SENATE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
COMMITTEE: Finance
TIME & DATE: 10:30 AM, Monday, July 27, 2026
PLACE: E1.036
(Finance Room)
CHAIR: Senator Joan Huffman
The Senate Finance Committee will meet Monday, July 27, 2026 at 10:30 AM to hear invited and public testimony on the following interim charges:
· Evaluating Transportation Resources: Study current transportation funding from all sources and the long-term needs of Texas drivers. Assess the implementation of funding appropriated by the 89th Legislature and make recommendations to ensure the effective and efficient use of transportation funding.
· Rural Fire Protection Funding: Monitor the implementation of appropriations provided by the 89th Legislature for the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. Examine the distribution of grants for firefighting equipment, training, and protective clothing. Evaluate the impact of the increased funding on reducing the grant application backlog and examine whether the allocation of funds to high-risk wildfire areas is effectively enhancing community safety. Make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete the delivery of these critical resources to rural fire departments.
· Data Center Investment and State Fiscal Effects: Since the passage of House Bill 1223, 83rd Legislature, in 2013, the state cost of providing a sales tax exemption to qualifying data centers has grown from an estimated $14.6 million for the 2014-15 biennium to a projected $3.3 billion for the 2028-29 biennium. Study the cost and consequences of the sales tax exemption provided to data centers under Tax Code Sections 151.359 and 151.3595. Make recommendations providing safeguards to ensure that Texans benefit from data center investment.
Public testimony is limited to 2 minutes. Witnesses that wish to provide oral testimony need to fill out a paper witness registration card and submit it to the clerk. Witnesses that wish to register a position only, or only submit written testimony, should register electronically on the kiosk located outside of the hearing room. If submitting written testimony, please provide 40 copies, with your name on each copy, to the committee during the hearing.
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 OR PERSONAL ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES, ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE SENATE COMMITTEE COORDINATOR AT 512/463-0070, 72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING SO APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE.