Committee Spotlight:
House and Senate committees continued holding organization meetings with invited testimony. A few committees began hearing discussion on bills. It is expected as more bills are referred to committees that hearings on bills will increase.
Contracting discussions – several committees did hear testimony regarding state contracting including the House Government Transparency & Operations Committee and Senate Finance during their discussion of Article II. HillCo client hearing summary reports are available on both.
Upcoming hearings:
House and Senate Committee hearing will continue next week, the latest information can be found by visiting HillCo’s “Legislative News from Texas.” Please note that dates and times are subject to change and additional hearings dates may also be added at any time so you will want to re-visit the page frequently to confirm hearings.
The standing committee hearings as well as floor discussions, live and archived, can be listened to at the following links: House | Senate. Please note that formal hearings may not be broadcasted.
Bills moving:
On February 23, the Senate Chamber has put the following bills on the first intent calendar for debate:
SB 11 (CS) – Birdwell/ et al. Relating to the carrying of handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education.
SB 17 Estes/ et al. Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry a holstered handgun; creating a criminal offense; providing penalties.
Both the Senate and House will reconvene at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 23.
Live broadcasts of the Senate and House can be listened to at the following links: House | Senate.
Approaching deadlines: Friday, March 13, 2015 (60th day of the 84th Session) – Deadline for filing bills and joint resolutions other than local bills, emergency appropriations, and bills that have been declared an emergency by the governor.
