Subject search results
28 Document(s) [ Subject: State purchasing ]
Committee: | House Government Transparency and Operation | |
Title: | Interim Report | |
Subjects: | Emergency management | Hurricane Harvey | Natural disasters | Open government | Public Information Act, Texas | State agencies | State government contracts | State purchasing | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.85 G747t | |
Session: | 85th R.S. (2017) | |
Online version: | View report [86 pages] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Examine the role of technology in disaster preparedness and the response to Hurricane Harvey and future natural disasters. Review and make recommendations to drive innovation and efficiency and evaluate whether there are any regulatory impediments to collaboration between the public and private sectors. | |
2. | Evaluate whether qualifying state agencies are appropriately utilizing available state disaster recovery services, including the statewide technology centers. Consider the costs and benefits of allowing other states to participate in Texas' statewide technology centers under Subchapter L, Chapter 2054, Texas Government Code for disaster recovery purposes. | |
3. | Review Texas’ open meeting laws and related government decision-making policies. Determine if the formal processes prevented the efficient delivery of assistance during Hurricane Harvey. Make recommendations on maintaining the current standards of accountability without limiting government-provided aid during disaster events. | |
4. | Evaluate whether, in light of recent Texas Supreme Court rulings, the provisions of the Public Information Act are adequate to support transparency and accountability in government, particularly as it relates to government contracting and procurement. | |
5. | Study how state agencies can share knowledge and practices, reduce duplicative data gathering, and conduct business in a more efficient manner through interagency data sharing. Review best practices to provide the public with more transparency and access to government information. | |
6. | Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee will also specifically monitor the implementation of H.B. 8 (85R). | |
Supporting documents | ||
Committee: | House Government Transparency and Operation | |
Title: | Committee meeting handouts and testimony, March 27, 2018 (Public Information Act, cybersecurity, data sharing, disaster recovery) | |
Library Call Number: | ||
Session: | 85th R.S. (2017) | |
Online version: | View document [95 pages File size: 7,933 kb] | |
Committee: | Senate Finance | |
Title: | Interim Report | |
Subjects: | Franchise taxes | Information Resources, Texas Department of | Local government debt | Medical education | Mental health services | Pension liabilities | Property taxes | Sales taxes | State budgets | State government debt | State purchasing | Tax and expenditure limits | Tax holidays | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.84 F49 | |
Session: | 84th R.S. (2015) | |
Online version: | View report [86 pages] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Property Tax Process: Study the property tax process, including the appraisal system, and recommend ways to promote transparency, simplicity, and accountability by all taxing entities. (Charge to a select subcommittee on Property Tax Reform and Relief) | |
2. | Reduce Tax Burden: Examine and develop options to further reduce the tax burden on property owners. (Charge to a select subcommittee on Property Tax Reform and Relief) | |
3. | Franchise Tax: Study the benefits, including the dynamic effects, of continuing to phase out the franchise tax. Consider alternate approaches to funding the Property Tax Relief Fund. | |
4. | Spending Limit: Examine options and make recommendations for strengthening restriction on appropriations established in Article VIII Section 22 of the state constitution, including related procedures defined in statute. Consider options for ensuring available revenues above spending limit are reserved for tax relief. | |
5. | Fiscal Responsibility: Review the budgeting format of other states, such as whether they use strategy-based budgeting, program-based budgeting, or some other approach and discuss the level of transparency with each approach. Review and make recommendations to reduce state debt liabilities, including state pension liability. Consider how to incentivize state agencies, boards, and commissions to identify and realize savings to taxpayers. | |
6. | Coordinating Behavioral Health Services and Expenditures: Monitor the state's progress in coordinating behavioral health services and expenditures across state government, pursuant to Article IX Sec. 10.04. Identify ways state agencies that provide mental health services are collaborating and taking steps to eliminate redundancy, create efficiency, utilize best practices, ensure optimal service delivery, and demonstrate expenditures are coordinated and in furtherance of a behavioral health statewide strategic plan. Identify barriers that prevent the coordination of behavioral health services. Make recommendations to maximize use of state funding for mental health. | |
7. | Sales Tax Holiday: Review the state's current sales tax holiday structure and determine its economic benefit to the state. Evaluate and consider the merits of any potential expansion of the tax holiday either in the application of the sales tax exemption or the timing of the holiday. | |
8. | Monitoring Charge: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Finance Committee during the 84th R.S. and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following: 1) Tax relief provided to property owners; 2) The gradual phase out of the franchise tax; 3) Support for and the enhancement of graduate medical education; 4) Efforts of the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to modernize the technology of state agencies; 5) The implementation of required changes to state agency contracting, purchasing, and accounting procedures; and 6) Monitor the implementation of Health and Human Services Commission Rider 50. | |
