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23 Document(s) [ Subject: Undocumented immigrants ]

Committee:	House Human Services
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Border issues | Child abuse prevention | Child Protective Services | Coronavirus | Data management | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Family preservation | Federal funds | Healthy Texas Women | Long-term care | Managed care | Medicaid | Medicare | Senior citizens | Services for persons with disabilities | Unaccompanied minors | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number:	L1836.87 H88
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [39 pages  File size: 2,582 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Monitor the impact of children, including unaccompanied minors, crossing the Texas-Mexico border on the Department of Family and Protective Services child protective services programs. Consider ways to encourage consistent, transparent, and timely review of abuse and neglect of these children. Consider strategies to ensure better coordination and collaboration among local agencies, faith-based organizations, the private sector, non-profits, and law enforcement to reduce the incidence of abuse and neglect fatalities and human trafficking of migrating children. Identify any particularized services that these children will need and assess the costs of providing these services.
2.	Review the ongoing development of federal laws, rules, and regulations associated with the distribution of the federal pandemic recovery funds, including reporting requirements, and make recommendations to the House Committee on Appropriations for use of the funds to respond to the Texas-Mexico border crisis.
3.	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: Legislation implementing the Healthy Families, Healthy Texas initiative, including: HB133, 87th R.S. relating to the provision of benefits under Medicaid and the Healthy Texas Women program; and Relevant provisions of HB 2658, 87th R.S. 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; and HB 3041, 87th R.S. related to the implementation of the Family Preservation Services Pilot Program.
4.	Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.
5.	Evaluate current prevention and early intervention programs and make recommendations for improving the effectiveness of these programs in reducing child abuse and neglect.
6.	Monitor implementation of SB 1, 87th R.S., Rider 30 (Health and Human Services Commission) and make recommendations for reducing the interest list for waiver services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and reducing associated staffing shortages.
7.	Evaluate further action needed to improve the safety and quality of the foster care system, including preventing children in foster care from being without a placement and increasing recruitment of foster families. Identify methods to strengthen Child Protective Services processes and services, focusing on efforts for family preservation and eliminating fatalities within the foster care system. This evaluation should: Study the causes for children without placement; Assess the safety concerns for children without placement, including the use of out-of- state and temporary emergency placement for children without placement; injuries while in the care of Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) employees; and exposure to child sex trafficking; and Study how and why children without placement frequently enter the juvenile justice and adult criminal justice systems and the steps DFPS is taking to identify and prevent these instances.
8.	Assess the quality and effectiveness of the DFPS IMPACT system for security, transparency, and accuracy. Review DFPS processes relating to the integrity of digital case management. Evaluate whether DFPS data collection adequately responds to child wellbeing indicators.
9.	Examine the long-term services and support system of care in Texas. Study workforce challenges for both institutional and community services. Assess opportunities to improve patient safety at senior living facilities. Consider mechanisms to promote a stable, sustainable, and quality-based long-term care system to address current and future needs of the state.
10.	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.
Committee:	House Juvenile Justice and Family Issues
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Border issues | Child support | Coronavirus | Court congestion | Family violence | Federal funds | Juvenile detention facilities | Juvenile Justice Department, Texas | Juvenile justice system | Operation Lone Star (Border security) | Probation | Protective orders | Unaccompanied minors | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number:
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [42 pages  File size: 2,822 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Monitor the impact of children, including unaccompanied minors, crossing the Texas-Mexico border on the juvenile justice system, including gang violence. Identify any particularized services that children, including unaccompanied minors, will need and assess the costs of providing these services.
2.	Examine current caseloads and capacity issues for courts handling matters related to the Texas-Mexico border. Evaluate the preparedness of the court system to handle increases in caseloads that may result from the border crisis response and make recommendations to ensure the continued fair and efficient administration of justice in the state in addressing any increased caseloads. (Joint charge with Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence)
3.	Review the ongoing development of federal laws, rules, and regulations associated with the distribution of the federal pandemic recovery funds, including reporting requirements, and make recommendations to the House Committee on Appropriations for use of the funds to respond to the Texas-Mexico border crisis.
4.	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 4544, 87th R.S., relating to providing children committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department with certain documents on discharge or release, authorizing a fee.
5.	Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.
6.	Examine obstacles to the reporting of domestic violence and how these obstacles contribute to the difficulty in obtaining and enforcing a protective order. Examine new technologies that could facilitate domestic violence reporting without putting victims at risk of further violence and harm.
7.	Explore ways to modernize the juvenile justice system for youth on probation and incarcerated youth. Review statewide resource allocation, including available staffing, and identify potential geographic limitations. Investigate the best practices of smaller specialized facilities for youth committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department while leveraging the Department's current facilities and staff. Analyze the current gaps in county-level services and funding and make recommendations to address those gaps.
