in Texas and neighboring states and make recommendations for eliminating unnecessary barriers and expediting the process to ensure that the regulatory process is consistent and predictable.
5. ERCOT/PUC Electricity Issues: Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. In this oversight and monitoring, the committee should: 1) identify and recommend opportunities to streamline programs or services and enhance grid safety while maintaining the mission of ERCOT and PUC and their programs; and 2) identify barriers ERCOT or PUC may have in their governance that may be appropriate to improve or eliminate.
6. Oil Field Theft: Study and make recommendations for solving the oil field theft problems facing Texas, including identifying the proper mechanisms for increasing enforcement effectiveness.
7. Monitoring Charge: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development during the 84th R.S. and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following: 1)Legislation relating to Texas aerospace incentives; 2) Expedited permitting; and 3) Electric utility rate adjustments.
Committee: House Culture, Recreation, and Tourism
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Animal diseases | Commercial fishing | Commission on the Arts, Texas | County courthouses | Economic development | Economic development incentives | Endangered species | Film Commission, Texas | Film industry | Fisheries | Fishing licenses | Heritage tourism | Historic preservation | Historical Commission, Texas | Outdoor recreation | Oysters | Parks and Wildlife, Texas Department of | State parks | Swine | Texas Heritage Trails Program | Texas Main Street Program | Texas Music Office | Tourism | Video games |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 R245
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [66 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Develop a long-term plan to incorporate land that has been donated or sold to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department into our state park system.
2. Evaluate the Texas Film Commission and the Texas Music Office to determine their effectiveness in economic development in Texas. Determine how the offices can better collaborate with local economic development entities and state agencies to further the economic development goals of the state.
3. Examine the viability of including the commercial oyster industry in the Commercial Fishing License Buyback Program at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
4. Examine current statutes and rules to determine any necessary enhancements that can assist in the eradication of feral hogs by using practical solutions and effective eradication techniques. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock)
5. Monitor the implementation of HB 3279, 83rd R.S. regarding the protection of seagrass plants.
6. Examine the economic impact of cultural, recreational, or tourism grants provided by the state, including any economic development grants related to cultural, recreational, or tourism industries, heritage tourism, courthouse restoration, and historic district revitalization.
7. 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 Economic and Small Business Development
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Economic development | Economic development incentives | Governor's Industry Cluster Initiative | Manufacturing | Office of Economic Development and Tourism | Venture capital | Workforce |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 Ec74h
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [74 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Examine and evaluate economic development incentives to determine if the incentives are achieving the desired outcomes for which the incentives were initially established. Review which economic development goals and incentives are most important and report on methods to further improve those goals and incentives while reducing ones not meeting their desired objectives.
2. Study venture capital investment in the state and determine how Texas compares to other states in attracting venture capital dollars. Make recommendations to improve Texas's ability in attract venture capital investment.
3. Review the current Texas Industry Cluster Initiative to determine if the state's targeted industry clusters need to be updated to reflect changes in industry sectors that have evolved in Texas since the clusters were initially identified.
4. Review the Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism and determine its effectiveness on economic development in Texas. Determine how the office could be more efficiently coordinated with local and regional economic development entities and other state agencies to help further the economic development goals of the state.
5. Monitor manufacturing and manufacturing workforce development initiatives passed by the 83rd Legislature.
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. 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 Economic Development Incentives, Select
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Economic development | Economic development incentives | Film industry | Major Events Reimbursement Program | Tax incentives | Texas Economic Development Act | Texas Emerging Technology Fund | Texas Enterprise Fund |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 Ec74hi
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [59 pages]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. The committee shall perform a study of the use and effectiveness of economic development incentive programs in Texas. In performing this study, the committee shall:
  • Determine the types or categories of economic development projects that provide the greatest benefit to the state. Make recommendations where appropriate to focus on or target the types or categories of economic development projects that provide the greatest long-term benefit to the state.
  • Catalog and evaluate economic development incentive grants awarded at the State level and assess their relative success, recognizing adjustments or modifications made to the initial criteria outlined in the award contracts.
  • Examine the agencies administering economic development incentive programs and make recommendations where consolidating or moving functions improves efficiency.
  • Identify any problems in coordination between state and local economic development entities. Make recommendations to improve coordination where beneficial.
  • Review best practices of economic development incentive programs and make recommendations on changes to existing programs where appropriate.
Committee: House Economic and Small Business Development
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Automobiles | Biotechnology industry | Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas | Career and technical education | Economic development | Economic development incentives | Entrepreneurship | Manufacturing | Margins tax | Research and development tax incentives | Small businesses | Tax incentives | Technology transfer and commercialization | Texas Emerging Technology Fund | University research | Workforce |
Library Call Number: L1836.82 Ec74h
Session: 82nd R.S. (2011)
Online version: View report [90 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Examine previous Emerging Technology Fund (ETF) grants awarded for cancer-related research. Determine whether future awards for similar projects are appropriate for the ETF program or whether they should be considered by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
2. Examine the impact of research at state universities on the state economy. Identify ways to increase the partnership opportunities between private business and research institutions to enhance the commercialization of newly discovered technology. (Joint with the House Committee on Higher Education)
3. Examine the state's efforts to encourage new business growth and retain existing businesses in order to strengthen our state's economy. Determine whether a consolidated approach to statewide economic development would be more effective.
