House Interim Charges Released

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Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan released a full list of House interim charges today. By issuing interim charges, Speaker Phelan highlighted issues that should receive study and discussion up to the next legislative session, which will begin January 2023. Committees will report their findings to the House before that session begins. The interim charges in their entirety below and here.

Prior to these charges, Speaker Phelan released interim charges in July 2021 for multiple committees related to the Texas-Mexico border.

House Interim Charges

House Committee on Agriculture & Livestock

1. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

HB 2089, relating to the detection and mitigation of plant pests and diseases;
SB 1, Rider 27 (Department of Agriculture), which relates to determining methods to increase the number of grocery stores in food deserts; and
SB 1, Rider 28 (Department of Agriculture), which relates to the Experimental Use Program for feral hog abatement.

2. Study the access of the state’s agricultural industry to available capital through loans, grants, or other sources. Make recommendations to ensure the agricultural industry has sufficient access to available capital, as well as how the Texas Department of Agriculture can educate farmers, agricultural producers, and others about available sources of capital.

3. Study the impact on agricultural operations, including the operations of dairy facilities, of governmental and regulatory requirements and practices including those that prevent or prohibit an activity that is a normally accepted agricultural practice, and make recommendations to facilitate and encourage agricultural and dairy production in the state.

House Committee on Appropriations

1. Monitor and oversee the implementation of appropriations bills and other relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature, including the following:

SB 1 (87R), General Appropriations Act;
HB 5 (87S2) and SB8 (87S3), relating to making supplemental appropriations and giving direction regarding appropriations; and
SB 52 (87S3), relating to the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education.

2. Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.

3. Evaluate the history of appropriations from General Revenue-Dedicated Accounts 5010 (Sexual Assault Fund) and 0469 (Crime Victims Compensation Fund). Consider whether revenue sources for these accounts are sufficient to maintain historical commitments to victims services grants.

4. Monitor efforts by the Department of Family and Protective Services to implement Section 11, HB 5 (87S2), relating to foster care capacity improvement.

5. Review the information technology (IT) supporting the Texas Medicaid Program. Evaluate the IT systems’ capability to meet the needs of Texas Medicaid to ensure the Health and Human Services Commission’s acquisition and procurement processes comply with the requirements of SB 1, Rider 6 (Health and Human Services Commission), relating to Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership); Section 9.01 (Purchases of Information Resources Technologies); and Section 9.02 (Quality Assurance Review of Major Information Resources Projects). Identify ways to:

Modernize systems and improve interoperability between systems;
Ensure IT functionality is aligned with the needs of the Medicaid Program, including conformity to the managed care model;
Reduce administrative burdens;
Provide cost savings; x Improve future procurements; and
Create better transparency and oversight of Medicaid IT contracts.

6. Review the utilization by the Texas Education Agency and local school districts of federal dollars appropriated from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds made available by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law No. 116-260) and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law. 117-2) to address students’ instructional loss and mental health challenges.

7. Make funding recommendations for the phased installation of climate control equipment in state correctional facilities, prioritizing facilities that serve vulnerable populations.

8. Examine the long-term capital needs of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, including deferred maintenance and planned land acquisitions for new state park land.

9. Monitor the use of appropriated funds by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) from the Flood Infrastructure Fund. Examine the criteria used by TWDB in making loan and grant 3 awards and any unintended consequences that limit the competitiveness of projects in certain communities.

10. Monitor the Strategic Fiscal Review process and the agencies currently undergoing evaluation.

House Committee on Business & Industry

HB 3746, relating to certain notifications required following a breach of security or computerized data;
SB 22, relating to certain claims for benefits, compensation, or assistance by certain public safety employees and survivors of certain public safety employees; and
SB 1588 and SB 581, relating to the powers and duties of certain property owners’ associations.

2. Study workers’ compensation claims involving public safety employees described by SB 22. This study should include an analysis of medical costs, return-to-work outcomes, utilization of care, satisfaction with care, and health-related functional outcomes.

3. Study the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on unemployment trends, hurdles to workforce reentry, and industry-specific disruptions.