Committee: | House General Investigating and Ethics | |
Title: | Interim Report | |
Subjects: | Ethics laws | Government ethics | State employee benefits | State government contracts | State purchasing | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.84 G286 | |
Session: | 84th R.S. (2015) | |
Online version: | View report [30 pages] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Examine the ethics laws governing public officers and employees in this state and identify areas in which the laws are inadequate to maintain the public's trust and confidence in government. Assess whether required financial disclosures by those making governmental decisions adequately inform the public of potential conflicts of interest. | |
2. | Study the contracting practices at major state agencies to determine if additional reforms are needed to maintain public confidence and trust in the expenditure of state funds. | |
3. | 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. | |
4. | Examine the use by state agencies of emergency leave and settlement payments to provide supplemental compensation to departing employees. Recommend any revisions or clarifications to the law necessary to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used prudently. | |
Committee: | House Government Transparency and Operation | |
Title: | Interim Report | |
Subjects: | Computer networks | Computers and government | Criminal records | Data centers | Electronic security | Law enforcement | Public information | Public Information Act, Texas | State agencies | State purchasing | Video cameras and recordings | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.84 G747T | |
Session: | 84th R.S. (2015) | |
Online version: | View report [76 pages] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Identify and address potential gaps in the state's cybersecurity policies and ensure that personal information held by state agencies is secure. Address whether industry-accepted cybersecurity standards have been met by state agencies and state data centers and determine ways to promote a culture of cybersecurity awareness among users of state information resources. | |
2. | Examine purchasing practices by state agencies to ensure such practices are efficient and transparent. | |
3. | Study issues related to access to public information held outside of the custody or control of the governmental body by current or former officers or employees. Assess whether the Public Information Act's procedures for response to repetitious or redundant public information requests adequately protect small governmental bodies from the financial burdens imposed by such requests. | |
4. | Study the use of commercial cloud computing by state agencies and institutions of higher education, including efficiencies surrounding a utility-based model, security impacts of transitioning to cloud computing, and cost-savings achieved by the utilization of commercial cloud computing services. | |
5. | Review the process of dissemination by public entities of criminal records containing incomplete or inaccurate information, assess options for the subjects of such records to correct the misinformation specifically as it interferes with their ability to obtain employment, and determine the need for greater regulations over this process. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety) | |
6. | Study the impact of emerging technologies used by law enforcement and issues related to appropriate dissemination of the data provided by those technologies, including the impact of technologies on the operation of law enforcement agencies, the operation of the Public Information Act, and any appropriate safeguards for citizens and law enforcement officers who interact with those technologies or whose data is recorded. (Joint charge with the House Select Committee on Emerging Issues in Texas Law Enforcement) | |
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 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. | |
Supporting documents | ||
Committee: | House Government Transparency and Operation | |
Title: | Committee meeting handouts and testimony, April 5, 2016 (Cyber security, purchasing efficiency and transparency, cloud computing) | |
Library Call Number: | ||
Session: | 84th R.S. (2015) | |
Online version: | View document [157 pages File size: 7,747 kb] | |
Committee: | House State Affairs | |
Title: | Interim Report | |
Subjects: | Banks and banking | Economy | Electric meters | Electric utility rates and charges | Electronic security | Emergency management | Fetal rights | Medical ethics | Natural disasters | Organ and tissue donations | Organized labor | Public Utility Commission of Texas | State employees | State government contracts | State purchasing | Telephone service | Undocumented immigrants | Universal Service Fund | Utility service | Water and sewer utilities | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.84 St29h | |
Session: | 84th R.S. (2015) | |
Online version: | View report [78 pages] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Study if the state's infrastructure is adequately prepared for disasters, whether man-made or natural. Include preparedness assessments of the maintenance and recovery of vital infrastructure such as transportation and utility systems. | |
2. | Examine procedures regarding contract monitoring, compliance, performance evaluation and notification requirements for state contracting procedures. Include recommendations to determine a "best value" for the state and prevent conflicts of interests. Evaluate guidelines regarding the state's participation in contracts funded by grants and suggest methods to ensure the best use of taxpayer funds. | |
3. | Determine if the state has sufficient authority and the tools to ensure continued operation of the state's government and economy under existing budgetary and statutory authority. Make contingency recommendations to prevent collapse in the event of an economic disaster. | |
