Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the appointments of Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, and Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, to the Joint Interim Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System. Sen. Taylor was also designated as co-chair. Upon making the appointments Lt. Gov. Patrick said:
 
The Joint Interim Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System studies and reports to the legislature the feasibility and desirability of creating and maintaining a coastal barrier system that includes a series of gates and barriers to prevent storm surge damage to gulf beaches, coastal ports, industry, and property.