4. Study the impact of organized retail crime on Texas businesses. Make recommendations for addressing the redistribution of stolen merchandise into the supply chain, including through online marketplaces, to protect Texas businesses and consumers. Make recommendations relating to transparency for online marketplaces and information that should be provided by sellers.

5. Review operational changes and strategies employed by the Texas Workforce Commission to improve outcomes related to Unemployment Benefit Services, including application and payment processes, customer services, and fraud deterrence.

6. Evaluate the overall state of data privacy and online consumer protections in Texas and study the related laws and legislative efforts of other states. Make recommendations to ensure consumer data protections and online privacy.

House Committee on Corrections

HB 385, relating to conditions of community supervision and procedures applicable to the reduction or termination of a defendant’s period of community supervision; and
HB 3227 (86R), relating to the availability of and access to certain programs and services for persons in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

2. Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.

3. Examine the implementation of HB 3130 (85R), which established an educational and vocational training program for certain state jail felony defendants to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes upon reentry.

4. Evaluate the benefits and potential savings associated with modernizing technology throughout the state’s correctional system. Consider updating regulations related to cell phone monitoring, body cameras, and video surveillance systems.

5. Evaluate current family visitation rooms and visitation-related practices, programs, and services in TDCJ facilities. Make recommendations regarding any additional measures that TDCJ could take to make visitation more family friendly.

6. For individuals in county jails and TDCJ facilities, or on community supervision or parole, examine:

The availability of behavioral health services; and
The current treatment and recovery options available for those who are experiencing withdrawal from drug or alcohol use. Make recommendations for best practices to address the needs of individuals requiring treatment. (Joint charge with Committee on County Affairs)

House Committee on County Affairs

HB 1545, relating to the continuation and functions of the Commission on Jail Standards;
HB 1906, relating to grants awarded to reimburse counties for the cost of monitoring defendants and victims in cases involving family violence; and
HB 2073, relating to quarantine leave for fire fighters, peace officers, detention officers, and emergency medical technicians employed by, appointed by, or elected for a political subdivision.

2. Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.

3. Study statutorily mandated services provided by sheriffs and constables and determine whether fee schedules are set at sufficient levels to allow for cost recovery without placing undue burdens on recipients of those services.

4. For individuals in county jails and Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities, or on community supervision or parole, examine:

The availability of behavioral health services; and
The current treatment and recovery options available for those who are experiencing withdrawal from drug or alcohol use. Make recommendations for best practices to address the needs of individuals requiring treatment. (Joint charge with Committee on Corrections)

House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence

1. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87^th Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

HB 1540, which implements various changes to state law based on recommendations of the Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force.

2. Study Texas’ reentry and integration programs and make recommendations for reducing employment barriers for certain people with a criminal record. Review the length of time certain criminal offenses remain on a defendant’s record and consider the impact of expanding the offenses that qualify for an order of non-disclosure. Evaluate the financial and administrative barriers in the petitioning process for record-clearing relief.

3. Examine ways to increase the rate of compliance for court-ordered appearances, including new technologies that will facilitate contact with those ordered to appear. Consider the effectiveness of virtual appearances for certain offenses.

4. Study the accessibility to counsel in cases involving an indigent defendant and make recommendations to improve access to counsel in these cases. Evaluate methods to improve the effectiveness of court-appointed counsel, caseload processing, caseload distribution, and the state’s compliance with applicable appointment of counsel requirements.

5. Study the availability of victim services, including community-based trauma recovery, housing and relocation assistance, employment protections, and other services that help victims recover and stay safe following a violent crime. The study should include an evaluation of the processes for nongovernmental organizations to apply for and receive victim services grant funding. Make recommendations for streamlining the grant administration process and improving access to community-based services in neighborhoods with the highest rates of crime and for victims of violent crimes.

House Committee on Culture, Recreation, & Tourism

HB 1728, relating to partnerships between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and nonprofit entities to promote hunting and fishing by certain veterans; and
HB 3081, which relates to the issuance of digital tags for the taking of certain animals.

2. Review the overall state of Texas’ travel, tourism and hospitality industry. Make recommendations for statutory and regulatory changes to ensure industry resiliency and vitality. Consider the following:

Access to federal recovery programs and efforts that enable the draw-down of federal funding;
Improvement of workforce reliability; and
Use of the supplemental money appropriated to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism through SB 8 (87S3).