4. | Study the policies used by research and medical entities to adhere to the highest ethical standards for acquiring human fetal tissue for medical and scientific purposes. Specifically, review compliance to ensure informed consent and that all state and federal laws sufficiently respect the dignity of the human body. Study criteria for which persons have standing when giving consent for the use of fetal remains and to investigate potential violations of state laws regulating organ/tissue donation. Determine whether additional disclosure and reporting requirements are necessary to ensure moral and ethical research practices. Review practices and statutes in other states regarding fetal tissue harvesting. | |
5. | Study support mechanisms for the Small and Rural Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier - Universal Service Fund. Consider alternative funding mechanisms as well as necessary statutory changes to ensure reasonable cost of basic local phone service in high cost, rural areas without expanding the size of the Texas Universal Service Fund. | |
6. | Evaluate the administrative process used to determine utility rates. Consider if sufficient opportunities exist to ensure customer representation. Also determine if additional legislative guidance is needed to ensure public notification and participation. | |
7. | Examine how the Public Utility Commission of Texas, when applicable, and utility providers, whether vertically integrated, privately owned, or municipally owned, can ensure consumer protection regarding metering devices for water, gas, and electricity service. Review recent examples of inaccurate or confusing billings and offer recommendations on appropriate consumer recourse and appeal. In addition, assess utility procedures regarding meter installation. | |
8. | Examine state and local laws applicable to undocumented immigrants throughout the State of Texas and analyze the effects of those laws in conjunction with federal immigration laws and the policies and practices followed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. | |
9. | Examine payroll deductions from state or political subdivision employees for the purpose of labor organization membership dues or fees as well as charitable organization and nonprofit contributions. Determine if this process is an appropriate use of public funds. | |
10. | Monitor the impact of major State Affairs legislation passed by the 84th Legislature, including updates regarding recent contracting reforms. Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction and the implementing of relevant legislation passed by the 84th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs. | |
Committee: | House Government Efficiency and Reform | |
Title: | Interim Report | |
Subjects: | Attorney General Open Records Division | Cellular telephones | e-government | Health and Human Services Commission, Texas | Information Resources, Texas Department of | Library & Archives Commission, Texas State | Open government | Public information | Public Information Act, Texas | State agencies | State purchasing | Transportation planning | Transportation, Texas Department of | Water planning | Workforce Commission, Texas | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.83 G747r | |
Session: | 83rd R.S. (2013) | |
Online version: | View report [36 pages] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Examine current restrictions on state and local governmental entities relating to the construction of critical infrastructure, including transportation and water projects, and make recommendations for expediting and creating more cost-effective and efficient methods for the construction of such projects. | |
2. | Study the current laws, rules, and processes in place for the Department of Information Resources's Cooperative Contracts and recommend improvements to the 84th Legislature. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Technology) | |
3. | Review the application of the Public Information Act to requests for large amounts of electronic data. Examine whether the procedures and deadlines imposed by the Act give governmental bodies enough time to identify and protect confidential information in such requests. | |
4. | Examine the public's accessibility to government services and agencies through the use of mobile applications and online services. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Technology) | |
5. | Study the benefits of utilizing a Chief Innovation Officer for Texas and its agencies. | |
6. | Study the feasibility of having all state agencies use the Texas Workforce Commission's "Work in Texas" website for a more standardized applications process. Determine the interest of municipal, county, and other jurisdictions in boosting their utilization of the website. | |
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: | Senate Government Organization | |
Title: | Interim Report | |
Subjects: | Comptroller of Public Accounts, Texas | Council on Competitive Government | Electronic security | Employees Retirement System of Texas | Facilities Commission, Texas | Information Resources, Texas Department of | Library & Archives Commission, Texas State | Lottery Commission, Texas | State agencies | State agency mandated reports | State government contracts | State purchasing | United Healthcare | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.83 G747o | |
Session: | 83rd R.S. (2013) | |
Online version: | View report [200 pages] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Examine state agencies’ mandated reporting practices, the necessity and utility of these reports, and reporting processes to the legislature and to the public. Make recommendations on eliminating unnecessary and duplicative reports, reducing state costs through the use of technology, and improving transparency to the legislature and citizens. | |
