Texas House Interim Charges & Upcoming Committee Hearings

By Terri Leo-Wilson, State Representative, District 23

Austin, TX – Speaker Dustin Burrows has officially released the Texas House interim charges, marking the  beginning of an important phase in the legislative process as lawmakers prepare for the next session.

During the interim, members of the Texas House submit recommended charges to the chairmen of their  respective committees. Committee chairs may then include those recommendations in their submissions to the  Speaker. Once finalized, the Speaker issues the official interim charges, which guide committee work until the  Legislature reconvenes. Committees will hold hearings, monitor the implementation of legislation passed during  the previous session, and develop recommendations for new legislation or improvements to existing law.

Rep. Terri Leo Wilson emphasized the importance of this process in ensuring accountability and forward looking policy development.

“I want to thank Speaker Burrows for his leadership in issuing these interim charges and setting a clear path  forward for the work ahead,” said Rep. Leo Wilson. “I look forward to working alongside Chairman Brad  Buckley, Chairman Cecil Bell, and Chairman Carl Tepper as we take a closer look at key issues impacting  Texans through the Public Education Committee, Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, and the Subcommittee  on State-Federal Relations.”

The Public Education Committee has been tasked with a broad range of priorities, including monitoring the  implementation of major legislation from the 89th Legislature such as House Bills 2, 6, and 1481, Senate Bill 2,  and House Bill 8 from the Second Called Session. The committee will also study the overall state of public  education in Texas, focusing on academic outcomes, school finance stability, school safety, and the growing  role of technology and artificial intelligence in the classroom.

Additional charges include examining educator misconduct policies, improving middle school outcomes,  strengthening teacher recruitment and retention, and evaluating investments in special education. The  committee will also continue its oversight of key agencies including the Texas Education Agency and the State  Board of Education.

The Intergovernmental Affairs Committee will focus on monitoring legislation implementation and studying  key issues such as preventing homelessness among foster youth, addressing the intersection of mental health  and homelessness, and reducing recidivism through improved data sharing and diversion programs. The  committee will also maintain oversight of agencies such as the Texas Department of Housing and Community  Affairs and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.

The Subcommittee on State-Federal Relations will examine emerging federal policy changes, including the  potential discontinuation of penny production and recent changes to federal postmark procedures, assessing  their impact on local governments and access to public services.

While Rep. Leo Wilson does not serve on the newly established Select Committee on Governmental Oversight,  she noted a strong interest in one of its key charges regarding education foundations. This includes a review of  their structure, funding sources, and relationships with public school districts, as well as transparency and  accountability standards. Rep. Leo Wilson highlighted the importance of this review in light of recent  developments involving Barbers Hill Education Foundation.

“The interim is a critical time for thoughtful review and meaningful input,” Rep. Leo Wilson added. “These  charges allow us to ensure laws are working as intended while identifying opportunities to better serve our  communities.”

Committee hearings and findings over the coming months will help shape legislative priorities for the next  session of the Texas Legislature. Pre-filing for the 90^th Legislative Session is expected to begin in November  following the general election.