November 30, 2020

ELECTION: General Election Results – The following is a summary of the November 3rd General Election results: VOTER TURNOUT – 66.73% of registered voters (11,315,056) cast ballots. That compares to: Historical General Election Turnout:

• 2018 turnout – 52.72% (8,326,216 voters) • 2016 turnout – 59.16% (8,934,718 voters) • 2014 turnout – 33.57% (4,708,556 voters) • 2012 turnout – 58.37% (7,993,851 voters) • 2010 turnout – 37.47% (4,972,895 voters) • 2008 turnout – 59.37% (8,053,036 voters) • 2006 turnout – 33.64% (4,399,068 voters) • 2004 turnout – 56.56% (7,410,749 voters) • 2002 turnout – 36.24% (4,553,979 voters) • 2000 turnout – 51.81% (6,407,637 voters)

STATEWIDE - Republicans again won all statewide offices on the ballot. Democrats have not won a statewide office in Texas since 1994. President Donald J. Trump carried Texas by six points. Republicans won the Railroad Commission race, four Texas Supreme Court races, and three Court of Criminal Appeals races. TEXAS CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS - There are 36 members of the Texas congressional delegation. All 36 members of the delegation were up for re-election this year. Partisan Makeup: Currently, there are 23 Republicans and 13 Democrats in the Texas Congressional Delegation. That number will remain the same. All incumbents won their re-election contests, and the open seats will be staying in the same party. - The Texas Senate has 31 members. Since Senate members serve staggered four-year terms, 16 of the 31 Senate members were up for re-election in 2020. Partisan Makeup: The Texas Senate currently has 19 Republicans and 12 Democrats. In 2021, the Texas Senate will have 18 Republicans and 13 Democrats. 1 Incumbent Member of the Texas Senate Did Not Seek Re-election: S-29 Jose Rodriguez (D-El Paso) 2 Incumbent Senate Members Resigned: S-14 Senator (D-Austin) S-30 Senator Pat Fallon (R-Prosper) 1 Incumbent Senate Member was Defeated in the General Election: S-19 Pete Flores (R-Pleasanton)

New Members of the Texas Senate in 2021: Senate District 14 – (D-Austin) already sworn in Senate District 19 – Roland Gutierrez (D-) Senate District 29 – (D-El Paso) Senate District 30 – Special Election Run-Off December 19, 2020. Note: The seat will remain Republican because both Run-Off contenders are Republican.

TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - There are 150 House members. All 150 members of the House were up for re-election in 2020. Partisan Makeup: The Texas House currently has 83 Republicans and 67 Democrats. In 2021, the House will again have 83 Republicans and 67 Democrats. The Republicans picked up one seat in , and the Democrats picked up one seat in Houston. 13 Incumbent Members of the Texas House Did Not Seek Re-election: H-10 John Wray (R-Waxahachie) H-25 Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) H-26 Rick Miller (R-Sugar Land) H-28 (R-Fulshear) – Replaced in a Special Election by H-60 Mike Lang (R-Granbury) H-74 Poncho Nevarez (D-Eagle Pass) H-76 Cesar Blanco (D-El Paso) H-92 Jonathan Stickland (R-Bedford) H-96 Bill Zedler (R-Arlington) H-100 Eric Johnson (D-) – Replaced in a Special Election by Lorraine Birabil H-119 Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio) H-138 (R-Houston) H-148 Jessica Farrar (D-Houston) – Replaced in a Special Election by Anna Eastman 4 Incumbent House Members Were Defeated in Primary Run-Off Elections: H-2 (R-Van) H-59 J.D. Sheffield (R-Gatesville) H-100 Lorraine Birabil (D-Dallas) H-148 Anna Eastman (D-Houston) 2 Incumbent House Members Were Defeated in the General Election: H-132 Gina Calanni (D-Houston) H-134 Sarah Davis (R-Houston) 17 New Members of the Texas House in 2021: H-2 (R-Royce City) H-10 (R-Midlothian) H-25 Cody Thane Vasut (R-Angleton) H-26 (R-Richmond) H-28 Gary Gates (R-Rosenberg) H-59 (R-Stephenville) H-60 Glenn Rogers (R-Graford) H-74 (D-Eagle Pass) H-76 (D-El Paso) H-92 Jeff Cason (R-Bedford) H-96 David Cook (R-Mansfield) H-100 Jasmine Felicia Crockett (D-Dallas) H-119 Elizabeth “Liz” Campos (D-San Antonio) H-138 (R-Houston) H-132 Mike Schofield (R-Katy) H-134 (D-Houston) H-148 – (D-Houston)

House Elections Committee – The House Elections Committee posted responses to its request for information on the following interim charges: Interim Charge #1 - Monitoring - Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 86th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

• HB 933, which requires election information to be posted on the Secretary of State's (SOS) and each county's internet website. Monitor the costs associated with implementing the legislation. Work with the SOS to determine which office elections should be included in the website postings based on costs and popularity of the office. • HB 1421, which strengthens the cybersecurity of the state's election infrastructure. Review the program required under the bill to train county election officers in the best practices for identifying and reducing cybersecurity threats. • HB 2504, which modifies ballot access requirements for non-major party nominees. Review the provision requiring the SOS to establish rules implementing the fees and petitions. • HB 4130, which requires the SOS to develop procedures for adequately certifying electronic poll books. Review the provision requiring the secretary of state to adopt rules mandating real-time updates for electronic poll book use during the early voting period or under the countywide polling place program. Monitor and report on countywide polling. Examine the number and location of polling places, polling booths, and wait times for voting.

Responses were received from Harris County Republican Party, League of Women Voters, Texas Civil Rights Project and two individuals. Interim Charge #2 - Elections During a Declared Disaster - Make recommendations for establishing best practices for conducting an election during a declared disaster. Examine model legislation and statutes from other states pertaining to voting during a declared disaster when polls are inaccessible. Responses were received from American Civil Liberties Union, Children’s Defense Fund, Harris County, Harris County Republican Party, League of Women Voters, Texas Civil Rights Project, Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute, and Texas Democrats with Disabilities. Interim Charge #3 - Voter Integrity and Fair Elections - Evaluate election laws with the purpose of strengthening voter integrity and fair elections. Perform an in-depth study of the voter registration processes and explore whether centralizing voter registration would be more effective than today's processes. Consider ways to improve voter list maintenance and study the volunteer deputy registrar process and voter registration procedures in other states. Include in the evaluation a review of the state's curbside voting protocols and identify processes to improve the efficiency, privacy, and security of curbside voting. Responses were received from Children’s Defense Fund, City of Austin, City of Houston, Engage Action, Harris County Republican Party, League of Women Voters, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Secure Democracy, Texas Civil Rights Project, Texas Democrats with Disabilities, Texas IMPACT, and Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Here is a link to the responses.

GOVERNOR: DPS to Provide Direct Support to Dallas Police Department – On November 18th, at the request of the Dallas Police Department (DPD), Governor directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to provide direct support to DPD in their efforts to reduce violent crime and protect the communities in the City of Dallas. DPS will be deploying multiple resources to support this operation, including DPS Special Agents, State Troopers to support DPS gang and drug investigative operations, and a team of DPS Intelligence Analysts. DPS will also provide two helicopters and two patrol planes to provide direct air support and a team of Texas Rangers to support DPD homicide investigations. Additional resources will be made available should they be requested by DPD. Governor Abbott said, "The rise in violent crime in the City of Dallas is unacceptable, and the Texas Department of Public Safety will assist the Dallas Police Department in their efforts to protect the community and reduce this surge in crime. Every Texan deserves to feel safe in their own community, and the State of Texas will continue to provide the city of Dallas with the resources they need to crack down on this heinous activity and protect Dallas residents."

Texas Forensic Science Commission – On November 19th, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Michael Coble, Ph.D. to the Texas Forensic Science Commission for a term set to expire on September 1, 2021. The commission provides oversight over Texas crime laboratories and other entities conducting forensic analyses for use in criminal proceedings and provides an accreditation mandate responsible for establishing procedures, policies, and practices to improve the quality of forensic analyses conducted in Texas. Michael Coble, Ph.D. of Fort Worth is Associate Director and Associate Professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Center for Human Identification. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the Washington Academy of Sciences and a member of International Society of Forensic Genetics and the Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists. Coble received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Appalachian State University and a Master of Forensic Science in Forensic Biology and a Doctor of Philosophy in Genetics from George Washington University.

The Holiday Comfort Food Care Package Program – On November 23rd, Governor Greg Abbott announced the Holiday Comfort Food Care Package (CFCP) program, in partnership with the Texas Restaurant Association, to provide holiday meals for at-risk youth and families in communities across Texas, while also supporting local restaurants. The program, a reboot of the CFCP program that began in March 2020 to support restaurants that limited or closed services due to COVID-19, encourages Texans to purchase a holiday meal for a family in need while patronizing their favorite restaurant. Each care package contains enough food to feed a family of 5 to 6 and will be delivered to the recipients' home. The program benefits children, youth, and families served by the Texas network of Family and Youth Success Programs (formerly called Services to At-Risk Youth), select Boys and Girls Clubs, select CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) programs and agencies that serve child sex trafficking victims. Governor Abbott said, "The Holiday Comfort Food Care Package program will provide holiday meals for our most vulnerable youth and families, while giving Texans another way to support local restaurants and their fellow Texans experiencing hardships due to COVID-19. Thank you to the generous Texans across the state for stepping up during this holiday season to provide meals to families in need." The Holiday Comfort Food Care Package program utilizes the following steps:

1. Participating restaurants list CFCPs on their online ordering system for customers to purchase on behalf of at-risk families and youth in the community. 2. Customers add CFCPs to their orders and purchase. 3. Participating service providers identify families and shelters who have the most need and work with participating restaurants to get the meals delivered.

Governor Abbott Encourages Texans to Support Small Business Saturday – On November 24th, Governor Greg Abbott released a new web video encouraging Texans to participate in Small Business Saturday on November 28th. In the video, the governor urges Texans to shop small, shop local, and help support businesses in their community throughout the holiday season - whether safely in-person or online. When shopping in-person, Texans are urged to protect themselves and loved ones from the spread of COVID- 19 by wearing a face covering, frequently sanitizing their hands, and social distancing. Transcript of the video – “Saturday November 28th is Small Business Saturday. Texas is proud of the strong small business community in our state. In fact, small businesses account for more than 99 percent of all businesses here in Texas and employ millions of Texans throughout the entire state. As our state responds to COVID-19, these businesses need our support more than ever. That’s why I encourage all Texans to join me in celebrating and supporting our entrepreneurs and small businesses on Saturday, November 28th, and throughout the holiday season. Whether it’s in-person or online, remember to shop small, shop local, and help support businesses in your community. God bless our small business owners, and God bless the great state of Texas.”

Here is a link to the video.

HOUSE: Representative Phelan Announces Speaker Transition Team – On November 5th, Representative (R-Beaumont) announced support from a supermajority of House members to become speaker. Other previously-announced candidates for speaker dropped out of the race. Phelan appointed the Honorable Tommy Williams to serve as the Chairman of his Speakers’ transition team. As Chairman of the transition team, Williams will assist Representative Phelan in recruiting staff, developing member work groups, and facilitating a smooth transition. Representative Phelan said, “Tommy is going to be a tremendous asset to the transition team, his knowledge of the capitol and the people who make it work is unmatched. Tommy has decades of experience around the capitol and has a wealth of knowledge that will be extremely beneficial during this transition process. I look forward to working with Tommy in the coming weeks as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session.” Williams previously served as Senior Advisor to Governor Greg Abbott. Prior to his work in the governor’s office, Williams served as the Vice- Chancellor for Federal and State Relations for the Texas A&M System. Williams served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1997-2003, and in the Texas Senate from 2003-2013. Williams said, “I am honored to serve as Chairman for the Speakers’ transition team. Dade is going to make an incredible speaker, he is principled, trustworthy, and possesses the leadership qualities that are needed during this unprecedented time, Dade will work constructively with every member of the House, Senate, and the governor.”