2. | Review and recommend improvements to state agency training, policies, and procedures for monitoring and reporting performance of state contracts, including a review of exemptions to state contracting oversight. | |
3. | Monitor the implementation of SB 1597, relating to the development of state agency information security plans to improve the security of agency information systems and to proactively protect the state against cybercrime and similar security threats. | |
Committee: | House Government Efficiency and Reform | |
Title: | Interim Report | |
Subjects: | Accenture LLP | Administrative Hearings, State Office of | Competitive bidding | Design/build process | Government transparency | Health and Human Services Commission, Texas | IBM | Identity requirements | Information Resources, Texas Department of | Local government contracts | Occupational licenses | Privatization | Roofing | Rules and regulations | Social media | State agencies | State government contracts | State purchasing | Texas State Data Center | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.82 G747r | |
Session: | 82nd R.S. (2011) | |
Online version: | View report [161 pages] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Examine and make recommendations on purchasing cooperatives created under Chapter 791 of the Texas Government Code, including the bid process and the role of inter-local contracts. Clarify for consistency the following terms: purchasing cooperatives, inter-local contracts, and inter-local agreements. | |
2. | Examine the utilization of alternative project delivery methods, such as design-build and construction-manager-at-risk, by municipalities, water districts, and authorities, and other local governmental entities since the passage of HB 1886, 80th Legislature. | |
3. | Examine interagency agreements and charges for providing information or personal identification documents at the request of a state agency to fulfill day-to-day operations at the expense of the requesting state agency. | |
4. | Examine areas of potential privatization of state services in an effort to achieve a higher level of service and greater efficiency for Texas taxpayers. (Joint with the House Committee on State Affairs) | |
5. | Examine state agency rulemaking and consider ways to improve procedural efficiencies and public transparency, and to better inform policymakers as to their use, purpose, and cost-effectiveness, including an examination of the financial and other impacts such regulations have on both the license holder and the public. (Joint with the House Committee on State Affairs) | |
6. | Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 82nd Legislature. | |
7. | Find ways to increase transparency, accountability and efficiency in state government. | |
Supporting documents | ||
Committee: | House Government Efficiency and Reform | |
Title: | Hearing materials, July 11, 2012, House Committee on State Affairs and Government Efficiency and Reform, Testimony on interim charge 4 (privatize services) | |
Library Catalog Title: | Minutes | |
Library Call Number: | L1801.9 ST29H 2012: JUL 11 | |
Session: | 82nd R.S. (2011) | |
Online version: | View document [108 pages File size: 14,630 kb] | |
Committee: | Senate Government Organization | |
Title: | Interim Report | |
Subjects: | Competitive bidding | Electronic security | Energy conservation | Information Resources, Texas Department of | Rules and regulations | State purchasing | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.82 G747o | |
Session: | 82nd R.S. (2011) | |
Online version: | View report [36 pages] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Investigate the costs and benefits of cost-effectiveness analysis in state agency rule making and consider the development of cost-effectiveness standards for all state agencies. | |
2. | Examine ways to ensure the protection of state information and electronic data from unauthorized access and cyber threats. | |
3. | Study the state bidding process, auto-renew clauses in contracts, and contract management protocols to ensure truly competitive bidding and the highest-quality service for taxpayers at the best price. | |
4. | Evaluate state policy regarding energy savings performance contracts and determine whether policy changes are needed to ensure that state agencies and institutions of higher education obtain their contractually guaranteed savings so that all contract costs are recovered. | |
5. | Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Government Organization, 82nd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. | |
Committee: | House State Affairs | |
Title: | Interim Report | |
Subjects: | Broadband infrastructure | Cable telecommunications providers | Comptroller of Public Accounts campaigns and elections | Computer networks | Computers | Council on Competitive Government | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Electric utilities | Electricity supplies | Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. | Facilities Commission, Texas | Health and Human Services Commission, Texas | Information Resources, Texas Department of | Mercury | Occupational licenses | Privatization | Public Utility Commission of Texas | Railroad Commission of Texas | Rules and regulations | State agencies | State government contracts | State land | State purchasing | Transboundary pollution | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.82 St29h | |
Session: | 82nd R.S. (2011) | |
Online version: | View report [78 pages] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Examine the issue of resource adequacy in the Texas electricity market, federal and state interventions in the marketplace that may be negatively impacting future adequacy, and the best way to maintain resource adequacy. | |
2. | Examine whether current law ensures broadband provider access to an electric cooperative's utility poles and facilities pursuant to reasonable, cost-based, and nondiscriminatory rates, terms, and conditions. Study methods for improving access to electric cooperative utility poles to reduce unnecessary costs and delays for the delivery of broadband service to Texas consumers. | |
