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Current Articles & Research Resources, September 19, 2024

Sep 19

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Research Resources

In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community.

  • Explore state and federal actions related to the impact of AI (artificial intelligence) in elections. (National Conference of State Legislatures, update September 12, 2024)
  • Review the 2023 Cryptocurrency Fraud Report. (Federal Bureau of Investigation, released September 9, 2024)
  • Consider recent state legislation related to the regulation of AI. (Future of Privacy Forum, September 2024))
  • Track landslides and landslide susceptibility throughout the U.S. (U.S. Geological Survey, September 9, 2024)
  • Read about the FDA’s approval of over-the-counter hearing aid software. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, September 12, 2024)

 

Librarians review and select articles from more than 1,000 print and online sources to compile a weekly annotated list of Current Articles of interest to the legislative community. View this week's Current Articles.

 

Members of the Texas legislative community may request articles by using our online form or by calling 512-463-1252.

This entry was posted on September 19, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 24 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings – Week of September 23, 2024

Sep 18

posted by TexasLRL in Interim hearings, 88th Session

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

 

September 24, 2024
House Committee on Appropriations
1. Review the state finance implications of the implementation of House Bill 3447 as it relates to the Texas Space Commission and the Space Economy.

2. Review the state finance implications of the implementation of House Bill 5174 as it relates to the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium and Fund.

3. Review the state finance implications of the implementation of Senate Bill 2627 and potential opportunities to expand the allowable uses of the Texas Energy Fund.

4. Review the state finance implications of the implementation of House Bill 9 as it relates to the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund.

5. Review the state finance implications of future population growth trends.

6. Review the state finance implications of the implementation of Senate Bill 1648 as it relates to the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund.

7. Interim Charge 2: Examine cross-article funding streams within the Texas Education Agency, such as School Health and Related Services (SHARS), determine where overlapping programs are best fit and funded, and make policy recommendations to improve transparency and accountability between agencies.

 

House Committee on Natural Resources
Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th 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:

  • SB 28, relating to financial assistance provided and programs administered by the Texas Water Development Board.

Water Reuse Expansion: Examine opportunities to expand the reuse of waters in Texas as an additional water supply and identify funding deficiencies for water reuse projects and regulatory impediments that make expansion of water reuse difficult in Texas.

Reliability of Clean Water Access: Evaluate the causes, durations, and incidence of boil water notices issued by public water systems. Identify solutions to keep critical water infrastructure online during public water system failures and consider whether policy changes are necessary to prevent interruption to the public’s access to clean, reliable drinking water.

Groundwater Infrastructure: Examine Texas groundwater data infrastructure, data collection, and monitoring practices and identify policy solutions for improvement in the areas of understanding local groundwater conditions; groundwater modeling for planning and decision-making; and resource management

 

Senate Subcommittee Higher Education
Interim charges

 

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September 26, 2024
House Committee on Ways and Means
Charge: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

HB 5, the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act, relating to agreements authorizing a limitation on taxable value of certain property to provide for the creation of jobs and the generation of state and local tax revenue; authorizing fees; authorizing penalties; and

HB 796, relating to the creation and maintenance by an appraisal district of a publicly available Internet database of information regarding protest hearings conducted by the appraisal review board established for the district.

 

House Committee on Ways and Means and House Select Study Committee on Sustainable Property Tax Relief (Joint Hearing)
Charge: Review the impact of HJR 2/SB 2 (88S2), which provides property tax relief through various mechanisms, on achieving the goal of providing sustainable property tax relief for Texas property owners.

Charge: Evaluate the effects of tax rate compression, limits on taxable value, and homestead exemption increases to maximize savings to property owners, and evaluate whether Texas’ economic performance and state tax revenues support further compression of school district tax rates.

Charge: Study the viability and sustainability of eliminating maintenance and operations taxes by 2035.

Charge: Examine historical rates of appraisal increases, and methods to reduce the tax burden of appraisal increases on all real property. Evaluate whether to extend the limitation on appraised value of certain non-homestead real property past the current expiration date of December 31, 2026, and whether to further reduce the limit on appraised value of homesteads.

Charge: Examine the long-term value of homestead exemptions to Texas homeowners in conjunction with the impact of appraisal increases and evaluate whether to maintain the homestead exemption at its current rate.

 

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This entry was posted on September 18, 2024 at 3:20 PM and has received 77 views. Print this entry.