3. Review state efforts to preserve and develop Texas state parks and open spaces to ensure affordable public access to outdoor recreational and educational opportunities.

House Committee on Defense & Veterans Affairs

2. Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.

3. Examine programs and funding streams connected to services that improve mental health outcomes for servicemen and women suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

4. Evaluate the needs of veterans and their families as they return to civilian life, including access to employment, education, housing, counseling, and mental health services. Make recommendations to ensure coordination between state agencies to create a positive environment for veterans transitioning back into communities across the state.

House Committee on Elections

HB 1382, relating to the availability of certain information regarding early voting;
HB 1622, relating to reporting of early voting rosters; and
HB 3107, relating to election practices and procedures.

2. Study the laws related to local ballot initiatives and propositions to assess whether reforms are needed to ensure that ballot language is clear and unambiguous and that the process is fair and consistent.

3. Study the effectiveness of new poll watcher training required by SB 1 (87S2).

4. Examine the reporting of election results following an election to determine the reasons for any delays and inaccuracies in the initial reporting of elections results. Make recommendations to ensure that election results are reported in a timely and accurate manner following the closing of the polls.

House Committee on Energy Resources

HB 1520, relating to extraordinary costs incurred by gas utilities relating to Winter Storm Uri and the authority to issue bonds and impose fees and assessments;
HB 3648, which requires the designation of certain natural gas facilities as critical customers or critical gas suppliers during energy emergencies; and
SB 3, relating to preparing for, preventing, and responding to weather emergencies and power outages. (Joint charge with Committee on State Affairs)

2. Assess efforts made by the Railroad Commission and the Texas Energy Reliability Council to weatherize infrastructure and ensure reliability of the natural gas delivery system during times of disaster.

3. Examine ways to increase the production of oil and gas within the state. Review state and local regulations that could directly impact the exploration or production of oil and gas and make recommendations for increasing Texas’ energy independence.

4. Explore options for expanding the state’s underground natural gas storage capacity, including using excess storage capacity for carbon capture opportunities and the creation of a strategic natural gas reserve for the state.

5. Evaluate innovative and emerging energy sources. Identify and make recommendations to address legislative or regulatory obstacles to the use, development, and deployment of viable innovative and emerging energy sources.

House Committee on Environmental Regulation

HB 1680, relating to the regulation of on-site sewage disposal systems on certain leased land that is owned by the federal government;
HB 4472, relating to the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP); and
SB 900, which updates performance and safety standards for chemical storage vessels.

2. Evaluate the allocation of TERP funds for effective air pollution reduction programs. Review which existing programs are over or under-subscribed and identify unrealized opportunities that would further program goals.

3. Review recent passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Public Law No. 117-58), specifically funds that may bolster efforts to clean up polluted sites and plug wells and how federal funds can be used to complement state efforts on well plugging and pollution clean-up.

4. Monitor newly adopted and proposed federal regulations that could directly impact economic development, manufacturing, and industrial activities that fall within the jurisdiction of the committee, including regulations adopted or proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency.

House Committee on Higher Education

SB 1102, relating to the establishment of the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Program to support workforce education; and
SB 1295, relating to financial support and incentives for comprehensive regional universities.

2. Review progress toward the goals of the 60x30TX plan, including institutional strategies for responding to changing workforce needs and demands, including workforce education, industry certification, and degree programs to address healthcare shortages.

3. Examine factors that have contributed to the rising costs of higher education, including the effect of statutory tuition and fee waivers and exemptions, the cost of compliance with state and federal mandates, and the increase in the number of non-faculty staff. Make recommendations for controlling these costs and ensuring a sound fiscal approach to managing college affordability for the future.

4. Evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the state’s teacher workforce and current practices to improve the recruitment, preparation, and retention of high-quality educators. Explore the impact of the educator preparation program regulatory environment. Make recommendations to improve educator recruitment, retention, and preparation throughout the state. (Joint Charge with Committee on Public Education)

5. Review the impact of investments of endowment and other trust funds, including the Permanent University Fund, by university systems and institutions of higher education in businesses and funds owned or controlled by the Russian government or Russian nationals, and determine the need for investment restrictions. Consider the impact of any proposed investment restrictions on fund performance.

