The House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures

84th Legislature

August 23, 2016

10:00 a.m.

E2.010

 

Pursuant to a notice posted on August 4, 2016, the House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Smith, at 10:10 a.m.

 

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Smith; Geren; Goldman; Kuempel; Miles; and Miller, Doug.

 

A quorum was present.

 

Representative Faircloth was also present.

 

 

The committee met to take testimony on the following charges:

 

 

Charge 3: Explore the increasing incidence of powdered alcohol, its impact on underage drinking, and regulations in other states that have appropriately addressed the various impacts of the product.

 

(Representative Thompson, Senfronia now present.)

 

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

 

(Representative Guillen now present.)

 

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

 

(Representative Gutierrez now present.)

 

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

 

Charges 1 and 2: (Charge 1) Identify all occupations licensed by the state to determine if they are necessary for public safety and health. Determine if any criminal penalties associated with licensure are unnecessarily punitive, recommend methods to improve reciprocity with other states, and determine if a mandatory certification program could be used in lieu of mandatory licensure. (Charge 2) Identify regulatory functions across all agencies and departments. Make recommendations for possible consolidation, and study any effort that could make processes more efficient, reduce regulatory burden, and make effective use of taxpayer funds.

 

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

 

Charge 5: Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed or considered 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.

 

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

 

At 12:22 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. Smith, Chair

 

 

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Rocky Gage, Clerk