House Committee on State Affairs - 83rd R.S. (2013)
Committee: | House State Affairs | |
Title: | Interim Report | |
Subjects: | Anonymous campaign contributions | Campaign finance and expenditure reports | Campaign finance reform | Electric Reliability Council of Texas | Electricity supplies | Electricity transmission and distribution | Enhanced driver licenses | Environmental cleanup | Environmental compliance | Environmental Quality, Texas Commission on | Government transparency | Public Utility Commission of Texas | Railroad Commission of Texas | Real ID Act | State government contracts | Undocumented immigrants | | |
Library Call Number: | L1836.83 St29h | |
Session: | 83rd R.S. (2013) | |
Online version: | View report [56 pages] | |
Charges: | This report should address the charges below. | |
1. | Study the methods state agencies use for planning for investment in future infrastructure. Specifically, review how agencies determine what investments in infrastructure will be necessary to meet the state's demands and facilitate continued economic expansion. Review how agencies determine the costs and benefits associated with future infrastructure investment to ensure that the citizens of the state are receiving the best value and what other factors agencies use to make investment decisions. | |
2. | Study Title 15 of the Election Code, which regulates political funds and campaigns, including requirements for financial reports by campaigns, candidates, officeholders, and political committees. Specifically, study what types of groups are exempt from reporting requirements in the Election Code and make recommendations on how to make the political process more transparent. | |
3. | Study the different financial assurance options used by state agencies to ensure compliance with environmental clean-up or remediation costs. Determine whether the methods utilized by state agencies are appropriate to ensure sufficient funds will be available when called upon. | |
4. | Review state agency contracting with businesses seeking to provide goods and services to the state. Study the procedures agencies use to determine the costs versus benefits when evaluating proposals. Determine whether additional disclosure and reporting requirements are necessary to ensure transparency and accountability and to promote ethical business practices. | |
5. | Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 83rd Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs. |
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