See below for legislative hearings coming up in the next week. Hearing dates and times are subject to change, please note that additional hearings dates may also be added at any time. Details on hearings scheduled beyond next week can be found in this HillCo article.
See Texas Legislature Online for updates here: House | Senate | Joint
Committee hearing live streams and archives can be found at the following links: House | Senate
Upcoming House Committee Meetings
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans’ Affairs – 7/30/2026 Time: 10:00 AM, Location: E2.016
- Countering Foreign Financial Influence and Illicit Networks: Study national security and public safety risks associated with foreign-controlled or foreign-influenced financial service entities operating in Texas, including money transmitters. Evaluate whether existing state oversight mechanisms sufficiently detect and mitigate risks related to foreign adversaries, transnational criminal organizations, and illicit financial activity that may threaten Texas residents or critical financial infrastructure.
- Foreign Adversary Influence and Transparency Enforcement: Study foreign adversary and terrorist-linked influence operations affecting Texas, including political activity, advocacy, and funding networks directed by foreign governments or organizations. Examine gaps in federal registration and disclosure requirements and consider whether Texas should establish state-level requirements to identify, expose, and deter individuals or organizations operating on behalf of foreign adversaries or terrorist-linked entities, including registration mandates, funding restrictions, and enforceable penalties for noncompliance.
- Protecting Texas Critical Infrastructure From Foreign Adversaries: Study the risks posed by remote-access technologies embedded in critical infrastructure that could enable cyber intrusion, surveillance, or disruption by foreign adversaries or other malicious actors. Evaluate whether additional safeguards are needed to strengthen oversight, prevent exploitation, and protect Texas infrastructure from security threats. Provide recommendations to enhance accountability and ensure the resilience of critical systems.
Upcoming Senate Committee Meetings
Finance – 7/27/2026 Time: 10:30 AM, Location: E1.036 (Finance Room)
- Evaluating Transportation Resources: Study current transportation funding from all sources and the long-term needs of Texas drivers. Assess the implementation of funding appropriated by the 89th Legislature and make recommendations to ensure the effective and efficient use of transportation funding.
- Rural Fire Protection Funding: Monitor the implementation of appropriations provided by the 89th Legislature for the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. Examine the distribution of grants for firefighting equipment, training, and protective clothing. Evaluate the impact of the increased funding on reducing the grant application backlog and examine whether the allocation of funds to high-risk wildfire areas is effectively enhancing community safety. Make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete the delivery of these critical resources to rural fire departments.
- Data Center Investment and State Fiscal Effects: Since the passage of House Bill 1223, 83rd Legislature, in 2013, the state cost of providing a sales tax exemption to qualifying data centers has grown from an estimated $14.6 million for the 2014-15 biennium to a projected $3.3 billion for the 2028-29 biennium. Study the cost and consequences of the sales tax exemption provided to data centers under Tax Code Sections 151.359 and 151.3595. Make recommendations providing safeguards to ensure that Texans benefit from data center investment.
- Examining Crime Victims’ Compensation and Assistance Funds: Study the administration, funding sources, and distribution of state victims’ assistance and the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund. Examine eligibility criteria, allocation processes, and distribution methods to victims, service providers, and related programs. Make recommendations to improve these programs in fulfilling their statutory purposes.
Finance – 7/28/2026 Time: 9:00 AM, Location: E1.036 (Finance Room)
- Higher Education Transparency: Examine the current financial reporting and disclosure practices of public institutions of higher education. Evaluate the adequacy of existing transparency standards regarding the use of state appropriations, tuition revenue, and designated funds. Assess the frequency and scope of state audits and study the feasibility of requiring more frequent, comprehensive audits to ensure fiscal accountability. Make recommendations to strengthen reporting requirements, increase public access to institutional financial data, and provide greater oversight to ensure the efficient and transparent use of taxpayer and student funds.
