Interim Charges
- Monitor the implementation of SB 5, 79th Legislature, Second Called Session, with particular attention to the following issues and make recommendations for any legislation needed to complete implementation. Include an analysis of the following:
- the impact of the state-issued certificate of franchise authority on competition in the cable and video services market as well as the impact on local governments, including an analysis of compensation paid to governmental entities, availability of products to customers, and the way in which utility relocation costs are apportioned in public right-of-ways;
- investment in infrastructure by new video service providers and the impact on the state's economy;
- the impact of the emergence of Broadband Over Powerlines (BPL) on the broadband and competitive electric market as well as the impact on other technologies;
- the impact of deregulation on customer switching to competitors and on telephone rates;
- the ongoing study of the Universal Service Fund by the Public Utility Commission;
- the adequacy of basic telephone rates;
- the impact of the emergence of Voice Over Internet Protocol as a means of competition;
- the interaction at the wholesale level between ILECs and market competitors, particularly with respect to the exchange of telephone traffic and information; and
- ongoing rulemaking projects at the PUC and the federal level, particularly with respect to the development of market tests and state-issued certificates of franchise authority for video services.
- Review current activities in the consumer finance arena, including but not limited to home equity lending, predatory lending, mortgage fraud, credit scoring, payday lending, and pre-need funeral contracts, and make recommendations for improving services to consumers and options for financial service providers.
- Study and make recommendations on improving the on-going implementation of SB 7, 76th Legislature, with particular emphasis on evaluation of the following:
- adequacy and effectiveness of Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) as well as implementation of Sunset recommendations at ERCOT;
- cost-effectiveness and fairness of congestion management mechanisms; and
- the adequacy of generation capacity in this state.
- Review and evaluate information regarding alternative forms of rate regulation for electric utilities, focusing on alternatives offered in other states. Make recommendations to improve cost-effectiveness, support a competitive retail market in Texas, take advantage of technological advances, and enhance customer choice and satisfaction.
- Examine overall feasibility and capacity for alternative forms of electricity generation in Texas. Study potential funding sources and logistical issues associated with developing clean coal, biomass, and next-generation nuclear electricity generation.
- Review and study the permissibility of rental car companies to sell used rental motor vehicles on credit union premises and other locations not continuously used for the conduct of used rental motor vehicle sales. Analyze comparative laws from other states.
Joint Charge with Senate Transportation & Homeland Security Committee:
- Study and make recommendations relating to the relocation of utilities from state owned right-of-way, including an assessment of the costs of relocations, possible funding sources and methods to decrease delays associated with relocation.
Reports
The Committee shall submit copies of its final report no later than December 1, 2006. The printing of reports should be coordinated through the Secretary of the Senate. Copies of the final report should be sent to the Lieutenant Governor (5 copies), Secretary of the Senate, Senate Research, Legislative Budget Board, Legislative Council, and Legislative Reference Library.
The final report should include recommended statutory or agency rulemaking changes, if applicable. Such recommendations must be approved by a majority of the voting members of the Committee. Recommendations should also include state and local fiscal cost estimates, where feasible. The Legislative Budget Board is available to assist in this regard.
Budget and Staff
Travel costs shall be paid from the operating budgets of Senate members. All other costs shall be borne be the Senate Business & Commerce Committee’s interim budget, as approved by the Senate Administration Committee.
The Committee should also seek the assistance of legislative and executive branch agencies where appropriate.
Interim Appointments
Pursuant to Section 301.041, Government Code, it may be necessary to change the membership of a committee if a member is not returning to the Legislature in 2007. This will ensure that the work of interim committees is carried forward into the 80th Legislative Session.
Committee Archives
78th Legislature's Business and Commerce.
77th Legislature's Business and Commerce.
77th Legislature's Business and Commerce Subcommittee on Border Affairs.
76th Legislature's Senate Committee on Economic Development.