House Committee on Business and Industry - 83rd R.S. (2013)

Committee: House Business and Industry
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Consumer credit and debt | Consumer Credit Commissioner, Office of | Electronic security | Employees | Identity theft | Independent contractors | Liens | Theft | Vehicle repairs | Wages | Workers' compensation | Workforce | Workforce Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 B964
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [66 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the voluntary nature of workers' compensation in Texas and how it meets the needs of employers and employees.
2. Review existing lien laws in Texas. Specifically: a. Examine laws concerning the enforcement of contract liens affecting real property. Identify improvements, if any, that will enhance the certainty of title following sale, enhance ability to ensure that sales are conducted by qualified trustees, prevent unnecessary litigation, facilitate loss mitigation between borrowers and sellers, and protect the interests of homeowners, lenders and trustees. b. Study the imposition of mechanics' liens on automobiles and its impact on mechanics, car owners and purchasers, and lenders. c. Review ad valorem tax lien lending after the implementation of SB 247, 83rd R.S. and the impact on homeowners, taxing authorities, mortgage lenders, and tax lien lenders. Review the procedures and powers of the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner to ensure compliance with SB 247.
3. Study the impact of SB 1024,82 R.S. on wage theft and law enforcement's and regulatory agencies' responses to wage theft claims. Recommend changes if necessary.
4. Examine the issue of misclassifying employees as independent contractors on workers, employers, income tax withholding, and the unemployment insurance system. Review current statutory deterrents, including those equired by HB 2015, 83rd R.S., and make recommendations for changes if necessary.
5. Study the impact of credit card data theft and other credit or privacy information theft on Texas consumers and businesses.
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.
Supporting documents
Committee: House Business and Industry
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, February 19, 2013 (Demographic briefing, overview of biennial revenue estimate, invited testimony from agencies)
Library Catalog Title: Minutes
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [208 pages  File size: 10,651 kb]
Committee: House Business and Industry
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, March 27, 2014 (Texas economy, oil and gas industry, credit card data theft)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [84 pages  File size: 18,486 kb]
Committee: House Business and Industry
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, April 22, 2014 (Workers' compensation, misclassification of employees)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [97 pages  File size: 10,250 kb]
Committee: House Business and Industry
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, May 27, 2014 (Existing lien laws: automobile mechanics liens, property tax liens, contractors liens, foreclosure process; wage theft)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [218 pages  File size: 18,200 kb]

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