New & Noteworthy Books and Reports: September 2024

Sep 17

posted by TexasLRL in New & Noteworthy

In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting books from our collection on Hispanic members of the Texas Legislature as well as Hispanic history, politics, and culture.

The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. Below are the titles from our September 2024 New & Noteworthy list.

Check out and delivery of New & Noteworthy titles is available to legislative staff in Capitol and District offices. To arrange check out and delivery of any of these items, you can submit an online request through the New & Noteworthy page on our website or contact the library at 512-463-1252.

 

1. Latinoland: A Portrait of America's Largest and Least Understood Minority
By Marie Arana
Explores what it means to be Hispanic and Latino through in-depth historical research, interviews, and personal narratives. Studies perceptions of Hispanics and Latinos and the discrimination they encounter in America. Describes the diversity of these communities and the historical shifts within their ethnic, religious, and political makeup. Advocates for greater respect for Hispanic and Latino people and a better understanding of America’s "largest and fastest-growing minority." Mentions U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro.
Simon & Schuster, 2024, 554 pages
305.868 AR662 2024

 

 

2. Women Across Time = Mujeres a Través del Tiempo: Sixteen Influential South Texas Women
By Susan L. Roberson, editor
Features the sixteen South Texas women represented in the public mural Mujeres a Través del Tiempo (Women Across Time) by former Representative Arnold Gonzáles, Sr., housed on the campus of Texas A&M University–Kingsville. Examines the lives of ranchers, educators, politicians, artists, and others who served the community. Includes biography of former Representative Irma Rangel.
Texas A&M University Press, 2022, 233 pages
976.4 R638W 2022

 

 

3. Civil Rights in Black and Brown: Histories of Resistance and Struggle in Texas
By Max Krochmal and J. Todd Moye, editors
Draws from the oral history database Civil Rights in Black and Brown Oral History Project to further record a "people's history" of the grassroots civil rights movement in Texas. Emphasizes the intersection between Black and Hispanic activism in the 1960s and 1970s. Offers essays on student protests at Prairie View A&M, the leadership of Héctor P. García in Corpus Christi, the collaborative activism in 1970s San Antonio involving former State Representative G.J. Sutton, and the military experience of former State Representative Ben T. Reyes and others.
University of Texas Press, 2021, 469 pages
323.09764 K912C 2021

 

 

4. Mexican American Civil Rights in Texas
By Robert Brischetto and J. Richard Avena
Compiles essays by multiple authors to present an examination of the social change of Mexican Americans in Texas over the past 50 years. Addresses civil rights issues and changes to policies relating to immigration, voting, education, labor, housing, employment, and criminal justice. Includes an evidence-based examination of racial and ethnic inequalities along with discussion of litigation pursued on behalf of minorities and the legislative changes that followed.
Michigan State University Press, 2021, 499 pages
323.1168 B859 2021

 

 

5. Reverberations of Racial Violence: Critical Reflections on the History of the Border
By Sonia Hernandez and John Moran Gonzalez, editors
Collects a series of essays inspired by the 1919 Joint Committee to Investigate the Ranger Force, which addressed the violence committed against Mexican-Americans by Texas Rangers. Explores the historical context surrounding the Ranger investigation, the life of former State Representative José Tomás Canales (whose activism led to the investigation), and how the history of violence against Texans of Mexican descent has been rediscovered by a new generation of historians, writers, and filmmakers.
University of Texas Press, 2021, 310 pages
363.209764 H557R 2021

 

 

6. West Side Rising: How San Antonio's 1921 Flood Devastated a City and Sparked a Latino Environmental Justice Movement
By Char Miller
Focuses on the aftermath of the devastating 1921 flood in San Antonio, Texas. Highlights the racial discrimination present in flood control efforts, which caused continued flooding to the impoverished, majority-Latino West Side while eliminating flooding downtown and in the adjoining wealthy neighborhoods. Addresses the efforts of grassroots organizations and former U.S. Representative Henry B. González to require flood protection for the West Side. Documents how flood control advocacy changed the political landscape in San Antonio, giving lower-income areas more say in city government.
Maverick Books/Trinity University Press, 2021, 245 pages
363.34 M647W 2021

 

 