8.	Examine workforce issues at state and local juvenile correctional facilities and consider the state's incentives to recruit quality staff. Consider the geographic areas where specialty providers are concentrated and the viability of opening specialized facilities for the state's youth with the highest therapeutic need to relieve the state's current rural facilities struggling with staffing. Consider consistent investments the state can make in local probation to encourage their facilities to divert youth from the juvenile justice system.
9.	Study how child support is calculated and administered in Texas and how the Texas method compares to other states' plans for calculating child support, including identifying modern trends across the country for calculating child support. Consider how alternative methods for calculating child support affect each parents' share of responsibility for child support, health care, childcare, and other matters in other jurisdictions compared to Texas.
Committee:	Senate Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Border security | Cattle | Daylight saving time | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Flood control | Groundwater | Groundwater conservation districts | Hydraulic fracturing | Infrastructure | Meat processing plants | Produced Water Consortium, Texas | Reservoirs | Rural areas | Rural economic development | Texas State Water Plan | Theft | Undocumented immigrants | Wastewater management | Water conservation | Water Development Board, Texas | Water recycling | Water supplies | Winter Storm Uri | Workforce Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.87 W291A
Session:	87th R.S. (2021)
Online version:	View report [88 pages  File size: 4,475 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	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.
2.	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.
3.	Groundwater Management and Protection: Evaluate the status and effectiveness of the State's groundwater management process, including data used to support regional water planning and conservation goals. Report on the effectiveness of the State's groundwater protection efforts and whether statutory changes are needed to protect groundwater quality.
4.	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.
5.	Daylight Savings Time: Examine and report on how permanently maintaining daylight savings time impacts the agricultural community.
6.	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.
7.	Meat Packing Facilities: Study the need for additional meat packing facilities in Texas. Evaluate and report on the increased cost to Texas ranchers and revenue lost in the Texas economy when meatpacking facilities are utilized outside of Texas.
8.	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.
9.	Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs 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 8, 86th R.S., Relating to state and regional flood planning; SB 601, 87th R.S., Relating to the creation and activities of the Texas Produced Water Consortium; SB 905, 87th R.S., Relating to guidance on the regulations applicable to the potable reuse of wastewater; and HB 3516, 87th R.S., Relating to the regulation of the recycling of fluid oil and gas waste.
Committee:	Joint Border Security
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Border security | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number:	L1836.84 B654s
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View report [12 pages]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Study issues relating to border security.
Supporting documents
Committee:	Joint Border Security
Title:	Committee Rules
Library Catalog Title:	Minutes
Library Call Number:	L1836.84 B645SM
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View document [2 pages  File size: 122 kb]
Committee:	Senate Business and Commerce
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Delinquent taxes | Elder abuse | Electronic security | Employment eligibility verification | Hailstorms | Health insurance | Liens | Medical bill balance billing | Occupational licenses | Prompt payment of insurance claims | Property insurance | Public information | State employees | Texas Windstorm Insurance Association | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number:	L1836.84 B963
Session:	84th R.S. (2015)
Online version:	View report [72 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Occupational Licensing: Review all occupations licensed under Texas law to determine the extent to which continued state regulation and licensure is required to protect public health and safety. Examine methods to ensure greater legislative oversight of new regulations, scope, and necessity of certain licenses and make recommendations for state licenses that should be repealed or transitioned to private-sector enforcement.
2.	Hail Storm: Monitor the number of lawsuits related to property claims filed as a result of multiple hail storms and weather related events across Texas. Examine negative consumer trends that may result in market disruption such as higher premiums and deductibles, less coverage, non-renewals, and inability to secure coverage due to insurance carrier withdrawal from the state and make recommendations on legislative action needed.
3.	Texas Prompt Pay Law: Study the impact of the penalty calculations under the current prompt payment of health care claim laws and regulations, including comparing penalties in other states and late payment penalties in Texas for other lines of insurance. Evaluate whether unregulated billed charges is the appropriate basis for determining penalty amounts and make recommendations for statutory changes, if needed.
4.	Cyber-security/Storage: Examine cyber-security efforts undertaken by state entities and study the legal, policy, and privacy implications of the trend toward storage of personal, private, and business confidential information in network attached storage, cloud storage, and other developing data storage options rather than on local devices. Make recommendations on how to best protect Texans’ financial and personal information.
5.	Elder Financial Abuse: Study elder financial abuse and determine what steps the State of Texas should take to help protect older Texans from financial exploitation.
