Lt. Governor David Dewhurst recently released additional interim charges that were prompted by direct suggestions from the People of Texas. For the first time, the process for considering Interim Charges was opened to Texans via YourTexasVoice.com, an online portal on the Lt. Governor's website.
Lt. Governor Dewhurst issued the following charges to the Senate Committees on State Affairs, Agriculture, Rural Affairs & Homeland Security, Business & Commerce, and Transportation:
Senate Committee on State Affairs
Study the emerging negative impacts of the Federal Affordable Care Act, including the use of navigators, and make recommendations to mitigate any unintended consequences including rising health insurance premiums, lack of access to healthcare, mishandling of Texans' private information by insufficiently-trained navigators, and the Act’s overall effect on Texas employers and insurance consumers. Evaluate free-market alternatives to the Act, including state-led proposals to repeal, reduce or replace the Act, and to closely monitor and make recommendations on the continuation of the Texas Health Insurance Pool.
Study and make recommendations on increasing medical price transparency in Texas, including studying the impact of SB 1731, 80th Legislative Session. Analyze relevant reforms considered or implemented in other states, and make recommendations regarding potential changes designed to create a more open marketplace for enhanced consumer decision making in Texas.
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Rural Affairs & Homeland Security
Study and make recommendations on removing barriers to Second Amendment Rights, including but not limited to open carry legislation. Consider other state laws related to open carry.
Senate Committee on Business & Commerce
Monitor the implementation of advanced metering infrastructure to ensure minimization of utility customer costs. Analyze developments and make recommendations regarding the health effects and privacy implications of the advanced metering infrastructure.
Senate Committee on Transportation
Examine the anticipated impact increased oil and gas production will continue to have on roadways and bridges. Make recommendations to enhance the safety and infrastructure damaged by truck activity related to oil and gas exploration and production.
Evaluate the Texas Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Planning Organization's progress on reducing congestion on the 100 Most Congested Roadway segments and make recommendations to advance the development of the remaining congestion relief projects.
Dewhurst will continue to release his interim charges in the coming weeks.
View the Lt. Governor’s list of 83rd Interim Charges here: http://www.ltgov.state.tx.us/icarch.php .
