HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

COMMITTEE:   Licensing & Administrative Procedures 

TIME & DATE: 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 23, 2016 

PLACE:       E2.010 
CHAIR:       Rep. Wayne Smith 

The committee will meet to hear invited testimony only regarding the following interim charges:

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.

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.

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.

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.

The following state agencies may also provide testimony:

· Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

· Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

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, 72 hours prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.