May 19, 2012

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Study Charges Released for the 2012 Interim – Part IX

March 14, 2012 By

Speaker of the House Joe Straus on March 1st announced seven new interim charges to be studied by the Texas House of Representatives during the 2012 legislative interim.  These new charges  along with the previously released charges will result in recommendations that could form the basis for legislation to be considered during the next legislative session.  House committees are each given several issues to study.  These charges result in committee hearings being held over the course of the interim period (2012), these hearings give the public an opportunity to testify before the committees, thereby assisting in formulating possible legislation in the future.  At the end of the interim, each committee will submit a formal report to the Speaker of the Texas House with recommendations on possible legislation.

The following are the seven new charges given to the House Committees.  If you would like a complete list of the study charges or if you would like more information about issues being studied by any particular committee, please don’t hesitate to call my Capitol office at 512-463-0672 or visit the Texas House of Representatives at www.house.state.tx.us.

Here are the latest charges given to the standing House committees:

House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence

  • Study current driving while intoxicated laws, examine enforcement options used nationwide, including requiring interlock devices after a first offense as well as current fees or fines, and make legislative recommendations.

House Committee on Energy Resources

  • In addition to monitoring the implementation of HB 3328 (82R), continue to study the implications of hydraulic fracturing for the state’s energy needs, environmental policy, economic development, and other related priorities.  Examine ways to ensure appropriate state and local regulation of hydraulic fracturing that matches the needs and conditions of Texas.  Coordinate with the House Committee on Natural Resources’ charge regarding water quantity and quality issues in oil and gas production, and with other committees, as necessary.

House Committee on Insurance

  • Study the costs and benefits of mandates of coverage for health plans.  Assess the impact to the state of current and future mandates in light of the provisions of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requiring states to assume the cost of certain mandates.

House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures

  • Study all existing occupational licensing programs and determine their impact on consumers, competition, and the cost of services.  Explore the extent to which new licensing programs are necessary.

House Committee on State Affairs

  • Study how businesses seeking to provide goods or services to the state interact with state agencies.  Consider whether additional procedures are needed to ensure that goods and services obtained by the state are the best value.  Determine whether additional disclosure and reporting requirements are necessary to ensure transparency, accountability, and to promote ethical business practices.

House Select Committee on State Sovereignty

  • Monitor developments regarding the Interstate Health Care Compact in other states and at the federal level.  Offer appropriate recommendations to facilitate Texas’ participation in the compact if it is approved, including recommendations on the processes by which the state would consider its options under the compact and make related decisions.

House Committee on Technology

  • Examine human resource policies of state agencies that would integrate the implementation of social media to strengthen the state’s workforce.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office.  As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

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Study Charges Released for the 2012 Interim – Part VIII

March 5, 2012 By

Speaker of the House Joe Straushas released a list of interim study charges for the standing committees of the Texas House of Representatives.  These study charges and the resulting recommendations that will be developed during the interim could form the basis for legislation to be considered during the next legislative session.  House committees were each given several issues to study.  Committee hearings will be held over the course of the interim period (2012) giving the public an opportunity to testify on a variety of issues.  At the end of the interim, each committee will submit a formal report to the Speaker of the Texas House with recommendations on possible legislation.

The following is a sampling of charges given to different House committees.  If you would like a complete list of the study charges or if you would like more information about issues being studied by any particular committee, please don’t hesitate to call my Capitol office at 512-463-0672 or visit the Texas House of Representatives at www.house.state.tx.us.

Here are some examples of charges given to the standing House committees:

House Committee on Transportation – Review the state of our current transportation infrastructure, including studying roadway, bridge, and waterway quality and long-range plans by the Texas Department of Transportation for maintaining these assets. Explore future needs of our infrastructure for the next decade and make recommendations to ensure long-range sufficiency.

Study the state’s preparedness for the expansion of the Panama Canaland determine whether the state’s infrastructure is ready for the increase in commerce.

Conduct a thorough review of the operations of transit organizations in Texas. Explore possible reforms to streamline and improve services to Texans.