Governor Abbott Congratulates Dade Phelan on Speaker Pledges – On November 10th, Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement congratulating Representative Dade Phelan on securing the necessary votes to become the next Speaker of the Texas House. The governor said, "Congratulations to my friend, Dade Phelan, for securing the votes - including over 95 percent of the Republican caucus - to become the next Speaker of the Texas House. A strong conservative, Dade has a proven record of fighting for the lives and livelihoods of all Texans, having played a key role in authoring and passing critical legislation to bolster disaster relief and preparedness following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. I look forward to working with him and all members of the House on commonsense, conservative legislation to create an even brighter future for the people of Texas."

House Workgroup on Legislative Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic – On November 9th, Representative Dade Phelan (R- Beaumont) appointed a bipartisan workgroup to review and make recommendations on legislative operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The workgroup will be chaired by Representative (Dr.) (R-Cypress), with Representative (D-Houston) serving as the vice-chair. Other members appointed to the workgroup include Representatives:

• (R-Deer Park) • (R-Fort Worth) • (D-Austin) \ • (R-Fort Worth) • (D-El Paso) • (R-Marshall) • John Smithee (R-Amarillo) • Chris Turner (D-Grand Prairie) • John Turner (D-Dallas) • (D-Houston)

Representative Phelan said, “The goal of establishing this workgroup is to determine how best to protect the health and safety of legislators, staff, and the public while providing for meaningful public participation in the legislative process. With the input from these members, we look forward to developing a plan that allows us to carry out a safe and successful legislative session.” Representative Phelan asked the Workgroup on Legislative Operations During a Pandemic to examine and make recommendations for changes to existing rules and procedures for conducting House floor sessions and committee meetings. In developing recommendations, the workgroup will consider necessary health and safety protocols, prevention measures, operational considerations and possible physical modifications needed. Chairman Oliverson said, “As many Texans have done during this pandemic, our group will find ways to adapt to our new normal and implement the protocols necessary to keep everyone safe and healthy for the upcoming session. I want to thank Representative Phelan for making this a top priority, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to find solutions to the challenges in front of us.” Vice-Chair Thompson added, “To successfully attend to the business of Texas, we must ensure proper precautions are in place to protect the well-being of our members and all those working within the capitol. We will be getting to work immediately to address these issues and will strive towards providing a safe environment for everyone upon their return in January.”

House Innovation and Technology Caucus – On November 11th, Representative Dwayne Bohac (R-Houston), outgoing chairman and founder of the Innovation and Technology Caucus of the Texas House, named Representative (R- Southlake) as the new chairman of the IT Caucus. The IT Caucus will meet later this year, once all returning House members and members-elect have had the opportunity to join, and elect a full executive committee for the next legislative term. Representative Bohac will remain an active member of the caucus until his term ends in January 2021. Representative Bohac said, “When we launched the IT Caucus over five years ago, we knew there was a need for better communication between technology leaders and legislators charged with making public policy that impacts our state during a time of rapid innovative change. We had no idea we were launching what would become the largest bipartisan caucus in the Texas House. Since then we have taken our members across the state and country to help them develop deeper understanding to make more informed decisions regarding new and emerging issues that affect Texans in this modern and evolving era. It has been my privilege to learn and serve in this position. Representative Capriglione was a founding member of the IT Caucus and is a highly esteemed member of the . I have full confidence that as Chairman, Representative Capriglione will continue the charge of the IT Caucus and equip the next generation of Texas legislators to bridge the gap between industry leaders and the legislature, to ensure we craft the best public policy for Texas as we move further into the 21st Century.”

Presumed-Speaker Dade Phelan Announces Chief-of-Staff – On November 16th, Representative and Presumed-Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) announced that Julia Rathgeber will serve as his Chief of Staff. She will formally assume this role on January 12, 2021. Rathgeber has extensive experience working in and around the Texas Capitol, serving in some of the most senior roles in state government, including as Deputy Chief of Staff to a Governor and Lt. Governor, and leading the Texas Department of Insurance. Representative Phelan said, “Julia has expertly and successfully navigated the Texas capitol over the course of her career. When it comes to solving big challenges in the legislature, from the budget to major policy issues, few people have the know-how and experience that Julia does. Julia’s leadership will be invaluable as we work towards achieving a successful legislative session.” Rathgeber said, “It’s an honor to be back working in the Texas capitol and serving in this role for Representative Phelan. I look forward to working with our team and members of the Texas House to deliver results for the people of Texas in the upcoming legislative session.” Julia Rathgeber has served as President and CEO of the Association of Electric Companies of Texas (AECT) for the past five years. Prior to her current position, Julia served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Greg Abbott. She was appointed Commissioner of the Texas Department of Insurance by Governor in 2013. Julia began her professional career in 1990 with the Texas Senate, directing the Senate Research Center and providing research for Lt. Governor Bob Bullock. Born in Beaumont and raised in Liberty, Texas, Julia is a lifelong Texan. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and received her law degree from The University of Texas Law School. Julia and her husband, Ross, live in Austin, and have a daughter, Byrn.

Work Group on House Rules - On November 30th, Presumed-Speaker Dade Phelan sent a letter to House Members explaining the process for recommendations on changes the House Rules of Procedure for the 87th Legislature. The letter said, “To continue the process of developing the rules, I have asked Representatives (D-Houston), Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi), (R-Odessa), and Joe Moody (D-El Paso) to solicit rules proposals for the 87th Legislature. With over 50 combined years of House experience, these members bring a familiarity with the House Rules and their practical application and a commitment to preserving the House’s institutional integrity and the Texas tradition of giving all members the opportunity to represent their districts. With the assistance of the House Parliamentarians, the role of these members will be to collect, organize, and review member proposals for changes to the existing House Rules. I have asked Representatives Hernandez, Hunter, Landgraf, and Moody to engage all members in this process, and they will reach out to you with details of the submission and review process.”

BUDGET: Transfers to the State Highway Fund and Rainy Day Fund – On November 24th, Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced he recently completed the transfer of $2.27 billion into the State Highway Fund (SHF) and the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF; commonly known as the “Rainy Day Fund”). Each fund received more than $1.13 billion, or 50 percent of the total transfer. The economic contraction associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and recent volatility in oil prices contributed to the transfer amounts being lower than the $1.66 billion each fund received in fiscal 2020. Comptroller Hegar said, “The Rainy Day Fund and the State Highway Fund are critical pieces to ensure Texas’ continued economic strength. The State Highway Fund is a key funding source for the transportation infrastructure that is fundamental to our economy, and the importance of maintaining a healthy Rainy Day Fund to help weather unforeseen economic downturns has never been more clear than it has been in recent months.” The transfer amounts are based on crude oil and natural gas production tax revenues in excess of 1987 collections. If either tax generates more revenue than the 1987 threshold, an amount equal to 75 percent of the excess is transferred. In November 2014, voters approved a constitutional amendment allocating at least half of these severance taxes to the ESF, with the remainder going to the SHF for use on non-toll highway construction, maintenance and right-of-way acquisition. According to the Texas Constitution, the ESF transfer must occur within 90 days after the end of the fiscal year. When fiscal 2020 ended on August 31st, the ESF balance was $10 billion. With this most recent transfer, the new balance will be about $10.7 billion, not accounting for currently outstanding spending authority of approximately $1.86 billion. The balance in the ESF will change as agencies spend down this remaining appropriation authority and investment earnings are realized.

LBB Sets the Constitutional Spending Limit - Article VIII, Section 22(a) of the Texas Constitution limits the rate of growth of appropriations from state tax revenues not constitutionally dedicated to the rate of growth of the state’s economy. The Legislative Budget Board (LBB) met on November 30th to set the constitutional spending limit. As of November 18th, the LBB staff estimated the amount of appropriations from state tax revenue that are not dedicated by the constitution to be $98.8 billion. That amount was multiplied by the estimated rate of growth of Texas personal income from the 2020-21 biennium to the 2022-23 biennium. The LBB obtained the following economic forecasts as options for the board to consider:

1. IHS Markit – 5.27 2. Moody’s Analytics – 8.33 3. Perryman Group – 8.14 4. Texas A&M University Department of Economics – 12.64 percent 5. Texas Comptroller – 5.3 percent

The board set the spending limit based on a 7.06 percent growth rate, calculating the cap at $105.8 billion.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Texas is the Top State for Foreign Investment Projects – On November 5th, Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement after Site Selection Magazine named Texas the top state for foreign direct investment (FDI) projects and the top Free Trade Zone (FTZ) state in the country. Governor Abbott said, "Texas continues to be the premier economic destination in the country, attracting more foreign-direct investment than any other state, thanks to our outstanding workforce, friendly business climate, and robust infrastructure. With these new rankings from Site Selection, the evidence is even more clear - global businesses succeed in Texas because we've built a framework that allows free enterprise to flourish. By building upon our economic development dominance, we will continue to attract more job-creating investments to the Lone Star State from across the country and the world, and ensure economic opportunity for more hardworking Texans." Site Selection also included two Texas metropolitan areas on their list of Top FDI Project Metros:

• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugarland (number 5) and • Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (number 6).

CKD Corporation Establishes U.S. Production Site in Austin – On November 10th, Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Japan- based company CKD Corporation will establish its first U.S. production site in Austin. The $13 million investment will create up to 70 new jobs and is scheduled to begin operations in Fall 2021. CKD Corporation provides an extensive array of automation technology products found in a wide range of industries including automotive, packaging, and medical. The Austin manufacturing facility will produce fluid control components for the semiconductor industry. Governor Abbott said, "CKD Corporation’s $13 million investment in the Lone Star State further solidifies Texas' reputation as a premier economic destination both nationally and internationally. I am proud to welcome CKD Corporation to the Lone Star State and look forward to the economic prosperity this investment will bring to the Austin community. This trailblazing company, combined with Texas' business-friendly environment and high-skilled workforce, will undoubtedly make for a long and successful partnership." CKD Corporation was established in 1943 and is headquartered in Aichi, Japan. The company provides an extensive array of automation technology products, including pneumatic and electric actuators, directional control valves, vacuum components, air preparation, and process valves. CKD products are specified in automation and machinery by OEMs and end-users globally. The company's distribution network, combined with unsurpassed product breadth, provides customers with world-class solutions delivered anywhere in the .

San Antonio Selected as Finalist for U.S. Space Command Headquarters – On November 19th, Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement after the Department of the Air Force selected Port San Antonio, Texas as one of the six finalists for the U.S. Space Command Headquarters, saying, "The Department of the Air Force will find no better location for the U.S. Space Command than Port San Antonio. Not only does the state of Texas have the resources, universities, and human capital necessary to support the Space Command, but we are also enriched by our long-standing and celebrated tradition of military service and innovation in Texas. I strongly urge the Department of the Air Force to choose Port San Antonio as the home of the U.S. Space Command."