6.	Property Tax Liens: Examine and make recommendations for necessary changes regarding the collection process of delinquent ad valorem property taxes, including an inquiry into the role that tax lien transfers play in forestalling foreclosure.
7.	Monitoring Charge: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce during the 84th R.S. and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following: 1) State agency participation in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program; 2) Implementation of legislation intended to further protect consumers from the balance billing process; 3) Changes made to the operation of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association; 4) The regulation of public insurance adjusters; and 5) The current consent policy for state disclosure of personal data.
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 Public Health
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Border crossings | Border issues | Border security | Dental Examiners, Texas State Board of | Dentists | Ebola | Food and Drug Administration, U.S. | Foster care | Immunizations | Medical records | Pharmaceutical industry | Pharmacies | Pregnancy | Prenatal care | Prescription drugs | Psychoactive drugs | Substance abuse | Unaccompanied minors | Undocumented immigrants | Workers' compensation | Workforce Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.83 H349h
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View report [82 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Assess the prevalence of nonmedical prescription drug use in the state (including opioid analgesics, stimulants, tranquilizers, and sedatives). Identify adverse health impacts. Recommend strategies to curb emerging substance abuse trends among children, pregnant women, and adults, as well as to reduce health care costs and mortality.
2.	Study and make recommendations for improvements to the licensing, regulation, and monitoring of compounding pharmacies, including a review of the joint cooperative efforts between the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, Department of State Health Services, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Consider the impact of the passage of SB 1100, 83rd R.S., additional appropriations made by the 83rd Legislature to strengthen inspections, and any relevant federal legislation.
3.	Identify strategies to support the efficient exchange of electronic health information with Texas Health and Human Services enterprise agencies. Examine legal and technical issues around the accessibility of information held in registries maintained by state agencies to authorized health care providers. Identify issues related to health information exchange and providers' liability, as well as concerns related to transitioning patient data in cases where a provider selects a new electronic health record vendor.
4.	Examine the current practice for dispensation of biologic and follow-on biologic (biosimilar) pharmaceutical products in our state. Review any practices for interchangeability of drugs that might pertain to these particular medicines. Review and make recommendations regarding the substitution of biosimilar and biologic medicines.
5.	Monitor transition of the state's immunization registry to a new system. Determine whether the registry can be better utilized to prevent and/or respond to communicable disease outbreaks, including pertussis. Identify potential factors contributing to the rise in the number of pertussis cases and strategies to prevent future outbreaks.
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, including HB 15, 83rd R.S.. 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 State Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Anonymous campaign contributions | Campaign finance and expenditure reports | Campaign finance reform | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Electricity supplies | Electricity transmission and distribution | Enhanced driver licenses | Environmental cleanup | Environmental compliance | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Government transparency | Public Utility Commission of Texas | Railroad Commission of Texas | Real ID Act | State government contracts | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number:	L1836.83 St29h
Session:	83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version:	View report [56 pages]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the methods state agencies use for planning for investment in future infrastructure. Specifically, review how agencies determine what investments in infrastructure will be necessary to meet the state's demands and facilitate continued economic expansion. Review how agencies determine the costs and benefits associated with future infrastructure investment to ensure that the citizens of the state are receiving the best value and what other factors agencies use to make investment decisions.
2.	Study Title 15 of the Election Code, which regulates political funds and campaigns, including requirements for financial reports by campaigns, candidates, officeholders, and political committees. Specifically, study what types of groups are exempt from reporting requirements in the Election Code and make recommendations on how to make the political process more transparent.
3.	Study the different financial assurance options used by state agencies to ensure compliance with environmental clean-up or remediation costs. Determine whether the methods utilized by state agencies are appropriate to ensure sufficient funds will be available when called upon.
4.	Review state agency contracting with businesses seeking to provide goods and services to the state. Study the procedures agencies use to determine the costs versus benefits when evaluating proposals. Determine whether additional disclosure and reporting requirements are necessary to ensure transparency and accountability and to promote ethical business practices.
5.	Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 83rd Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
Committee:	House State Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on State Affairs, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2010
Subjects:	Alternative energy | Climate change | Electric power plants | Electricity supplies | Electricity transmission and distribution | Energy conservation | State buildings | Undocumented immigrants | Water conservation |
Library Call Number:	L1836.81 St29h
Session:	81st R.S. (2009)
Online version:	View report [74 pages  File size: 1,777 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review state compliance with federal law regarding undocumented immigrants. Evaluate the costs of services and benefits provided to undocumented immigrants by state agencies and local governments.