3. | Examine areas of potential privatization of state services in an effort to achieve a higher level of service and greater efficiency for Texas taxpayers. (Joint with the House Committee on Government Efficiency & Reform) | |
4. | Identify inefficiencies in the regulation of public utilities in order to minimize the cost of regulation to consumers. | |
5. | Examine methods of cloud computing technology to streamline agency operations and generate greater efficiencies for more cost-effective operations. (Joint with the House Committee on Technology) | |
6. | Examine state agency rulemaking and consider ways to improve procedural efficiencies and public transparency, and to better inform policymakers as to their use, purpose, and cost-effectiveness, including an examination of the financial and other impacts such regulations have on both the license holder and the public. (Joint with the House Committee on Government Efficiency & Reform) | |
7. | Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction, including the implementation of SB 1048 regarding public-private partnerships on state-owned property. | |
8. | Study how businesses seeking to provide goods or services to the state interact with state agencies. Consider whether additional procedures are needed to ensure that goods and services obtained by the state are the best value. Determine whether additional disclosure and reporting requirements are necessary to ensure transparency, accountability, and to promote ethical business practices. | |
Committee: | Senate Economic Development | |
Title: | Interim Report | |
Library Catalog Title: | Interim report to the 82nd Texas Legislature | |
Subjects: | Economic development | Economic stabilization | Historically Underutilized Business Program | Job training programs | Minority-owned/women-owned businesses | Small businesses | State purchasing | Tax incentives | Texas Emerging Technology Fund | Texas Enterprise Fund | Workforce | Workforce Commission, Texas | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.81 Ec74s | |
Session: | 81st R.S. (2009) | |
Online version: | View report [23 pages File size: 217 kb] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Assess the effectiveness of major economic development programs in Texas. The review should include but not be limited to such programs as the Enterprise Fund, Emerging Technology Fund, Skills Development, and Enterprise Zones. Review major tax policy issues that encourage or hinder business development, including options for reinstating a margins tax research and development tax credit. Examine economic development programs in other states that have been successful and recommend changes to existing state programs, new programs, or changes in tax policy incentives that could increase job creation in Texas. | |
2. | Review the effectiveness of state programs aimed at assisting small business growth and development, including whether the development of a Small Business Commission could lead to a more efficient use of state resources. Include an assessment of all state policies aimed to assist small business and minority-owned business persons with procurement of state contracts. | |
3. | Review the impact of workforce development programs on economic development across the state. Focus on the impact of Texas Workforce Commission initiatives, the JET (Jobs and Education for Texas) program administered by the Comptroller's office, and federally funded stimulus programs. Make recommendations for legislation to improve and enhance workforce development in Texas. | |
4. | Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Economic Development, 81st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. | |
Committee: | House Elections | |
Title: | Interim Report | |
Subjects: | Election administration | Election fraud | Email | Lobbyists | Political advertising | Provisional ballots | State purchasing | Voter identification | Voter registration | Voting by mail | Voting systems | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.80 EL25he | |
Session: | 80th R.S. (2007) | |
Online version: | View report [161 pages File size: 19,242 kb] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Study the general issue of electronic voting technology, including the issues of general benefits and risks, security and accuracy, paper trails, etc. | |
2. | Examine the prevalence of fraud in Texas elections, considering prosecution rates and measures for prevention. Study new laws in other states regarding voter identification, and recommend statutory changes necessary to ensure that only eligible voters can vote in Texas elections. Specifically study the Texas mail-in ballot system, the provisional voting system, and the various processes for purging voter lists of ineligible voters. | |
3. | Monitor the continued implementation of the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 by the Office of the Secretary of State, specifically including the implementation of the Texas Election Administration Management system to maintain voter registration records, administer elections, and execute and report election results. | |
4. | Study poll worker recruitment and training in Texas, and suggest possible statutory improvements. | |
5. | Monitor which counties are chosen by the Office of the Secretary of State for the new super precinct pilot program, and observe their progress. | |
6. | Study the exemption in the Texas lobby contingent fee ban, which currently permits contingent fees and does not require lobby registration, for influencing the purchasing of goods and services by a state agency. Consider whether this exemption should be amended or repealed. | |
7. | Research the current Texas law prohibiting the use of public resources for political advertising, and determine whether the law needs to be amended to clarify that publicly funded e-mail systems may not be used for political advertising. | |
8. | Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. | |