7. Agent of Change: Adela Sloss-Vento, Mexican American Civil Rights Activist and Texas Feminist
By Cynthia Orozco
Describes the activism of essayist Adela Sloss-Vento, a Latina leader in Texas throughout the Mexican American civil rights movement beginning in 1920 and the Chicano movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Examines Sloss-Vento’s role in the League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC) along with her political involvement in the issues of agribusiness, the Bracero program, and the U.S.-Mexico border. Includes discussion of her influence on government officials at all levels, including candidates for the Texas Legislature.
University of Texas Press, 2020, 254 pages
323.092 OR6AG 2020

 

 

8. El Norte: The Epic and Forgotten Story of Hispanic North America
By Carrie Gibson
Creates a dialogue on the complex history of the Hispanic culture in North America from the 15th to the 21st century, and its impact on current day issues. Challenges the narrative that America’s settlers and influence were primarily Protestants from England. Focuses on various Spanish territories, including San Antonio de Bexar and Del Rio, Texas, arguing that Hispanics were equal protagonists in the story of America. Includes a map with Spanish exploration routes and photographs of historical events and remnants of the early Spanish presence in America.
Atlantic Monthly Press, 2019, 560 pages
327.7308 G357N 2019

 

 

9. Albert A. Peña Jr.: Dean of Chicano Politics
By José Angel Gutiérrez
Profiles Albert A. Peña Jr., a longtime Bexar County Commissioner and central leader in the history of the Chicano movement who championed the advancement of political inclusion and representation of Mexican Americans in San Antonio and beyond. Discusses Peña’s mentorship of political leaders and his influence on Latino political organizations.
Michigan State University Press, 2017, 308 pages
324.2092 G985A 2017

 

 

10. Tejano Tiger: José de los Santos Benavides and the Texas-Mexico Borderlands, 1823-1891
By Jerry Thompson
Provides an in-depth study of former State Representative Santos Benavides, considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of Laredo, Texas. Traces Benavides’ military and political career with the Republic of Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and finally in the State of Texas, where he became the highest-ranking Tejano in the Confederate army and later a member of the Texas Legislature. Describes his devotion to the Texas border (as the only Tejano in the Texas Legislature in 1879) and his tireless work to raise the economic and political status of the region.
TCU Press, 2017, 412 pages
976.4 T374T 2017

 

 

11. Mexican American Baseball in South Texas
By Richard A. Santillan, et al.
Highlights the contributions of Mexican American baseball teams and players from the Rio Grande Valley, from the late 19th century through the 1950s. Discusses the role of baseball in bridging the cultural divide and providing opportunities for Mexican Americans in a variety of areas including education and politics. Includes the story of former State Senator Joe J. Bernal and his father.
Arcadia Publishing, 2016, 127 pages
796.35709764 SM 2016

 

 

12. José Antonio Navarro: In Search of the American Dream in Nineteenth Century Texas
By David R. McDonald
Presents the biography of former State Senator Jose Antonio Navarro, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence; a participant at the 1836 Consultation; and a drafter of the Constitution of 1845. Addresses his efforts to advance the rights of Tejanos along with his service in the legislatures of Coahuila y Texas, the Republic of Texas, and the state of Texas. Note: The 1846 Texas Legislature named the newly established Navarro County in his honor.
Texas State Historical Association, 2010, 340 pages
976.4 N228M 2010

 

 

13. Latina Legislator: Leticia Van de Putte and the Road to Leadership
By Sharon A. Navarro
Delves into the political career and leadership roles of former State Senator Leticia Van de Putte to better understand the behavior of Latinas in electoral politics. Examines Van de Putte’s legislative efforts to reform the state welfare system, revamp the Juvenile Code, challenge redistricting, and provide a healthcare safety net for children in Texas. Highlights her effectiveness as a lawmaker and her many leadership roles, including her election as Senate President Pro Tempore during the 83rd Legislature.
Texas A&M University Press, 2008, 178 pages
328.764 V26N 2008

 

 

14. The Journey to Latino Political Representation
By John P. Schmal
Recounts the struggle Latino Americans have faced in their fight for political representation from 1822 to the present, paying special attention to U.S. Congress and the state legislatures of California and Texas. Discusses the anti-immigration legislation and political influences that contributed to the deterioration and subsequent restoration of Hispanic representation. Includes short biographies of Latino politicians and lists of Hispanic members of the Texas Legislature from the 1980s onward.
Heritage Books, 2007, 211 pages
329.023 SCH43J 2007