4. Examine the economic impact of the automobile industry in Texas and the state's ability to compete with other states for future automotive manufacturing facilities. Identify policies, regulations, and current statutes that either hinder or facilitate job growth and investment by the automotive industry. Review opportunities available to partner manufacturers' research and development with Texas colleges and universities, including technology enhancements in safety or alternative fuel systems.
5. Examine Texas' industry cluster initiatives in an effort to remain competitive in today's economic development arena. Review the implementation of recommendations made by the Governor's Competitiveness Council and consider new recommendations for Texas to remain an economic development leader.
6. Examine current economic development programs available in urban areas in Texas and other states. Report on successful programs and make legislative recommendations for innovative economic development programs. (Joint with the House Committee on Urban Affairs)
7. Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 82nd Legislature, with specific attention to the implementation of HB 2457, 82nd R.S., regarding the oversight of the Emerging Technology Fund.
8. Study and make recommendations for significantly improving the state's manufacturing capability.
Committee: House Manufacturing, Interim
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Economic development incentives | Manufacturing | Tax incentives | Workforce |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 M319
Session: 82nd R.S. (2011)
Online version: View report [26 pages]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Recommend ways that the Legislature can strengthen the manufacturing sector in Texas.
Committee: House Economic Development
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Economic development incentives | Sports | Texas Economic Development Act | Texas Emerging Technology Fund | Texas Enterprise Fund |
Library Call Number: L1836.80 Ec74h
Session: 80th R.S. (2007)
Online version: View report [33 pages  File size: 3,482 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the performance of the Texas Enterprise Fund, the Texas Emerging Technology Fund, the Texas Economic Development Act, the Texas Enterprise Zone Program, and other economic development tools in promoting economic development in Texas, and recommend any needed statutory changes.
2. Review the overall history, goals, and implementation of the various funds established by Article 5190.14, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes. Identify and recommend any changes necessary to clarify or improve the statute.
3. Study the use of the Texas Economic Development Act since its enactment as HB 1200, 77th R.S.. Determine how the act may be enhanced to better attract significant capital investments by science and technology industries developing alternative energy sources. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Energy Resources.)
4. Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee: Senate Business and Commerce Subcommittee on Emerging Technologies and Economic Development
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: The Senate Subcommittee on Emerging Technologies and Economic Development report to the 80th Legislat
Subjects: Economic development | Economic development incentives | Technology transfer and commercialization | Texas Emerging Technology Fund | Texas Enterprise Fund |
Library Call Number: L1836.79 B963et
Session: 79th R.S. (2005)
Online version: View report [114 pages  File size: 10,559 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review how other leading states and countries have structured their economic development programs to match the needs of businesses in an economy in which information, ideas and technology are the driving forces. Identify programs from which Texas could benefit.
2. Study how Texas can better translate its wealth of intellectual property and potential into commercialization. Review fostering better links between basic research and discovery resources of academic institutions and commercialization of existing industries, better connections between complementary discoveries and technologies, and increased funding for such activities.
3. Review Texas' economic development tools including the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Texas Emerging Technologies Fund and make recommendations for improvements including better tracking of fund uses and benefits.
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 Finance
Title: Interim Report - General Government, Public Safety and Economic Development
Library Catalog Title: Interim report of the Senate Finance Committee : recommendations to the 79th Legislature.
Subjects: Economic development incentives | Fees | Health care costs | Licensing and Regulation, Texas Department of | Prison population | Prisons | Texas Enterprise Fund |
Library Call Number: L1836.78 F49 v. 2
Session: 78th R.S. (2003)
Online version: View report [219 pages  File size: 9,919 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Natural Resources & Economic Development Fund 006. Review revenue sources into and appropriations out of Fund 006. Review policy decisions by the 78th Legislature that will impact the future of the Fund. Make recommendations for improvement, as needed. Enterprise Fund. Monitor and report on current and potential future uses of the Enterprise Fund. Study and develop recommendations for using economic development funds and assessing potential projects, including, but not limited to, establishing criteria for investment, developing standards for cost-benefit analyses, leveraging local participation, and incorporating claw-back provisions if goals are not met.
2. General Government, Regulatory, & Judiciary Review of Fees. Conduct comprehensive review of and report on fees at state regulatory agencies, including historical information on fee amount, expenditures, appropriations, populations affected and general impact to the state budget. Revisit Rising Health Care Cost Study of the 77th Legislature. Review the cost study and determine which cost elements of the study have not been controlled and make recommendations to the 79th Legislature to address bringing them under control. Examine the budget impact of policy decisions of the 78th Legislature and make recommendations for improvement.
3. Criminal Justice & Public Safety Adult and Juvenile Correction Populations. Monitor population trends in the adult and juvenile correction facilities and determine if budget decisions made in the 78th Legislature remain viable. Make recommendations for improvement, as necessary.

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