Committee: | House Government Reform | |
Title: | Interim Report | |
Subjects: | Computers and government | Databases | Inspectors general | Occupational licenses | Prescription drug costs | Prescription drugs | School buildings | State government reorganization | State purchasing | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.80 G747r | |
Session: | 80th R.S. (2007) | |
Online version: | View report [95 pages File size: 12,260 kb] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Research, investigate, and make recommendations on how electronic documents can be created, maintained, exchanged, and preserved by the state in a manner that encourages appropriate government control, access, choice, interoperability, and vendor neutrality. The committee shall consider, but not be limited to, public access to information, expected storage life of electronic documents, costs of implementation, and savings. | |
2. | Research, investigate, and make recommendations regarding litigation brought by school districts receiving state funds under Chapter 46, Education Code, for defective construction of instructional facilities and the state's interest in ensuring the use of such funds for the repair or reconstruction of defective facilities or the return of state funds. | |
3. | Review authorized offices of inspector generals and assess the benefit of having a statewide office of inspector general for all executive branch agencies. | |
4. | Study and review current laws regarding licensing and regulation of professionals, as well as current laws regarding practice acts, and make recommendations on creating limitations and streamlining of licensure requirements, such as the public policy implications of decriminalization of license-related violations. | |
5. | Review a wide variety of state agencies with an eye to streamlining state government. Recommend the amendment or repeal of unnecessary statutory requirements, the deregulation of certain industries if in the public interest, and ways to implement agency efficiency recommendations identified by the Legislative Budget Board, the State Auditor's Office, and the Sunset Advisory Commission. | |
6. | Evaluate and make recommendations, if necessary, regarding state contracts with pharmacy benefit managers. Assess the feasibility of combining prescription drug programs of state health insurance programs. All recommendations should take into consideration any budgetary impacts. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Pensions and Investments.) | |
7. | Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. | |
Committee: | Senate Veteran Affairs and Military Installations | |
Title: | Interim Report | |
Library Catalog Title: | The Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Military Installations report and recommendations to the 81st Texas Legislature. | |
Subjects: | Military bases | Military casualties | Military families | State employees | State purchasing | Veterans | Veterans Commission, Texas | Veterans health care | Veterans Land Board | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.80 V641 | |
Session: | 80th R.S. (2007) | |
Online version: | View report [115 pages File size: 4,666 kb] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Examine any existing state veteran hiring and procurement preferences and procedures and make recommendations for improving and enhancing these programs to increase efficiencies and maximize funding. | |
2. | Study veteran reintegration issues, including the occurrence of post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse problems, and domestic violence and other family issues. Make suggestions regarding what the state could do to supplement and enhance related services for veterans and their families, focusing on state military forces veterans and reservists. Include an assessment of the implementation of SB 1058, 80th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, relating to reintegration counseling services. | |
3. | Study state services and benefits for injured service members and their families who are recovering from their injuries and rehabilitating in Texas. Make recommendations on how to better serve them. | |
4. | Study the relationships between military installations and the surrounding communities and make recommendations addressing encroachment and quality of life. | |
5. | Examine ways that "The Fund for Veterans Assistance" established by HB 3107, 80th R.S. could be maximized to the benefit of Texas veterans. | |
6. | Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Veteran Affairs & Military Installations Committee, 80th R.S., and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Focus on the implementation of the Texas Veterans Commission (HB 3426, 80th R.S.) and Texas Veterans Land Board (HB 3140, 80th R.S.) Sunset reviews. | |
Committee: | Senate Business and Commerce | |
Title: | Interim Report | |
Library Catalog Title: | Interim report to the 78th Texas Legislature / Senate Committee on Business and Commerce, Subcommittee on Prevailing Wage Rates. | |
Subjects: | State purchasing | Wages | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.77 B963W | |
Session: | 77th R.S. (2001) | |
Online version: | View report [39 pages File size: 1,175 kb] | |
Charge: | This report should address the charge below. | |
1. | Assess the prevalence of prevailing wage rate differences in state procurement contracts. The Committee should determine if identified variances justify the use of additional methodologies to determine prevailing wage rates. | |
Committee: | Joint Highway Department, Investigate | |
Title: | Report | |
Library Catalog Title: | Report of the Committee to Investigate the Highway Department. | |
Subjects: | Fiscal management | Highway Department, Texas State | State purchasing | | |
Library Call Number: | H.J. of Tex., 41st Leg., R.S., 1401 (1929) | |
Session: | 41st R.S. (1929) | |
Online version: | View report [10 pages File size: 481 kb] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Conduct an investigation into the affairs of the Highway Department of this State... and the admistration thereof. | |