ENERGY: Reducing Flaring from Oil and Gas Sites – On November 4th, Railroad Commissioners took a step toward further reducing flaring from oil and gas sites in the state by approving a revamped Form R-32, Application for Exception to Statewide Rule 32, which had previously been titled Statewide Rule 32 Exception Data Sheet and will be used by oil and gas operators to apply for an exception to flare gas during oil and gas operations. The form provides specific guidance on when an exception to flare would be permissible, under which circumstances, and for how long. On August 4th, commissioners voted to publish a proposed version of the application for public comment. RRC staff received and considered 26 sets of comments from individuals, operating companies, industry associations, trade groups, and nongovernmental organizations. Based on the public comments received, changes were made to how information was organized on the proposed form and improved instructions, while maintaining key data that the Railroad Commission will receive from oil and gas operators as proposed in August. Form R-32 will:

• In many cases, reduce the period of time an operator may obtain an administrative exception to flare gas. For certain exceptions, the duration may be reduced by 50 percent to 80 percent. • Provide incentives for operators to use technologies to reduce the amount of gas flared. • Require operators to submit more specific information to justify the need to flare or vent gas in accordance with commission rules. • Provide additional key datapoints to facilitate compliance audits with reported production.

RRC Chairman Christi Craddick said, “Wednesday’s approval of the newly revised Form R-32 is a great step forward for the energy industry in Texas. I am thankful for Commissioner Christian’s leadership on this effort and for the hardworking staff that made this successful.” Commissioner Ryan Sitton added, “Texans demand transparency and innovation from all levels of government, and this form will help collect more accurate data as we assess the role of flaring and look for ways to reduce it going forward.” Commissioner Wayne Christian concluded, “Texas has done a tremendous job reducing flaring this year, flaring less than a half a percent of gas produced in May 2020. This form change is a big and important step towards minimizing routine flaring in Texas, allowing our agency to collect the information it needs to better determine who is following the rules when it comes to flaring and who is not.”

One Call Board of Texas – On November 18th, Governor Greg Abbott reappointed William “Bill” Geise, Joseph Costa, George Spencer and Christopher Nowak to the One Call Board of Texas for terms set to expire on August 31, 2023. The board has authority over “Call Before You Dig” systems that notify the underground facility operators for excavation plans so pipelines and utility lines can be marked to prevent accidents. William “Bill” Geise of Austin is retired and formally served as Director of the Gas Services Division for the Texas Railroad Commission. Geise received a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin. Joseph Costa of DeSoto is the Chief of Police for the DeSoto Police Department. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, North Texas Police Chief’s Association, Texas Police Chief’s Association, and the Regional Organized Crime Information Center Executive Board. Costa received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Bonaventure University and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Boston University. George Spencer of Austin is Associate Vice President for AT&T. He is a member of the Texas eHealth Alliance Executive Committee. Spencer received a Bachelor of Science from State University, Long Beach and a Master of Business Administration from Concordia University. Christopher Nowak of Cypress is operations director for Kinder Morgan. He has held many roles throughout his career in the areas of operations, research, environmental, engineering, and compliance. Additionally, he is experienced in emergency response and public awareness and has participated in several Local Emergency Planning Committees and Incident Commander Forums. He is a member of the Pipeline Research Council International. Nowak received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Western New England College.

Virtual Power Purchase Agreement Between Nucor and EDF Renewables – On November 13th, Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE) announced that it has signed a 15-year Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with EDF Renewables North America (EDFR) for 250 megawatts (MWac) of new solar energy in Texas. The agreement, which will enable EDFR to add more clean energy to the region's power grid, is Nucor's first VPPA and the largest of its kind for the steel industry. Leon Topalian, President & Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation, said, "Nucor is one of the most efficient and cleanest steel producers in the world, and we are always looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint. That is why we are proud to make our production process even cleaner by supporting the development of this solar energy project. We are already North America's largest recycler, and supporting the addition of more clean power to the regional grid via this agreement further demonstrates Nucor's commitment to sustainable steelmaking." Construction on EDFR's solar project is expected to begin in the summer of 2022 with production of electricity estimated to begin in 2023. Once completed, the expected annual output of the solar facility will be the equivalent of the electricity consumed by nearly 50,000 average Texas homes.

ENVIRONMENT: Governor Opposes Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Facility – On November 5th, Governor Greg Abbott sent a letter to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) opposing construction of a storage facility for spent nuclear fuel in Andrews County, Texas. The facility, proposed by Interim Storage Partners (ISP), would take spent nuclear fuel from around the country and store it on the surface of the Permian Basin. The governor urges the NRC to deny ISP’s license application, highlighting the unique environmental risk of a terrorist attack that could shut down the world’s largest producing oilfield through a major radioactive release. The letter said, “The proposed ISP facility imperils America’s energy security because it would be a prime target for attacks by terrorists, saboteurs, and other enemies. This location could not be worse for storing ultra-hazardous radioactive waste. Having consulted with numerous state agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Texas Department of Transportation, I urge the NRC to deny ISP’s license application.”

GENERAL BUSINESS: House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee – The House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee posted responses to its request for information on the following interim charges: Interim Charge #1 - Monitoring - Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 86th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

• HB 892, which relates to county regulation of game rooms. Monitor the status of counties statewide who have chosen to regulate game rooms and implement their own regulatory structure to combat illegal gambling activity via registration and permitting requirements, fees, disclosure of ownership, inspection schemes, and civil and criminal penalties. • HB 1545, which is the sunset legislation for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). Monitor the implementation of the legislation and the agency's progress in the consolidation, repeal, and creation of certain licenses and permits and the adoption of new fees. • HB 2847, which is the omnibus occupational licensing legislation. Monitor the implementation of revisions relating to the licensing and regulation of certain occupations by the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, including the length of a license term, a fee for the issuance or renewal of a license, and any continuing education required to renew a license. • SB 1450, which authorizes alcohol delivery to consumers. Monitor the implementation and permitting process by TABC for consumer delivery of alcohol.

Interim Charge #2 - Human Trafficking Identification - Study efforts by the TABC to combat human trafficking at all licensed locations. Make recommendations to increase the TABC's ability to rescue victims and successfully prosecute more criminals, including recommending harsher penalties for permit holders that have been identified as participating in human trafficking, and to make regulatory or statutory changes needed to prevent human trafficking in this state. Interim Charge #3 - Control Label Products - Examine "control label" products and their impact on the three-tier system and alcoholic beverage industry in the state. Make recommendations to regulate control label products in a way that promotes economic growth, benefits the consumer, and stabilizes the three-tier system. Interim Charge #4 - Texas Wine Industry - Evaluate the Texas wine industry and the current labeling requirements associated with the use of "Texas" as an appellation. Determine if current regulations and permitting rules are adequate to support the industry's development. Responses were received from AB Astris, Alta Loma, Blackmon, Decant Winery, Dupuy, Family Vineyard, Hawk’s Shadow, Kerrville Hills/Rivenbourgh, Klenk Family, La Pradera, Lost Draw, Perissos, Phillips, Pontotoc, Sage’s, Timmons, Vintage Press, William Chris, Texas Wine Growers, and Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association.

Here is a link to the responses.

HEALTH: Senate Veteran Affairs and Border Security Committee – The Senate Veteran Affairs and Border Security Committee issued its interim report. They did not address three of their interim charges related to border security and the Department of Public Safety. Here are their recommendations on the three remaining charges.

Veteran Treatment Courts - Review the effectiveness of diverting veterans from the traditional criminal justice system to veteran treatment courts. Make recommendations to strengthen veteran treatment court outcomes and expand access to locations not currently served by the courts. Recommendations:

1. Provide additional funding directly to the counties or via Texas Veterans Commission grants to enhance existing Veterans Treatment Courts and to create new VTCs in those counties and regions that do not have them. 2. Create a tax credit for corporations that donate to funding Veterans Treatment Courts, similar to the current tax credit for hiring veterans.

Veteran Health Care - Examine the adequacy of long-term health care services and support options for veterans in Texas. Identify under-served areas and barriers to accessing quality care for both institutional as well as home and community based settings. Discuss the potential impact of federal reforms, such as the implementation of the Veterans Affairs MISSION Act on care delivery. Make recommendations to best leverage federal assistance and create greater efficiencies in veteran health care delivery. Recommendations:

1. Continue to empower the Texas Veterans Commission to further grow its close relationship with the Veterans Administration, especially in the realm of educating and informing veterans of the health care options to which they are now entitled. 2. Further encourage the use of tele-medicine in Texas, especially as the Veterans Administration is now spending over two billion dollars of CARES Act funding to enhance tele-health for veterans.

Veteran Mental Health - Review suicide prevention strategies and programs identified by the federal Defense Suicide Prevention Office and make recommendations to connect at-risk individuals with available resources as they transition into veteran status. Recommendations:

1. Continue to fully fund the efforts of the Texas Veterans Commission and the Health and Human Services Commission as they work to prevent veterans suicides. 2. Foster continued collaboration with non-profits such as Combined Arms, the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, and 22 Kill and legacy veterans organizations such as the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars to further identify and assist those veterans who may be dealing with mental health concerns.

Medicaid Expansion Proposals: Senator (D-Houston) filed SJR 15 calling for the expansion of Medicaid eligibility subject to voter approval. Senator Alvarado said, “This bill gives the power to the people by allowing the voters to decide for themselves via a ballot measure in the next general election. Texas leads the nation in the number of people without health care coverage, which is why I have been filing legislation to expand Medicaid coverage since I was in the Texas House. Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, Texas has turned a blind eye to the needs of working class Texans by not expanding Medicaid. By failing to expand coverage, Texas has left millions without coverage – resulting in the highest rate of uninsured residents in the country. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an even higher uninsured rate as historic numbers of people lost their jobs and businesses failed. The uninsured rate for adults under the age of 65 currently stands at 29 percent. Medicaid expansion is not only good for the health of Texans but also for the state’s budget.” Representative John Bucy, III (D-Austin) filed HB 398 and HJR 24 to expand Medicaid in Texas. Representative Bucy said, "In the midst of a global pandemic, Medicaid expansion will help 2.2 million Texans get the care they need and bring billions of dollars back into our economy while shoring up our beleaguered healthcare infrastructure. I'm encouraged by the recent, bi-partisan support we've seen for Medicaid expansion and optimistic we will bring our tax dollars home to help the people of Texas this session. HB 398 would expand the number of Texans eligible to participate in Medicaid by nearly 2.2 million and bring in $110 billion in funding over the first 10 years after implementation, while creating 303,000 jobs annually and generating $525 million in new tax revenue. Texas currently leads the nation in the number of uninsured persons, the number and rate of uninsured children (including being the only state with a double digit rate of uninsured children), and rural hospital closures. HJR 24 would provide for the expansion of Medicaid by constitutional amendment, which if passed by the legislature, would be submitted to the voters for an election in November 2021. Since the last legislative session, voters in Oklahoma and Missouri voted to expand Medicaid by ballot proposition.” Representative (D-Austin) filed HB 389 and HJR 23, which would bring the choice for Medicaid expansion to Texas voters. Representative Israel said, “Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the nation, which has only worsened since the start of the pandemic. Expanding Medicaid would bring relief to those who are currently in the coverage gap - many of whom are our essential workers. Texas is one of only 12 states that have not expanded Medicaid. The state's refusal to expand health care coverage has furthered the pain caused by COVID-19, all while leaving Texas tax dollars on the table."

Housing and Health Services Coordination Council – On November 24th, Governor Abbott has appointed Barrett Reynolds to the Housing and Health Services Coordination Council for a term set to expire September 1, 2021. The council works to increase state efforts to offer service-enriched housing through increased interagency coordination. Barrett Reynolds of Richardson is a porter at CC Young Senior Living Center. He previously served on the HEROES Advisory Board, and has taken a proactive role with Community for Permanent Supported Housing in furthering its mission of promoting independent living for both himself and for the broader community. Reynolds is a volunteer for Bonton Farms and King of Glory Lutheran Church.

