Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas. Below are resources related to upcoming Interim Hearings.

• May 10, 2022
  • House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures
  • Senate Committee on Higher Education
  • Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
• May 11, 2022
  • House Committee on Elections
  • Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

May 10, 2022
House Committee on House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Charge 1: 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 the associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation including the following:

• HB 636, relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners; and
  • Staff Report With Final Results: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, Sunset Advisory Commission, June 2019
  • Executive Order No. GA-06, Relating to Necessary Assistance From Qualified Plumbers With Disaster Recovery and Preparedness, Governor Greg Abbott, June 13, 2019
• HB 1560, relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
  • Staff Report With Final Results: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Sunset Advisory Commission, June 2021

Charge 3: Evaluate the qualifications for massage establishments, including gaps and loopholes in the application, monitoring, enforcement, and complaint processes that allow unlawful activity to occur. Consider the multidisciplinary and intergovernmental collaboration required to reduce illicit massage establishments and connect victims with services. Make recommendations to protect Texans against unlawful activity and victimization such as human trafficking.

• Staff Report With Final Results: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Sunset Advisory Commission, June 2021
• Occupational Licensing Final Report: Assessing State Policies and Practices, National Conference of State Legislatures, December 2020
• Human Trafficking State Laws, Awareness & Regulation (Massage services), National Conference of State Legislatures
• Massage Therapy, Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation

Senate Committee on Higher Education
Charge: Workforce Education: Evaluate state efforts to support access to work-based learning and microcredential opportunities, including apprenticeships, industry-based certificates and certifications, as well as competency-based education. Assess the potential benefits of expanding access to work-based learning, apprenticeships, microcredentials, and industry-based certifications that are aligned to workforce needs and provide in-demand workforce skills and competencies. Evaluate existing resources and programs at institutions, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Workforce Commission to support these opportunities and ultimately reach Tri-Agency goals. Consider recommendations to standardize these programs in order increase postsecondary degree completions.

• "Trying to Give Students in Low-wage Majors Some Extra Skills They Can Cash In On" (Microcredential pilot program at The University of Texas System), The Hechinger Report, February 18, 2022
• Credentials of Value, National Conference of State Legislatures, February 17, 2021
• Texas Credentials for the Future Initiative, The University of Texas System
• Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, Office of the Governor, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Workforce Commission

Charge: Enrollment Trends: Study the postsecondary enrollment trends across all sectors and levels of higher education in Texas, with a review on specific challenges to enrollment. Consider the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on direct high school-to-college enrollment, first-time college enrollment, transferability, and retention rates, as well as the overall impact on community college enrollment. Make recommendations on specific methods to address disparities and pandemic impacts relating to enrollment trends in order to achieve Texas' higher education goals in building a Talent Strong Texas.

• Building a Talent Strong Texas, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, March 21, 2022
• "Students Cut College During Pandemic; Their Return Is Uncertain," Southwest Economy, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, First Quarter 2022
• 2019-2020 Student Migration Report, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, September 29, 2021
• 2021 Texas Public Higher Education Almanac (Profile of state and institutional performance and characteristics), Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Summer 2021
• #RealCollege 2021: Basic Needs Insecurity Among Texas College Students During the Ongoing Pandemic, The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice, May 2021
• "A Review of Demographic Trends for Texas and the United States," Journal of College Academic Support Programs, October 2018

Charge: Funding Permanent University Fund: Review the history and use of the Permanent University Fund for the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University, and explore the creation of a new legacy fund to address the needs of all other higher education institutions in Texas. Make recommendations on methods to streamline other existing research funds and finance research academic institutions in Texas.

• National Research University Fund Eligibility, September 1, 2019 - August 31, 2020: A Report to the Comptroller and the Texas Legislature, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, March 2021
• Formula Funding Recommendations for the 2022-23 Biennium, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, April 2020
• Financing Public Higher Education in Texas: Legislative Primer (Constitutional Funds and Statutory Funds, Appendix D – Constitutional and Research Funds, 2018–19 Biennium), Legislative Budget Board, March 2019
• THECB Board Meeting (Agenda Item IX-E: Higher Education Fund Re-Allocation Recommendation for Fiscal Years 2020 through 2035: Report, Presentation), Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, October 25, 2018
• Higher Education Fund Allocation Recommendation for Fiscal Years 2016 through 2025, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, October 2014
• Funding Overviews, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Charge: Teaching and Health Care Workforce Participation: Review financial aid and scholarship opportunities in Texas related to teaching, health care, and law enforcement, and examine methods to increase participation in these and other high-demand fields. In particular, study the participation rates of the Math and Science Scholars Loan Repayment Program, the Peace Officer Loan Repayment Program, and the Nursing Corps Loan Repayment Program, and make recommendations on ways to increase participation rates in each area.

• 2021-22 State Financial Aid Program Guidelines, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, as of October 25, 2021
• Report on Student Financial Aid in Texas Higher Education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, September 2021
• "How Will Student Loan Borrowers Fare After the Pandemic?," Pew Charitable Trusts, updated August 13, 2021
• Interim Report to the 87th Legislature (Charge 1 - SB 16, Peace Officer Loan Repayment Assistance Program), House Committee on Higher Education, January 2021
• Report to Congress: Nurse Corps Loan Repayment and Scholarship Programs Fiscal Year 2020, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020
• Student Loan Forgiveness for Teachers, Texas Education Agency
• Student Loan Repayment Programs, Texas Health and Human Services Commission
• Types of Financial Aid, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Charge: Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Higher Education 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 1102, relating to the establishment of the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Program to support workforce education.
  • Texas Reskilling and Upskilling for Education (TRUE) Institutional Capacity Grants, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
• HB 3767, relating to measures to support the alignment of education and workforce development in the state with state workforce needs, including the establishment of the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative.
  • Comments on the Tri-Agency's Proposal on Statewide Workforce Development Goals (Comments to Commissioner Mike Morath, Texas Education Agency, Commissioner Harrison Keller, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and Chairman Bryan Daniel, Texas Workforce Commission on HB 3767), Texas 2036, March 10, 2022
  • Linking Education and Workforce: Spurring Economic Growth Across Texas, Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, November 2020
  • Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, Office of the Governor, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Workforce Commission

Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Charge: 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.

• 2022 State Water Plan, Interactive State Water Plan, Texas Water Development Board, adopted July 7, 2021
• State of Texas: Public Drinking Water Program, 2020 Annual Compliance Report, Water Supply Division, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, July 1, 2021
• 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, Drinking Water, Wastewater, Texas 2021 Report, American Society of Civil Engineers, 2021
• Interim Report to the 87th Texas Legislature (Interim Charge 2: Promoting the Development of Future Water Supplies, Troubled Water Systems), House Committee on Natural Resources, December 2020

Charge: 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.