House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety

HB 3712, relating to the training of and policies for peace officers; and
SB 24, relating to the procedures required before a law enforcement agency hires a peace officer.

2. Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.

3. Study incidents of law enforcement injuries and fatalities to determine those situations that pose the greatest risk to law enforcement. Make recommendations on best practices for increasing and preserving the safety and security of law enforcement officers, including those undercover.

4. Compare Texas’ incident crime reporting requirements with those of other states and determine whether a standardized reporting requirement should be implemented for Texas law enforcement. Study opportunities to modernize and improve local and statewide data collection and dissemination throughout the criminal justice system to promote transparency and ensure uniform data collection processes.

House Committee on Human Services

Legislation implementing the Healthy Families, Healthy Texas initiative, including:
- HB133, relating to the provision of benefits under Medicaid and the Healthy Texas Women program; and
- Relevant provisions of HB2658, relating to the administration and operation of the Medicaid managed care program, especially those provisions that relate to continuous eligibility for a child for Medicaid; and
- HB 3041, related to the implementation of the Family Preservation Services Pilot Program.

2. Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.

3. Evaluate current prevention and early intervention programs and make recommendations for improving the effectiveness of these programs in reducing child abuse and neglect.

4. Monitor implementation of SB1, Rider 30 (Health and Human Services Commission) and make recommendations for reducing the interest list for waiver services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and reducing associated staffing shortages.

5. Evaluate further action needed to improve the safety and quality of the foster care system, including preventing children in foster care from being without a placement and increasing recruitment of foster families. Identify methods to strengthen Child Protective Services processes and services, focusing on efforts for family preservation and eliminating fatalities within the foster care system. This evaluation should:

Study the causes for children without placement;
Assess the safety concerns for children without placement, including the use of out-of-state and temporary emergency placement for children without placement; injuries while in the care of Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) employees; and exposure to child sex trafficking; and
Study how and why children without placement frequently enter the juvenile justice and adult criminal justice systems and the steps DFPS is taking to identify and prevent these instances.

6. Assess the quality and effectiveness of the DFPS IMPACT system for security, transparency, and accuracy. Review DFPS processes relating to the integrity of digital case management. Evaluate whether DFPS data collection adequately responds to child wellbeing indicators.\7. Examine the long-term services and support system of care in Texas. Study workforce challenges for both institutional and community services. Assess opportunities to improve patient safety at senior living facilities. Consider mechanisms to promote a stable, sustainable, and quality-based long-term care system to address current and future needs of the state.

7. Monitor federal decisions that may impact the delivery and financial stability of the state’s health programs, including: the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ rescission of its 16 prior approval of the State’s 1115 Waiver, the state and federal negotiations of the Medicaid directed payment programs (including hospital finance methods), federal changes to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program and the exclusion of certain costs from the uncompensated care program authorized through the 1115 Waiver.

House Committee on Insurance

HB 18, relating to the establishment of the prescription drug savings program for certain uninsured individuals;
HB 3459, relating to preauthorization requirements for certain health care services and utilization review for certain health benefit plans;
HB 3752, relating to the offering of health benefit coverage by subsidiaries of the Texas Mutual Insurance Company; and
HB 3924, relating to health benefits offered by certain nonprofit agricultural organizations.

2. Review existing state laws, administrative regulations, and agency practices to identify barriers to competition in the insurance marketplace. Examine existing business practices in the industry to determine if additional laws or regulations are needed to promote competition, lower premiums, and protect consumers.

3. Monitor the implementation, compliance, and enforcement of legislation related to freestanding emergency rooms to determine whether patients are adequately protected and if further safeguards and disclosures are needed.

4. Review Texas’ insurance anti-rebating laws and model legislation related to rebates. Make recommendations for legislation that would preserve the purpose of the current statute while allowing certain services for and benefits to insurance consumers.

5. Study the impacts of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020 decision in Rutledge v. Pharmaceutical Care Management Association and the federal No Surprises Act (2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act, Public Law No. 116-620) on the Texas insurance market.