2.	Examine state policy on "green" technologies for all state buildings and costs associated with such implementation.
3.	Monitor federal legislation and regulatory initiatives pertaining to climate change and its effects on utilities and consumers. Consider Texas' response to proposals and make recommendations as to any further preparations.
4.	Examine the state's portfolio of electric generation resources, including traditional sources, emerging renewable technologies, and energy efficiency. Determine whether the existing state regulatory programs and incentives are adequate to meet the energy needs of the future. Consider factors relating to reliability, requirements for additional transmission, or auxiliary services. Joint Interim Charge with House Committee on Energy Resources
5.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee:	Senate Business and Commerce
Title:	Interim Report - Implementation of HB 1196, 80th Legislature
Library Catalog Title:	Implementation of HB 1196, 80th Legislature : interim report to the 81st Texas Legislature
Subjects:	Economic development | Tax incentives | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number:	L1836.80 B963im
Session:	80th R.S. (2007)
Online version:	View report [62 pages  File size: 14,065 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Study and make recommendations on improving the implementation of HB 1196, 80th R.S., to ensure that public funds are not used to encourage illegal immigration into the state by prohibiting any taxpayer-subsidized job creation grant or tax abatement given to any business entity in Texas that knowingly hires illegal immigrants.
Committee:	House Corrections
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Border security | County jails | Criminal justice | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Disciplinary alternative education programs | Inmate rehabilitation | Juvenile justice alternative education programs | Juvenile Probation Commission, Texas | Mentally ill inmates | Mentally ill persons | Municipal jails | Prisoner re-entry | State jail system | Substance abuse | Undocumented immigrants | Youth Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number:	L1836.80 C817
Session:	80th R.S. (2007)
Online version:	View report [66 pages  File size: 29,320 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Explore the use of technology practices that improve efficiency, safety, and coordination of criminal justice activities on the state, local and county levels.
2.	Consider new strategies for meeting prisoner reentry challenges in Texas, including the evaluation of programs with documented success. This review should include the availability of housing and occupational barriers.
3.	Provide a comprehensive analysis and study of the Texas state jail system, including original intent for use, sentencing guidelines, and effectiveness. Develop suggestions for changes and improvements in the state jail system.
4.	Study the organizational structure of the Texas Youth Commission and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission to determine if the current system is effectively and efficiently addressing the needs of the juvenile justice system in conjunction with the sunset review of these agencies. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Juvenile Justice and Family Issues.)
5.	Study Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs and Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Programs, including referral rates, age of students, whether parents have sufficient recourse to challenge a placement, funding, and course requirements. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Juvenile Justice and Family Issues.)
6.	Review and research the availability, coordination, efficiency, and allocation of substance abuse treatment resources for probationers, pretrial defendants, people in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), and parolees. This review should include methods to reduce and improve current assessments, training, and referring protocols and the identification of any barriers that may be impeding all of the above. (Joint Interim Charge wit the House Committee on Appropriations.)
7.	Study policies and procedures related to illegal immigration and border security of the TDCJ, county probation departments, and local and county jail facilities, and make recommendations to improve coordination with international, federal, state and local authorities. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on County Affairs.)
8.	Assess the relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior and offer reforms needed to address the proliferation of mental illness in the adult and juvenile justice systems. This review should include an examination of data sharing between criminal justice and health and human services agencies, proper screening, assessments, treatment, discharge planning, post-release supervision, and community services. (Joint Charge with the House Committee on Appropriations.)
9.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee:	House County Affairs
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on County Affairs, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2008 : a report to the House of Representatives, 81st Texas Legislature
Subjects:	Border security | County government | County jails | Criminal Justice, Texas Department of | Extraterritorial jurisdiction | Fireworks | Municipal government | Municipal jails | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number:	L1836.80 C832
Session:	80th R.S. (2007)
Online version:	View report [41 pages  File size: 3,936 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study the issues surrounding the sale, use, and regulation of fireworks in urbanized, unincorporated parts of the county.
2.	Examine county procurement statutes to identify areas for increasing efficiency without sacrificing internal controls.
3.	Study policies and procedures related to illegal immigration and border security of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, county probation departments, and local and county jail facilities, and make recommendations to improve coordination with international, federal, state, and local authorities. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Corrections.)
4.	Examine recent attempts by municipalities to exert regulatory authority beyond city limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction. Evaluate the current relationship between and possible conflicts related to regulatory authority expressly given to state agencies by the legislature and regulatory authority delegated to home-rule municipalities. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Land and Resource Management.)
5.	Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee:	Senate International Relations and Trade
Title:	Interim Report
Subjects:	Border economy | Border security | Colonias | Drug trafficking | Extraterritorial jurisdiction | Health care providers | Human trafficking | Rural economic development | Substandard housing | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number:	L1836.80 In9
Session:	80th R.S. (2007)
Online version:	View report [127 pages  File size: 4,048 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review state and local policies relating to development and growth in rural and unincorporated regions of the state. Work with housing advocates, county organizations and appropriate officials to assess the proliferation of substandard housing in rural and unincorporated areas.
2.	Determine the appropriateness of and make recommendations on the existing extraterritorial jurisdiction authority currently granted under colonia prevention measures along the border region.
3.	Develop recommendations to better provide Border and rural communities access to state and federal resources. Review the programs established by different states and recommend initiatives that Texas can enact to increase the competitiveness of these communities, engender critical development, provide affordable housing, identify community assets, retain/create wealth and create regional jobs. Study and make recommendations to expand business opportunities in international markets for businesses located in economically distressed areas, including rural and Border areas.
4.	Study the state's current and long-range need for physicians, dentists, nurses, and other allied health and long-term care professionals. Make recommendations to recruit high-need professions, especially for primary care providers and long-term care professionals in the Border region of Texas. (Joint charge with the Senate Health and Human Services Committee)
5.	Study and make recommendations to stem the tide of illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, and to reduce the criminal activities within the Border region. (Joint charge with Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security)
6.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the International Relations and Trade Committee, 80th R.S., and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.
Committee:	Senate Transportation and Homeland Security
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Report to the 81st Legislature
Subjects:	Advertising | Billboards | Border security | Bridges | Buses | Crime laboratories | Dedicated funds | Driver licenses | Driver Responsibility Program | Drug trafficking | Emergency management | Enhanced driver licenses | Gangs | Highway finance | Homeland security | Human trafficking | Metropolitan Planning Organizations | Privatization | Real ID Act | State agencies | State government contracts | Toll roads | Trans-Texas Corridor | Transportation | Transportation, Texas Department of | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number:	L1836.80 In5hs
Session:	80th R.S. (2007)
Online version:	View report [109 pages  File size: 797 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Evaluate the state's homeland security efforts and the state's recent $140 million investment in law enforcement to help secure the border and study and make recommendations to deter transnational and drug-related gang violence and crime, including the use of injunctions and any possible improvements to Chapter 125 of the Civil Practices and Remedies Code, relating to membership in street gangs.
2.	Study and make recommendations for the creation of a tamper-proof driver's license or photo ID that complies with the federal Real ID Act, including the implementation of the Secure Enhanced Drivers' License Program (SB 11, 80th R.S.), by the Department of Pubic Safety and issue recommendations for improving and expanding the pilot program.
3.	Examine the roles and best practices among individuals, state and local governments, hospitals and other health care providers, and the insurance industry for disaster planning and first response efforts. Explore what changes are needed to better prepare for natural disasters to mitigate claims and losses. Include an assessment of the state's implementation of recent recommendations for evacuations, including movement of medically fragile populations. Study the level of preparedness among critical infrastructure entities in both the public and private sector, the effectiveness of state disaster relief policies relating to this infrastructure and the sufficiency of personnel needed to restore this infrastructure. Assess the state's preparedness to handle a public health emergency. Examine the challenges of interoperability of communications technologies to improve coordination of different plans across jurisdictions
4.	Study and make recommendations regarding state and local regulation of billboards. Produce a graphical analysis of current billboards, evaluate objective criteria for locations where billboards can be permitted or prohibited, including but not limited to geographical (corridor or urban/rural), land usage (e.g. industrial), or cultural/historical criteria, and include consideration of the impact on any federal funding.
5.	Study and make recommendations for improving management and oversight of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). Include a review of populations served, MPO governance, oversight, roles, variation among MPOs, and MPO decision-making ability in relation to TxDOT or other agencies.
6.	Study Comprehensive Development Agreements (CDAs) and make recommendations to ensure the maximum benefit to taxpayers. Study the implications of requiring CDAs to have definitive buyback formulas that can be calculated without using any form of future revenue forecasts. Study requiring potential CDA projects to be solicited only after environmental clearance has been granted. Study the implications of shortening CDA's maximum allowable contract duration. Study provisions affecting competing facilities.
7.	Review the status of structurally deficient bridges and provide increased oversight of TxDOT's bridge repair activities to ensure that any unsafe bridges are identified and repaired as soon as possible.
8.	Study and make recommendations relating to the status of current and planned toll road projects in Texas, the use of public-private partnerships to build new roads and/or transit services, and the market valuation process. Analyze the impact of lengthening the number of years a toll road authority may issue bonds.
