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.
House Land & Resource Management – 12/20/2017
Time: 9:00 AM, Location: 1201 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, TX
The House Committee on Land & Resource Management will meet in Corpus Christi City Hall Council Chambers to hear invited and public testimony regarding the following interim charge: Review the General Land Office's (GLO) role and efforts during the recovery period following Hurricane Harvey. Examine the state's readiness and protocols in response to storm-related natural disasters. Provide an assessment of public lands and make recommendations on future and ongoing mitigation strategies regarding state assets. The hearing will be broadcast on this link.
House Appropriations – 1/12/2018
Subcommittee on Disaster Impact and Recovery
Time: 9:00 AM, Location: 985 Jim Galligan Way, Room 120, Beaumont, TX 77705
The Appropriations Subcommittee on Disaster Impact and Recovery will meet to consider the following interim charge: Examine the use of federal funds by state agencies responding to the effects of Hurricane Harvey and identify opportunities to maximize the use of federal funds to reduce the impact of future natural disasters. Also identify the need for state resources to respond to Hurricane Harvey relief and recovery efforts, as well as opportunities for state investment in infrastructure projects that will reduce the impact of future natural disasters. Information relating to live broadcasting of this hearing will be available in a future revised posting. Invited testimony only.
House Criminal Jurisprudence – 1/16/2018
Time: 10:00 AM, Location: E2.014
The Committee will meet to hear invited testimony on the following Interim Charge: Assess developments in medical science and legal standards related to the imposition of the death penalty on defendants with serious mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities. Review statutorily prescribed jury instructions used during capital sentencing. Invited Testimony Only
Senate Business & Commerce – 1/23/2018
Time: 11:00 AM, Location: 4455 University Dr., Houston, TX 77204
The Committee will meet to consider the following: 1)Invited testimony from the Texas Department of Insurance on Hurricane Harvey related property and casualty insurance claims data analysis. 2)Interim charge on Health Insurance Market Stability: Study the factors affecting health insurance markets in Texas, particularly the individual market, including federal and state law. Make recommendations that would result in increased stability in the markets and enhance value and affordability for individual consumers and businesses. Examine what steps the state needs to take to allow out-of-state health insurance sales. In developing its recommendations, the committee should consider the flexibility afforded to states by 1332 "state innovation" waivers, which allow states to modify or eliminate tax penalties associated with individual and employer coverage mandates; modify requirements for benefits and subsidies; and find alternative ways to provide benefit plan choices, determine eligibility for subsidies, and enroll consumers. 3)Interim charge to monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce during the 85th Legislature, Regular Session, including the settlement of out-of-network health benefit claims involving balance billing and patient's explanation of benefits statements. Invited testimony only.
Senate Finance – 1/30/2018
Time: 10:00 AM, Location: E1.036 (Finance Room)
The Committee will meet to consider: 1) Trauma Funding: Review revenue sources currently funding the state's trauma system and the impact of declining revenues and balances in General Revenue – Dedicated accounts. Evaluate the impact of statutory changes affecting trauma system funding, including efforts to eliminate the Driver Responsibility Program. Examine ways to ensure sustainability of the trauma system in Texas. 2) Texas Emission Reduction Plan: Review the Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP) and it's economic benefits to the state. Examine whether the state's investment in TERP, including transfers from the Department of Transportation, are being effectively utilized to comply with federal air quality standards, reduce pollution, and protect the public health of Texans. 3) Fee Structure Review: Review state General Revenue – Dedicated fees and make recommendations to reduce fees and lessen reliance on General Revenue – Dedicated fee balances to certify the budget. The Committee will also hear invited testimony only regarding Hurricane Harvey Relief and Recovery.