• Environment and Natural Resources State Bill Tracking Database, National Conference of State Legislatures, April 13, 2022
• 2022 State Water Plan, Interactive State Water Plan, Texas Water Development Board, adopted July 7, 2021
• Overruling the Rule of Capture: What Can Texas Learn From 10 Other States' Groundwater Law Updates?, Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, June 2021
• Legislative Priorities Report: TWDB Priorities for the 87th Texas Legislative Session, Texas Water Development Board, January 2021
• Master Technology Roadmap, National Alliance for Water Innovation, 2021
• The Future of Desalination in Texas: 2020 Biennial Report on Seawater and Brackish Groundwater Desalination in Texas, Texas Water Development Board, December 1, 2020
• Tech Trends (Interactive survey results), The Water Research Foundation, last updated May 6, 2020

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May 11, 2022
House Committee on Elections
Charge: Study the effectiveness of new poll watcher training required by SB 1 (87S2).

• Poll Watcher's Guide, Elections Division, Texas Secretary of State, updated January 2022
• Training and Education and Resources, Texas Secretary of State

Charge: Examine the reporting of election results following an election to determine the reasons for any delays and inaccuracies in the initial reporting of elections results. Make recommendations to ensure that election results are reported in a timely and accurate manner following the closing of the polls.

• Conducting Your Elections, Texas Secretary of State

Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Charge: 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.

• Rural Small Businesses Need Local Solutions to Survive, Brookings Institution, December 1, 2020
• 2020 Small Business Profile (Texas Congressional Districts), Office of Advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration, August 2020
• Study of the Challenges and Opportunities of Developing Small Businesses in Rural Texas, Thomas P. Miller & Associates, Office of the Texas Governor, 2019
• Boosting America's Rural Workforce, Legisbrief, National Conference of State Legislatures, June 6, 2019

Charge: 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.

• "USDA Targets Funds in Texas to Help Producers with Infrastructure Repairs Along the Southern Border" (News Release), Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, February 16, 2022
• Medicaid Access and Participation: A Data Profile of Eligible and Ineligible Immigrant Adults, Migration Policy Institute, October 2021
• Left on the Table: The Unrealized Economic Potential of the Undocumented Population, Center for the United States and Mexico, Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, July 2021
• Undocumented Immigrants in Texas: A Cost-Benefit Assessment, Center for the United States and Mexico, Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, May 2020
• The Hidden Impact of Removal Proceedings on Rural Communities, TRAC [Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse], Syracuse University, April 9, 2020
• Texas Needs the Workers! An Analysis of the Economic and Fiscal Impact of Undocumented Workers, Perryman Group, February 2016
• Special Report: Undocumented Immigrants in Texas: A Financial Analysis of the Impact to the State Budget and Economy, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, December 2006

Charge: 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.

• "Regional and Plant-Size Impacts of COVID-19 on Beef Processing," Food Policy, April 2022
• Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021, 51-3023 Slaughterers and Meat Packers, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified March 31, 2022
• "USDA Announces $500 Million for Expanded Meat & Poultry Processing Capacity as Part of Efforts to Increase Competition, Level the Playing Field for Family Farmers and Ranchers, and Build a Better Food System" (Press Release),U.S. Department of Agriculture, July 9, 2021
• The U.S. Beef Supply Chain: Issues and Challenges, Agricultural and Food Policy Center, Texas A&M University, June 3-4, 2021
• "Pandemic Demand Strains Central Texas Meat Supply Chain," Austin American-Statesman, July 4, 2020
• 2019 Economic Impact Report of the Meat and Poultry Industry (Texas), North American Meat Institute

Charge: 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.

• "Where's the Beef: Con Artist Turns Texas Cattle Industry Into $100M Playground," AgWeb, Farm Journal, May 10, 2021
• "A New Frontier for Cattle Rustling," Animals, Fox West Texas, updated November 23, 2020
• "Catching Modern-Day Cattle Rustlers Is a Full-Time Job for This Texas Special Ranger," Spectrum News 1, August 18, 2020
• Theft and Law, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

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This entry was posted on May 4, 2022 at 3:00 PM and has received 1018 views. Print this entry.

Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas. Below are resources related to upcoming Interim Hearings.

• May 3, 2022
  • House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety
  • Senate Special Committee on Child Protective Services
  • Senate Committee on Transportation
  • Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs
• May 4, 2022
  • House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
  • Senate Committee on Finance
• May 5, 2022
  • House Committee on Higher Education
  • House Committee on Human Services

May 3, 2022
House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety
Charge: 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 3712, relating to the training of and policies for peace officers; and
  • "Implementation Updates," The Briefing, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, December 2021
  • Model Policies, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
• SB 24, relating to the procedures required before a law enforcement agency hires a peace officer.
  • Background Confirmation and TCOLE Secure Share, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement

Charge: Study incidents of law enforcement injuries and fatalities to determine those situations that pose the greatest risk to law enforcement. Make recommendations on best practices for increasing and preserving the safety and security of law enforcement officers, including those undercover.

• 2021 End-of-Year Preliminary Law Enforcement Officers Fatalities Report, National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum, 2021
• "FBI Releases 2020 Statistics on Law Enforcement Officers Killed in the Line of Duty" (Summary of statistics available in the Bureau's Crime Data Explorer), Federal Bureau of Investigation, May 3, 2021
• President's Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice, Final Report (Chapter 14: Law Enforcement Health and Wellness), U.S. Department of Justice, December 2020
• National Survey on Officer Safety Training: Findings and Implications, National Police Foundation and Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice, August 2020
• "Improving Officer Safety on the Roadways," National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice, November 11, 2018

Charge: Compare Texas' incident crime reporting requirements with those of other states and determine whether a standardized reporting requirement should be implemented for Texas law enforcement. Study opportunities to modernize and improve local and statewide data collection and dissemination throughout the criminal justice system to promote transparency and ensure uniform data collection processes.

• Crime in Texas 2020 (National Incident-Based Reporting System), Texas Department of Public Safety
• Crime Records Reports and Statistical Information, The Texas Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Texas Department of Public Safety

Topic: Invited testimony from the Texas Division of Emergency Management to gather information on severe weather response and recovery.

• Severe Cold Weather Events & Critical Infrastructure in Texas (Blog), Legislative Reference Library, February 17, 2022
• Disasters Portal (Declared Disasters, 2017-present), State Operations Center (Disaster Summary Outline, Situation Reports, Emergency Services District Reports), Texas Division of Emergency Management
• Disaster Declarations and Related Materials (2001-present), Texas Governors database, Legislative Reference Library

Charge: Monitor the emergency operations at the Texas-Mexico border, including whether existing emergency management resources are sufficient to address a non-natural emergency, including and especially one involving a large geographic area and multiple thousands of people.

• "How the U.S. Patrols Its Borders," Council on Foreign Relations, last updated April 5, 2022
• Texas Department of Public Safety Records of 2021 Border Deployment Costs (Public Information Request Response), American Oversight, September 17, 2021
• "Texas Once Again Tests the Boundaries of State Authority in Immigration Enforcement," Migration Policy Institute, June 29, 2021
• Texas Border Crime and Other Criminal Activity Report, Texas Department of Public Safety, May 30, 2021
• Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2021-2025, Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Department of Public Safety, January 22, 2021
• Texas Border Security Statistics, Texas Department of Public Safety

Charge: Review the increase in law enforcement personnel along the Texas-Mexico border. Determine whether law enforcement has sufficient resources to address the current or any anticipated circumstances. Determine whether law enforcement needs specific or individualized training or education on matters involving border security, human trafficking or other scenarios where unaccompanied minors are involved.

• ORR Guide: Children Entering the United States Unaccompanied, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement, April 13, 2022
• Summary of Resources for State, Local, Tribal, Territorial, and Campus Law Enforcement Partners (Human Trafficking, Forced Labor, and Sex Trafficking, Training and Funding Opportunities), U.S. Department of Homeland Security, April 2022
• Texas Border Security Reporting (Appropriations Compared to Agency-reported Expenditures), Legislative Budget Board, March 31, 2022
• Border Security Appropriations (Presented to Senate Committee on Border Security), Legislative Budget Board, March 8, 2022
• Strengthening Services for Unaccompanied Children in U.S. Communities, Migration Policy Institute, June 2021
• Interim Report to the 87th Legislature (Charge 1 – Human Trafficking), Senate Committee on State Affairs, December 2020

Charge: Monitor the recent surge in border crossings and make recommendations for enhancing the safety and security of law enforcement, civilian populations on both sides of the Texas-Mexico border, and those entering the United States.

• Southwest Land Border Encounters (Interactive demographic charts), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, last modified April 18, 2022
• Texas Border Security Statistics, Texas Department of Public Safety

Senate Special Committee on Child Protective Services
Invited testimony only.

Senate Committee on Transportation
Charge: Safety: Study the contributing factors leading to fatal crashes and make recommendations to prevent and reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

• "2021 Marks Second Deadliest Year on Texas Roads" (Press Release), Texas Department of Transportation, March 14, 2022
• Texas Transportation Plan (TTP): 2050 Statewide Transportation Report, Texas Department of Transportation, January 2022
• Unified Transportation Program, Texas Department of Transportation, August 31, 2021
• Texas Motor Vehicle Crash Statistics - 2020, Texas Department of Transportation
• "Lone Star State Leads Country in 'Wrong-Way' Crash Fatalities; New Analysis Finds Fatality Rate Rising" (Press Release), AAA Texas, March 23, 2021

Charge: Driver's License Efficiency: Study the Department of Public Safety's driver's license program operations and make recommendations to improve the efficiency of services while maintaining individual privacy and security for Texans.

• Management, Operating Structure, Efficiencies, and Opportunities and Challenges of Transferring the Driver License Program, Executive Summary, DPS IAC 2020: Final Report and Technical Memorandums (SB 616, 86th Legislature, R.S.), The University of Texas at Austin, Center for Transportation Research, August 27, 2020
• "Texas Increases Security Features, Unveils New Design for Driver License/ID and License to Carry Cards" (Press Release, Compliance with the Federal Real ID Act), Texas Department of Public Safety, February 26, 2020
• "Texas Driver's Licenses: A Customer Service Challenge," Fiscal Notes, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, October 2019
• Vertafore (FAQ on security breach involving Texas driver license information), Texas Department of Motor Vehicles

Charge: Alternatively Fueled Vehicles: Review the Texas Department of Transportation's plan for federal funding related to alternatively fueled vehicle infrastructure development. Examine the increase of private and public owned alternatively fueled vehicles registered in the state and make recommendations for road user fee fairness between alternatively fueled vehicles and gasoline and diesel vehicles.

• Memorandum Regarding the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program Guidance,Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, February 10, 2022
• Study on Imposing Fees on Alternatively Fueled Vehicles (Section 1: Impact of Alternatively Fueled Vehicles on the State Highway System), Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, December 1, 2020
• Texas Electric Vehicle Planning, Texas Department of Transportation
• Texas Transportation Data for Alternative Fuels and Vehicles, Alternative Fuels Data Center, U.S. Department of Energy

Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs
Charge: State Veteran Cemeteries: Evaluate the current oversight of the Texas State Veteran Cemeteries to ensure that these sacred and essential grounds are being maintained, repaired, and treated with respect. Ensure that the needs of our veterans are being met by reviewing the number, location, and funding of the cemeteries. Examine and make recommendations for the financing mechanism for the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries to ensure sustainability.

• List of Veterans Cemeteries (Addresses and Phone Numbers, Texas), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, last updated July 30, 2021
• National Cemetery Administration: Veterans Cemetery Grants Program Did Not Always Award Grants to Cemeteries Correctly and Hold States to Standards (Action Plan and Recommendations), Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, June 24, 2021
• Texas State Veterans Cemeteries, Veterans Land Board

Charge: Veteran Benefits: Explore and report on options to remove barriers for companies offering veteran benefits and consider policies that could leverage additional public-private-partnerships. Identify opportunities to connect veterans to existing business resources and available state services. Recommend ways to increase matching federal funding for veteran benefits. Review current law for consistency in eligibility for state veteran benefits and recommend any necessary changes.

• Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2021
• Interim Report to the 87th Texas Legislature (Charge 2 – Mental health treatment options, Charge 5 – Economic vitality of military veterans transitioning into the workforce), House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs, December 2020
• "Reducing Barriers to Post-9/11 Veterans' Use of Programs and Services as they Transition to Civilian Life," BMC Health Services Research, June 10, 2020
• Texas Veterans Portal, Texas.gov

Charge: Veteran Mental Health: Review the currently accepted forms of treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and consider the creation of a program which would require completion of a multi-modality treatment plan including traditional talk therapy, limbic system therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and emotionally focused individual therapy (EFIT).

• "The National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study: A Narrative Review and Future Directions" (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder), Frontiers in Psychiatry, December 9, 2020
• "Treating PTSD: A Review of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Interventions," Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, November 2, 2018
• Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Adults, American Psychological Association, 2017
• PTSD Treatment Basics, National Center for PTSD, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Charge: Veteran Mental Health: Identify the training and resources available to urban and rural first responders when assisting veterans experiencing a mental health crisis. Make recommendations for how to best support first responders in these crisis situations.