House Committee on International Relations & Economic Development

HB 619, relating to developing a strategic plan to support the child-care workforce;
HB 1792, relating to the evaluation of child-care providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program;
HB 2607, relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Workforce Commission and local workforce development boards regarding the provision of childcare and the subsidized childcare program;
HB 3767, relating to measures to support the alignment of education and workforce development with state workforce needs, including the establishment of the Tri-
Agency Workforce Initiative; and
SB 1555, relating to establishing reimbursement rates for certain child-care providers participating in the subsidized childcare program.

2. Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.

3. Monitor the state’s economic recovery and identify obstacles impeding the state’s economic recovery. Examine the economic impact of inflation on both employers and employees. Examine global supply chain disruptions on state commerce and the flow of trade at Texas ports. Explore opportunities to attract businesses to Texas that have outsourced elements of their supply chain to foreign countries.

4. Examine current economic development incentive programs and identify opportunities to enhance job creation in Texas. Make recommendations to promote transparency and enhance effectiveness of such programs.

5. Evaluate Texas’ current efforts to attract semiconductor investment to the state. Identify potential strengths and vulnerabilities that could impact the success of Texas’ semiconductor industry and the ability to create and maintain a reliable semiconductor supply chain.

6. Evaluate labor shortages and Texas’ unemployment numbers. Identify initiatives within the Texas Workforce Commission to expand job training and apprenticeship opportunities to help meet labor demands. Identify opportunities to increase outreach and information regarding career development.

7. Review the impact that trade with Russia has on the Texas economy, including Texas manufacturers. Consider the impact of Texas investment in businesses and funds owned or controlled by the Russian government or Russian nationals, and determine the need for investment restrictions. Consider the impacts of any proposed investment restrictions on access by Texas businesses and the Texas scientific and technological community to capital investment, global markets, and competitive knowledge.

House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

2. Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.

3. Study potential solutions to improve the judicial efficiency of the state courts of appeals by analyzing caseloads and making appropriate recommendations.

4. Evaluate the use and types of guardianships in Texas and the effect of guardianship on individual rights. Study the financial costs to families related to attaining and maintaining guardianship and compare costs to those associated with guardianship alternatives, such as supported decision-making.

5. Study the operations of specialty courts. Determine whether additional specialty courts should be considered to address needs within specific populations. Review specialty court methods and best practices that have been implemented for specialty courts in other states, including their impact on judicial efficiency.

6. Study state laws and procedures relating to jury service eligibility, including a review of existing jury exemptions, and make recommendations to ensure the privilege, right, and duty of jury service is protected and promoted.

House Committee Juvenile Justice & Family Issues

HB 4544, relating to providing children committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department with certain documents on discharge or release, authorizing a fee.

2. Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.

3. Examine obstacles to the reporting of domestic violence and how these obstacles contribute to the difficulty in obtaining and enforcing a protective order. Examine new technologies that could facilitate domestic violence reporting without putting victims at risk of further violence and harm.

4. Explore ways to modernize the juvenile justice system for youth on probation and incarcerated youth. Review statewide resource allocation, including available staffing, and identify potential geographic limitations. Investigate the best practices of smaller specialized facilities for youth committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department while leveraging the Department’s current facilities and staff. Analyze the current gaps in county-level services and funding and make recommendations to address those gaps.

5. Examine workforce issues at state and local juvenile correctional facilities and consider the state’s incentives to recruit quality staff. Consider the geographic areas where specialty providers are concentrated and the viability of opening specialized facilities for the state’s youth with the highest therapeutic need to relieve the state’s current rural facilities struggling with staffing. Consider consistent investments the state can make in local probation to encourage their facilities to divert youth from the juvenile justice system.

6. Study how child support is calculated and administered in Texas and how the Texas method compares to other states’ plans for calculating child support, including identifying modern trends across the country for calculating child support. Consider how alternative methods for calculating child support affect each parents’ share of responsibility for child support, health care, childcare, and other matters in other jurisdictions compared to Texas.

