HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

COMMITTEE:   Agriculture & Livestock 

TIME & DATE: 10:00 AM, Tuesday, September 23, 2014 

PLACE:       E2.012 
CHAIR:       Rep. Tracy King 

The Committee will meet to hear testimony on the following interim charges:

Evaluate actions by state agencies under the committee's jurisdiction to increase transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Consider cost-saving technologies such as the route optimization system used by the Texas Department of Agriculture to save funds in inspection activities. Identify and make recommendations to address gaps and to improve efficiency and access to user-friendly information while protecting appropriate data security.

Evaluate the Texas Right to Farm Act and determine if certain recommendations and updates to the law should be made in efforts to protect agricultural operations.

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.

NOTICE OF ASSISTANCE AT PUBLIC MEETINGS

Persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need assistance, such as a sign language interpreter, are requested to contact Stacey Nicchio at (512) 463-0850, 24 hours prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.