2. | Investigate each and every act of the three Highway Commissioners of the Highway Department... for the past three years. | |
3. | Investigate all matters pertaining to said offices as may in the judgment of said committee be necessary and proper for the promotion of public welfare. | |
Committee: | House Highway Commission, Investigate | |
Title: | Majority Report | |
Library Catalog Title: | Reports of Committee to Investigate State Highway Department. | |
Subjects: | Highway construction | Highway Department, Texas State | State purchasing | | |
Library Call Number: | H.J. of Tex., 39th Leg., R.S. 1874 (1925) | |
Session: | 39th R.S. (1925) | |
Online version: | View report [6 pages File size: 235 kb] | |
Charge: | This report should address the charge below. | |
1. | Investigate irregularities in office of the Highway Commission, charges of discrimination in favor of one contractor, that the department is expense and inefficient, and that road building contracts have been let under peculiar circumstances. * | |
Committee: | House Highway Commission, Investigate | |
Title: | Minority Report | |
Library Catalog Title: | Reports of Committee to Investigate State Highway Department. | |
Subjects: | Highway construction | Highway Department, Texas State | State purchasing | | |
Library Call Number: | H.J. of Tex., 39th Leg., R.S. 1875 (1925) | |
Session: | 39th R.S. (1925) | |
Online version: | View report [7 pages File size: 300 kb] | |
Charge: | This report should address the charge below. | |
1. | Investigate irregularities in office of the Highway Commission, charges of discrimination in favor of one contractor, that the department is expense and inefficient, and that road building contracts have been let under peculiar circumstances. * | |
Committee: | House State Departments, Investigate | |
Title: | Report | |
Library Catalog Title: | Report of Committee to Investigate Certain State Departments. | |
Subjects: | Board of Control, Texas | Business taxes | Courts | Education, Texas State Board of | Executive clemency | Ferguson, James E. 'Pa' | Ferguson, Miriam A. 'Ma' | Government ethics | Governors | Gubernatorial pardons | Highway construction | Highway Department, Texas State | Motor fuels taxes | Pardons and Paroles, Texas Board of | Prisons | Railroad Commission of Texas | State purchasing | Tax administration | Textbooks | Treasury Department, Texas State | | |
Library Call Number: | H.J. of Tex., 40th Leg., R.S., 132 (1927) | |
Session: | 39th R.S. (1925) | |
Online version: | View report [28 pages File size: 1,593 kb] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Investigation into the administration of highway affairs by the State Highway Commission; to investigate the manner in which contracts have been let by said commission, and generally to investigate all and every act of said commission since said date. | |
2. | Investigation into the State Treasurer's Department and the Railroad Commission with the view of determining if the State is receiving the full amount due by the oil companies as taxes on gross production of oil, as provided by law. | |
3. | To investigate the granting of pardons, paroles, reprieves and commutation of sentence, and the facts and circumstances connected with the granting of such acts of clemency. | |
4. | To investigate the letting of contracts for the purpose of text-books and the facts surrounding the letting of such contracts. | |
5. | To investigate into the administration of public affairs by such other departments of the State government, as in the judgment of said committee may be necessary, and for the promotion of the public good. | |
Supporting documents | ||
Committee: | House State Departments, Investigate | |
Title: | Transcript and Testimony, Proceedings of Committee Appointed by the Thirty-ninth Legislature to Investigate Certain State Departments, October 18, 1926-January 3, 1927, Supplement to House Journal for Ninth Day, January 21, 1927 | |
Library Catalog Title: | Minutes | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.39 IN8 | |
Session: | 39th R.S. (1925) | |
Online version: | View document [886 pages File size: 433,830 kb] | |
Committee: | House Contracts for Textbooks | |
Title: | Report | |
Library Catalog Title: | Relating to contracts for text books. | |
Subjects: | State government contracts | State purchasing | Textbooks | | |
Library Call Number: | H.J. of Tex., 38th Leg., 2nd C.S. 267 (1923 | |
Session: | 38th R.S. (1923) | |
Online version: | View report [2 pages] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | To conduct an investigation of the acts of the Texas Book Commission in letting contracts to determine if such contracts were justified. * | |
2. | If it is found that anything influenced the letting of such contracts, that would invalidate said contracts, that the committee shall secure from the Attorney General's Department as the best method by which contracts may be cancelled. * | |
Committee: | Joint Central Investigating Committee | |
Title: | Report | |
Library Catalog Title: | Report | |
Subjects: | Agriculture, Texas Department of | Attorney General of Texas | Bachelor's degrees | Comptroller of Public Accounts, Texas | Courts | Education Agency, Texas | General Land Office, Texas | Higher education | Highway Department, Texas State | Investment of public funds | Juvenile detention facilities | Legislative staff | Library & Archives Commission, Texas State | Office of the Governor | Prairie View A&M University | Prison farms | Prison labor | Prisons | Quarantines | Rabies | Railroad Commission of Texas | Sam Houston State University | Secretary of State, Texas | State agencies | State agency budgets | State land | State purchasing | Tarleton State University | Tax administration | Teacher training | Texas A&M University | Texas A&M University - Commerce | Texas State University | Texas Woman's University | Treasury Department, Texas State | University of North Texas at Denton | University of Texas at Austin | University of Texas at El Paso | University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston | Veterinary Medical Examiners, Texas State Board of | West Texas A&M University | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.35 In8r / H.J. of Tex., 35th Leg., 4th C.S. 228 (1918) | |