Texas Radiation Advisory Board – On November 30th, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Charles Cavnor to the Texas Radiation Advisory Board for a term set to expire on April 16, 2025. Additionally, the governor reappointed Kevin Raabe and Mark Silberman, M.D. for terms set to expire on April 16, 2023. The board advises the state on radiation issues and reviews the rules, policies, and programs of state agencies that regulate radiation. Charles Cavnor of Little Elm is a Lieutenant, Hazardous Materials Technician, and former Threat Liaison Officer for the Dallas Fire Rescue Department. He is a member of the International Association of Firefighters, Infragard, and the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Additionally, he was a founding member and served as both a HazMat Specialist and HazMat Manager for Texas Task Force 2-Urban Search and Rescue. Cavnor received a Bachelor of Arts and Applied Science in Fire & Emergency Services Administration from Texas A&M University at San Antonio, a Master of Arts in Homeland Security from the Naval Postgraduate School, and completed the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Preventive Radiological/Nuclear Detection Team Leader and Team Operations courses through training with Counter Terrorism Operations Support. Kevin Raabe of Floresville is an Operations Manager in South Texas for Rio Grande Resources Corporation affiliated with General Atomics. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the Texas Mining & Reclamation Association and Board President of Three Oaks Water Supply Corporation. Raabe received a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Texas A&M University, College Station. Mark Silberman, M.D. of Austin is Laboratory Director and a Pathologist for Clinical Pathology Associates. He is a Fellow of the College of American Pathologists and the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. Additionally, he is a member of the Texas Medical Association, Texas Society of Pathologists, American Medical Association, and the American Association of Clinical Chemistry. Silberman received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Virginia Polytechnic Institution and State University and a Doctor of Medicine from Johns Hopkins University.

HIGHER EDUCATION: Best Practices in Digital Learning – On November 9th, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) joined the United States Distance Learning Association to highlight the success of digital learning by spreading awareness and promoting best practices across the country. Commissioner of Higher Education Harrison Keller said, “Digital learning plays a vitally important role in shaping the future of higher education for Texas. When the pandemic disrupted higher education institutions earlier this year, educators across the state, nation and world had to pivot very quickly to digital learning. This monumental shift put a spotlight on the critical need to invest in advancing innovation in digital learning.” Recently, the THECB announced its Open Educational Resources (OER) Course Development and Implementation Grant Program, and a newly launched OERTX Repository, which will enhance the quality of online course offerings and reduce the costs of educational materials for students at Texas public and independent institutions of higher education. Commissioner Keller added, “Our OER initiatives are just two examples of our commitment to delivering quality, affordable curriculum in a digital environment. We are also providing students access to virtual advisors, and are using an artificial intelligence chat bot that can text proactive, personalized guidance to high school students as they navigate the college application process.” The Coordinating Board has created a new Division of Digital Learning, which will be led by Assistant Commissioner for Digital Learning Michelle Singh, who will join the THECB on November 16th. Dr. Michelle Singh joins the agency from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, where she has served as the associate vice president of teaching and learning technologies since 2018. Over her 20-year tenure in higher education, Dr. Singh has held positions as board chair for the Texas Distance Learning Association, member of the United States Distance Learning Association Board, chair of the Texas A&M University System Council for Academic Technology and Innovative Education, and is a former chair of the THECB Learning Technology Advisory Committee. Dr. Singh said, “Digital learning in Texas has a proven record of success. It spans the spectrum of higher education service and delivery and it is time to discover how it can be leveraged to strengthen current practice and support innovation as we establish a new normal for teaching, learning, and student success in Texas. I am pleased to be joining the Coordinating Board and helping to launch this important new division.” The Division of Digital Learning will partner with institutions to expand digital success and foster quality digital learning experiences for students in Texas. Dr. Singh and her team will be responsible for the agency’s OER grant programs, the OERTX Repository, and the future Digital Learning Clearinghouse.

The State of Texas Higher Education – On November 19th, Higher Education Commissioner Harrison Keller delivered his second annual State of Texas Higher Education address at the 2020 Texas Higher Education Leadership Conference. He stated the COVID-19 pandemic has been the most significant disruption to higher education institutions since the end of the Second World War. Despite the challenges, he emphasized higher education as an essential part of the solution for how Texas will overcome and emerge even stronger from the pandemic. Commissioner Keller said, “Texans have a long track record of innovating through adversity, and this year has been no exception. So, while 2020 has brought unprecedented challenges, it has also presented extraordinary opportunities to accelerate the pace of innovation in teaching and learning and exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit of Texas colleges and universities. Work is already underway, though it will have to accelerate over the next several months and into the coming years. Our priority needs to be laying foundations for economic recovery and a better, more just future.” He explained that in response to the impacts of COVID-19, Governor Greg Abbott and legislative leadership committed $175 million for higher education from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER). Distributed earlier this year, the funds have helped institutions adapt to COVID-19 and continue to serve their students. Most of the GEER funds were dedicated to student financial aid, including $57 million to protect need-based financial aid programs from coronavirus-related budget cuts, and another $46.5 million for emergency financial aid for students who were adversely impacted by the pandemic. An additional $46.5 million was allocated to help Texans who have some college credit but no credential and to help displaced Texas workers who need to reskill and upskill with short-term credentials so they can rejoin the workforce, get back on their feet, and help drive the recovery of the state’s economy. The remaining funds support high-quality digital learning and the modernization of state educational and workforce data infrastructure, enabling the agency to focus resources effectively and efficiently and support continuous improvement. Commissioner Keller concluded, “This financial support represents a powerful statement from our Texas state leadership - leadership you’re not seeing in every other state. They recognize the critical role higher education needs to play in driving the state’s recovery and are investing in the future of Texas. As we look forward to 2021 and the 87th Legislative Session, we must come together for the advancement of higher education in Texas. Together, I believe we can overcome any additional challenges that come our way, especially by expanding opportunities for Texans to achieve new credentials and skills, accelerating educational innovation by leveraging the potential of technology, and working at the frontiers of knowledge to develop the insights and discoveries that will enable a better Texas future.”

PROPERTY: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs – On November 10th, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Ajay Thomas to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) for a term set to expire on January 31, 2025. He also named Leo Vasquez to serve as presiding officer of the board. TDHCA is responsible for promoting and preserving homeownership, financing the development of affordable rental housing, supporting community and energy assistance programs, and other functions. Ajay Thomas of Austin is Executive Vice President and National Head of Public Finance for FHN Financial, a division of First Horizon Bank. He is a member of the Board of Visitors for Southwestern University, and an advisory board member of the Taubman Center for State and Local Government at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Additionally, he previously served as a board member of the Texas Business Leadership Council. Thomas received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Southwestern University, a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a Juris Doctor degree from The University of Texas School of Law. Leo Vasquez of Houston is a corporate finance and C-level business management consultant. He is a former gubernatorial appointee to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice and a former chairman of the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation. He is a member of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Texas Advisory Board (USGLC), an advisory board member of the Texas Policy Lab at Rice University, and is a National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Governance Fellow. Additionally, he is a former board member of Houston’s Greater East End Management District, Harris County Appraisal District, and the Harris County Health Facilities Development Corporation. He also served as the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrar. Vasquez received a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University Graduate School of Business.

PUBLIC EDUCATION: CyberStart America – On November 5th, Governor Greg Abbott announced that the state of Texas will participate in CyberStart America - an innovative, online cybersecurity game, competition, and talent search sponsored by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation and the SANS Institute. Texas high school-aged students are encouraged to explore their aptitude for cybersecurity and computer science by participating in the program. Participating students will have the opportunity to win prizes and recognition for their schools and scholarships for themselves. This program builds upon last year's Girls Go CyberStart Program, a pilot program targeted to young women, in which 2,294 students from Texas high schools participated and 199 succeeded in reaching the national finals. The CyberStart America program is a series of 100 percent online challenges - referred to as the CyberStart Game - that allow students to act as cyber protection agents, solving cybersecurity-related puzzles and exploring related topics such as code breaking, programming, networking, and digital forensics. The program can be assigned as part of homework, can form the basis of an extracurricular club, or students can participate on their own. Governor Abbott said, "This exciting program builds on our statewide efforts to provide innovative learning opportunities and technology skills that will be relevant to students in any career path. These competitions offer fun activities for young women and men to explore and learn about the high-tech, high- impact field of cybersecurity." Texas Department of Information Resources Chief Information Security Officer Nancy Rainosek added, "Part of the Texas Cybersecurity Strategic Plan focuses on the need for talented cybersecurity professionals to continue to combat the increasing sophistication of threats facing the State of Texas. We are delighted by the opportunity to partner with the SANS Institute again on this initiative, and the opportunity it provides for high school students to receive college scholarships." Participating students and their teachers do not need knowledge or experience in information technology or cybersecurity to take part. The program is free for schools and students, and all Texas students in grades 9-12 are invited to participate. Building on the success of last year’s Girls Go CyberStart program, this year’s CyberStart Game is open to all high school students, and anyone who reaches level 5 in the Game will qualify for the national competition to win scholarships. To encourage participation of young women and JROTC cadets, specific communities have been established for those groups, offering additional support and community-specific awards within the overall scholarship competition. The National Cyber Scholarship Foundation anticipates awarding scholarships worth a total of $2 million for use at any accredited college to 600 high-scoring students across the nation who participate in the competition in 2021. Students are able to compete for state-specific and community-specific prizes as well as national championship status. There will also be incentives for Texas high schools to encourage more students to reach the qualifying level in CyberStart Game, including exclusive access to additional cybersecurity education resources and recognized cyber skills mastery badges for their students. Registration for high school students began October 30th. The program begins November 15th and runs through February 28, 2021.

Here is a link to the CyberStart website.

Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy Curriculum – On November 9th, in remembrance of the lives lost and the community impacted by last year’s massacre at the Cielo Vista Walmart in El Paso, Representative Mary E. González (D-El Paso) filed HB 129. Representative González said, “This bill addresses a catalyst for that tragedy - misinformation, hatemongering, and conspiracy theories, much of it online - by giving young Texans the tools to think critically about what they see on the internet and accurately filter out dangerous misinformation. The bill requires digital citizenship and media literacy education for K-12 students. An investigation in the wake of the shooting revealed that the shooter was highly active in online spaces that traffic in hate speech and promote conspiracies such as the ‘replacement theory,’ the white nationalist view that immigrants are actively working to supplant white Americans. His 2,300-word manifesto, posted on the internet minutes before the shooting, described a ‘Hispanic invasion of Texas,’ including dangerous rhetoric vilifying border communities like El Paso. When we look at what led up to the shooting, we see an impressionable young person caught up in an online feedback loop of anger and lies. As we continue the healing process, we must teach our society’s youngest members how to differentiate between factual sources of information and dangerous misinformation, especially racially motived hate speech and conspiracy theories. My bill will help students responsibly engage in online environments, increase awareness about the real-life consequences of their actions online, and help prevent the toxic behavior that can lead to tragedies like teen suicide and mass shootings.”