Study transportation funding reforms and develop long-term state funding recommendations, with an eye on any federal reforms that become law. Explore options to eliminate “diversions” from Fund 6 to non-transportation-related programs. (Joint with the House Committee on Appropriations)

House Committee on Urban Affairs – Evaluate the role of community gardens and urban farming efforts that increase access to healthy foods and examine the possible impact that state and local policies have on the success of programs of this type. Determine the feasibility of policies to support these efforts, especially in high-population areas. (Joint with the House Committee on Agriculture & Livestock)
Examine current economic development programs available in urban areas in Texas and other states. Report on successful programs and make legislative recommendations for innovative economic development programs. (Joint with the House Committee on Economic & Small Business Development)

Examine strategies to maximize state funding for programs designed to prevent and end homelessness, with an emphasis on programs that have demonstrated a successful coordination of state and local resources. (Joint with the House Committee on Appropriations)

House Committee on Ways & Means – Evaluate the state’s tax structure and determine its impact on the competitiveness of the Texas business climate. Specifically, determine the impact of the state’s major taxes, including the sales tax and franchise tax, as well as tax exemptions, exclusions, and credits on economic growth, capital investment, and job creation in Texas. As part of this review, evaluate the franchise (margins) tax and determine whether the tax structure should continue to exist in its current form or in a revised form, or whether the existing tax structure should be repealed and replaced with a different business tax.

Analyze the results of the reviews of appraisal district operations as conducted through the comptroller’s Methods Assistance Program (MAP) and determine whether appraisal districts are applying uniform standards and procedures for the appraisal of property for ad valorem tax purposes as required by the Texas Constitution.

Evaluate whether current property tax notice requirements effectively serve the intended “truth-in-taxation” purpose of informing taxpayers about the property taxes they pay and who is responsible for deciding how much they pay.

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Study Charges Released for the 2012 Interim – Part VII

February 27, 2012 By

Speaker of the House Joe Straushas released a list of interim study charges for the standing committees of the Texas House of Representatives.  These study charges and the resulting recommendations that will be developed during the interim could form the basis for legislation to be considered during the next legislative session.  House committees were each given several issues to study.  Committee hearings will be held over the course of the interim period (2012) giving the public an opportunity to testify on a variety of issues.  At the end of the interim, each committee will submit a formal report to the Speaker of the Texas House with recommendations on possible legislation.

The following is a sampling of charges given to different House committees.  If you would like a complete list of the study charges or if you would like more information about issues being studied by any particular committee, please don’t hesitate to call my Capitol office at 512-463-0672 or visit the Texas House of Representatives at www.house.state.tx.us.

Here are some examples of charges given to the standing House committees:

House Select Committee on State Sovereignty – Study and evaluate constitutional methods by which states may encourage the proper balance of power between the federal and state governments. Include an evaluation of interstate compacts as well as the effects on state sovereignty of conditional federal grants, commandeering of state officials, and federal laws requiring coordination with local governments.

House Committee on State Affairs – Examine the issue of resource adequacy in theTexas electricity market, federal and state interventions in the marketplace that may be negatively impacting future adequacy, and the best way to maintain resource adequacy.

Examine areas of potential privatization of state services in an effort to achieve a higher level of service and greater efficiency for Texastaxpayers. (Joint with the House Committee on Government Efficiency & Reform)

Examine state agency rulemaking and consider ways to improve procedural efficiencies and public transparency, and to better inform policymakers as to their use, purpose, and cost-effectiveness, including an examination of the financial and other impacts such regulations have on both the license holder and the public. (Joint with the House Committee on Government Efficiency & Reform)

House Committee on Technology – Examine ways to create incentives for technology companies to come toTexas, including the feasibility of public-private partnerships. The study should include the economic impact of the high-tech industry inTexas and the state’s ability to compete with other states for high-tech jobs. Examine the state’s current areas of differentiated technology research and development and recommend strategies to capitalize on that intellectual property and commercialization. Include strategies to attract Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding toTexas.

Study the impact of federal broadband expansion programs on rural areas. Coordinate this review with the Public Utility Commission’s evaluation of the state Texas Universal Service Fund and the Federal Communications Commission’s national broadband plan.