 

 

15. Las Tejanas: 300 Years of History
By Teresa Palomo Acosta and Ruthe Winegarten
Celebrates the contributions made to Texas by women of Spanish/Mexican origin from the 1700s to 2000. Provides a historical account of Tejanas in all aspects of life, focusing on their struggles and triumphs in politics; education; the arts; and business. Profiles notable Tejanas, including former and current members of the Texas Legislature. Supplements this history of achievements with a selection of photographs and artwork. Mentions former and current legislators including, State Representatives Leticia van de Putte and Judith Zaffirini; and State Representatives Diana Davila; Jessica Farrar; Lena Guerrero; Christine Hernandez; Irma Rangel; and Elvira Reyna.
University of Texas Press, 2003, 436 pages
301.45 AC72T 2003

 

 

16. The Illusion of Inclusion: The Untold Political Story of San Antonio
By Rodolfo Rosales
Studies the history and political events of the Chicano community in San Antonio, Texas from 1951 to 1991. Focuses on efforts to open the electoral process for direct political participation by the Chicana/o middle class. Discusses various influential organizations within the movement, such as the Good Government League (GGL); League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); and Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF). Includes a table of San Antonio mayors and city council members from 1951-1999. Mentions former legislators, including former State Representative John C. Alaniz; State Senator Joe J. Bernal; and U.S. Representatives Henry B. González and Frank Tejeda.
University of Texas Press, 2000, 236 pages
324.089 R71I

 

 

17. Henry B. González: A Political Profile
By Eugene Rodriguez
Details the impact that former U.S. Representative Henry B. González had on local, state, and national political arenas throughout his career. Provides a history of San Antonio to give context to Mexican American and Chicano involvement in politics up to the 1950s. Discusses González's campaign  for State Senate and the five years he served in the Legislature. Includes his legislative priorities and the combined filibusters by himself and former State Senator Abraham "Chick" Kazen of the segregation bills in 1957. Presents his congressional campaign, priorities, influence, and successes through 1965.
Arno Press, 1976, 174 pages
923.2764 G589R

 

 

 

This entry was posted on September 17, 2024 at 3:30 PM and has received 102 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, September 12, 2024

Sep 12

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Research Resources

In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community.

  • View the 2024 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant awards. (U.S. Department of Transportation, September 5, 2024)
  • Consider CEO-worker pay gaps at large companies. (Institute for Policy Studies, August 29, 2024)
  • Read about the Social Security Administration eliminating some signature requirements. (Social Security Administration, September 5, 2024)
  • Explore the Mortgage Loan and Natural Disaster Dashboard. (Federal Housing Finance Agency, last updated August 21, 2024)
  • Review election misinformation by theme or type. (News Literacy Project, updated September 11, 2024)

 

Librarians review and select articles from more than 1,000 print and online sources to compile a weekly annotated list of Current Articles of interest to the legislative community. View this week's Current Articles.

 

Members of the Texas legislative community may request articles by using our online form or by calling 512-463-1252.

This entry was posted on September 12, 2024 at 3:25 PM and has received 278 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings – Week of September 16, 2024

Sep 12

posted by TexasLRL in Interim hearings, 88th Session

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

 

September 16, 2024
House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
Charge: Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature.

The committee will consider the implementation of:

HB 6, Relating to the designation of fentanyl poisoning or fentanyl toxicity for purposes of the death certificate and to the criminal penalties for certain controlled substance offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

HB 611, Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of unlawful disclosure of residence address or telephone number.

HB 1221, Relating to authorizing the comptroller to release a reported owner's unclaimed property to the owner's crime victim in certain circumstances and payment by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice of certain amounts owed by an inmate.

HB 1442, Relating to the prosecution of certain criminal conduct involving a reckless driving exhibition or racing on a highway and to the forfeiture of contraband as a result of a reckless driving exhibition.

Charge: Protecting Survivors Against Crimes of Abusers: Examine the shift in criminalization of children by human traffickers into other criminal enterprises, such as aggravated robbery, as well as the Texas Penal Code definition of “duress” as an affirmative defense for survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. Make recommendations to prevent the criminalization of survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence for the crimes of their abusers.