Session: | 35th R.S. (1917) | |
Online version: | View report [58 pages] | |
Charge: | This report should address the charge below. | |
1. | To make a through investigation into the affairs of all departments of the state and every state institution. * | |
Committee: | House Charges Against James E. Ferguson, Governor, Investigate | |
Title: | Report | |
Library Catalog Title: | Report | |
Subjects: | Banks and banking | Conflicts of interest | Ethics | Ferguson, James E. 'Pa' | Fiscal management | Fraud | Government ethics | Governor's mansion | Impeachment | State purchasing | | |
Library Call Number: | H.J. of Tex., 35th Leg., R.S. 1338 (1917) | |
Session: | 35th R.S. (1917) | |
Online version: | View report [20 pages File size: 1,197 kb] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Investigate the charge that Governor Ferguson misapplied and misappropriated state funds in violation of the state Constitution including repairs, improvements to the Governor's Mansion and Grounds and well as the labor to care for same. * | |
2. | Investigate the charge that Governor Ferguson not only misapplied and misused a large part of appropriations by approving for payment by State accounts for merchandise and articles for which he owes and is personally liable, and approved on said accounts, deficiency certificates. * | |
3. | Investigate the charge that in violation of the Constitution and laws of Texas that James E. Ferguson misapplied and misused a large portion of the appropriation described as "Payment of rewards and other expenses necessary for the enforcement of laws, lithography, telegraphing and other purposes, $7,500." * | |
4. | Investigate the charge that Governor Ferguson has approved accounts for articles for the personal use of his family and household which have been paid out of appropriations and some of which have been made the basis for deficiency certificates issued by the Comptroller of the State. * | |
5. | Investigate the charges that while an officer of a State bank, the Temple State Bank, that Governor Ferguson became indebted to said bank in excess of the amount by statutes violating both civil and criminal statutes. * | |
6. | Investigate the charge that Cashier of the Temple State Bank knowing that Governor Ferguson was in debt to the bank in excess of statutes loaned him additional funds from the bank. * | |
7. | Investigate the charge that James E. Ferguson executed certain mortgages to Temple State Bank to secure all or part of his indebted thereto and requested that the officers of the bank withhold same from record in order that he might be relieved of criticism of his political appointments, and said mortgages were withheld. That while said mortgages were withheld from record by the offices of said bank, that James E. Ferguson executed other mortgages to other parties on the same property, or a large part thereof, and said other mortgages were placed of record before mortgages from said bank were recorded, thereby making the mortgages and security of said bank subject to the liens of said other mortgages. * | |
8. | Investigate the charge that Temple State Bank accepted the "bonding plan" to secure its depositors and did not become a beneficiary of the bank guaranty fund. And that officers of said bank have made application in the last ninety days under the law to the guaranty fund plan that the bondsmen may be relieved of liability by failure of said bank by reasons of the indebtedness of James E. Ferguson to it. * | |
9. | Investigate the charge that the Commissioner of Insurance an Banking, Charles O. Austin, appointed by Governor Ferguson, has failed to investigate the indebtedness of Governor Ferguson to the Temple State Bank. * | |
10. | Prepare a report that shall contain a full and accurate transcript of the proceedings. * | |
11. | Prepare and submit with its report such specific charges as may the basis, or may be necessary in impeachment proceedings against James E. Ferguson, Governor of the State of Texas. * | |
Committee: | Senate Investigation of Expenditures on Capitol and Disloyalty of Certain State Employees | |
Title: | Report | |
Library Catalog Title: | Special Committee Reports with Exhibits | |
Subjects: | Flags | Patriotism | State employees | State government contracts | State purchasing | Texas State Capitol | | |
Library Call Number: | S.J. of Tex., 35th Leg., 1st C.S. 382 (1917) | |
Session: | 35th R.S. (1917) | |
Online version: | View report [15 pages File size: 789 kb] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | To investigate expenditures of more that $125,000 in repairs and improvements on the Capitol building that have been expended without written contracts, plans and specifications and without authorization since the Thirty-fourth Legislature adjourned. * | |
2. | To investigate reports that certain employees of the State are so sympathetic to the enemies of our country as to curse the American flag and the those patriots that gave service and lives to our country. * | |
Committee: | House State Purchasing Agent | |
Title: | Report | |
Library Catalog Title: | Report of Committee to Visit Department of State Purchasing Agent. | |
Subjects: | State purchasing | | |
Library Call Number: | H.J. of Tex., 33rd Leg., R.S. 876 (1913) | |
Session: | 33rd R.S. (1913) | |
Online version: | View report [3 pages File size: 111 kb] | |
Charge: | This report should address the charge below. | |
1. | Visit the office of the State Purchasing Agent and report upon the condition and management of that office. |
* This represents an abstract of the report contents. Charge text is incomplete or unavailable.
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