Examine methods of cloud computing technology to streamline agency operations and generate greater efficiencies for more cost-effective operations. (Joint with the House Committee on State Affairs)

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Study Charges Released for the 2012 Interim – Part VI

February 20, 2012 By

Speaker of the House Joe Straushas released a list of interim study charges for the standing committees of the Texas House of Representatives.  These study charges and the resulting recommendations that will be developed during the interim could form the basis for legislation to be considered during the next legislative session.  House committees were each given several issues to study.  Committee hearings will be held over the course of the interim period (2012) giving the public an opportunity to testify on a variety of issues.  At the end of the interim, each committee will submit a formal report to the Speaker of the Texas House with recommendations on possible legislation.

The following is a sampling of charges given to different House committees.  If you would like a complete list of the study charges or if you would like more information about issues being studied by any particular committee, please don’t hesitate to call my Capitol office at 512-463-0672 or visit the Texas House of Representatives at www.house.state.tx.us.

Here are some examples of charges given to the standing House committees:

House Committee on Pensions, Investments & Financial Services – Review the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act onTexas industries, with particular attention to any federal preemption issues that exist. Make appropriate legislative recommendations.

House Committee on Public Education – Monitor state and local implementation of the new state assessment system (STAAR), specifically the impact on students, instruction, teachers, and graduation or promotion rates. Review how districts are implementing the requirement that the end-of-course assessment count for 15 percent of the student’s course grade. Recommend any changes to graduation or testing requirements that promote instructional rigor and support postsecondary readiness while appropriately limiting an overreliance on standardized testing.

Evaluate the charter schools system inTexas. Examine success and failure stories inTexasand other states. Review the educational outcomes of students in charter schools compared to those in traditional schools. Identify any best practices and how those practices may be applied statewide. The study should include recommendations.

Review and make recommendations on the effectiveness of Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs (DAEPs) and Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Programs (JJAEPs) in reducing students’ involvement in further disciplinary infractions. Determine the appropriate role of disciplinary alternative placements in promoting education achievement and how technology could be used to supplement education services. Consider appropriate placements in DAEPs or JJAEPs and consistent funding models for those programs. Consider options for counties without a JJAEP or inefficiently few placements in a JJAEP. Identify positive behavioral models that promote a learning environment for teachers to appropriately instruct while addressing any behavioral issues and enforcing student discipline.

House Committee on Public Health – Examine the adequacy of the primary care workforce inTexas and assess the impact of an aging population, the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and state and federal funding reductions to graduate medical education and physician loan repayment programs. Study the potential impact of medical school innovations, new practice models, alternative reimbursement strategies, expanded roles for physician extenders, and greater utilization of telemedicine. Make recommendations to increase patient access to primary care and address geographic disparities.

Monitor implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including any changes that may result from ongoing litigation or legislative modification or repeal. (Joint with the House Committee on Insurance)

Identify policies to alleviate food insecurity, increase access to healthy foods, and incent good nutrition within existing food assistance programs. Consider initiatives in Texasand other states to eliminate food deserts and grocery gaps, encourage urban agriculture and farmers’ markets, and increase participation in the Summer Food Program. Evaluate the desirability and feasibility of incorporating nutritional standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Monitor congressional activity on the 2012 Farm Bill and consider its impact on Texas. (Joint with the House Committee on Human Services)

 

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Study Charges Released for the 2012 Interim – Part V

February 15, 2012 By

Speaker of the House Joe Straus has released a list of interim study charges for the standing committees of the Texas House of Representatives.  These study charges and the resulting recommendations that will be developed during the interim could form the basis for legislation to be considered during the next legislative session.  House committees were each given several issues to study.  Committee hearings will be held over the course of the interim period (2012) giving the public an opportunity to testify on a variety of issues.  At the end of the interim, each committee will submit a formal report to the Speaker of the Texas House with recommendations on possible legislation.

The following is a sampling of charges given to different House committees.  If you would like a complete list of the study charges or if you would like more information about issues being studied by any particular committee, please don’t hesitate to call my Capitol office at 512-463-0672 or visit the Texas House of Representatives at www.house.state.tx.us.