9.	Study the effectiveness of the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) and make recommendations for its future role in providing additional roads in Texas. Provide specific recommendations relating to public input in the development of the TTC.
10.	Study the impact of prohibitions in Section 2301.476 (Manufacturer or Distributor Ownership, Operation, or Control of Dealership), Occupations Code, on the sale of buses in Texas and make recommendations. Gather information and monitor the methods of sale of buses in other states and the dealership network, if any. Evaluate the need and possible benefits or detriments caused to public and private sector in application of this law and rule to the bus industry.
11.	Study the issue and amount of state agency expenditures on media activities and the legal authority for such expenditures. Develop recommendations for guidelines to ensure appropriate use of state funds to provide legitimate public education.
12.	Monitor urban crime laboratories and their compliance with state laws regulating their functions and make recommendations to restore public trust in their functions and to ensure full compliance with federal Homeland Security reporting requirements. Specifically, review the report issued by the Independent Investigator for the Houston Police Department Crime Laboratory and Property Room, the independent panel review of certain criminal convictions prompted by the conclusions of this report, and the implementation by the City of Houston of any reforms recommended in this report.
13.	Study and review state and local options for expanding transportation funding and explore options to reduce diversions of Fund 6 revenue.(Joint charge with Senate Finance Committee)
14.	Study and make recommendations relating to whether the Texas Department of Transportation is in compliance with Transportation Code §201.109, Revenue Enhancement, and whether the Texas Department of Transportation is using the funding sources provided by the Legislature, including, but not limited to, General Obligation, Fund 6 and Mobility Fund bonds, to build new roads. (Joint charge with Senate Finance Committee)
15.	Study and make recommendations to stem the tide of illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, and to reduce the criminal activities within the Border region. (Joint charge with Senate Committee on International Relations and Trade)
16.	Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Transportation & Homeland Security Committee, 80th R.S., and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, report on implementation of SB 792, 80th R.S., and SB 1723, 80th R.S., to improve the overall collection rate and compliance rate with the Driver Responsibility Program.
Committee:	House Local Government Ways and Means
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Local Government Ways & Means, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2006 : a report to the House of Representatives, 80th Texas Legislature
Subjects:	Air quality | Appraisal districts | County government | Disaster relief | Federal mandates | Homeland security | Indigent criminal defense | Indigent health care | Juvenile justice system | Probation | Property taxes | State mandates | Tax appraisals | Tax rollback elections | Undocumented immigrants | Water quality management |
Library Call Number:	L1836.79 L786w
Session:	79th R.S. (2005)
Online version:	View report [92 pages  File size: 23,908 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Review the current system of appraising property located in more than one appraisal district as created in HB 703, 78th R.S.. Determine if one fair and equal value per property for ad valorem taxes is preferable to the current system, and whether it is more efficient to appraise property on a county line basis or on a jurisdictional line basis.
2.	Research and make recommendations regarding the Central Appraisal Districts in Texas: evaluate the makeup of the board of directors; examine whether consolidation of certain appraisal districts would save money; review appraisal districts' methodology in arriving at appraisal values; determine the impact of the Comptroller's Office audit on the operation of the appraisal district and its derivation of appraisal values.
3.	Compare and evaluate how counties and school districts impose (levy) property taxes, including a study and evaluation on the effective tax rate, the rollback rate, and rollback elections.
4.	Study the impact of unfunded mandates by state and federal governments on cities.
Committee:	Senate Transportation and Homeland Security
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Report to the 80th Legislature
Subjects:	Animal diseases | Border crossings | Border issues | Child car seats | County courthouses | Driver licenses | Driving while intoxicated | Emergency management | Federal funds | Highway finance | Highway rest areas | Highways | Historic preservation | Homeland security | Official designations | Operation Linebacker | Public Safety, Texas Department of | Railroad crossings | Railroads | Real ID Act | Rights of way | Safe Routes to School Program | Semi-trailer trucks | Traffic safety | Transportation Enhancement Program | Transportation planning | Truck inspection stations | Underground utility lines | Undocumented immigrants | USA Patriot Act | Wright Amendment |
Library Call Number:	L1836.79 In5hs
Session:	79th R.S. (2005)
Online version:	View report [294 pages  File size: 21,985 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study and make recommendations for updating the state's overweight truck fees. Include an analysis and recommendations relating to the distribution of fees collected.
2.	Monitor the impact of federal actions regarding the Patriot Act on homeland security activities in Texas. Make recommendations for statutory changes required to implement federal legislation and improve the efficiency of the process.