TSTA Urges Schools to Continue Virtual Learning – On November 12th, Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) President Ovidia Molina urged the state to continue virtual learning for Texas students. She said, “Two of the state’s leading physician organizations – the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Pediatric Society – believe it is a mistake for school districts to discontinue virtual learning and require in-person instruction for all students while the COVID-19 pandemic is resurging in Texas, and the Texas State Teachers Association agrees. TSTA will go a step further and demand that Governor Greg Abbott and the take control and require all school districts to continue virtual learning as an option for the remainder of the school year without any loss of funding. Districts that already have ended virtual learning must be ordered to reinstate it. The state leadership has to quit pretending that Texas is returning to ‘normal.’ Texas reported more than 10,000 new COVID cases yesterday, and more than 6,700 Texans were hospitalized with the disease. This is not normal. This is dangerous, and it is dangerous for school districts to deprive students of the virtual learning option. The health and safety of students, educators and families must take priority over everything else until this pandemic is under control. Many schools are being forced to close in-person instruction for days at a time because of COVID-19 outbreaks on their campuses, yet TEA is not reporting these closures. TEA also must require districts to report these closures to the state so that information can be made readily available to the public. Parents need more transparency about how prevalent the spread of COVID is in Texas communities.” In a letter to the Texas Association of School Boards and the Texas Association of School Administrators, the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Pediatric Society expressed reservations about school districts discontinuing virtual learning and requiring in-person instruction. The letter said, “School policies must not put high- risk members of the community at unnecessary medical risk, disadvantage families advised by a physician that virtual learning remains in their best interest, or undermine public health efforts to slow the surge of COVID-19 already happening in our state. Completely discontinuing virtual learning at this time fails all three tests.”

Here is a link to the letter from physician groups.

Senate Education Committee - The Senate Education Committee met on November 13th to hear invited testimony on the following interim charges: Digital Learning - Assess the Texas Virtual School Network and the new Texas Home Learning System to evaluate effectiveness of each and recommend model legislation to improve digital learning options for students, families, and educators. Witnesses included Monica Martinez, TEA Associate Commissioner, Standards and Support Services; and representatives of Virtual Learning Academy; and Lewisville, Frisco and, Dallas ISD. Special Education - Evaluate ongoing strategies to continuously improve special education services for students in public schools, including methods for educating students in a remote setting, as well as the Texas Education Agency's corrective action plan. Witnesses included Matt Montanto, TEA Deputy Commissioner for Special Populations; and representatives of Disability Rights Texas, and Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education. Monitoring - Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education passed by the 86th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following: HB 3 relating to public school finance and public education. Witnesses included Education Commissioner Mike Morath; and representatives of Aldine ISD, Garland ISD, Garland, Longview ISD; and the Equity Center. HB 3906 relating to the assessment of public school students, including the development and administration of assessment instruments, and technology permitted for use by students. Witnesses included Education Commissioner Mike Morath; and representatives of Lyford CISD and Del Valle ISD. COVID-18 Response - Examine best practices by school districts and charters in providing education during the CoVid-19 pandemic, including methods of delivery for education. Highlight the best practice responses to challenges such as a lack of electronic devices and broadband/internet connection, as well as methods utilized to ensure students maintain growth throughout the academic year. Witnesses included Education Commissioner Mike Morath, and representatives of International Leadership of Texas, and Comal and Richardson ISD’s.

Individual Graduation Committees – On November 13th, Senator (R-Amarillo) filed SB 177, which would allow for the continued and permanent use of Individual Graduation Committees. Senator Seliger said, “Students and school districts around the state have benefited from the availability of IGCs since 2015, and SB 177 finally removes the termination date of this valuable option in state law. As we look to the 87th Legislative Session, I can't help but look back over the last six school years and think about the almost 59,000 Texas high school graduates that have been able to go on and serve in the military, earn a workforce credential, or attend college because of earning their diploma through an Individual Graduation Committee. Last school year's cancellation of state mandated assessments and the current school year's uncertainty provide further justification for making IGCs permanent. SB 177 ensures that students who have passed all of their courses and demonstrated that they are prepared for college or the workforce will graduate from high school.” IGCs have been in existence for six academic years and are the result of the passage of Seliger's SB 149 from the 84th Legislative Session. IGCs give students who fail a state mandated assessment, but otherwise meet all other graduation requirements, a way to earn their high school diploma. Senator Seliger concluded, "Every elected official in Austin has a constituent who has received a high school diploma because of IGCs and I look forward to working with my colleagues to finally make this provision a permanent option for graduates. At least 47 other states have a similar mechanism and the data collected by the Texas Education Agency clearly shows that public school administrators view this as a responsible option and continue to use IGCs judiciously."

Reimbursement to Schools for Virtual Learning – On November 18th, Governor Greg Abbott announced a $420 million reimbursement program to cover costs incurred by Texas public schools that purchased Wi-Fi hotspots and/or eLearning devices (such as laptops, tablets, and Chromebooks) so students could learn remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, jointly administered by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) using federal CARES Act dollars, will reimburse districts for costs incurred since the 2019-20 school year if the district locally purchased eLearning devices and/or WiFi hotspots. This reimbursement program builds on the progress made by Operation Connectivity, announced by Governor Abbott in May as an initiative to close the digital divide in Texas. Governor Abbott said, "Thanks to the collaborative approach of Operation Connectivity, students across the state have access to the eLearning resources they need to stay connected and receive a quality education through remote learning. This reimbursement program will significantly ease the financial burden on Texas public schools that have purchased these crucial eLearning devices and also helps ensure that more students have access to these devices as needed." TDEM has already reimbursed school systems that purchased technology as a response to the pandemic during the final months of the 2019-20 school year. Additionally, TEA directly purchased roughly 1 million eLearning devices and WiFi hotspots in the summer, distributing that technology directly to Texas schools. Since the start of Operation Connectivity, schools in Texas have acquired more than 2 million eLearning devices (such as laptops, tablets, Chromebooks) and more than 800,000 WiFi hotspots - totaling 2.8 million devices and hotspots combined and counting. Devices have been directly purchased by the state, purchased by school systems, generously donated by corporate partners, and in some cases, procured with the help of city and county governments leveraging federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) dollars. With this program, the State of Texas has allocated more than $780 million in CARES Act funding for public education to assist local education agencies in connectivity purchases and reimbursement for COVID-19 expenses. TEA has negotiated directly with suppliers, using the purchasing power of the state to drive down prices for devices an average of 30 percent. Given the number of eLearning devices purchased, Texas has largely closed the digital divide with regard to students who required eLearning devices at home. Major progress has also been made to ensure all students have high speed Internet access at home. School systems across Texas may apply for these reimbursement funds beginning Friday, November 20th. Lt. Governor said, "Throughout the pandemic we have maintained full funding for our schools, including the increased funds provided by HB 3, so that our students don’t fall behind as we fight the coronavirus. Schools have established a wide-range of remote learning programs and have made laptops, tablets and WiFi hotspots available to students who need them to remain on track. This $420 million in federal CARES Act funding for Operation Connectivity, along with the $362 million in federal CARES Act funding that we have already provided, will ensure our schools - particularly in rural areas remain on the cutting edge during the pandemic." Speaker Dennis Bonnen said, "The State and local school districts are partners in public education, and this reimbursement program will provide needed resources for schools who are struggling with unanticipated connectivity costs as they transitioned to a digital learning environment for students during the pandemic." Senate Finance Committee Chairman said, "Texas is working on several fronts to support our local school districts amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This financial support will help students, parents and teachers overcome the challenges presented by remote learning as we continue working to bridge the digital divide." Senate Finance Committee Vice Chairman Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa said, “While we all wish all our students could be learning in the classroom right now, we recognize that is not possible at this time. However, this cannot be a cause for different learning outcomes due to different levels of access to technology. I support the governor taking this action to help ensure all of our students have the resources they need to learn until a return to the classroom is possible." House Appropriations Committee Chairman Giovanni Capriglione said, "This pandemic has amplified disparities in access to broadband and brought them to the forefront. Together with our local education leaders, we have taken this challenge head on. With this investment we are one step closer to closing the digital divide and providing our educators with the necessary tools to ensure all children in Texas receive a high quality education. I want to thank Governor Abbott and my colleagues for prioritizing this effort."

House Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman said, "Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many students lacked the necessary tools to adapt to distance learning. School districts that addressed this by purchasing essential devices can apply for reimbursement."

A Bipartisan Group of Legislators Asks TEA to Cancel STAAR - On November 18th, a bipartisan letter coordinated by Representative (D-San Antonio) was sent to the Texas Education Agency requesting that the agency seek the waivers necessary from the United States Department of Education to cancel the administration of the STAAR exam for the 2020- 2021 school year or, at most, use an administration of the STAAR exam as a diagnostic tool to determine where students are academically as opposed to an assessment instrument to determine district and campus sanctions under the current A-F accountability system. The letter said, “As the Commissioner of the Texas Education Agency, you and your staff have witnessed firsthand the difficulties COVID-19 has presented to our educators, our students, and their families; in every aspect of life, nothing has been left untouched or unaffected by this pandemic. Given the agency’s understanding of the anticipated impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on public education in this state, we appreciate the agency’s foresight by waiving the Student Success Initiative promotion requirements for the 2020-2021 school year; however, we believe that the agency should also recognize that the effects of this ongoing pandemic extend beyond concerns regarding promotion and retention of students and will also impact an accountability system that heavily weighs campus and district performance on student achievement and growth. The academic deficit that the agency has widely recognized, has resulted in students, across the state, being behind grade-level in nearly every subject. Instead of proceeding with the administration of the STAAR exam as planned, the agency, along with our districts and campuses, should be focused on providing high-quality public education with an emphasis on ensuring the health and safety of students and educators. While data from the STAAR exam may be a good indicator of where our students are currently, the data should be used in a manner to chart a path forward as opposed to being used to sanction our districts and campuses. We appreciate your time regarding this issue. Our offices stand ready to assist you and the agency in any manner you deem necessary.” The letter was signed by 50 Democrats including Diego Bernal, , , , Lorraine Birabil, Cesar Blanco, Rhetta Andrews Bowers, John Bucy, III, Gina Calanni, , , , , , Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, Jessica Gonzalez, Mary Gonzalez, , Bobby Guerra, Roland Gutierrez, Ana Hernandez, , , Donna Howard, Celia Israel, Julie Johnson, Tracy O. King, , Armando “Mando” Martinez, , , , , Sergio Munoz, Jr., Lina Ortega, , , Ana-Maria Ramos, Richard Pena Raymond, Ron Reynolds, Ramon Romero, Jr., , , Carl Sherman, , , Senfronia Thompson, Chris Turner, , and . The letter was signed by 18 Republicans including , , Brad Buckley, DeWayne Burns, Briscoe Cain, , , , , Justin Holland, , Matt Krause, , Brooks Landgraf, Andrew Murr, J.D. Sheffield, Lynn Stuckey, and Ed Thompson. TSTA Also Supports Cancellation of STAAR Testing – On November 18th, the Texas State Teachers Association applauded efforts of 68 members of the Texas House who called on the state education commissioner to seek the necessary federal waivers to cancel STAAR testing for this school year. TSTA started calling for a suspension of STAAR testing in June because standardized testing should be the last priority for students, educators and policymakers during the middle of a deadly pandemic, which now is getting worse. The TSTA statement said, “Our students, educators and their families can’t afford the distraction of STAAR as they struggle to stay safe and continue to adjust to new methods of teaching and learning. As the legislators pointed out in their letter to the education commissioner, the Texas Education Agency and school districts should be focused not on testing, but on ‘providing high-quality public education with an emphasis on ensuring the health and safety of students and educators.’ Even under normal circumstances, STAAR exams waste millions of tax dollars, and that waste will be even more critical now that the state and school districts are suffering millions of dollars in lost revenue from the health emergency.”

