HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

COMMITTEE:   Investments & Financial Services 

TIME & DATE: 10:00 AM, Wednesday, May 21, 2014 

PLACE:       E2.030 
CHAIR:       Rep. Mike Villarreal 

The Committee will hear invited and public testimony on the following interim charges:

· Review Texas home equity laws. Study and make recommendations for ensuring Texas consumers have appropriate access to the equity in their homes and adequate protections.

· Analyze the costs and benefits of implementing an intrastate equity crowd funding system in Texas. Examine the programs other states have implemented and determine whether an equity crowd funding system is appropriate for Texas, and what statutory changes or regulations are necessary to implement equity crowd funding.

· 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.

Any items not completed will be considered in the public hearing scheduled for Thursday, May 22. If all items are completed on Wednesday, May 21, the public hearing scheduled for Thursday, May 22, will be cancelled.

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.