Here are some examples of charges given to the standing House committees:
House Committee on Land & Resource Management  -
Examine the Cabin Program managed by the General Land Office. Review the history of the program, the current fee structure, and the renewal process and whether the program is achieving the goals for which it was created. Make appropriate legislative recommendations.

Monitor and examine the ongoing litigation of Severance v. Patterson and its impact on the Texas Open Beaches Act.

Examine the effectiveness of the Texas Private Real Property Rights Preservation Act (Chapter 2007, Government Code).

Examine current regulatory authority available to municipalities in their extraterritorial jurisdiction. Make necessary legislative recommendations to ensure a proper balance between development activities and municipal regulations.

House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures – Review the alcoholic beverage licensing and permitting process. Explore possible reforms with interested stakeholders to streamline and improve the process.

Study the feasibility of streamlining the process to obtain an occupational license. Consider consolidating all occupational licenses under one state agency and whether such a move would increase efficiency and effectiveness. Analyze the process being used in other states.

House Committee on Natural Resources  - Monitor the ongoing statewide drought and the performance of state, regional, and local entities in addressing it. Examine the impact of the drought on the state water plan, including an evaluation of how well the state’s existing water resources can meet demand, the need for additional funding sources to implement the plan, and the effectiveness of current drought planning and drought management policies. Identify short-term and long-term strategies to help the state better cope with drought and assess any obstacles, including state and federal regulations, to implementation of these strategies.

Examine the interplay of water and energy resources and needs in the state. Study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of water use in energy production and exploration, including the impacts of this use on regional and state water planning. Determine the current and likely future water needs of power generation and energy production, and evaluate options to develop new or alternative supplies. Include an evaluation of current issues involving water use for oil and gas production and related water quality issues.

Evaluate the status of desalination projects in Texas. Include an evaluation of the regulation of brackish groundwater and whether opportunities exist to facilitate better utilization of this groundwater to meet future needs.

Study ways to enhance incentives for water conservation in agricultural irrigation.

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Study Charges Released for the 2012 Interim-Part IV

February 7, 2012 By

Speaker of the House Joe Straus has released a list of interim study charges for the standing committees of the Texas House of Representatives. These study charges and the resulting recommendations that will be developed during the interim could form the basis for legislation to be considered during the next legislative session. House committees were each given several issues to study. Committee hearings will be held over the course of the interim period (2012) giving the public an opportunity to testify on a variety of issues. At the end of the interim, each committee will submit a formal report to the Speaker of the Texas House with recommendations on possible legislation.

The following is a sampling of charges given to different House committees. If you would like a complete list of the study charges or if you would like more information about issues being studied by any particular committee, please don’t hesitate to call my Capitol office at 512-463-0672 or visit the Texas House of Representatives at www.house.state.tx.us.

Here are some examples of charges given to the standing House committees:

House Committee on Human Services – Monitor the implementation of Foster Care Redesign. Evaluate the mechanisms for monitoring and oversight, including rates, contracts, and client outcomes.
Identify policies to alleviate food insecurity, increase access to healthy foods, and incent good nutrition within existing food assistance programs. Consider initiatives in Texas and other states to eliminate food deserts and grocery gaps, encourage urban agriculture and farmers’ markets, and increase participation in the Summer Food Program. Evaluate the desirability and feasibility of incorporating nutritional standards in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Monitor congressional activity on the 2012 Farm Bill and consider its impact on Texas. (Joint with the House Committee on Public Health)
Explore strategies, including those in other states, to support the needs of aging Texans, including best practices in nursing home diversion, expedited access to community services, and programs to assist seniors and their families in navigating the long-term care system, with the goal of helping seniors remain in the community. Assess the feasibility of leveraging volunteer-supported initiatives using existing infrastructure to enhance the ability of seniors to remain active and involved.

House Committee on Insurance – Study whether Texas would benefit from allowing purchases of health insurance coverage across state lines. Examine the options available to facilitate such purchases, and include consideration of how to guarantee appropriate consumer protections.