3.	Study the implementation of SB 9, 79th R.S., relating to homeland security, and make recommendations to enhance its effectiveness. Focus on implementation of provisions relating to mutual aid, including the need for a statewide compact, agricultural inspection stations, the health alert network, radio and computer interoperability and the protection of drinking water and of vital infrastructure. Assess the feasibility of establishing and operating a statewide public building mapping information system for state-owned buildings.
4.	Study and make recommendations relating to the Texas Department of Transportation's ability to build, maintain, and relocate rail facilities. Monitor and report on the Departments ability to efficiently contract and provide funding for rail facility construction.
5.	Evaluate and make recommendations relating to the naming of state highways and the criteria which should be followed in order to name a highway after a natural person. Include an analysis of criteria used in other states.
6.	Study and make recommendations relating to the Texas Department of Transportation's programs designed to increase safety on all state transportation facilities.
7.	Monitor ongoing federal, state and local efforts along the Texas Mexico border to combat criminal activity and prevent illegal border crossings. Study other border state activities in regard to the safety, efficiency and security of border crossings. Include an assessment of the impact of security measures on trade and vehicular and pedestrian commerce.
8.	Study and make recommendations relating to the relocation of utilities from state owned right-of-way, including an assessment of the costs of relocations, possible funding sources and methods to decrease delays associated with relocation. Joint Charge with Senate Business & Commerce Committee.
9.	Review the process by which the Texas Department of Transportation Commission allocates funds to the districts through the Allocation Program. Include a description of all scoring mechanisms used in making allocations of resources and make recommendations for maximizing the use of these funds to meet Legislative objectives. Joint Charges with Senate Finance Committee.
10.	Review the process by which the Texas Department of Transportation Commission determines which federal funding sources should be implemented to comply with funding reductions mandated by Congress. Assess the Commission's options for determining how projects that were to be funded out of these reduced revenue sources will be funded this biennium. Joint Charges with Senate Finance Committee.
Committee:	House Public Health
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	House Committee on Public Health, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2002 : a report to the House of Representatives, 78th Texas Legislature.
Subjects:	Alternative medicine | Biological weapons | Drug rehabilitation programs | Health, Texas Department of | Homeland security | Hospital districts | Immunizations | Medical licensing | Medical reimbursements | Mental health services | Prescription drug costs | Public health | Substance abuse | Terrorism | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number:	L1836.77 h349h
Session:	77th R.S. (2001)
Online version:	View report [119 pages  File size: 429 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Assess the state of the healthcare infrastructure in Texas in light of hospital closures, rising costs, constrained reimbursement rates, workforce issues and any other pertinent factors. Consider differences in regions or localities that might adversely affect healthcare delivery to specific groups of Texans.
2.	Conduct an extensive review of access to programs and treatment options for mental illness and substance abuse. Identify barriers to access and any gaps in existing programs.
3.	Examine the costs and benefits of allowing state and local governments to provide health and preventive care without regard to the immigration status of the patient.
4.	Gather information about the production, distribution, use and disposal of biological agents that could be used in terrorist actions, as well as vaccines that would be used to respond to biological attacks. Review hospital plans for responding to large-scale emergencies. Review government regulations and business practices to determine whether legislation is needed to protect life and property and to detect, interdict and respond to acts of terrorism.
5.	Study the use of complementary and alternative medicines in Texas. Is there a need for the state to develop a regulatory framework for their use?
6.	Assess the procedures of health-related licensing agencies regarding the intake of complaints, investigation procedures and timetables, and enforcement of laws and rules. Comment on any factors involving the use or abuse of patient information by healthcare agencies or institutions.
7.	Actively monitor agencies and programs under the committee's oversight jurisdiction. Pay particular attention to implementation of recommendations to restructure the Department of Health including the childhood immunization program; and implementation of pharmaceutical legislation passed by the 77th Legislature.
Committee:	House Public Health
Title:	Interim report
Library Catalog Title:	Committee on Public Health, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 1992 : a report to the House of Representatives, 73rd Legislature.
Subjects:	Border health | Border issues | Child nutrition programs | Dental care | Health care | Indigent health care | Lead contamination | Lead-based paint | Long-term care | Medical reimbursements | Nursing homes | Prescription drugs | Senior citizens | Solid waste disposal | Tuberculosis | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number:	L1836.72 h349
Session:	72nd R.S. (1991)
Online version:	View report [62 pages  File size: 2,694 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study medical waste disposal in coordination with Committee on Environmental Affairs.
2.	Study health care reimbursement, and coordinate with and monitor the Texas Health Policy Task Force as it relates to this issue.
3.	Study the administration of medication in hospitals, nursing homes and extended care facilities.
4.	Study the problems associated with indigent health care provided to the citizens of Mexico in the border regions of Texas.