House Committee on Land & Resource Management

2. Study the effect of governmental land-use regulations and controls on the availability and affordability of residential housing in Texas, including land use and zoning restrictions and related factors that slow or hinder housing development and improvement. Identify viable, free market solutions in lieu of governmental regulation to help Texas meet the current and future housing demands of a growing statewide population.

House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures

HB 636, relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners; and
HB 1560, relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

2. Explore opportunities to strengthen and enforce laws to reduce illegal gaming and the proliferation of unlawful game rooms. Identify how cash-paying game rooms utilizing machines commonly known as “8-liners” have been allowed to proliferate and how the comptroller or other state agencies can assist law enforcement with ongoing investigations.

3. Evaluate the qualifications for massage establishments, including gaps and loopholes in the application, monitoring, inspection, enforcement, and complaint processes that allow unlawful activity to occur. Consider the multidisciplinary and intergovernmental collaboration required to reduce illicit massage establishments and connect victims with services. Make recommendations to protect Texans against unlawful activity and victimization such as human trafficking.

House Committee on Natural Resources

SB 1160, relating to the creation of the Gulf Coast Protection District and providing the authority to issue bonds; and
SB 2185, relating to restrictions on certain water improvement districts.

2. Explore ways in which the state can further support the construction of a coastal barrier system.

3. Examine the condition of Texas’ water and flood mitigation infrastructure capabilities and consider future infrastructure needs. Evaluate sustainable funding sources to provide for water project development and infrastructure repair and replacement. Examine and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements that enhance the state’s available water supply and improve the state’s ability to desalinate seawater.

4. Review the adequacy and efficiency of current mechanisms used to compensate water right holders when the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality temporarily transfers a water right under an emergency authorization. Make appropriate recommendations for the protection of private property rights of water right holders.

5. Examine the state’s groundwater management policy and regulatory framework. Include a review of large-scale water transfers and their impact on groundwater resources. Make appropriate recommendations for legislation or state agency action to:

promote the achievement of planning goals under Chapter 36, Water Code, including those involving desired future conditions;
provide adequate transparency to the permit application process;
further the state’s groundwater quality protection efforts, including an assessment of risks posed to groundwater by abandoned and deteriorated water wells and orphan oil and gas wells; and
promote conservation and waste prevention.

6. Monitor newly adopted and proposed federal regulations that could impact activities that fall within the jurisdiction of the committee, including regulations under consideration by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the definition of waters of the United States.

House Committee on Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

HB 1258, relating to data matching with financial institutions to facilitate the collection of certain delinquent taxes;
HB 1585, relating to the operations and functions of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas;
HJR 99, proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing a county to finance the development or redevelopment of transportation or infrastructure in unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted areas in the county; authorizing the issuance of bonds and notes; and
SB 1444, relating to participation in the uniform group coverage program for active school employees and to a study concerning health coverage for school district employees.

2. Review and evaluate the actuarial soundness of the Employees Retirement System (ERS) and Teacher Retirement System (TRS) pension funds.

3. Review the Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act to ensure proper governance and financial oversight. Examine whether the Pension Review Board has proper oversight and authority to implement necessary corrective measures.

4. Evaluate the actuarial soundness of the Law Enforcement and Custodial Officer Supplemental Retirement Fund and Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plan 2. Identify strategies to reduce and eliminate existing unfunded liabilities and recommend structural enhancements that improve the financial health and viability of the funds moving forward.

5. Review the impact of investments by public retirement systems of their endowment and other trust funds in businesses and funds owned or controlled by the Russian government or Russian nationals, and determine the need for investment restrictions. Consider the impact of any proposed investment restrictions on fund performance.

House Committee on Public Education

HB1525 and HB 3 (86R), relating to public school finance and public education;
HB 4545, relating to assessment of public school students and providing accelerated instruction;
SB 1365, relating to public school organization, accountability, and fiscal management;
SB 1716, relating to supplemental special education services and instructional materials for certain public school students; and
HB 3906 (86R), relating to the assessment of public school students, including the development and administration of assessment instruments, and technology permitted for use by students.

2. Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.

3. Identify and examine efforts to ensure that parents have a meaningful role in their children’s education. Recommend necessary changes in both independent school district board and open enrollment charter governing board governance to protect the right of parents to participate in their child’s education.

