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This week's Capitol Watch will continue the series outlining the interim charges assigned to committees in the Texas House of Representatives. One of the duties of the Speaker of the House is to assign interim charges, which are lists of issues for each committee to study during the time between regular legislative sessions in order to make recommendations for the following legislative session.
Interim charges are important because they allow citizens to get an idea of issues on which the legislature is focusing and legislation that is likely to be filed during the next legislative session. They also allow citizens who wish to provide input on particular issues the opportunity to participate. If you have any comments or input with regard to any of these interim charges, I encourage you to contact my office or the committee to which the charge has been assigned. You can find contact information for committees of the Texas House of Representatives at www.house.state.tx.us.
This week's column will outline the charges for the House Committees on Business & Industry and Criminal Jurisprudence.
House Committee on Business & Industry:
Determine if there is a need to further legislate the protection of homebuyers who purchase dwellings under the "rent-to-own" or "contract-for-deed" procedures.
Study the problem of identity theft, and recommend any legislative changes needed to combat the problem.
Monitor the Texas workers' compensation system reforms implemented by the 79th Legislature.
Study the powers and practices of homeowner associations in Texas and the possible need for legislation, such as the proposed Texas Uniform Planning Community Act, to address the rules, enforcement, restrictions and other matters within the authority of a homeowner association.
House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence:
Review the applicable laws governing the payment of restitution to victims of crime and the methods in which restitution is collected and disbursed to victims of crime and the Compensation to Victims of Crime Fund.
Examine the issue of reciprocal discovery in criminal cases.
Study the current legal protection against criminal prosecution and civil liability for a person who uses force, including deadly force, against a person who unlawfully and with force seeks to enter a residence, dwelling or vehicle.
Monitor the use of nuisance abatement authority by the city of Dallas and investigate unresolved issues pertaining to allegations of possible civil rights violations that may have been committed under color of law by local government
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