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Amend HR 4 (adopting the permanent rules of the house) as follows:
(1) On page 33, between lines 16 and 17, insert the following:
(b-1) The committee may begin work as soon as it desires after its members are appointed. The committee shall meet, organize, and adopt rules of evidence and procedure and any other necessary rules. The committee rules may not conflict with Section 301.025, Government Code.
(b-2) Whether or not the legislature is in session, the committee may meet at any time or place in the state determined necessary by the committee.
(b-3) If the committee decides not to conduct joint hearings as provided by Section 301.019, Government Code, the committee shall establish a liaison to fully inform the chair of the senate committee of the nature and progress of any inquiry by the other committee.
(b-4) On a majority vote of the committee, the committee may conduct joint hearings and investigations.
(b-5) The committee may:
(1) initiate or continue inquiries and hearings concerning:
(A) state government;
(B) any agency or subdivision of government within the state;
(C) the expenditure of public funds at any level of government within the state; and
(D) any other matter the committee considers necessary for the information of the legislature or for the welfare and protection of state citizens; and
(2) inspect the records, documents, and files and may examine the duties, responsibilities, and activities of each state department, agency, and officer and of each municipality, county, or other political subdivision of the state.
(b-6) If a person disobeys a subpoena or other process that the committee lawfully issues, the committee may cite the person for contempt and cause the person to be prosecuted for contempt according to the procedure prescribed by Subchapter B, Chapter 301, Government Code, or by other law.
(b-7) The committee shall make reports to members of the legislature that the committee determines are necessary and appropriate.
(b-8) Information held by the committee that if held by a law enforcement agency or prosecutor would be excepted from the requirements of Section 552.021, Government Code, under Section 552.108 of that code is confidential and not subject to public disclosure.
(b-9) If for any reason it is necessary to obtain assistance in addition to the services provided by the State Auditor, attorney general, Texas Legislative Council, or Department of Public Safety, the committee may employ and compensate assistants to assist in any investigation, audit, or legal matter .
(2) Redesignate the other subsections of Rule 3, proposed Section 13, and cross references to those subsections, accordingly.