For the latest updates on all legislative committee hearings, visit "Legislative News from Texas" frequently to confirm hearings since dates and times can and do change. Standing committee hearings held at the Capitol, live and archived, can be listened to at the following links: House | Senate.
Upcoming House Committee Meetings
Public Education – 10/12/2017
Time: 10:00 AM, Location: E2.036
The Committee will meet to consider the following interim charge: Determine, to the extent possible, the scope of financial losses, including facilities, that resulted from Hurricane Harvey. Recommend possible state actions, such as changes to student counts or property valuation, to
mitigate any negative impact on districts and ensure governance structures and parameters allow for effective responses. Invited testimony only.
Upcoming Joint Committee Meetings
Government Facilities – 10/25/2017
Time: 10:00 AM, Location: E1.016 (Hearing Room)
The Joint Oversight Committee on Government Facilities will meet to hear invited testimony on the status of deferred maintenance projects, facility space needs, and receive an update on the Texas Capitol Complex Master Plan.
Upcoming Senate Committee Meetings
Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs – 10/16/2017
Time: 9:00 AM, Location: New Caney, Texas
The committee will hear invited and public testimony on the following:
- Study and identify ways to improve the capacity and maintain the structure of the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs. Report on mechanisms that would ensure the public has access to timely and transparent release figures from reservoirs across the state.
- Evaluate current state data-sharing standards for rainfall and stream gauges and whether regional flood management projects and flood warnings should be hosted in a centralized location, such as a state agency web page. Determine whether a statewide real-time flood warning system could be developed and coordinated through mobile devices, TxDOT electronic signage, communication devices and whether existing local and regional forecasting infrastructure could be integrated into a centralized inclement weather forecasting system.
Finance – 10/24/2017
Time: 10:00 AM, Location: E1.036 (Finance Room)
The Senate Finance Committee will meet Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 10:00am to hear invited testimony only on the following interim charges:
- Monitor all funds currently being used to address Hurricane Harvey relief and recovery. Identify ways to maximize the use of federal funds and ensure the efficient use of state funds.
- Evaluate the long-term impact of Hurricane Harvey on the Texas economy and the gulf coast region.
State Affairs – 10/25/2017
Time: 9:00 AM, Location: Senate Chamber
The Senate State Affairs Committee will meet Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 9:00am to hear public and invited testimony on the following interim charges:
- Review the interaction between federal, state, and local agencies in charge of responding to natural disasters. Examine emergency situation operations, including evacuation routes and procedures, and the efficient use of Disaster Recovery Centers. Make recommendations to ensure emergency management officials have the tools and authority necessary to promptly and appropriately respond to disaster areas and alert citizens to potential threats.
- Study and make recommendations on the benefit of the state maintaining a single, web-based source of comprehensive information that outlines the State Emergency Operations during times of disaster.
Business & Commerce – 11/1/2017
Time: 10:00 AM, Location: E1.016 (Hearing Room)
The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce will meet on November 1, 2017 at 10:00 AM in El.016 to discuss the following business:
- Study infrastructure security and energy restoration post weather events. Identify ways state government entities can help utilities more effectively stage pre-hurricane mobilization crews for managing resources before an event.
- Examine state mortgage requirements regarding the notification of homebuyers on their need for flood insurance in flood plains and flood pool areas and make recommendations on how to better inform consumers.
- Examine local government regulations, including occupational licenses, as related to Hurricane Harvey and determine if any are a detriment to rebuilding efforts.
- Examine and make recommendations on the need for changes to the Texas Constitution for home equity lenders to offer various forms of relief to Texas homeowners affected by natural disasters including, among others, the authority to enter into deferment agreements. This examination should include a study of home equity rules regarding negotiation, modification and refinancing and whether constitutionally established time periods can be waived in times of disasters.
- The hearing will include invited testimony only.
Health & Human Services – 11/8/2017
Time: 10:00 AM, Location: Senate Chamber
The committee will meet to discuss the following interim charges:
- Review the state's response to Hurricane Harvey with a focus on public health efforts at the local and state level. The review should include an analysis of the state and local response related to vector control, immunization needs, utilization of health-related volunteers, adequacy of an emergency medical network, evacuation of vulnerable populations from state operated or regulated facilities, and coordination between all levels of government. Recommend any legislative changes necessary to improve public health response and coordination during and after a disaster.
- Evaluate the impact of Hurricane Harvey on the capacity of out-of-home placements and care for youth involved with the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Determine how the state can ensure support is available to provide appropriate care as close to home as possible as facilities and offices are rebuilt.
- Evaluate the efficiency of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Disaster-SNAP programs following Hurricane Harvey in impacted areas.
Transportation – 11/15/2017
Time: 9:00 AM, Location: E1.016 (Hearing Room)
The Committee will hear invited testimony only on the following interim charges: TxDOT analysis on the effect of funding allocations made in the Unified Transportation Program (UTP) and project selection decisions on accomplishing goals described in the statewide transportation plan. Study the impact of Hurricane Harvey on the state’s transportation infrastructure and make recommendations on how best to rebuild assets efficiently and effectively.