Examine the handling of third-party claims by automobile insurers. Consider whether any systemic claims-handling issues would be better addressed through new dispute resolution processes, case-by-case action by the Texas Department of Insurance, or a combination of both. Include in the review an analysis of practice in other states.

Monitor implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including any changes that may result from ongoing litigation or legislative modification or repeal. (Joint with the House Committee on Public Health) Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction, including the implementation of HB 3 (82-1) regarding the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.

House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence – Study the potential effects on victims of family and domestic violence in the judicial process if courts are allowed to issue agreed protective orders without a finding of violence.

Study the rules of statutory construction and establish a method of determining legislative intent.
Study the public policy implications of lawsuit lending and its effects on the civil justice system.
Study whether the asbestos and silica multidistrict litigation courts should be allowed to dismiss, without prejudice, claims on the courts’ inactive dockets for want of prosecution under certain circumstances.
Study best practices regarding corporate governance. Make recommendations on the confidentiality of communications to ombudsmen in order to provide more protections to complaining parties.

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Study Charges Released for the 2012 Interim – Part III

February 1, 2012 By

Speaker of the House Joe Straus has released a list of interim study charges for the standing committees of the Texas House of Representatives. These study charges and the resulting recommendations that will be developed during the interim could form the basis for legislation to be considered during the next legislative session. House committees were each given several issues to study. Committee hearings will be held over the course of the interim period (2012) giving the public an opportunity to testify on a variety of issues. At the end of the interim, each committee will submit a formal report to the Speaker of the Texas House with recommendations on possible legislation.

The following is a sampling of charges given to different House committees. If you would like a complete list of the study charges or if you would like more information about issues being studied by any particular committee, please don’t hesitate to call my Capitol office at 512-463-0672 or visit the Texas House of Representatives at www.house.state.tx.us.

Here are some examples of charges given to the standing House committees:

House Committee on Government Efficiency & Reform – Examine and make recommendations on purchasing cooperatives created under Chapter 791 of the Texas Government Code, including the bid process and the role of inter-local contracts. Clarify for consistency the following terms: purchasing cooperatives, inter-local contracts, and inter-local agreements.

Examine areas of potential privatization of state services in an effort to achieve a higher level of service and greater efficiency for Texas taxpayers. (Joint with the House Committee on State Affairs)
Examine state agency rulemaking and consider ways to improve procedural efficiencies and public transparency, and to better inform policymakers as to their use, purpose, and cost-effectiveness, including an examination of the financial and other impacts such regulations have on both the license holder and the public. (Joint with the House Committee on State Affairs)

House Committee on Higher Education – Review the various research funding programs available to institutions of higher education. Analyze the effectiveness of each program and recommend whether state funding should be continued. Consider whether the investments made in these programs are attracting research projects to Texas and whether more emphasis should be placed on policies that attract outside research funding to Texas. Consider whether maintaining multiple programs dilutes the state’s efforts to attract groundbreaking research to Texas.

Evaluate proposals for the state’s next master plan for higher education beyond 2015, including a review of various metrics to measure successful outcomes in higher education.

Examine the impact of research at state universities on the state economy. Identify ways to increase the partnership opportunities between private business and research institutions to enhance the commercialization of newly discovered technology. (Joint with the House Committee on Economic & Small Business Development)

House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety – Examine the extent of interstate coordination concerning border security and intelligence sharing and determine whether any changes to state law are needed to enhance that coordination and cooperation. (Joint with the House Committee on Border & Intergovernmental Affairs)
Monitor the Texas Department of Public Safety’s implementation of the driver’s license improvement plan and the use of the funds appropriated to the department for such purposes by the 82nd Legislature. Evaluate the feasibility of privatization with the intent to minimize wait times for Texans. (Joint with the House Committee on Appropriations.)