Texas Home Learning 3.0 Initiative Materials for Pre-K – On November 19th, the Texas Education Agency announced the next set of instructional materials – a full suite of resources and tools for prekindergarten – that will be made available to school systems through the Texas Home Learning 3.0 (THL 3.0) initiative. Like other THL 3.0 offerings, these instructional materials are optional, customized for Texas, and aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) - the state standards for what students should know and be able to do. TEA has partnered with Teaching Strategies, whose research-based, effective curriculum, assessment, professional development, and family engagement resources reach over 5 million children in the U.S., to develop and deliver this next set of high-quality resources including TEKS-aligned lessons and unit plans called “studies”. Before release, all THL 3.0 instructional materials undergo a rigorous review that includes Texas teacher feedback to confirm alignment with TEKS and quality standards. Additional THL 3.0 instructional materials for other subjects and grade levels will be announced over the coming weeks. Education Commissioner Mike Morath said, “Thanks to Governor Abbott, in the past several years, Texas has made a massive commitment to expanding access to quality prekindergarten and the development of suitable instructional materials for our youngest students. These new tools will help improve our schools’ ability to support our youngest learners, whether they are coming to school in person or attending remotely. Prekindergarten Learning Solution for Texas includes several resources to provide support for teachers, students, and parents, including:

• Access to digital curriculum aligned to Texas prekindergarten guidelines; • Resources to engage children and families in the classroom or at home with developmentally appropriate digital resources; and • Materials designed to support teachers and families for all types of learners including English and Dual Language Learners, Advanced Learners, and students with disabilities.

THL 3.0 is a comprehensive initiative to support school systems, teachers, parents, and students during the public health crisis and beyond with high-quality instructional materials, technology solutions, and professional development resources. TEA previously announced that it will offer all Texas school systems a world-class Learning Management System (LMS) from PowerSchool’s Schoology for two years at no cost. Nearly 400 Texas school systems have already signed up, with another 200 currently engaging with the Schoology team.

House Public Education Committee - The House Public Education Committee has posted responses to the following interim study charges: Interim Charge #1 - Monitoring - Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 86th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following: Interim Charge #1A - HB 3, which relates to public school finance and public education. Monitor the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) implementation of the bill, including the extensive rulemaking process and broad unintended consequence authority of the commissioner. Examine the pay raises districts have provided to staff and the various approaches adopted to differentiate these salary increases according to experience. Interim Charge #1B - HB 1842 (84R), HB 22 (85R), SB 1882 (85R), and HB 3906, which relate to public school accountability, assessment, interventions, and district-charter partnerships. Monitor the ongoing progress of the TEA's implementation and rulemaking of the A-F rating system, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), and public school sanctions and interventions. Interim Charge #1C - SB 1873 (85R), which relates to reporting certain school district health and safety information. Review the report on physical education prepared by the TEA and determine what, if any, next steps are needed based on the data collections. Interim Charge #1D - HB 19, which places non-physician mental health professionalsat education service centers to provide resources for educators and administrators in school districts and charter schools. Interim Charge #1E - HB 906, which creates the Collaborative Task Force on Public School Mental Health Services. Interim Charge #1F - SB 11, which creates the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium to facilitate access to mental health care services through telehealth and expands the mental health workforce through training and funding opportunities. Monitor the creation of the consortium and agencies' rulemaking processes. Review how school districts are spending their school safety allotment. Responses were received from Aldine ISD, Anderson-Shiro Consolidated ISD, Association of Texas Professional Educators, Austin Chamber, Dickinson ISD, Friendswood ISD, Bexar County Education Coalition, City Education Partners, Children at Risk, Texas District Charter Alliance, Dallas ISD, Early Matters, Ector County ISD, Educate Texas, Equity Center, Fruitvale ISD, Frisco ISD, Garland ISD, Galveston ISD, Good Reason Houston, Grand Prairie ISD, Home Builders Institute, Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), Texas Impact Network, Leadership Academy Network, La Joya ISD, Lubbock Partnership Network, Mental Health America of , NAMI Texas, North East ISD, Newman International Academy, One Houston, Partnership for a Healthy Texas, Plano ISD, Richardson ISD, Rural Superintendents, Raise Your Hand Texas, Save the Children, School Innovation Collaborative, San Perlita ISD, Texas Association of Manufacturers, Texas Association of Midsize Schools, Texas Association of School Administrators, Texas Association of School Boards, Texas Association of School Psychologists, Texans Care for Children, Texas Coalition for Healthy Minds, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Texas Education Agency, Teach Plus Fellows Group, Texas American Federation of Teachers, Texas Association of Rural Schools, Texas School Alliance, Texas 2036, Teach For America, Texas Legislative Education Equity Coalition, Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas State Teachers Association, Texas School Coalition, Waco ISD, YES Prep, and 18 individuals. Interim Charge #2 - Digital Learning - Determine if any barriers exist in providing a digital learning environment for all children, including an evaluation of the competitive marketplace for blended learning products and services. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Technology and Instructional Materials Allotment (TIMA) in providing districts the resources necessary to equip students with instructional materials and technology, including in the review all programs and initiatives funded by set-asides from the TIMA. Monitor the performance and accountability of the state's full-time virtual schools and online courses provided through the Texas Virtual School Network. Responses were received from AT&T, Association of Texas Professional Educators, Dickinson ISD, Bexar County Education Coalition, Boys & Girls Clubs, Children at Risk, Commit Partnership, Connected Nation Texas, ExcelinED, Frisco ISD, Greater Houston Partnership, Gregory-Portland ISD, Hallsville ISD, Instructional Materials Coordinators’ Association of Texas, McGraw Hill, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Motels, North East ISD, Plano ISD, Parkhill Smith & Cooper, Southern Education Foundation, Texas Association of Midsize Schools, Texas Association of Rural Schools, Texas Association of School Administrators, Texas Computer Education Association, Texas Education Agency, TechNet, Texas 2036, Texas Library Association, Tomball ISD, Texas Public Charter Schools, Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Rural Funders, Texas State Teachers Association, Texas School Coalition, UnidosUS. Interim Charge #3 - Special Education Strategic Plan - Monitor the progress of the TEA's compliance with the Corrective Action Response required by the United States Department of Education, the implementation of the state's Special Education Strategic Plan, and the state’s compliance with other federal requirements regarding special education, including maintenance of state financial support for special education. Recommend solutions to barriers the agency, school districts, students with disabilities, and parents face in accessing a free and appropriate public education and in meeting the milestones of the plan and any measures needed at the state level to ensure that students with disabilities are being located, fully evaluated, and appropriately identified for special education instruction and services. Responses were received from Autism Society, Dickinson ISD, Decoding Dyslexia Texas, Disability Rights Texas, El Paso Special Education Advocates, Frisco ISD, Plano ISD, Round Rock Dyslexia Group, Texas Association of Midsize Schools, Texas Association of School Psychologists, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Texas Education Agency, and two individuals. Interim Charge #4 - Audit Review - Monitor the State Auditor's review of agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction. The Chair shall seek input and periodic briefings on completed audits for the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years and bring forth pertinent issues for full committee consideration. The following state agencies are under the committee’s jurisdiction: the State Board of Education, the Texas Education Agency, the Texas representatives to the Education Commission of the States, the Office of Southern Regional Education Compact Commissioner for Texas, the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the State Board for Educator Certification, and the Texas School for the Deaf. Responses were received from Autism Society and one individual. Interim Charge on COVID-19 Response: Responses were received from Arts Connect, Austin ISD, Association of Texas Professional Educators, Autism Society, Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, Frisco ISD, Houston Education Research Consortium, Innovative Teachers of Texas, Keller ISD, Leadership ISD, Lone Star State School Counselor Association, Plano ISD, Richardson ISD, Southern Education Foundation, Social Emotional Learning Alliance for Texas, Texas Association of Midsize Schools, Texas Association of Rural Schools, Texas Association of School Administrators, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Texas Education Agency, Texas American Federation of Teachers, Texas Appleseed, Texas Public Charter Schools Association, Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas School Nurses Organization, Texas State Teachers Association, Texas School Coalition, UnidosUS, and one individual.

Here is a link to the responses.

STATEWIDE: House Select Committee on Mass Violence Prevention & Community Safety - The House Select Committee on Mass Violence Prevention & Community Safety posted comments it received to the following interim study charges: Duty #1 –Possession of Firearms by Felons - examine options for strengthening enforcement measures for current laws that prevent the transfer of firearms to felons and other persons prohibited by current law from possessing firearms. Responses were received from Texas Gun Sense and 11 individuals. Duty #2 – Criminal History Information - examine impediments and challenges to the timely reporting of relevant criminal history information and other threat indicators to state and federal databases. A Response was received from Texas Gun Sense. Duty #3 – Role of Digital Media - examine the role of digital media and technology in threat detection, assessment, reporting, and prevention, including the collaboration between digital media and law enforcement. Responses were received from Designated Party - Ron Barnes, Head of State Legislative Affairs, Google; and from two individuals. Duty #4 – Long-Term Workforce Needs - evaluate the ongoing and long-term workforce needs of the state related to cybersecurity, mental health, law enforcement, and related professionals. Responses were received from Texas State Teachers Association and one individual. Duty #5 – Extreme Risk Indicators - evaluate current protocols and extreme risk indicators used to identify potential threats and consider options for improving the dissemination of information between federal, state, and local entities and timely and appropriate intervention of mental health professionals. Responses were received from Texas Council of Community Centers and six individuals. Responses to Multiple Duties were received from Texas Gun Owners for Safety, the City of El Paso, and 23 individuals.

Here is a link to the responses.

Proposed Texas Active Shooter Alert System – On November 9th, Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) filed HB 103 to create the Texas Active Shooter Alert System. The bill requires the state to implement a system to alert Texans if there is an active shooter in their area as determined by local law enforcement. Landgraf's proposal is designed to reduce mass violence without infringing on the constitutional rights of law-abiding Texans. Representative Landgraf said, “Over Labor Day weekend last year, my hometown of Odessa, joined an ever-growing list of American cities that have tragically experienced a mass shooting. In the aftermath, I received countless calls and messages from constituents with ideas on how to address the problem and prevent massive losses of life in the future. Everyone I’ve spoken with agrees that we have a need for this statewide active shooter alert system, similar to the Amber Alert.” On August 31, 2019, there was a mass shooting in which a mobile gunman killed 7 and injured 25 across Midland and Odessa. HB 103 would require the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to develop and implement an alert system to be activated on report of an active shooter. DPS would activate the alert system in a 50-mile radius of an active shooter's location on the request of a local law enforcement agency who determines there is an active shooter situation. The legislation also requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to establish a plan for providing relevant information to the public within 50 miles of an active shooter through its existing system of dynamic message signs located across the state. Landgraf concluded, “The goal of HB 103 is to save lives and assist first responders. An alert system of this kind could have helped spare the life of Odessa High School student, Leilah Hernandez, who was killed almost an hour after the shooting rampage began. That’s why Leilah’s family - and other victims’ families - are passionately advocating for this alert system. Now it’s time to get to work and get this bill to the governor’s desk.”