4. Examine partnerships between K-12, higher education institutions, and employers that promote postsecondary and career readiness and identify current obstacles that public schools, higher education institutions, and employers face. Make recommendations to ensure career and technical education programs, internships, apprenticeships, and other opportunities are more accessible.

5. Evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the state’s teacher workforce, and current practices to improve the recruitment, preparation, and retention of high-quality educators. Explore the impact of the educator preparation program regulatory environment. Make recommendations to improve educator recruitment, retention, and preparation throughout the state. (Joint charge with Committee on Higher Education)

6. Study the effects of COVID-19 on K-12 learning loss and best practices that exist to address learning loss. Monitor the implementation of state and local plans to address students’ achievement gaps. Make recommendations for supporting the state and local efforts to increase academic development.

7. Examine the impact of COVID-19 on students’ mental health, including the availability and workload of mental health professionals across the state and their role in the public school system. Make recommendations to reduce or eliminate existing barriers to providing mental health services in a traditional classroom setting or through teletherapy.

8. Study the unfulfilled recommendations from the 2016 Commission on Next Generation Assessments and Accountability. Evaluate the state’s progress on assessments and accountability and consider possible legislation to support the recommendations from the report. Study and recommend measures needed at the state level to prevent unintended consequences to students, campuses, and districts, including changes that could improve the system for students or help public schools serving a disproportionate number of educationally disadvantaged students impacted by the pandemic.

9. Monitor and analyze the state policy on curriculum and instructional materials used in public schools.

10. Examine the causes and contributors for chronic absenteeism in public schools and its impact on student outcomes. Consider techniques and approaches that have been utilized by public schools to identify students who are chronically absent and return these students to classrooms.

11. Review the impact of investments of the Permanent School Fund by the State Board of Education in businesses and funds owned or controlled by the Russian government or Russian nationals, and determine the need for investment restrictions. Consider the impact of any proposed investment restrictions on fund performance.

Committee on Public Health

HB 4, relating to the provision and delivery of telemedicine and telehealth services; and
HB 1616, relating to the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact.

2. Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.

3. Study the impact of fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths in Texas. Evaluate existing data collection, dissemination, and mitigation strategies regarding opioid abuse in Texas. Make recommendations to improve coordinated prevention, education, treatment, and data-sharing.

4. Study current telemedicine trends by assessing and making recommendations related to standardizing required documentation healthcare providers must obtain for consent for treatment, data collection, sharing and retention schedules, and providing telemedicine medical services to certain cancer patients receiving pain management services and supportive palliative care.

5. Examine existing resources and available opportunities to strengthen the state’s nursing and other health professional workforce, including rural physicians and nurses.

6. Assess ongoing challenges in the rural health care system and the impact of legislation and funding from the 87th regular and special sessions on strengthening rural health care and the sustainability of rural hospitals and health care providers. Evaluate federal regulations authorizing the creation of a Rural Emergency Hospital provider type and determine if promoting this type of facility could increase local access to care in rural areas of the state.

House Committee on State Affairs

HB 5, relating to the expansion of broadband services to rural areas;
HB 1505, relating to attachments for broadband service on utility poles owned by an electric cooperative and establishing and funding a pole replacement program for deployment of certain broadband facilities;
SB 2, relating to the governance of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas; and
SB 3, relating to preparing for, preventing, and responding to weather emergencies and power outages. (Joint charge with Committee on Energy Resources)

2. Examine the efforts of power generation facilities to weatherize their facilities.

3. Review the status of projects intended to reduce transmission congestion within the electrical grid.

4. Study the status and adequacy of cybersecurity preparedness among state agencies and contractors. Make recommendations that enhance cybersecurity measures considering evolving threats to Texas’ information technology infrastructure.

5. Review the impact of state government procurement of goods and services from businesses and other commercial entities owned or controlled by the Russian government or Russian nationals, and determine the need for restrictions on state government procurement. Consider the impact of any proposed procurement restrictions on state government efficiency and effectiveness and the state’s access to scientific and technological advances.

House Committee on Transportation

HB 2219, relating to the issuance of Texas Mobility Fund obligations;
HB 3514, relating to the functions of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles; and
HB 3927, relating to temporary motor vehicle tags.

2. Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.

3. Study current and future transportation needs and consider improvements to ensure that Texas is adequately planning for the state’s population growth forecasts. Evaluate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on transportation projects and investment decisions.

4. Study the impacts that increased federal funding, formula changes, and new programs authorized in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will have on state transportation projects. Evaluate strategies to ensure Texas communities can maximize receipt of federal grant funds.

5. Study the impact of the increasing sale and use of electric and alternatively fueled vehicles on revenue predictions for the state highway fund. Recommend a road use revenue equalization methodology to create fairness and parity between gasoline, electric and alternatively fueled vehicles.

6. Study policies impacting truck transportation, a key link in the supply-chain, including utilizing state property and right-of-way for natural gas fueling stations and truck parking, the potential shortage of drivers and sellers of commercial trucks, the shortage of truck parking options to accommodate hours of service regulations, and ways to reduce border crossing wait times. Examine regulatory and statutory impediments to connected vehicle and autonomous technologies aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of trucking in Texas.

7. Examine the ability of the state’s seaports to promote the public purposes of state economic growth, diversification, and commerce through development of port-owned properties within their boundaries. Review the investments needed for Texas ports to remain competitive in handling increased cargo volumes and ensuring a resilient supply chain.

House Committee on Urban Affairs

2. Evaluate the availability of workforce housing to support the dynamic economic growth of the state. Study the use of public-private partnerships and other tools to incentivize the development of housing that meets Texas’ expanding workforce demands. Develop and include measures to ensure accountability and transparency associated with these tools.

3. Review the Municipal Management District Legislative Template with respect to representation and accountability. Make recommendations for improving the template.

4. Study the effects of local governance, planning, and administration on the current state of municipal water and wastewater infrastructure. Examine the measures municipally owned utilities have taken and the costs required to maintain and improve that infrastructure. Make recommendations for cost-effective solutions to ensure reliable infrastructure and uninterrupted municipal utility services, especially during a severe weather event.

5. Study municipal fees with respect to the function of the fee and the relationship of the fee to the cost of providing an associated municipal service. Make recommendations to address municipal fees that are disproportionate or unrelated to the cost of providing the associated service.

House Committee on Ways & Means

1. Monitor agencies and programs in the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Actively oversee associated rulemaking and agency actions to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

HB 2080 and SB 903, relating to taxpayers’ suits;
HB 2404, relating to creating and maintaining a database of information regarding certain local economic development agreements;
SB 248, relating to the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, and e-cigarettes;
SB 2 (86R – the Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019) and related property tax reform legislation passed by the 87th Legislature, including HB 1869, HB 2429, HB 2723, and SB 1438; and
Legislation relating to reform of the property tax appraisal system, including HB 988, HB 2941, HB 3971, SB 63, SB 916, and SB 1919.

2. Study and consider methods of providing additional property tax relief, including the use of $3 billion in available American Rescue Plan Act funds that were held for future tax relief by the 87th Legislature, and other sources of revenue. Explore options to reduce business property tax burdens and options for limiting the growth of property tax bills.

3. Study Texas’ property tax appraisal system and make appropriate recommendations to improve the appraisal system. The study should include:

Assessing the accuracy of appraised values and operational effectiveness of appraisal districts;
Evaluating methods of selecting chief appraisers, appraisal review boards, and appraisal district directors; and
Evaluating existing appraisal protections for taxpayers and ease of taxpayer participation in the appraisal process.

4. Conduct a comprehensive review of the impact of not renewing Chapter 313, Tax Code. Evaluate tax incentives offered by other states and make recommendations for incentivizing manufacturers and other capital-intensive businesses to locate to Texas.

5. Evaluate the impact of shifting to destination sourcing for local sales and use tax purposes, including the benefits of reduced taxpayer confusion. Monitor the implementation of the Comptroller’s amendments to 34 Tx. Admin. Code §3.334, relating to local sales and use taxes, and the Comptroller’s Sales Tax Rate Locator. Make recommendations for legislation to improve Texas’ local sales and use tax sourcing.