5.	Study tuberculosis testing, treatment, and control.
6.	Study the reporting of childhood lead poisoning.
7.	Study the adoption of an enforceable lead ban.
8.	Study oral health in long term care facilities.
9.	Study chronic disease prevention by instituting dietary changes in publicly-funded food services.
Committee:	House State, Federal, and International Relations
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	To the members of the 69th Legislature : interim report of the Committee on State, Federal & International Relations, Texas House of Representatives.
Subjects:	Border economy | Border issues | Fisheries | Immigration | Mexico | Shrimping industry | Undocumented immigrants | Water rights | Water supplies |
Library Call Number:	L1836.68 st30
Session:	68th R.S. (1983)
Online version:	View report [87 pages  File size: 2,289 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	To monitor all activities and have budget oversight responsibilities for those agencies, boards and commissions as listed in Rule 3, Section 30.
2.	To investigate the possibilities of initiating agreements or permits for Texas shrimpers to harvest in Mexico's Exclusive Economic Zone; explore basis for expansion into other commercial fisheries agreements.
3.	To study the effect of the continuing Mexican Peso devaluations on the economies of the Texas border areas; devise a contingency plan, in cooperation with other border states, to stimulate border area economy in the event of future economic problems in Mexico.
4.	In cooperation with the House-Senate Joint Committee on Water Resources, study the possibility of developing state water resources through the importation of water from bordering states, and explore riparian rights between those states and Texas.
5.	To study the effects of the proposed Simpson-Mazzoli Act on the Texas border area and its economy.
Committee:	House Agriculture and Livestock
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Interim study report of the Agriculture and Livestock Committee, Texas House of Representatives, 66th Legislature.
Subjects:	Agricultural labor | Agriculture | Agriculture, U.S. Department of | Alternative energy | Animal Health Commission, Texas | Aquaculture | Biofuels | Brucellosis | Cotton production | Forestry | Grain elevators and warehouses | Livestock | Migrant labor | Railroads | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number:	L1836.66 ag83
Session:	66th R.S. (1979)
Online version:	View report [90 pages  File size: 3,324 kb]
Charges:	This report should address the charges below.
1.	Study grain marketing practices, to determine if Texas producers can improve their positions in the marketplace.
2.	Study the procedures used in forward contracting and the commodities futures market to determine the need for bonding provisions.
3.	Review all import and export laws relating to livestock and agricultural produce and determine the need, if any, for closer scrutiny of the importation of certain commodities.
4.	Study cotton warehousing in Texas with specific attention to alleged delays in service by the industry, the status of domestic and foreign markets, and the adequacy of current laws as it deals with cotton warehousing.
5.	Study the current status of laws relating to agricultural labor relations, including the issue of illegal alien labor, and recommend needed changes.
6.	Determine if state efforts are needed to preserve forest land, to promote conservation of both soil and forest crops, and to improve timber production.
7.	Review all available information concerning nonresident alien ownership of agricultural land with consideration to establishing a register of alien property owners in Texas. A determination of the effects of alien ownership on the local and state economy should also be made.
8.	Investigate the discontinuation of service by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific rail lines in the Texas Panhandle; to study the economic impact of the loss of rail transportation on industry of the area and the state; and to determine if any actions can be taken to insure the continued transportation of agricultural commodities to market by rail.
9.	Continue the cataloging of information on mariculture and determine the economic impact of mariculture on the state.
10.	Study all available energy resources usable for agricultural production, particularly the development of gasohol, wind, solar, and biomass conversion. Monitor and disseminate information on gasohol plants in operation today, and study alternatives to market by-products of gasohol plants.
11.	Monitor the activities and assist the Animal Health Commission and the United States Department of Agriculture in matters pertaining to the Texas Brucellosis Program. Review all laws pertaining to livestock and enforced by the Animal Health Commission; codify these laws to delete unnecessary provisions.
Committee:	House Illegal Immigration in Texas, Special
Title:	Interim Report
Library Catalog Title:	Report of the Joint Committee on Illegal Immigration in Texas.
Subjects:	Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number:	L1836.65 IL3
Session:	65th R.S. (1977)
Online version:	View report [17 pages  File size: 562 kb]
Charge:	This report should address the charge below.
1.	Study the problems of illegal immigration of aliens into the state; the effect thereof upon units of local government, the economy and the labor market; with detailed analysis and recommendations of suggested proposals, both state and federal, to remedy the situation.
Supporting documents
Committee:	House Illegal Immigration in Texas, Special
Title:	Joint committee studies.
Library Call Number:	LRL
Session:	65th R.S. (1977)
Online version:	View document [7 pages]

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