 

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September 17, 2024
House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended outcome of all legislation, including the following:

  • HB 19, relating to the creation of a specialty trial court to hear certain cases; authorizing fees;
  • HB 841, relating to certain judicial statistics and related information gathered by the Texas Judicial Council; and
  • HB 2384, relating to court administration, including the knowledge, efficiency, training, and transparency requirements for candidates for or holders of judicial offices.

 

House Committee on State Affairs
Charge: Panhandle Wildfires: Evaluate the findings and recommendations of the Investigative Committee on the Panhandle Wildfires that are within the committee’s jurisdiction and develop related legislative solutions and other actions for preventing future wildfires and improving wildfire disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation.

NOTE: Testimony on this charge will include invited testimony relating to key barriers to broadband development in rural areas.

Charge: Economic Challenges Impacting Insurance Premiums: Examine the impact of current economic challenges on the escalating costs of insurance premiums, including factors contributing to the withdrawal of insurance providers from certain markets. Investigate solutions to help Texans more easily and affordably obtain property and casualty insurance coverage. Evaluate long-term strategies for shifting from state-funded insurance programs to sustainable private market alternatives.

 

Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development
Charge: Enhancing Workforce Productivity: Study ways to increase the state’s workforce productivity, including access to childcare. Make recommendations, within existing resources, to maintain childcare availability to support a growing workforce. This charge is postponed until a later date. Please refer to the committee's notice of public hearing for more information.

Charge: Cement Production Plants: Examine the impacts of permanent cement production plants on local communities. Make recommendations to ensure they are strategically situated and uphold community standards while also fostering economic development.

 

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September 18, 2024
House Committee on Agriculture & Livestock
Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th 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 1750, relating to the applicability of certain city requirements to agricultural operations; and
HB 2308, relating to nuisance actions and other actions against agricultural operations.

Agricultural Product Regulations: Study the notice procedures and issuance of written stop-sale orders by the Texas Department of Agriculture and the seizure and destruction of infested, infected, or noncompliant products. Make recommendations to ensure the private property interests of Texas agricultural producers are appropriately balanced with the state’s public safety interests.

 

House Select Committee on Youth Health & Safety
Charge: Monitor the programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th 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 3, relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.

 

Senate Committee on Education
The committee will receive a State of the State of Education and consider the following interim charges:

Charge: Reading and Math Readiness: Study current local, state, and national policies and programs that improve student achievement in reading and mathematics, with an emphasis on “early readiness” in grades preK-5. Make recommendations to ensure every student has a strong academic foundation in reading and math.

Charge: Testing Reform: Review the state's current development and phase-in of the STAAR test redesign and ongoing innovative assessment reforms, including the Texas Through-Year Assessment Pilot (TTAP). Recommend ways to accelerate current testing improvement efforts and the development of a real-time testing program that meets the educational needs of Texas students.

Charge: COVID-19 Funding Oversight: Examine and report on COVID-19 how public schools spent federal funds since the beginning of the pandemic, including funds received under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), with a dual focus on demonstrated improved student outcomes and efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education passed by the 88th 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 parent-approved health education.

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education passed by the 88th 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:

  • measures ensuring public school safety; and
  • oversight of public school library procurement and content policies

 

Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
Charge: Children’s Mental Health: Review care and services currently available to the growing population of Texas children with high acuity mental and behavioral health needs. Make recommendations to improve access to care and services for these children that will support family preservation and prevent them from entering the child welfare system.

Charge: Access to Health Care: Evaluate current access to primary and mental health care. Examine whether regulatory and licensing flexibilities could improve access to care, particularly in medically underserved areas of Texas. Make recommendations, if any, to improve access to care while maintaining patient safety.

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services passed by the 88th 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:

Initiatives to reduce Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse, as well as other cost containment strategies; and Medicaid managed care oversight and accountability.

 

Senate Committee on Transportation
Charge: Transportation Funding: Assess the implementation of funding appropriated by the 88th Legislature for aviation, maritime ports, international points of entry, existing rail line operations, and public transportation from non-dedicated state funds and federal funds and make recommendations to ensure these sectors meet current demands and are prepared for future growth.

Charge: Autonomous Vehicle Safety: Evaluate autonomous vehicle operations, implementation, incident reporting, and accountability to law enforcement. Make recommendations to ensure public safety and transparency.

Charge: Reviewing Historic Accomplishments in Transportation: Review the implementations and outcomes of key transportation funding and policy initiatives since the 84th Legislature. Report on trends or patterns to guide future planning and governance.

Charge: The Future of Our Economy: Evaluate President Biden’s plan to transition to all-electric vehicles, and the impact on Texans and the state economy. Assess and report on the viability of the charging infrastructure, including the need for more charging stations and upgrades to the power grid, loss of gas tax revenue for transportation and public education, barriers to widespread adoption such as consumer costs for purchasing new vehicles and installing residential charging infrastructure, and the impacts to the oil and gas economy in Texas.

 

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September 19, 2024
House Committee on Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Charge: Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

  • SB 10, relating to certain benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
  • HB 1666, relating to the commingling of funds by digital asset service providers; providing an administrative penalty.

Charge: ESG: Examine the ways in which environmental, social, governance (ESG) policies are contradictory to fiduciary duties and the resultant detrimental effect on investors.

Topic: Texas Investments: Examine how legislative changes affect the investment of public funds.

Topic: Pension Update: The committee will receive an update on the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System.

Topic: Pension Amortization Periods: The committee will receive an update on pension systems with infinite amortization periods.

 

Senate Committee on Border Security
Charge: Securing the Texas-Mexico Border:Examine the impact of transnational criminal activity on commerce including, but not limited to, organized crime fuel theft to fund criminal operations. Make recommendations to support and strengthen interagency border operations to combat criminal enterprises.

Charge: Support for Border Security Personnel: Consider the effect on personnel who have actively served or participated in Operation Lone Star and the impact of their service on their health and well-being, and their regular employment or assignments outside of Operation Lone Star. Study the challenges and barriers that affect the recruitment and retention of personnel engaged in border security efforts.

Charge: Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Border Security passed by the 88th 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:

  • Senate Bill 602, relating to the law enforcement authority of federal border patrol agents;
  • Senate Bill 1133, relating to a program to compensate landowners for property damage caused by certain criminal activities; and
  • Senate Bill 1484, relating to a border operations training program for peace officers employed by local law enforcement agencies.

 

Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services passed by the 88th 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:

  • Senate Bill 7, Third Called Special Session, relating to prohibiting a private employer from adopting or enforcing certain COVID-19 vaccine mandates; authorizing an administrative penalty;
  • Senate Bill 24, relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services;
  • Senate Bill 26, relating to local mental health authority and local behavioral health authority audits and mental and behavioral health reporting, services, and programs;
  • Senate Bill 1849, relating to an inter agency reportable conduct search engine, standards for a person's removal from the employee misconduct registry and eligibility for certification as certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department officers and employees, and the use of certain information by certain state agencies to conduct background checks.

 

Sunset Advisory Commission
Consideration and possible action on the recommendations for the following agencies:

Staff presentation and public testimony:

 

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This entry was posted on September 12, 2024 at 9:15 AM and has received 316 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, September 5, 2024

Sep 5

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Research Resources

In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community.

  • Consider how Americans get their local crime news. (Pew Research Center, August 29, 2024)
  • Find bike routes and trails throughout Texas. (Texas Department of Transportation, accessed September 4, 2024)
  • Read about fall foliage. (USA Today, updated September 3, 2024)
  • Check for recalls on vehicles, car seats, tires, and other equipment. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, accessed September 9, 2024)

 

Librarians review and select articles from more than 1,000 print and online sources to compile a weekly annotated list of Current Articles of interest to the legislative community. View this week's Current Articles.

 

Members of the Texas legislative community may request articles by using our online form or by calling 512-463-1252.

This entry was posted on September 5, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 268 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings – Week of September 9, 2024

Sep 4

posted by TexasLRL in Interim hearings, 88th Session

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

 

September 10, 2024
House Committee on Appropriations
1. Update on the Texas economy.

2. Review the state finance implications of the implementation of House Bill 4990 as it relates to the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative.

3. Review the state finance implications of the implementation of House Bill 8 as it relates to the public junior college state finance program.

4. Interim Charge 1: Monitor and oversee the implementation and impact of appropriations under Article II for reimbursement rates.

5. Interim Charge 1: Monitor and oversee the implementation of programs assisting victims with crime and revenues associated with the awards. Monitor the federal revenue trends and resources available to efficiently administer timely payments to those awarded grants from the Trusteed Programs within the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Attorney General.

 

House Committee on International Relations & Economic Development
Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th 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 1755, relating to the creation of the Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund; and
  • HB 4451, relating to a report by the Texas Workforce Commission regarding apprenticeship opportunities in this state for emerging and high-demand industries.

The Committee will receive an update from the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office.

Charge: Early Childhood Education Industry: Evaluate the current state of the early childhood education industry. Review current early childhood policies and evaluate their effectiveness, including barriers to enter the Child Care Services program.

 

House Select Committee on Securing Texas from Hostile Foreign Organizations (Tyler)
Charge: Study the threat posed by hostile foreign organizations and related entities on the Texas economy, security, and values.

Charge: Examine rates of intellectual property (IP) theft in the state and identify the industries most impacted. Make recommendations to better secure the IP of government and businesses operating in the state and ensure Texas remains competitive in the face of economic aggression by hostile foreign organizations.

 

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September 12, 2024
House Committee on Business & Industry
Charge: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th 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 4, relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

Charge: Evaluate the impact on housing prices and rent caused by institutional buyers to determine whether policy changes are needed to ensure families and individuals are not unfairly priced out of homeownership.

Charge: Examine the proliferation of fraudulent deeds purporting to convey the sale or transfer of real or personal property. Recommend policy changes that will better protect potential victims from this illicit activity.

 

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This entry was posted on September 4, 2024 at 4:35 PM and has received 306 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, August 29, 2024

Aug 29

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Research Resources

In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community.

  • Check your voter registration status. (Texas Secretary of State, accessed August 28, 2024)
  • Read about Americans’ digital privacy concerns. (U.S. News, August 5, 2024)
  • Explore online maps from the Library of Congress. (Library of Congress, accessed August 28, 2024)
  • Review tips for preventing mosquito bites. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 28, 2024)

 

Librarians review and select articles from more than 1,000 print and online sources to compile a weekly annotated list of Current Articles of interest to the legislative community. View this week's Current Articles.

 

Members of the Texas legislative community may request articles by using our online form or by calling 512-463-1252.

This entry was posted on August 29, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 327 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings – Week of September 2, 2024

Aug 28

posted by TexasLRL in Interim hearings, 88th Session

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

 

September 3, 2024
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Charge: Water System Reliability: Evaluate water systems in Texas and identify opportunities to better equip those systems to serve the public. Review the coordination of relevant state agencies dealing with Texas water issues and identify opportunities for improved coordination and effectiveness.

Charge: Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs passed by the 88th 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:

  • Senate Bill 28, relating to financial assistance provided and programs administered by the Texas Water Development Board;
  • Senate Bill 1289, relating to the disposal of reclaimed wastewater;
  • Senate Bill 1414, relating to the temporary regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; and
  • Senate Bill 1648, relating to the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund.

 

State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee
The State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) will meet at 4:00 p.m. and The Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund Advisory Committee (TIRF) will meet following the SWIFT hearing. The advisory committees shall review the overall operation, function, and structure of the funds at least semiannually and may provide comments and recommendations to the board on any matter.

 

Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund Advisory Committee
The Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund Advisory Committee (TIRF) will meet at 4:30 p.m. or upon recess/adjournment of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee (SWIFT). The advisory committee shall review the overall operation, function, and structure of the resiliency fund at least semiannually and may provide comments and recommendations to the board on any matter.

 

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September 4, 2024
Senate Committee on Finance
Charge: Continue Cutting Property Taxes: Identify the best combination to further increase the amount of homestead exemption and compression to continue cutting Texans' property taxes.
Additionally, establish and report on the cost of eliminating:

  • School maintenance and operation property taxes;
  • All school property taxes; and
  • All property taxes.

Determine the fiscal consequences of each action, including whether revenue reallocations would be required for public education funding and local government funding, and impacts on the state's ability to respond to disasters and other urgent priorities. For example, determine the effect on other state programs if general revenue were used to fully replace school property taxes, particularly during economic downturns. Evaluate and report on how much state revenue would need to be generated to replace foregone property tax revenue, and from what source.

Charge: Monitor Property Tax Relief: Monitor the appropriations supporting, and implementation of, the following legislation passed during the 88th Legislature, Regular or Special Sessions, and approved by voters, amending the Texas Constitution:.

 

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September 5, 2024
House Committee on Environmental Regulation (Houston)
Charge: Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th 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 3060, relating to the regulation of recycling and recycled products; and
  • HB 4885, relating to programs established and funded under the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP).