Proposed George Floyd Act – On November 9th, Representative Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) filed the George Floyd Act, HB 88/SB 161, to address the tragic murder of George Floyd, a native Houstonian who died when a Minneapolis police officer knelt on Mr. Floyd's neck. Representative Thompson said, “The George Floyd Act addresses the injustices that George Floyd experienced at the hands of police officers all his life, and that Black people experience routinely. We must end police brutality and hold officers accountable for misconduct and give families the right to have their day in court when injustice is done." In response to Mr. Floyd’s death, members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus hosted a series of town halls on changes that community leaders and advocates believe are necessary to combat racism and disproportionate punishment against the Black community. Those conversations culminated in the filing of the George Floyd Act. Representative Thompson added, “A police officer is not an executioner, but too often officers shoot to kill when they have other tools at their disposal. In this bill, we strictly limit the situations in which officers can kill. We also want to clarify that promptly taking lifesaving measures on scene is a duty of all officers, and we expect officers to intervene when another officer has stepped over the line.” Senator , who is the Senate sponsor for the George Floyd Act added, "Recently, Texas has been at the forefront of criminal justice reform measures. Since the early 2000s, legislation has been passed into law that has become national models in the areas of post-conviction DNA testing, compensation for persons wrongfully convicted, alternatives to incarceration, the use of body cameras by law enforcement and on the interactions between police and citizens. Now is the time for not only the Legislature, but also law enforcement groups and local government, to address issues regarding shootings of mostly unarmed minorities by those who are have sworn to protect the public and are entrusted with the power to make life and death decisions in an instant. America has witnessed over and over again actions that cannot be explained away and cannot be erased from memory. The provisions of the George Floyd Act looks to make sure that all citizens, no matter their color or the communities they come from, are treated equally and fairly by our systems of justice."

Proposed Ban on Law Enforcement Contracting With Television Film Crews – On November 9th, Representative James Talarico (D- Round Rock) filed HB 54, which he calls “Javier Ambler’s Law.” It would ban state and local law enforcement from contracting with television film crews to film officers while acting in the line of duty for the purpose of creating a reality television show. It was filed in response to the March 28, 2019, death of Javier Ambler caused by Williamson County sheriff's deputies. Representative Talarico said, “Javier Ambler repeatedly cried ‘I can't breathe’ and ‘please save me.’ His murder was filmed by Live PD, a reality TV show that glorifies police violence. An independent analysis of use-of-force reports by the Austin American-Statesman found ‘that violent encounters between Williamson County sheriff’s deputies and civilians nearly doubled in the year after Live PD cameras began following deputies.’ Policing is not entertainment. In the tragic murder of Javier Ambler, we saw what happens when law enforcement leaders are more interested in boosting their ratings than protecting our communities. I hope Democrats and Republicans will come together to pass this bill to protect our citizens and restore trust in law enforcement.”

Proposed Legalization of Cannabis – On November 10th, Representatives Joe Moody (D–El Paso) Erin Zwiener (D–Driftwood) announced a two-pronged approach to cannabis law in Texas. HB 447, by Representative Moody, would legalize cannabis and create a retail market for cannabis products, including marijuana. It would remain illegal to make cannabis available to people under 21 years of age. Revenue collected from sales would be placed in a dedicated fund that supports both teacher retirements and teacher salaries in Texas public schools. HB 441, by Representative Zwiener, is the decriminalization effort championed by Moody in past sessions. The bill uses existing legal procedures in novel ways so that possession of a personal use amount of marijuana could only result in a ticket and a small fine, without an arrest or lasting criminal consequences. The measure was passed by a supermajority of the House in 2019 but failed to advance in the Senate. Representative Moody said, “One thing that’s become crystal clear in the years since I began working on cannabis policy is that there’s no moral or public safety issue involved here. There is very much a fiscal issue, though, and numerous other states are now raking in tax revenue from cannabis sales that Texas needs more than ever. We can’t say that Texas is the best state for business when we’re literally turning it away.” Moody was enthusiastic about Zwiener’s filing of the bill he once carried. He said, “Representative Zwiener is one of the smartest and hardest working people at the Capitol. I have absolute confidence in her taking the reins on decriminalization. She also brings a perspective and voice different than my own to this conversation. This is an effort favored by Texans of all different backgrounds, and it’s important that they’re reflected in those leading it in the legislature.” Representative Zwiener added, “Our current cannabis laws don’t make sense. We’re leaving dollars on the table, wasting public safety funds on enforcement, and saddling Texans with unnecessary criminal records that harm their ability to find work and housing. It’s time to bring our cannabis laws into the 21st century, and I’m eager to get to work on reducing penalties for possession of cannabis.”

Proposal to Legalize Cannabis for Adult Use and Medical Use – On November 9th, Representative and Senator-Elect Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio) pre-filed SB 140, which would legalize cannabis for adult use and medical use. It would focus on generating new revenue and offer solutions to Texas’ economic recovery by generating:

• $3.2 billion in state revenue every biennium • 30,000 new high-paying jobs • jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, retail and distributing.

Representative Gutierrez said, “There is going to be a budget shortfall to affect all Texans next legislation session, however, I look forward to working with my colleagues to offer a real solution. This bill will generate new revenue and create at least 30,000 high paying jobs. Our state’s economic future is uncertain and in order to best serve our state, we have to look at cannabis legalization as a solution and not keep going back to the taxpayers and raise their taxes. Five more states passed cannabis legalization last Tuesday raising the total to 38 states. It is time to get to the point where we offer real solutions to problems that are facing Texas; the problems are we need to realize real revenue on something people already do.”

Texas Juvenile Justice Board – On November 10th, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Pat Sabala Henry to the Texas Juvenile Justice Board for a term set to expire on February 1, 2023. The board is charged to develop and implement rules to govern the department, executive director, and staff and to establish the mission and set goals for the department to emphasize keeping youth in home communities while balancing rehabilitative needs with public safety. Pat Sabala Henry of Morton is the County Judge of Cochran County. He previously served as a probation officer for Cochran and Hockley counties. Henry received an Associate’s degree in Law Enforcement Technology from South Plains College and a Bachelor’ of Science in Human Services with a focus on criminal justice from Wayland Baptist University.

Proposed Changes to the Whistleblower Law - November 12th, Representative Celia Israel (D-Austin) filed HB 550 to address limitations in the current Whistleblower Law. The Whistleblower Law provides certain protections to public employees who report violations of the law, typically in the form of waste, fraud, and abuse. Currently, the law only prohibits adverse personnel action against employees who report violations to "an appropriate law enforcement authority.” Therefore, whistleblowers are not protected from employer retaliation if they first report violations to supervisors or other authority figures in the workplace. HB 550 would protect state and local employees who report violations of the law to their supervisors, human resources division, and certain government staff. The bill provides governmental entities the flexibility to craft their own policy within the parameters of the law. To promote awareness of these protections, the bill requires governmental entities to notify employees of their policy and the Office of the Attorney General to display a webpage with the current law. Representative Israel said, "We need to stand up for our employees who bravely speak out against illegal and unethical behavior in our government. HB 550 supports our government workers who are simply trying to do the right thing. A majority of U.S. states already provide protection to employees who report violations to their supervisor or coworker. More than ever, we rely on whistleblowers to root out corruption and keep public officials accountable to Texas taxpayers. Expanding protections for public employees who come forward will improve oversight of Texas government.”

Police Reform Legislative Package – On November 12th, Senator Borris L. Miles (D-Houston) announced the filing of nine police reform bills to improve policing in Texas and make it easier to hold rogue police officers accountable for their actions. Senator Miles said, "I have been filing police reform legislation since 2011. With the national spotlight on this issue following the murder of Third Ward native George Floyd, now is the time for Texas to act and pass meaningful police reform legislation. We need to honor the memories of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland and the many other victims of institutionalized racism by changing the system. If real reform can emerge from the chaos of this year, then their deaths will not have been in vain." The police reform legislation filed by Senator Miles consists of:

1. SB 65 – would enhance the penalty for official oppression by a law enforcement officer from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on the severity of injuries to a victim. 2. SB 66 - would require records of all complaints against individual police officers to be retained by their employer to keep track of officers with a pattern of complaints against them. 3. SB 67 – would create an independent police review board in Houston to investigate acts of misconduct and give the board the ability to subpoena witnesses. 4. SB 68 - would require a law enforcement officer to intervene when another officer is using excessive force and report the incident to their department. 5. SB 69 – would ban the use of illegal chokeholds like the one used on George Floyd. 6. SB 70 - would require officers to report their use of force to their department or when they witness another officer using force against a suspect. 7. SB 71 – would require law enforcement agencies to adopt written use of force policies. 8. SB 72 - would ban a peace officer from firing into a moving vehicle unless they are doing it to protect themselves or someone else. 9. SB 175 - would ban “no-knock” warrants by peace officers.

Senator Miles concluded, "As a former law enforcement officer, I understand the pressure and high emotions that can occur on the job. However, we must have the tools so that when bad cops get out of control and abuse the civil rights of the people they are sworn to protect, they can be investigated and prosecuted for those acts."

House Corrections Committee – The House Corrections Committee issued separate requests for information on each of its 5 interim charges. Submissions must be submitted via email to the Committee Clerk, Roel Benavides, at [email protected] by Friday, December 4, 2020. Interim Charge #1 - Monitoring - Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 86th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

1. HB 374, which relates to meetings or visits between a defendant on community supervision and a supervision officer. Monitor community supervision and corrections department rules regarding the scheduling of meetings or visits with a defendant placed on community supervision. Examine the process by which community supervision and corrections departments implement newly adopted policies. 2. HB 650 and HB 3227, which relate to the welfare of confined females within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Monitor TDCJ rules regulating treatment of incarcerated women. Examine the process by which the department facilitates the educational, medical, and wellness needs of incarcerated pregnant women. 3. HB 1191, which relates to an annual report concerning the number of inmates who have been in the conservatorship of a state agency responsible for providing child protective services. Monitor the TDCJ's collection of statistical information concerning the total number of inmates who have at any time been in the conservatorship of a state agency responsible for providing child protective services. 4. SB 1147, which relates to conditions of community supervision for certain driving while intoxicated offenses. Monitor the implementation of the legislation and provide recommendations to improve access to treatment for defendants convicted of driving while intoxicated.

Interim Charges #2 - Veterans, Seniors and Homeless - Examine gaps in services and assess efforts to connect justice-involved veterans, senior citizens, and homeless populations to services while incarcerated and after release at both the local and state levels. Specifically, the committee should evaluate training and technical assistance provided by the Texas Veterans Commission to criminal justice agencies. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs) Interim Charge #3 - Parole Revocation - Examine the current parole revocation warrant ("blue warrant") procedure. Specifically, the committee should consider the monetary costs to the counties; using Risk Assessment Instruments and the Offense Severity Scale to evaluate static and dynamic factors associated with an offender's record in order to escalate high-risk revocation offenders to the Department of Public Safety for immediate detention; and creating an online list providing the number of outstanding "blue warrants" pending per county. Interim Charge #4 - Prison Facilities - Evaluate funding provided to the TDCJ for the repair, maintenance, and upgrade of prison facilities. Determine areas of the facilities that are in most need of repair, maintenance, or upgrade and examine the costs associated with such repairs, maintenance, or upgrades. Interim Charge #5 - Correctional Managed Care - Examine the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee's administration of Hepatitis C treatment and procedures. Review the Community Justice Assistance Division's current compliance practices and examine current funding formulas for adult probation departments. Study the TDCJ's ownership of real property not being used for prison facilities, including the amount of property owned and its highest and best use. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Appropriations) Interim Charge #5 - Audit Review - Monitor the State Auditor's review of agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction. The Chair shall seek input and periodic briefings on completed audits for the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years and bring forth pertinent issues for full committee consideration. The following state agencies are under the committee’s jurisdiction: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Special Prosecution Unit, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Texas Civil Commitment Office, and the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments.

