SENATE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
COMMITTEE: Finance
TIME & DATE: 9:00 AM, Tuesday, July 28, 2026
PLACE: E1.036
(Finance Room)
CHAIR: Senator Joan Huffman
The Senate Finance Committee will meet Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 9:00 AM to hear invited and public testimony on the following interim charges:
· Higher Education Transparency: Examine the current financial reporting and disclosure practices of public institutions of higher education. Evaluate the adequacy of existing transparency standards regarding the use of state appropriations, tuition revenue, and designated funds. Assess the frequency and scope of state audits and study the feasibility of requiring more frequent, comprehensive audits to ensure fiscal accountability. Make recommendations to strengthen reporting requirements, increase public access to institutional financial data, and provide greater oversight to ensure the efficient and transparent use of taxpayer and student funds.
· Examining Crime Victims' Compensation and Assistance Funds: Study the administration, funding sources, and distribution of state victims' assistance and the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund. Examine eligibility criteria, allocation processes, and distribution methods to victims, service providers, and related programs. Make recommendations to improve these programs in fulfilling their statutory purposes.
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.