As we near the 2024 Election Day on Nov. 5, I’d like to offer a friendly reminder that the early voting period will begin on Oct. 21 and will end on Nov. 1. While I always encourage folks to take advantage of the early voting period to avoid Election Day lines, what’s most important is that you plan to participate in the process by exercising your right to vote. For more information about early voting locations, what you’ll need to bring with you to the polling locations, or any other questions you may have, please visit www.votetexas.gov.
With that, we’ll step back into our examination of House interim charges …
House Interim Charge: Licensing & Administrative Procedures
The House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures has jurisdiction over all matters related to the oversight of businesses and industry in Texas, the regulation of the sale of alcohol, and the Alcoholic Beverage Code. The committee also has jurisdiction over the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the Texas Real Estate Commission, and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
During the interim, the committee will monitor the implementation of a number of bills, including House Bill 1859 and 3579. HB 1859 waives certain renewal fees for an air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license and allows students in certification programs to act as air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. HB 3579 allows the executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to issue an emergency order halting the operation of a massage establishment if law enforcement or TDLR believes human trafficking is occurring at the location.
House Interim Charge: International Relations and Economic Development
The House Committee on International Relations and Economic Development has jurisdiction over many matters including the relations between Texas and other nations, workforce training, and economic development. The committee also has jurisdiction over a number of agencies including the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office and the Texas Workforce Commission.
During the interim, the committee will monitor the implementation of House Bill 1755 and 4451. HB 1755 established the Lone Star Workforce Fund and a grant program to support workforce training programs to help fill the demand for a skilled workforce in Texas. Additionally, it will provide Texans with the opportunity to be trained and equipped with the skills necessary to obtain sustaining, full-time employment. HB 4451 seeks to address current and future workforce needs. The bill requires the Texas Workforce Commission to work with Texas’s 28 local workforce development boards to determine the availability of apprenticeships aligned with the industries represented on the high demand occupation list.
Additionally, the committee will study the early childhood education industry. Specifically, the committee will evaluate the current state of the industry and review current early childhood policies and evaluate their effectiveness.
The mobile office is still on the road again this month, and our district director looks forward to seeing you on Oct. 16 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at 936-634-2762 and my Capitol office may be reached at 512-463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my official Facebook page, where I will be posting regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and sharing information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
