The House Committee on State Affairs

88th Legislature

September 17, 2024

9:00 a.m.

E2.016

Pursuant to a notice posted on June 14, 2024, revised on August 1, 2024, the House Committee on State Affairs met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Hunter, at 9:01 a.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Hunter; Hernandez; Anchía; Dean; Geren; Metcalf; Raymond; Slawson; Spiller; and Turner.

A quorum was present.

The Chair made opening remarks.

(Representative Guillen now present.)

(Representative Thompson, Senfronia now present.)

(Representative Ken King was also in attendance.)

The committee met to hear invited testimony only on the following interim charges:

Evaluate the findings and recommendations of the Investigative Committee on the Panhandle Wildfires that are within the committee’s jurisdiction and develop related legislative solutions and other actions for preventing future wildfires and improving wildfire disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation.

Testimony on this charge includes invited testimony relating to key barriers to broadband deployment in rural areas.

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

Examine the impact of current economic challenges on the escalating costs of insurance premiums, including factors contributing to the withdrawal of insurance providers from certain markets. Investigate solutions to help Texans more easily and affordably obtain property and casualty insurance coverage. Evaluate long-term strategies for shifting from state-funded insurance programs to sustainable private market alternatives.

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

At 1:35 p.m., on the motion of Representative Hunter and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

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Rep. Hunter, Chair

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Margaux Fox, Clerk