The House Committee on County Affairs

84th Legislature

June 10, 2016

10:00 a.m.

Texas Tech University School of Law

Pursuant to a notice posted on May 26, 2016, revised on June 7, 2016, the House Committee on County Affairs met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Coleman, at 10:02 a.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Coleman; Burrows; and Wu.

(Representative Springer was present at the hearing.)

The committee heard testimony on the following interim charges:

Study the effect of Proposition 5 (SJR 17 (84R)) on the quality of private roadways in counties with a population of less than 7,500. Make recommendations to ensure the amendment does not result in undue competition between counties and private industry, and whether additional counties could benefit from a similar authorization.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

Evaluate the Texas Commission on Jail Standards to determine if the Commission has the resources and structure to provide sufficient oversight, regulation, and enforcement over Texas county jails.

(Senator Perry now present.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

Study the implications and effects on law enforcement agencies and individuals that stem from the publication, republication, or other dissemination for public internet access of mug shots and other criminal history information regarding involvement of an individual in the criminal justice system.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

Study statutorily mandated services provided by sheriffs and constables, and determine whether fee schedules allow cost recovery without placing undue burdens on recipients of those services.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Burrows in chair.)

Identify and address potential gaps in counties’ cybersecurity policies and ensure that personal information held by counties and other local governmental entities is secure.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 84th 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.

1115 Transformation Waiver

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Coleman in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

Mental Health Outreach Programs

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Burrows in chair.)

Child Protective Services

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Coleman in chair.)

At 5:57 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

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Rep. Coleman, Chair

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Katy Reagan, Clerk