Examine state and federal law to determine whether existing provisions adequately address security and efficiency concerns for steamship agencies and land ports of entry along the Texas-Mexico border. Evaluate whether the state and the federal government have provided sufficient manpower, infrastructure, and technology to personnel in the border region. (Joint with the House Committee on Border & Intergovernmental Affairs)

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

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Study Charges Released for the 2012 Interim – Part II

January 25, 2012 By

Speaker of the House Joe Straus has released a list of interim study charges for the standing committees of the Texas House of Representatives. These study charges and the resulting recommendations that will be developed during the interim could form the basis for legislation to be considered during the next legislative session. House committees were each given several issues to study. Committee hearings will be held over the course of the interim period (2012) giving the public an opportunity to testify on a variety of issues. At the end of the interim, each committee will submit a formal report to the Speaker of the Texas House with recommendations on possible legislation.

The following is a sampling of charges given to different House committees. If you would like a complete list of the study charges or if you would like more information about issues being studied by any particular committee, please don’t hesitate to call my Capitol office at 512-463-0672 or visit the Texas House of Representatives at www.house.state.tx.us.

Here are some examples of charges given to the standing House committees:

House Committee on Economic & Small Business Development – Examine previous Emerging Technology Fund (ETF) grants awarded for cancer-related research. Determine whether future awards for similar projects are appropriate for the ETF program or whether they should be considered by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
Examine the impact of research at state universities on the state economy. Identify ways to increase the partnership opportunities between private business and research institutions to enhance the commercialization of newly discovered technology. (Joint with the House Committee on Higher Education)
Examine the economic impact of the automobile industry in Texas and the state’s ability to compete with other states for future automotive manufacturing facilities. Identify policies, regulations, and current statutes that either hinder or facilitate job growth and investment by the automotive industry. Review opportunities available to partner manufacturers’ research and development with Texas colleges and universities, including technology enhancements in safety or alternative fuel systems.

House Committee on Elections – Examine the benefits and risks of using mobile voting stations in Texas.
Examine ways to more clearly define a residence address for voter registration purposes, giving special consideration to college-age students.

House Committee on Energy Resources – Review current state and federal laws and regulations and make recommendations to encourage additional energy production in Texas. Focus on the impact energy production has on our state’s economy.

House Committee on Environmental Regulation – Examine the federal eight-hour ozone standard under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards program and its impact on the State Implementation Plan. Identify counties expected to be in nonattainment, the state’s proposed designations of those counties, the timelines for meeting the applicable standard, and the status of the state’s ability to attain the standard.
Examine new and proposed Environmental Protection Agency rules that may impact permits for Texas facilities. Make recommendations, if needed, for changes in state regulatory programs or potential incentives to comply with federal mandates.

House Committee on General Investigating & Ethics –
Review the Texas Ethics Commission’s sworn complaint process and civil and criminal penalty provisions. Determine whether changes should be made aligned with the mission and purpose of the commission.

Study and determine whether all appointees to state entities should be required to sign additional governance documents prior to serving in an official state capacity.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

- State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

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Study Charges Released for the 2012 Interim

January 18, 2012 By

Speaker of the House Joe Straus has released a list of interim study charges for the standing committees of the Texas House of Representatives. These study charges and the resulting recommendations that will be developed during the interim could form the basis for legislation to be considered during the next legislative session. House committees were each given several issues to study. Committee hearings will be held over the course of the interim period (2012) giving the public an opportunity to testify on a variety of issues. At the end of the interim, each committee will submit a formal report to the Speaker of the Texas House with recommendations on possible legislation.

The following is a sampling of charges given to different House committees. If you would like a complete list of the study charges or if you would like more information about issues being studied by any particular committee, please don’t hesitate to call my Capitol office at 512-463-0672 or visit the Texas House of Representatives at www.house.state.tx.us.

Here are some examples of charges given to the standing House committees:

House Committee on Agriculture & Livestock – Evaluate the role of community gardens and urban farming efforts that increase access to healthy foods and examine the possible impact that state and local policies have on the success of programs of this type. Determine the feasibility of policies to support these efforts, especially in high-population areas.

House Committee on Corrections – Study ways to reduce the number of youth referred to the juvenile justice system. Consider the availability of mental health services, diversion and early intervention programs, and other prevention methods.