• "Mental Health Emergencies, Law Enforcement and Deflection Pathways," State Legislatures News, National Conference of State Legislatures, February 9, 2022
• Report on the Mental Health Program for Veterans for Fiscal Year 2021 As Required By Chapter 1001, Health and Safety Code, Section 1001.224, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, December 2021
• Preventing Military Veteran Suicides: State Policy Options, LegisBrief, National Conference of State Legislatures, April 22, 2021
• Staff Report with Final Results: Texas Veterans Commission, Sunset Advisory Commission, June 2019
• About Us, Mental Health Providers, Military Veteran Peer Network
• Mental Health First Aid, Texas Health and Human Services Commission
• Serving Those Who Serve Veterans Mental Well Being, Texas Veterans Commission
• TVC Veterans Mental Health Department (Brochure), Veterans Mental Health Department, Texas Veterans Commission

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May 4, 2022
House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
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.

Senate Committee on Finance
Charge: 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.

• Consumer Price Index, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Area – March 2022, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified April 12, 2022
• Consumer Price Index, South Region – March 2022, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified April 12, 2022
• "Prices are Rising at Historic Rates, and Rising Much Faster than Wages," PERC Blog, Private Enterprise Research Center, Texas A&M University, April 12, 2022
• "The Fed's Slow Realization of the Inflation Problem," PERCspectives on Policy, Private Enterprise Research Center, Texas A&M University, Spring 2022
• Consumer Price Index, Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land – February 2022, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified March 10, 2022

Charge: 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.

• Proposed Constitutional Amendments for the May 2022 Ballot, House Research Organization, April 6, 2022
• Analyses of Proposed Constitutional Amendments, 87th Legislature, 2nd and 3rd Called Sessions, May 7, 2022 Election, Texas Legislative Council, April 2022
• Fiscal 50: State Trends and Analysis (Tax Revenue Volatility), Pew Research Center, updated April 25, 2022
• Certification Revenue Estimate, 2022-2023 Biennium, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, November 4, 2021
• Key Economic Indicators, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Charge: Russia Divestiture: Examine and report on options for state asset owners to divest their positions in companies that invest in the Russian Federation.

• "States Not Immune to Effects of War in Ukraine," State Legislatures News, National Conference of State Legislatures, March 22, 2022
• "Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar's Statement on Potential Russia Divestments" (Press Release), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, March 2, 2022
• "The Impact of Russia Sanctions on US States," State Legislatures News, National Conference of State Legislatures, February 28, 2022
• "US States Adding to Financial Pressure on Russia Over War," AP News, Associated Press, February 28, 2022

Charge: 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.

• NASRA Issue Brief: State and Local Government Spending on Public Employee Retirement Systems, National Association of State Retirement Administrators, updated February 2022
• Funding Soundness Restoration Plans: Staff Recommendations for Rulemaking, Texas Pension Review Board, February 24, 2022
• "Lawmakers Tackle Long-Term Obligations," Fiscal Notes, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, September 2021
• Interim Report to the 87th Legislature (Charge 4 – ERS and TRS pension funds), House Committee on Pensions, Investments and Financial Services, January 2021

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May 5, 2022
House Committee on Higher Education
Charge: Review progress toward the goals of the 60x30TX plan, including institutional strategies for responding to changing workforce needs and demands, including workforce education, industry certification, and degree programs to address health care shortages.

• "The Texas 60x30 Higher Education Plan: A Midpoint Review" (Blog), Every Texan, April 12, 2022
• Workforce Participation Shortages, National Conference of State Legislatures, March 23, 2022
• 60x30TX Progress Report, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, July 2021
• Interim Report to the 87th Texas Legislature (Charge 3 – 60x30TX plan), House Committee on Higher Education, January 2021
• Mismatch? Aligning Secondary Career and Technical Education with Regional Workforce Demand, Texas Public Policy Foundation, May 2020
• 60x30TX: Texas Higher Education Strategic Plan: 2015-2030, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 2015

House Committee on Human Services
Charge: Monitor federal decisions that may impact the delivery and financial stability of the state's health programs, including: the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' rescission of its prior approval of the State's 1115 Waiver, the state and federal negotiations of the Medicaid directed payment programs (including hospital finance methods), federal changes to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program and the exclusion of certain costs from the uncompensated care program authorized through the 1115 Waiver.

• Letter to Stephanie Stephens, State Medicaid/CHIP Director, Texas Health and Human Services Commission (1115 waiver, withdrawing the letter of April 16, 2021), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, April 22, 2022
• "Governor Abbott Statement on CMS Decision to Withdraw 1115 Waiver Rescission" (Press Release), Office of the Texas Governor, April 22, 2022
• "Biden Administration Drops Fight Over Texas' Medicaid Waiver, Now in Place until 2030," Texas Tribune, April 22, 2022
• Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Texas Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement Program, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Waiver Renewal, Medicaid 1115 Transformation Waiver, Directed Payment Programs, Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Charge: 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 the Healthy Families, Healthy Texas initiative, including:

• HB 133, relating to the provision of benefits under Medicaid and the Healthy Texas Women program; and·
  • Carve-in of Case Management for Children and Pregnant Women (Presentation), Texas Health and Human Services Commission, November 3, 2021
• Relevant provisions of HB 2658, relating to the administration and operation of the Medicaid managed care program, especially those provisions that relate to continuous eligibility for a child for Medicaid.

Charge: Monitor implementation of SB 1, Rider 30 (Health and Human Services Commission) and make recommendations for reducing the interest list for waiver services for individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and reducing associated staffing shortages.

• Texas Health and Human Services Commission Annual Report Regarding Long-Term Care Regulation, As Required by Texas Health and Safety Code § 242.005 (Appendix F. Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions), Texas Health and Human Services Commission, March 2022
• Intellectual and Developmental Disability and Behavioral Health Services Fiscal Year 2021 in Review, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, revised February 28, 2022
• Texas Statewide Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Strategic Plan, IDD Strategic Planning Group, January 2022
• Texas Statewide Behavioral Health Strategic Plan: Progress Report, Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council, December 2021
• Disability Services Action Plan, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, August 31, 2020
• Reimagining the Future: A Report on Maximizing Resources and Long-Range Planning for State Supported Living Centers, As Required by 2020-21 General Appropriations Act, House Bill 1, 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019 (Article II, Health and Human Services Commission, Rider 110) and Texas Health and Safety Code § 533A.032, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, July 2020
• Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) - Long-term Care, Texas Health and Human Services Commission

This entry was posted on April 27, 2022 at 3:15 PM and has received 1293 views. Print this entry.

Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas. Below are resources related to upcoming Interim Hearings.

• April 26, 2022
  • House Committee on Environmental Regulation
  • House Committee on Public Education
  • House Committee on State Affairs
  • House Committee on Transportation
• April 27, 2022
  • House Committee on Business & Industry
  • House Committees on Defense & Veterans' Affairs and Homeland Security & Public Safety (Joint Hearing)

April 26, 2022
House Committee on Environmental Regulation
Charge: 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 1680, relating to the regulation of on-site sewage disposal systems on certain leased land that is owned by the federal government;
• HB 4472, relating to the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP); and
  • Proposed Rule, 30 Texas Administrative Code § 114.622, Incentive Program Requirements (Texas Emissions Reduction Plan), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Register, January 28, 2022
• SB 900, which updates performance and safety standards for chemical storage vessels.
  • TCEQ Sunset Self-Evaluation Report (Texas Emissions Reduction Plan Program, On-Site Sewage Facility Program), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, September 2021

Charge: Evaluate the allocation of TERP funds for effective air pollution reduction programs. Review which existing programs are over or undersubscribed and identify unrealized opportunities that would further program goals.

