The list below compiled by HillCo Partners highlights key interim charges given to the House and Senate committees in regards to economic development charges.
Economic Development
House Committee on County Affairs
Examine population growth in Texas counties and the impact the growth has had on housing, available land resources, businesses in Texas, as well as the impact of growth on the state's economy. Evaluate Texas's preparedness to respond to future growth and ensure economic stability.
House Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism
Evaluate the Texas Film Commission and the Texas Music Office to determine their effectiveness in economic development in Texas. Determine how the offices can better collaborate with local economic development entities and state agencies to further the economic development goals of the state.
Examine the economic impact of cultural, recreational, or tourism grants provided by the state, including any economic development grants related to cultural, recreational, or tourism industries, heritage tourism, courthouse restoration, and historic district revitalization.
House Committee on Economic and Small Business Development
Review the statutes and state agency rules pertaining to public-private partnerships to ensure a fair, competitive, and transparent process that benefits all parties engaging in the partnership. Review how other states and countries utilize public-private partnerships and make recommendations on how to improve the process in Texas, specifically looking at whether there needs to be a single state entity responsible for administering the public-private partnership program.
Examine and evaluate economic development incentives to determine if the incentives are achieving the desired outcomes for which the incentives were initially established. Review which economic development goals and incentives are most important and report on methods to further improve those goals and incentives while reducing ones not meeting their desired objectives.
Study venture capital investment in the state and determine how Texas compares to other states in attracting venture capital dollars. Make recommendations to improve Texas's ability in attract venture capital investment.
Review the Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism and determine its effectiveness on economic development in Texas. Determine how the office could be more efficiently coordinated with local and regional economic development entities and other state agencies to help further the economic development goals of the state.
Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 83rd Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should:
b) identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate;
c) determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and
d) identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
House Committee on Land and Resource Management
Examine population growth in Texas cities and the impact the growth has had on housing, available land resources, city centers, businesses, and the state's economy. Evaluate Texas's preparedness to respond to future growth and ensure economic stability. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Urban Affairs)
House Committee on State Affairs
Study the methods state agencies use for planning for investment in future infrastructure. Specifically, review how agencies determine what investments in infrastructure will be necessary to meet the state's demands and facilitate continued economic expansion. Review how agencies determine the costs and benefits associated with future infrastructure investment to ensure that the citizens of the state are receiving the best value and what other factors agencies use to make investment decisions.
House Committee on Technology
Review state regulatory and tax policy to ensure that investment in technology infrastructure, goods, and services is unfettered and that Texas is able to capitalize on innovation to fuel additional job growth, business expansion, and investment. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Ways and Means)
House Committee on Urban Affairs
Examine population growth in Texas cities and the impact the growth has had on housing, available land resources, city centers, businesses, and the state's economy. Evaluate Texas's preparedness to respond to future growth and ensure economic stability. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Land and Resource Management)
House Committee on Ways and Means
Monitor the implementation of recent amendments to the property tax. Examine whether the frequency of reappraisals strikes the proper balance between stability and predictability in values for taxpayers and taxation at market value.
Monitor the implementation of recent amendments to the franchise tax.
Study methods used to evaluate the impact of taxes on individuals and businesses.
Review the various state event trust fund accounts to ensure that the accounts are operated in a manner that is transparent and accountable.
Review state regulatory and tax policy to ensure that investment in technology infrastructure, goods, and services is unfettered and that Texas is able to capitalize on innovation to fuel additional job growth, business expansion, and investment. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Technology)
Senate Committee on Economic Development
Study and make recommendations to develop a biennial state review process for economic development programs to determine their effectiveness in keeping Texas economically competitive while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely. As a part of this study, the committee should review processes used in other states related to the analysis and reporting requirements for economic development programs.
Study current legislative and regulatory barriers that could impede capital investment, growth, and expansion of Texas businesses. Make recommendations for reducing barriers to entry for professions regulated by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, including deregulation, additional reciprocity, and credit for military service.
Project and examine the costs and economic impact to Texas businesses in complying with the federal health care law. Make recommendations on options for state government intervention to reduce the negative impact of the federal health care law on Texas businesses.
Senate Committee on Natural Resources
Examine current processes for environmental permitting, including the impact of permitting delays on economic development. Consider what environmental regulations and permitting procedures are most challenging for small businesses and make recommendations to reduce those burdens. Study and make recommendations on changes to the permitting process that could speed job creation while continuing to protect the environment.