House Committee on County Affairs – Study county-related issues arising from population growth in unincorporated areas with regard to existing and new developments and the provision of services, including garbage disposal, fire protection, road maintenance, electricity, and water and wastewater service. Make necessary legislative recommendations for improving problems in these areas of the state.

House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence – Study and make recommendations for criminal penalties for the failure of a parent or guardian to report a missing child or the death of a child.
Review the current sentencing practices for defendants with mental illnesses and make recommendations. Study practices in other states. Compare recent incarceration trends between those who have mental illnesses and those who do not.

House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism – Evaluate strategies to control known existing invasive aquatic species, including species commonly referred to as giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta), water hyacinths (family Pontederiaceae), and zebra mussels (family Dreissenidae).
Recommend approaches to improve long-term funding for state park acquisition, development, and maintenance.
Study the effects the drought and wildfires have had on tourism and recreation in Texas. Make recommendations for ways to prevent future losses.

House Committee on Defense & Veterans’ Affairs – Study the current role of all Texas state military forces. Identify changes that would enhance the accountability and effectiveness of the state guard, air guard, and national guard and all other components of our state military forces.
Determine any challenges to the training and operations of Texas’ 15 military installations in light of recent reductions in federal defense spending. Additionally, review the current structure and mission of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission as a result of HB 2546 (81R). Recommend any legislative actions needed to sustain and improve the state’s military preparedness.
Study and make recommendations on how the state and local governments can work together to protect our federal military installations from unnecessary encroachment while still allowing appropriate use of land near bases to be used for nonmilitary purposes.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

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New Year Brings New Laws – Part III

January 10, 2012 By

On January 1, 2012, new laws passed during the 82nd Regular Legislative Session went in to effect for the first time.  These new laws range from bills addressing property tax exemptions to regulation of metal recycling entities.   Each of the bills that took effect on January 1 went through a 140 day legislative session.  During that 140 day period, these bills went before House and Senate Committees before going before the Texas House and Senate as a whole.

The laws mentioned below represent some of those pieces of legislation that were passed in conjunction with House and Senate Joint Resolutions which allow for changes to the Texas Constitution.  These pieces of legislation passed and went into effect on January 1, 2012  after receiving voter approval on November 8, 2011:

  • Senate Bill (SB) 516 amends the Tax Code to entitle the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran who qualified for a residence homestead exemption from property taxes on the basis of a service-related disability when the disabled veteran died to a residence homestead exemption for the same property to which the disabled veteran’s exemption applied.  This exemption is dependent on the basis that the surviving spouse has not remarried since the death of the disabled veteran and that the property was the residence homestead of the surviving spouse when the disabled veteran died and that it remains as such. The bill entitles a surviving spouse who qualifies for such an exemption, if the surviving spouse subsequently qualifies a different property as the surviving spouse’s residence homestead, to a tax exemption for the subsequently qualified homestead in an amount equal to the dollar amount of the tax exemption for the former homestead in the last year in which the surviving spouse received the exemption for that homestead. This again is dependent on the basis that the surviving spouse has not remarried since the death of the disabled veteran. The surviving spouse is also entitled to receive from the chief appraiser of the appraisal district in which the former residence homestead was located a written certificate providing the information necessary to determine the amount of the exemption to which the surviving spouse is entitled on the subsequently qualified homestead.  Senate Joint Resolution 14  was listed as Proposition 1 on the November ballot and passed with 686,479 Texans casting their vote. Of those 686,479, 82.88% voted in favor.
  • Senate Bill 144 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to authorize the governor, in all criminal cases except treason and impeachment, and on the written signed recommendation and advice of the Board of Pardons and Paroles or a majority thereof, to grant a pardon to a person who successfully completes a term of deferred adjudication community supervision. Senate Joint Resolution 9 was placed on the November ballot as Proposition 9.  The amendment passed 57.31% to 42.68% after 669,639 people casted their vote.

Each of these laws went in to effect on January 1, 2012.  It is important to learn and know about the new laws that were passed by the 82nd Texas Legislature.  If you would like to view any of the other legislation that was passed during the 82nd Regular Session and the first called special session on your own, these websites are great resources:

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office.  As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

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