House Interim Committee on Urban Affairs

PERSONNEL POLICIES OF URBAN FIRE DEPARTMENTS
Charge

Review hiring, promotion, and other personnel policies of urban fire departments. Assess the extent to which the policies promote effectiveness and serve the public interest.
Recommendation

Review the final report of the Sunset Advisory Commission before recommending any legislative action.

VALIDATION ACTS
Charge

Review legislation used to validate interim actions of municipalities; recommend language to accomplish the legitimate purpose of the cities and otherwise protect the public interest.
Recommendation

Introduce a validation bill similar to S.B. 1671, 74th Legislature. Its passage will avoid any controversy encountered during the previous session and otherwise prevent cities from having to undergo expensive litigation to correct procedural irregularities.

OVERSIGHT OF AGENCIES
Charge

Conduct active oversight of agencies under the committee's jurisdiction.
Background

The House Committee on Urban Affairs has jurisdiction over matters pertaining to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. The operations of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs are currently being examined in detail by the Joint Interim Committee Affordable Housing. The Texas Commission on Fire Protection is currently being reviewed by the Sunset Advisory Committee.
Recommendations

Before any recommendations regarding the Texas Commission on Fire Protection are made, the final review by the Sunset Advisory Commission must be completed. With regards to any recommendations relating to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, the committee will defer to any recommendations proposed by the Joint Interim Committee on Affordable Housing.