• Texas Emissions Reduction Plan: Biennial Report (2019-2020): Report to the 87th Texas Legislature (Appendix 2, TERP Funding Allocation), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, December 2020
• Interim Report (Charge 4 – Texas Emissions Reduction Plan), Senate Committee on Finance, November 2018
• An Audit Report on the Commission on Environmental Quality's Administration of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan Grants, Texas State Auditor's Office, October 2018
• Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

House Committee on Public Education
Charge #2: Examine the impact, including any financial impact, to the Texas public school system of an increase in the number of children crossing the Texas-Mexico border. Review the history, any applicable precedents, and the legal landscape regarding the education of migrant children in Texas's public schools.

• Educating Newcomers: K–12 Public Schooling for Undocumented and Asylum-Seeking Children in the United States, RAND Corporation, 2021
• "Districts See Drop in Funds for Migrant Education Programs," Laredo Morning Times Online, June 3, 2019
• Legal Protections for K-12 English Learner and Immigrant-Background Students, Migration Policy Institute, June 2019
• Student Immigration Issues in Texas Public Schools, Texas Association of School Boards, Updated December 2018
• Title I, Part C - Education of Migratory Children, Texas Education Agency
• Migrant Education Program, U.S. Department of Education

Charge #11: Review the impact of investments of the Permanent School Fund by the State Board of Education in businesses and funds owned or controlled by the Russian government or Russian nationals, and determine the need for investment restrictions. Consider the impact of any proposed investment restrictions on fund performance.

• Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar's Statement on Potential Russia Divestments, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, March 2, 2022
• "The Impact of Russia Sanctions on US States," State Legislatures News, National Conference of State Legislatures, February 28, 2022
• Texas Permanent School Fund Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ending August 31, 2021, Texas Education Agency, December 20, 2021
• 19 Texas Administrative Code §§ 33.1-33.1001, Statement of Investment Objectives, Policies, and Guidelines of the Texas Permanent School Fund, Texas Education Agency

House Committee on State Affairs
Charge: 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 5, relating to the expansion of broadband services to rural areas
  • Broadband Mapping & Analysis, Connected Nation Texas, updated January 31, 2022
  • Texas Broadband Development Office, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
• HB 1505, relating to attachments for broadband service on utility poles owned by an electric cooperative and establishing and funding a pole replacement program for deployment of certain broadband facilities
  • State Broadband Spending in 2021, NCSL Fiscal Briefs, National Conference of State Legislatures, August 2021

Charge: Study the status and adequacy of cyber security preparedness among state agencies and contractors. Make recommendations that enhance cyber security measures considering evolving threats to Texas' information technology infrastructure.

• "With Attacks on the Rise, Lawmakers Harden Cybersecurity," State Legislatures News, National Conference of State Legislatures, March 15, 2022
• "Cybersecurity and Texas," Fiscal Notes, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, January 2022
• 2020 Cybersecurity Report, Texas Department of Information Resources, November 15, 2020
• Interim Report, Senate Select Committee on Cybersecurity, October 2018
• Interim Report to the 85th Texas Legislature (Charge 1 – Cybersecurity), House Committee on Government Transparency & Operation, January 2017
• Security Policy and Planning (Cybersecurity rules for Texas state agencies, Texas cybersecurity framework, and related resources), Texas Department of Information Resources

Charge: Review the impact of state government procurement of goods and services from businesses and other commercial entities owned or controlled by the Russian government or Russian nationals, and determine the need for restrictions on state government procurement. Consider the impact of any proposed procurement restrictions on state government efficiency and effectiveness and the state’s access to scientific and technological advances.

• Over 600 Companies Have Withdrawn from Russia—But Some Remain, Yale School of Management Chief Executive Leadership Institute, April 20, 2022
• Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar's Statement on Potential Russia Divestments, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, March 2, 2022
• "The Impact of Russia Sanctions on US States," State Legislatures News, National Conference of State Legislatures, February 28, 2022
• Purchasing: Procurement Publications and Downloadable Data, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

House Committee on Transportation
Charge: 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 2219, relating to the issuance of Texas Mobility Fund obligations;
  • Texas Mobility Fund: Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2021 (With Independent Auditor's Report), Texas Department of Transportation, December 17, 2021
• HB 3514, relating to the functions of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV); and
  • TxDMV Board Meeting (Agenda Item 7, Chapter 215, Motor Vehicle Distribution, Amendments, § 215.207), Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, April 14, 2022
  • Agenda, Board Meeting (Agenda Item 5, Consider authorizing MVCPA Director to develop recommendations to update and revise Title 43 of the Texas Administrative Code, Part 3, Chapter 57 rules), Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority, June 30, 2021
• HB 3927, relating to temporary motor vehicle tags.
  • Information About Temporary Tags in Texas, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, March 1, 2022
  • 43 Texas Administrative Code §§ 215.150-215.155, Temporary Tags, and 43 Texas Administrative Code § 215.505, Denial of Dealer or Converter Access to Temporary Tag System, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Proposal of Chapter 215 Motor Vehicle Distribution, Subchapter E. General Distinguishing Numbers, 43 TAC §§ 215.150, 215.151, 215.153, 215.154, and 215.155 and Subchapter J. Administrative Sanctions, 43 TAC § 215.505 (Includes introduction and explanation of proposed TAC changes), Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, October 29, 2021
  • "How Texas Paper Tags Became a $200M Criminal Enterprise: NBC 5 Investigates," NBC 5 DFW, November 8, 2021

Charge: Study current and future transportation needs and consider improvements to ensure that Texas is adequately planning for the state's population growth forecasts. Evaluate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on transportation projects and investment decisions.

• 2050 Statewide Transportation Report, Texas Department of Transportation, January 2022
• Transportation Solutions for Congested "Boomtown" Cities, Manhattan Institute, May 2021
• "Public Transit in Texas: Vital Systems Under Pressure," Fiscal Notes, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, April 2021
• Texas Transportation Plan 2050, Texas Department of Transportation, June 25, 2020

Charge: Study the impact of the increasing sale and use of electric and alternatively fueled vehicles on revenue predictions for the state highway fund. Recommend a road use revenue equalization methodology to create fairness and parity between gasoline, electric and alternatively fueled vehicles.

• Study on Imposing Fees on Alternatively Fueled Vehicles (Section 1: Impact of Alternatively Fueled Vehicles on the State Highway System), Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, December 1, 2020
• Rising Trend of Punitive Fees on Electric Vehicles Won't Dent Highway Funding Shortfalls but Will Hurt Customers, Consumer Reports, September 2019
• Texas Electric Vehicle Planning, Texas Department of Transportation
• Texas Transportation Data for Alternative Fuels and Vehicles, Alternative Fuels Data Center, U.S. Department of Energy

Topic: Review the state's work in transportation safety.

• Traffic Safety Division, Texas Department of Transportation

Top

April 27, 2022
House Committee on Business & Industry
Charge: Review operational changes and strategies employed by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to improve outcomes related to Unemployment Benefit Services, including application and payment processes, customer services, and fraud deterrence.

• An Audit Report on Contracting at the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas State Auditor's Office, October 2021
• Texas Workforce Commission Annual Report 2020, Texas Workforce Commission, December 2019
• Texas Workforce Commission Customer Service Report 2019-2020, Texas Workforce Commission, December 2019
• Texas Workforce Consolidated 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, Texas Workforce Commission, December 2019
• Reporting Fraud, Unemployment Benefits - Program Overview, Texas Workforce Commission

Charge: Study the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on unemployment trends, hurdles to workforce reentry, and industry-specific disruptions.

• COVID-19: Implications for Business, COVID-19: Briefing Note series, McKinsey & Company, last updated April 13, 2022
• Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Employment and Unemployment Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified January 7, 2022
• "U.S. Labor Market Inches Back from the COVID-19 Shock, but Recovery is Far from Complete," Pew Research Center, April 14, 2021
• "COVID-19 Slammed into Texas, Leaving Long-Lasting Impacts," Southwest Economy, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, First Quarter 2021
• "Weathering the Pandemic: Texas Industries and COVID-19," Fiscal Notes, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, January 2021
• How COVID-19 Sent Women's Workforce Progress Backward, Center for American Progress, October 2020

House Committees on Defense & Veterans' Affairs and Homeland Security & Public Safety (Joint Hearing)
Charge: Monitor the activities of the Texas State Guard and the Texas National Guard participating in Operation Lone Star. Consider any legal or logistical support that can be provided to these organizations to increase operational efficiencies in conjunction with the Department of Public Safety. Review and assess the inventory of these agencies. Make appropriate recommendations.

• Texas Border Security Reporting (Appropriations Compared to Agency-reported Expenditures), Legislative Budget Board, March 31, 2022
• Border Security Appropriations (Presented to Senate Committee on Border Security), Legislative Budget Board, March 8, 2022
• "Governor Abbott, DPS, Texas National Guard Mark One Year Anniversary of Operation Lone Star" (Press Release), Office of the Texas Governor, March 4, 2022
• "Setting the Record Straight on Operation Lone Star" (Press Release), Texas Military Department, January 21, 2022
• Operation Lone Star Border Support Mission, Texas Military Department
• Operation Lone Star, Texas Tribune

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Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas. Below are resources related to upcoming Interim Hearings.

• April 20, 2022
  • House Committee on International Relations & Economic Development
  • Senate Committee on Local Government
• April 21, 2022
  • House Committee on Ways & Means

April 20, 2022
House Committee on International Relations & Economic Development
Charge: Economic Development Incentives. 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.

• "Economic Development Tools for Counties," County Progress, April 2022
• Texas Business Incentives & Programs Overview, Office of the Texas Governor, revised April 2021
• Job Creation Policies Can Raise Local Employment Rates, Especially for Distressed Communities, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, January 20, 2021
• Bringing Jobs to People: Improving Local Economic Development Policies, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, August 5, 2020
• Tax-Related State and Local Economic Development Programs, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, July 2019
• Local Economic Development Programs, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Charge: Semiconductor Investment. 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.

• "The FABS Act: An Essential Component for Incentivizing Semiconductor Manufacturing in the United States?" Perspectives on Innovation Blog, Center for Strategic & International Studies, February 9, 2022
• "Governor Abbott Announces National Semiconductor Centers Texas Task Force" (Press Release), Office of the Texas Governor, October 21, 2021
• 2021 State of the U.S. Semiconductor Industry, Semiconductor Industry Association, September 24, 2021
• "The Great Semiconductor Shortage," American Institute for Economic Research, July 11, 2021
• Government Incentives and US Competitiveness in Semiconductor Manufacturing, Semiconductor Industry Association, September 2020
• Semiconductor Snapshot, Semiconductor Supply Chain, Texas Comptroller of Pubic Accounts

Charge: Trade with Russia. 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.

• "States Not Immune to Effects of War in Ukraine," State Legislatures News, National Conference of State Legislatures, March 22, 2022
• Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar's Statement on Potential Russia Divestments, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, March 2, 2022
• "States and Cities Impose Boycotts Against Russian Goods," Governing, February 28, 2022
• "The Impact of Russia Sanctions on US States," State Legislatures News, National Conference of State Legislatures, February 28, 2022

Senate Committee on Local Government
Bond Elections: Review and report on voter participation and bond election result differences between November and May elections. Make recommendations for improved voter turnout, increased election efficiencies, and better accountability of local debt.

• Local Debt Bond Election Results (Dataset), Texas Bond Review Board, updated April 11, 2022
• 2019 State & Local Government Finance Historical Datasets and Tables, U.S. Census Bureau, last revised October 8, 2021
• Debt at a Glance, Local Government Debt Reporting, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
• Texas Local Government Debt (Overview), Texas Local Government Bond Elections (Database Search), Texas Bond Review Board

Ballot Language: Study the development of the language used for constitutional amendment and local ballot propositions. Recommend changes to make ballot propositions more easily understood by voters.

• Texas Legislative Council Drafting Manual (Chapter 4. Joint Resolutions to Amend the Texas Constitution), Texas Legislative Council, September 2020
• Election Advisory No. 2017-06, RE: New Law: Senate Bill 957 – Numbering/Letting of Propositions on Ballot, Keith Ingram, Director of Elections, Texas Secretary of State, July 20, 2017
• Interim Report to the 85th Legislature (Charge 2 – Local Ordinance Integrity, Charge 6 – Debt Transparency in the Voting Booth), Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations, November 2016

April 21, 2022
House Committee on Ways & Means
Charge: Actively oversee associated rulemaking and agency actions to ensure the intended legislative outcome of:

• HB 2080 and SB 903, relating to taxpayers' suits;
  • "Giving Taxpayers Easier Access to Court: Taxpayer-Friendly Legislation Takes Aim at 'Pay-to-Play'," Fiscal Notes, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, August 2021
• SB 248, relating to the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, and e-cigarettes.
  • "Teen Vaping Is a Problem, Health Experts Are Pushing Back," Story Studio, Houston Chronicle, December 1, 2021
  • "Physician-Led Results: Vaping Permit Requirement Established, COVID-19 Response Mixed," Texas Medical Association, last updated on June 30, 2021
  • E-Cigarette Retailer Permit Frequently Asked Questions, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Charge: 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.