Charge: Impact of EPA rules on Texas: Evaluate and address the implications of recent EPA regulations proposed and promulgated rules to assess their collective impact on air quality in Texas. Examine the necessity for a new State Implementation Plan and explore potential legislative measures to ensure a balanced approach that promotes regulatory compliance while preserving economic vitality, especially in counties identified as at risk of violation.

Charge: Hydrogen Industry Impacts & Recommendations: Evaluate the environmental impacts of the industrial development of emerging markets for hydrogen, including production, transportation, storage, power generation, and other competitive market opportunities. Make recommendations needed to build a competitive hydrogen industry in the state.

Charge: Concrete Batch Plants in Houston: The committee will hear invited testimony on the impact of concrete batch plants regulated by TCEQ on air, land and water in Houston.

 

House Committee on Insurance
Subject: Examine and evaluate the effects of current regulations on the contractual relationships between pharmacists, pharmacies, health benefit plan issuers, and pharmacy benefit managers(PBMs). Assess the effectiveness of existing laws in promoting transparency and fairness in drug pricing and out-of-pocket expenses for consumers. Study how PBM rebates function within the prescription drug market. Study programs which aim to increase transparency,improve quality of care for patients, and support public policy decisions. Analyze the effects of prohibiting certain contractual provisions that limit the ability of insurers to guide patients toward specific healthcare providers.

Subject: Examine the impact of current economic challenges on the escalating cost of health insurance premiums and options available to Texans in the small business and individual health insurance markets. Investigate solutions including the availability of a small business health options program and ways Texas can better manage and control administration of and the rising costs in our health insurance market.

Subject: Review the current practices and impacts of prior authorization in the healthcare system in Texas.

Subject: Review the impact of healthcare mandates on healthcare providers, insurers, and patients.

Subject: Review the current state of network adequacy in Texas, focusing on the availability and accessibility of healthcare providers within health insurance networks.

Subject: Review the use of current practices and policies regarding the imposition of hospital facility fees.

Subject: Review the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the healthcare and health insurance industry. Assess current applications of AI in clinical settings and for tasks such as claims processing, fraud detection, and for personalized insurance plans. Study how AI could improve existing practices relating to risk assessment, underwriting, and customer service. Study ethical and legal concerns associated with AI, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and transparency. Review the regulatory and oversight mechanisms needed to ensure responsible use of AI in the healthcare and health insurance industry.

 

Senate Committee on Finance
Charge: Mental Health Services and Inpatient Facilities: Monitor the implementation of Senate Bill 30, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, with regard to appropriations made for expanding mental health services and inpatient facilities across the state. Report on the progress of inpatient facility construction projects. Assess and report on the effectiveness of spending on mental health services.

Charge: Monitor Infrastructure Funds: Monitor the appropriations supporting, and implementation of, the following legislation passed during the 88th Legislature, Regular or Special Sessions, and approved by voters, amending the Texas Constitution:

 

Senate Committee on Local Government
Charge 1: Local Government Spending of Directly Distributed Federal Funds: Examine how local governments spend funds directly distributed to them by the federal government, such as Harris County's use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to set up a guaranteed-income pilot program. Make recommendations to ensure that the spending of such funds is transparent, accountable, and within the legitimate purposes for local governments under Texas law.

Charge 2: Extra-Territorial Jurisdictions: Study issues related to the implementation of Senate Bill 2038 and House Bill 3053, 88th Legislature, and make recommendations to secure and enhance the protection of landowners' property rights.

 

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This entry was posted on August 28, 2024 at 3:25 PM and has received 400 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, August 22, 2024

Aug 22

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Research Resources

In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community.

  • Review the 2024 State Flood Plan. (Texas Water Development Board, August 15, 2024)
  • Track burn bans in Texas by county. (Texas A&M Forest Service, accessed August 20, 2024)
  • Explore statistics related to pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths. (Jan Null, CCM Department of Meteorology & Climate Science, San Jose State University, updated August 21, 2024)
  • Report internet crime by filing a complaint online. (Federal Bureau of Investigation, accessed August 21, 2024)

 

Librarians review and select articles from more than 1,000 print and online sources to compile a weekly annotated list of Current Articles of interest to the legislative community. View this week's Current Articles.

 

Members of the Texas legislative community may request articles by using our online form or by calling 512-463-1252.

This entry was posted on August 22, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 327 views. Print this entry.

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