- Preventing Fraud, Waste, and Abuse: Review state agencies’ strategies to detect and mitigate fraud, waste, and abuse. Quantify the fiscal impact of financial impropriety on the state budget. Identify high-risk areas such as entitlement programs, contracted services, and technology contracts. Assess prevention and recovery efforts, including data analytics, reporting mechanisms, financial recoveries, and prosecutions. Make recommendations to strengthen oversight and better protect public funds.
Higher Education – 7/28/2026 Time: 12:00 PM, Location: E1.028 (Hearing Room)
- Monitor SB 37: Relating to the governance of public institutions of higher education, including review of curriculum and certain degree and certificate programs, a faculty council or senate, training for members of the governing board, and the establishment, powers, and duties of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Office of the Ombudsman
- Monitor HB 127: Relating to measures to protect institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of theft of trade secrets
Business & Commerce – 7/29/2026 Time: 9:00 AM, Location: E1.012 (Hearing Room)
- Assessing the State of the Texas Electric Grid: Monitor rulemaking related to Senate Bill 6, 89th Legislature, including large load interconnection rules, cost allocation of transmission costs, and the progress made toward increasing confidence in Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) load forecasts. Examine previous efforts to strengthen the reliability and resiliency of the Texas electric grid, including the Texas Energy Fund and post-Winter Storm Uri reforms at both the Public Utility Commission and ERCOT, including Senate Bills 2 and 3, 87th Legislature. Evaluate the competitiveness of the ERCOT market to determine whether further changes are necessary to support a robust energy-only market.
- Managing the Impacts of 765-kv Transmission Lines on Private Property Rights: Review the proposed 765-kv transmission line route plans to determine their impact on homes, businesses, and communities. Assess whether the current regulatory processes and timelines are sufficient in protecting landowner rights, including allowing for proper consideration of the effect of high voltage transmission lines on long-term land use, property values, and environmental factors. Recommend ways to improve transmission planning, permitting, and siting decisions for the infrastructure necessary to serve growth in the state.
Higher Education – 7/29/2026 Time: 9:00 AM, Location: E1.028 (Hearing Room)
- Funding the Permanent University Fund and the Texas University Fund: Review the distribution methodology for the Permanent University Fund and the Texas University Fund. Analyze the allocation structure and uses for the Permanent University Fund for the University of Texas and Texas A&M University Systems, with particular focus on how the fund is allocated between the flagship campuses and other system institutions. Explore the implementation and distribution of the Texas University Fund, as new institutions gain eligibility and the fund’s corpus grows, ensuring stability and predictability for all participating institutions. Make recommendations for any needed reforms.
Transportation – 7/29/2026 Time: 12:00 PM (Canceled/see notice), Location: E1.016 (Hearing Room)
- Prioritizing Public Safety at Rail-Grade Crossings: Examine the Texas Department of Transportation’s implementation of increased funding for rail-grade separation projects. Examine how the agency is using these new resources to prioritize projects for mobility and safety concerns. Make recommendations to ensure that expanded state investments deliver measurable improvements in freight movement and community safety.
- Studying the Deployment of Autonomous Vehicle Technology: Study the deployment of autonomous vehicle technology as authorized by SB 2807, (89th Session), including rule-making adopted by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Quantify the impact on traffic-related collisions. Make recommendations to ensure that the continued deployment of autonomous vehicles prioritizes public safety and aligns with the evolving technological landscape on Texas roads.
- Strengthening Commercial Driver License Standards and Oversight: Examine the issuance of Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL) in Texas. Identify opportunities to strengthen safety standards of third-party CDL training schools and testing facilities, such as unannounced or undercover audits. Review program standards of English-proficiency throughout the CDL program for all commercial drivers in Texas, regardless of destination. Examine law enforcement policies relating to roadside inspections, including how an officer verifies the validity of a CDL and associated documents. Make recommendations to bolster the integrity of third party providers, to ensure English-proficiency among Texas CDL holders, and to support public safety through enforcement.