• "States Should Act Fast on UC Trust Fund Deposits, and Other Takeaways from the New Treasury Guidance on ARPA Funding" (Blog), Tax Foundation, updated February 3, 2022
• 2022 State Business Tax Climate Index, Tax Foundation, December 16, 2021
• Property Tax Relief for Homeowners, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, November 2021
• Total State and Local Business Taxes: State-by-State Estimates for FY20, Council of State Taxation, October 2021
• 50-State Property Tax Comparison Study: For Taxes Paid in 2020, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence, June 2021
• State Tax Actions Database, National Conference of State Legislatures, February 2, 2021
• Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Charge: 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.

• Local Sales and Use Tax Collection – A Guide For Sellers, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, March 2022
• State Notices & Resources for Remote Sellers (50 state survey), Sales Tax Institute, updated April 1, 2022
• A Global Perspective on U.S. State Sales Tax Systems as a Revenue Source: Inefficient, Ineffective, and Obsolete, State Tax Research Institute, Council on State Taxation, November 2021
• "City, Comptroller Reach Agreement on Sales Tax Rule Change Injunction" (News), City of Round Rock, Texas, September 10, 2021
• "City Files Suit Seeking to Overturn Sales Tax Rule Change" (News), City of Round Rock, Texas, July 12, 2021
• Interim Report to the 87th Texas Legislature (Charge 1.2 – Implementation Monitoring: H.B. 1525 and H.B. 2153, Charge 3 – Local Option Sales and Use Taxes), House Committee on Ways and Means, January 2021

This entry was posted on April 13, 2022 at 2:15 PM and has received 776 views. Print this entry.

Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas. Below are resources related to upcoming Interim Hearings.

• April 12, 2022
  • House Interim Study Committee on Criminal Justice Reform
  • House Committee on Urban Affairs
• April 14, 2022
  • House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence

April 12, 2022
House Interim Study Committee on Criminal Justice Reform
Charge: Criminal procedure and due process from initial detention through appeal, including prosecutorial discretion.

• Proclamation, Creation of House Interim Study Committee on Criminal Justice Reform, Speaker Dade Phelan, March 10, 2022
• Interim Report to the 84th Legislature, House Select Committee on Criminal Procedure Reform, December 2014

House Committee on Urban Affairs
Charge #4: Study the effects of local governance, planning, and administration on the current state of municipal water and wastewater infrastructure. Examine the measures municipally owned utilities have taken and the costs required to maintain and improve that infrastructure. Make recommendations for cost-effective solutions to ensure reliable infrastructure and uninterrupted municipal utility services, especially during a severe weather event.

• "Winter Storm Uri: A Test of Texas' Water Infrastructure and Water Resource Resilience to Extreme Winter Weather Events," Journal of Extreme Events, December 31, 2021
• 2022 State Water Plan, Texas Water Development Board, adopted July 7, 2021
• State of Texas: Public Drinking Water Program, 2020 Annual Compliance Report, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Supply Division, July 1, 2021
• TCEQ Plan: After-Action Review of Public Water Systems and Winter Storm Uri, Overview, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, May 2021
• "TCEQ: Winter Storm Exposed State's Vulnerable Water Infrastructure," Toby Baker, Executive Director, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Houston Chronicle, March 13, 2021
• 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, Drinking Water, Wastewater, Texas 2021 Report, American Society of Civil Engineers, 2021
• Interim Report to the 87th Texas Legislature (Interim Charge 2: Promoting the Development of Future Water Supplies, Troubled Water Systems), House Committee on Natural Resources, December 2020
• Water Service Boundary Viewer, Overview, Texas Water Development Board

Charge #5: Study municipal fees with respect to the function of the fee and the relationship of the fee to the cost of providing an associated municipal service. Make recommendations to address municipal fees that are disproportionate or unrelated to the cost of providing the associated service.

• "Costly Municipal Fines and Fees Spark a Movement for Reform," ABA Journal, April 1, 2021
• Revenue Manual for Texas Cities, Texas Municipal League, Updated November 2021
• "How Cities Work," Texas Town & City, January 2021
• Municipal Fines and Fees: A 50-State Survey of State Laws, Fines & Fees Justice Center, April 30, 2020

April 14, 2022
House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
Charge: Study the accessibility to counsel in cases involving an indigent defendant and make recommendations to improve access to counsel in these cases. Evaluate methods to improve the effectiveness of court-appointed counsel, caseload processing, caseload distribution, and the state's compliance with applicable appointment of counsel requirements.

• "2021 Year in Review" Pleading the Sixth Blog, Sixth Amendment Center, February 24, 2022
• "In Bexar County, A Hybrid Program to Help Indigent Defendants," Texas Observer, January 18, 2022
• The Use of Remote Hearings in Texas State Courts: The Impact on Judicial Workload (Final report), National Center for State Courts, December 2021
• Public Defender Primer, Texas Indigent Defense Commission, October 2020
• Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020 (September 2019-August 2020), Texas Indigent Defense Commission, June 1, 2021
• Indigent Defense Data for Texas (FY 2020), Texas Indigent Defense Commission
• Texas Indigent Defense Commission

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Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas. Below are resources related to upcoming Interim Hearings.

• April 4
  • Senate Committee on Border Security
• April 5
  • Senate Committee on Border Security
• April 7
  • House Select Committee on Youth Health & Safety

April 4, 2022
Senate Committee on Border Security
Topic: Review border security appropriations and their directed purposes. Invited testimony only from the following:

• Office of the Governor
• Texas Department of Public Safety
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
• Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
• Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board

Border Security Appropriations (Presented to Senate Committee on Border Security), Legislative Budget Board, March 8, 2022

April 5, 2022
Senate Committee on Border Security
Topic: Review border security appropriations and their directed purposes. Invited testimony only from the following:

• Texas Military Department
• Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
• Office of the Attorney General
• Office of Court Administration
• Texas Department of Criminal Justice
• Texas Commission on Jail Standards
• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
• Department of State Health Services

Border Security Appropriations (Presented to Senate Committee on Border Security), Legislative Budget Board, March 8, 2022

April 7, 2022
House Select Committee on Youth Health & Safety
Charge: Study the allocation and use of state resources to preventative and rehabilitative services that address the primary challenges facing Texas youth placed in the juvenile justice system, including the redirection of those resources as necessary to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.

• Monthly Tracking of Adult and Juvenile Correctional Population Indicators, Legislative Budget Board, March 2022
• Annual Report to the Governor and Legislative Budget Board: Community Juvenile Justice Appropriations, Riders, and Special Diversion Programs, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, December 2021
• Sunset Advisory Commission Self-Evaluation Report, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, September 1, 2021
• Statewide Criminal and Juvenile Justice Recidivism and Revocation Rates, Legislative Budget Board, January 2021
• Interim Report to the 86th Legislature (Charge 6 – Review of the impact of substance abuse on Texans involved with the adult or juvenile criminal justice system and/or the Child Protective Services system), House Select Committee on Opioids and Substance Abuse, November 2018
• Interim Report to the 84th Legislature (Charge – Review correctional facilities and procedures, including Texas Juvenile Justice Department), House Committee on Corrections, January 2015

Charge: Study the programs, services, and governmental action focused on the rehabilitation of youthful offenders, including considerations related to developmental factors that impact a youth's entry into the justice system.

• NCSL Juvenile Justice Update (Newsletter), National Conference of State Legislatures, March 2022
• Historical Analysis of Lifetime Justice Involvement of Harris County Youth, Partnership with HCJPD (Harris County Juvenile Probation Department), Texas Policy Lab, 2022
• Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments Biennial Report (Juvenile Case Management Service - Mental Health), Texas Department of Criminal Justice, February 2021
• Second Look: For Justice, Safety & Savings: A Plan to Address Rehabilitated Youth Serving Extreme Sentences in Adult Prisons, Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, May 2020
• State Services, Texas Juvenile Justice Department
• Youth Justice Archives, Texas Center for Justice & Equity

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Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas.

March 31, 2022
House Committee on House Administration
The committee will consider:

• An interim budget for the Select Committee on Health Care Reform.
• A budget for the Criminal Justice Reform, Interim Study.

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Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas. Below are resources related to upcoming Interim Hearings.

March 21
House Committee on Human Services
Consider Department of Family and Protective Services, Department of Public Safety, and Health and Human Services Commission actions related to security and safety of Texas youth in state-licensed facilities, the efficacy of investigative and regulatory processes, and what further action can be taken to ensure child safety.

• Letter to Governor Abbott (Re: investigation into reports of sex trafficking at the shelter The Refuge in Bastrop), Director Steven McCraw, Department of Public Safety, March 16, 2022, accessed from "Texas Rangers Confirm Investigation Into Nude Photos of Children at Bastrop Shelter But Find 'No Evidence' of Sex Abuse," Texas Tribune, March 16, 2022
• Foster and Licensed Facility Placements Resource Guide, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Updated January 2022
• Children Without Placement, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, September 2021
• Child Protective Services (Website), Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

Receive an update on the ongoing lawsuit and its impact on foster care capacity and other impacts on the child welfare system.

• M.D. v. Greg Abbott (No. 2:11-cv-00084), U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Corpus Christi Division, Court Listener, Last updated March 17, 2022
• HHSC/DFPS Response to the Report of the Expert Panel on Recommendations for Improving Texas' Safe Placement and Services for Children, Youth and Families, Texas Health and Human Services Commission and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Court Listener, February 14, 2022
• Recommendations for Improving Texas' Safe Placement and Services for Children, Youth and Families: Report of the Expert Panel Appointed Under the Collaboration Agreement of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the M.D. v. Abbott Plaintiffs, Casey Family Programs, Center for the Study of Social Policy, and Independent Consultant, January 10, 2022
• Compliance Status Report: M.D., bnf Stukenberg, et al. v. Abbott, et al., Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, January 2022
• Foster Care Litigation (Reports and court orders), Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

Review implementation of child welfare legislation passed by the 87th Legislature.

• Child Care Regulation Provider Letter (Implementation of HB 525, 87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021), Texas Health and Human Services Commission, February 2, 2022
• Foster Care Rate Modernization: Semi-Annual Progress Report, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, February 2022
• Quarterly Report, Office of Community Based-Care Transition Implementation Status, December 1, 2021, Revised as of January 3, 2022
• Child Protective Services (CPS) Reports and Presentations, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
• Rider-Related Reports (87th Texas Legislature), Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

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Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas. Below are resources related to upcoming Interim Hearings.

• March 8
  • Senate Committee on Border Security
• March 9
  • Senate Committee on Business and Commerce

March 8
Senate Committee on Border Security
To consider and adopt the Committee rules and conduct any other organizational business deemed necessary by the Chair.
To receive an overview of Operation Lone Star, specifically, the legal, operational, and financial parameters facing the state in addressing the declared disaster at the Texas-Mexico border.

• "Governor Abbott, DPS, Texas National Guard Mark One Year Anniversary of Operation Lone Star" (Press Release), Office of the Texas Governor, March 4, 2022
• Southwest Land Border Encounters (Interactive demographic charts), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Last Modified February 18, 2022
• "Governor Abbott Opens Operation Lone Star Jail Booking Facility in Jim Hogg County" (Press Release), Office of the Texas Governor, February 8, 2022
• Letter from State Representatives Alma Allen, Rafael Anchía, et al., to Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, U.S. Department of Justice, and Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Operation Lone Star), January 26, 2022
• Border Crisis (Information Packet), Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, January 24, 2022
• Summary of Appropriations for the 2022 – 2023 Biennium, Regular Session, Second Called Session, and Third Called Session (Border security funding – Operation Lone Star), Legislative Budget Board, January 2022
• "Governor Abbott Announces an Additional $38.4 Million in Funding for Operation Lone Star" (Press Release), Office of the Texas Governor, December 20, 2021
• Texas Border Crime and Other Criminal Activity Report, Texas Department of Public Safety, May 30, 2021
• Texas Border Security Statistics, Texas Department of Public Safety
• Border Crisis Update, Office of the Texas Governor

March 9
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce
Review of actions taken by ERCOT, the PUC, and other entities to ensure reliability of the electric grid during the 2021-2022 Winter Season.
Implementation of SB 3 and related legislation, including ongoing rulemaking and proposed changes to the ERCOT market design.

• Severe Cold Weather Events & Critical Infrastructure in Texas (Blog – Links to resources on the response of ERCOT, the PUC, and other state and federal agencies), Legislative Reference Library, February 17, 2022
• Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. v. Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (No. 21-03863), U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division (Court Listener)

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Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas. Below are resources related to upcoming Interim Hearings.

• Texas Redistricting, Texas Legislative Council
• Guide to 2021 Redistricting, Texas Legislative Council, September 2021
• Past Committee Meetings (see Handouts), House Committee on Redistricting
• 2020 Census Data Releases, Texas Demographic Center, accessed September 7, 2021
• "2020 Census Statistics Highlight Local Population Changes and Nation's Racial and Ethnic Diversity," United States Census Bureau, August 12, 2021
• Redistricting Data Program, United States Census Bureau
• Redistricting (including redistricting legislation, 1901-present), Legislative Reference Library

September 13
House Committee on Redistricting
Topic: 2020 U.S. Census data

September 15
House Committee on Redistricting
Topic: 2020 U.S. Census data

September 18
House Committee on Redistricting
Topic: 2020 U.S. Census data

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