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee – The House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee posted responses to its five separate requests for information on the following interim study charges: Interim Charge #1 - Monitoring - Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 86th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including HB 1325, which relates to the production and transportation of hemp. Examine current procedures and resources used to determine the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol in a substance and prosecutorial impediments to ensuring existing state law can be enforced. Specific Requests for Input - The Committee seeks written submissions and input from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Agriculture, and the Texas Department of State Health Services. Responses were received from Department of State Health Services, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Agriculture, Montgomery County District Attorney, Houston Forensic Science Center, Texas State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision, City of Houston Police Department, Just Liberty, and Office of State Prosecuting Attorney. Interim Charge #2 - Non-Violent Offenders - Study current practices and enforcement of criminal laws for non-violent Class C Misdemeanors. Examine the benefits of citations in lieu of arrests and fine-only offenses, the nexus between recidivism and "debtors' prisons," and all programs within the criminal justice system that levy fines, fees, and related penalties. Specific Requests for Input - The Committee seeks written submissions and input from the Office of Court Administration and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Responses were received from Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Fair Defense Project, City of Austin, Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, College Station Municipal Court, Texas Department of Public Safety, City of Houston, Smith County, Teas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Justices of the Peace and Constables Association, Texas Municipal Courts Association, Just Liberty, Rice University Baker Institute, and Texas Municipal Police Association. Interim Charge #3 - Indigent Defense - Review the overall state of indigent defense and delivery of services to indigent defendants in Texas under the Fair Defense Act and other applicable laws. Examine the procedures for the appointment of counsel, including public defender options for rural communities, the monitoring of workloads and performance of attorneys, and the funding of those services. Examine counsel options for indigent defendants during magistrate proceedings and the administration and funding of county indigent defense systems. (Joint charge with the House Committee on County Affairs) Specific Requests for Input - Charge #3 - The Committee seeks written submissions and input from the Office of Court Administration, Texas Indigent Defense Commission, and the Office of Capital and Forensic Writs. Responses were received from Sixth Amendment Center, Tarrant County, Dallas County District Attorney, Texas Civil Rights Project, Texas Conference of Urban Counties, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Justices of the Peace and Constables Association, Dallas County, National Association of Public Defense, Restoring Justice, Office of Capital and Forensic Writs, Texas Fair Defense Project, Texas Indigent Defense Commission, and Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid. Interim Charge #4 - Capital Sentencing - Review trial court procedures in capital sentencing, and implementation of applicable law in direct appeal and writ proceedings in capital cases, for compliance with constitutional protections and conflict of interest rules. Specific Requests for Input - The Committee seeks written submissions and input from the Office of Court Administration, Texas Indigent Defense Commission, Office of Capital and Forensic Writs and the Office of State Prosecuting Attorney. Responses were received from University of Texas Capital Punishment Center, NAMI Texas, Dallas County Public Defender’s Office, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Office of Capital and Forensic Writs, State Prosecuting Attorney, Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, and one individual. Interim Charge #5 - Audit Review - Monitor the State Auditor's review of agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction. The Chair shall seek input and periodic briefings on completed audits for the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years and bring forth pertinent issues for full committee consideration. The following state agencies are under the committee’s jurisdiction: the Office of State Prosecuting Attorney and the Texas State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision. Responses were received from the State Auditor’s Office, Texas Indigent Defense Commission and one individual.

Here is a link to the responses.

TAX: Sales Tax Revenue in October – On November 2nd, Comptroller Glenn Hegar reported that state sales tax revenue totaled $2.72 billion in October, (in September, it was $2.57 billion; in August, it was $2.82 billion; in July, it was $2.98 billion; June, it was $2.67 billion; and in May it was $2.16 billion), 3.5 percent less than in October 2019 (in September, it was 6.1 percent less than in September 2019; in August, it was 5.6 percent less than in August 2019; in July, it was 4.3 percent more than July 2019; in June, it was down 6.5 percent from June 2019; and in May 2020, it was 13.2 percent less than May 2019). Comptroller Hegar said, “October sales tax collections from all major economic sectors declined significantly from year-ago levels, with the exception of collections from retail trade. The steepest declines were in receipts from oil- and gas-related sectors, with the rate of well drilling activity depressed almost 75 percent from the previous year. Receipts from the information sector were down, principally due to the federally mandated exemption of internet access charges from taxation. Receipts from retail trade increased, as adaptation to pandemic circumstances has spurred increased spending on building materials, home furnishings, sporting goods and alcohol for off-premise consumption, while spending at bars and entertainment venues has languished. Receipts from restaurants also remain down from a year ago, though significantly higher than in the spring, with some resumption of dine-in service after relaxation of capacity limits as well as increased sales of meals for pick up or delivery. In a departure from recent trends, receipts from clothing stores were up from a year ago for the first time since the onset of the pandemic.” Total sales tax revenue for the three months ending in October 2020 was down 5.1 percent compared to the same period a year ago. Sales tax is the largest source of state funding for the state budget, accounting for 59 percent of all tax collections. The effects of the COVID-related economic slowdown were evident in other sources of revenue as well. Texas collected the following revenue from other major taxes:

• motor vehicle sales and rental taxes — $455 million, down 6.1 percent from October 2019; • motor fuel taxes — $286 million, down 8.3 percent from October 2019; • oil production tax — $200 million, down 42.2 percent from October 2019; • natural gas production tax — $57 million, down 32.9 percent from October 2019; • hotel occupancy tax — $33 million, down 33.3 percent from October 2019; and • alcoholic beverage taxes — $88 million, down 24.2 percent from October 2019.

Here is a link to the comptroller’s Monthly State Revenue Watch. Here is a link to the comptroller’s Sources of Revenue report.

Proposed “Two Cents for Texas Act” – On November 9th, Representative Ray Lopez (D-San Antonio) filed HB 207, the Two Cents for Texas Act, which would increase the current motor fuels tax by two cents and index it to the consumer price index, allowing the tax rate to keep pace with the rate of rising costs of highway construction and add long term stability. The current fixed rate was established in 1991 and has not been modified causing a substantial decrease in purchasing power due to inflation in the nearly 30 years since. Representative Lopez said, "The existing motor fuels tax has left infrastructure expansion projects at a precarious impasse and Texans are tired of being forced to pay high costs to use toll roads or waste hours sitting in traffic on congested highways. Transportation reports indicate that our stressed and decaying infrastructure system is not meeting the high demand. It's time Texas joined other oil driven states in modernizing our motor fuels tax rate which would provide funds to maintain the safety and quality of Texas' highways, roads and bridges. More importantly, it would reduce the need for borrowing, which Texas has increasingly turned to as a means of financing transportation improvements. Texans could help slow a growing trend of using the ‘credit card’ to pay for roadway projects by putting in their two cents and indexing the state motor fuels tax to a modern metric." If passed, HB 207 is projected to generate over $2.5 billion in the first five years with revenue being appropriated to fund transportation costs and Texas schools. Today, the breakdown of the current motor fuels tax is:

• 15 cents or 75 percent goes to the State Highway Fund while • five cents or 25 percent goes to the Available School Fund.

Representative Lopez added, “In a time where Texas is healing from an almost $5 billion deficit due to the COVID-19 pandemic and looking for ways to maintain the promises we made to educators all over Texas last session, HB 207 would raise more than $625 million for education in Texas in the first 5 years. This adjustment will hardly be felt at the pump and it does not target the lowest income demographic who generally use public transportation alternatives. If anything, the added money to the transportation fund would help public transportation initiative all over the state. In the first five years of implementation, The Two Cent for Texas Act will have an average incremental rate increase of 0.027 cents per gallon of fuel or be about .40 cents more to a 15-gallon tank of gas. Well below what Texans already spend on toll roads across our state today.”

House Ways & Means Committee Responses – The House Ways & Means Committee posted responses to its request for information on the following interim charge: Interim Charge #1.1 – Monitoring - Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 86th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including SB 2, which is the Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019. Monitor the implementation of the legislation, including a review of the tax rates adopted by taxing units in 2019 and 2020, the appraisal review board survey system, and progress in onboarding the tax rate notices and websites. Make recommendations for modifications as necessary and appropriate. Responses were received from City of Galveston, City of Georgetown, City of Houston, City of San Marcos, City of Coppell, County Judges & Commissioners Association of Texas, Dallas County, El Paso County, Hatch RV Park, HMWK, Tax Assessor- Collectors Association of Texas, Tarrant County, Teaching Hospitals, of Texas, Texas Municipal League, Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, Texas Apartment Association, Texas Association of Campground Owners, Texas Association of Appraisal Districts, Texas Conference of Urban Counties, Texas Press Association.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS: Governor’s Broadband Development Council Report – On November 2nd, the Governor's Broadband Development Council (GBDC) issued its report including recommendations for the 87th Legislative Session and provides an overview of the work of GBDC since its inception. GBDC has researched the progress of broadband development in unserved areas, identified barriers to residential and commercial broadband deployment in unserved areas, studied technology-neutral solutions to overcome barriers, and analyzed how statewide access to broadband would benefit economic development, higher education, public education, state and local law enforcement, state emergency preparedness, and health care services. The GBDC recommended that the Texas Legislature create a state broadband plan and establish a broadband office. The Council also recommended the continued study of the development of a state broadband funding program to incentivize deployment in unserved areas. Governor Abbott said, "The State of Texas is working to expand broadband access in our communities to support education, businesses, and Texas families. The Governor's Broadband Council plays a crucial role in meeting this goal by developing strategies to expand high-speed internet access to unserved areas of Texas. The research and recommendations developed by GBDC will help us expand broadband access across the state, and I am grateful for the council's commitment to improving the lives of their fellow Texans." The Governor’s Boradband Development Council was established in 2019 by the 86th Legislature to study and identify ways to provide internet access to unserved areas of Texas. Duties of the council include:

• research the progress of broadband development in unserved areas; • identify barriers to residential and commercial broadband deployment in unserved areas; • study technology-neutral solutions to overcome barriers identified; and • analyze how statewide access to broadband would benefit:

1. economic development; 2. the delivery of educational opportunities in higher education and public education; 3. state and local law enforcement; 4. state emergency preparedness; and 5. the delivery of health care services, including telemedicine and telehealth.

Here is a link to the report.

TORT: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee – On November 6th, the House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee posted a request for information due on November 30, 2020 submitted via email to the Committee Clerk, Cassidy Zgabay, at [email protected]. Interim Charge #1 - Monitoring - Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 86th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

1. HB 2899, which specifies that highway construction contractors are not liable for design defects. Investigate whether expansion of those policies to other areas of public/private contracting is in the best interest of the state. 2. HB 3809, which raises the statute of limitations for suit for injuries from a sexual assault of a child from 15 years to 30 years. Study and deliberate ways to enhance protections for victims of sexual abuse. Review other Texas laws relating to reporting and investigating incidents of workplace sexual harassment. Make recommendations to remove barriers to reporting and investigating incidents of sexual harassment and to make improvements to existing policies where necessary. 3. HB 4531, which authorizes adults under guardianship to consent to forensic medical examination protocols. Monitor the impact of the legislation on the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of sexual assault, and study the impact on other related offenses and the treatment and services provided to victims of those offenses. 4. SB 2342, which increases the amount in controversy for certain courts and expedited proceedings and makes reforms to jury requirements in order to improve access to courts. Review the impact of the legislation on the administration of justice and access to courts for Texas citizens.

Interim Charge #2 - Criminal Justice Data Collection - Study opportunities to modernize and improve local and statewide data collection throughout the criminal justice system in Texas, including improving the collection and reporting of court records, to promote transparency and ensure uniform data collection processes. Interim Charge #3 - Trusts and Estate Planning - Study the Rule Against Perpetuities as used by trusts. Examine whether statutory changes are necessary and appropriate to make Texas more competitive and keep trust capital and estate planning business in Texas. Interim Charge #4 - Audit Review - Monitor the State Auditor's review of agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction. The Chair shall seek input and periodic briefings on completed audits for the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years and bring forth pertinent issues for full committee consideration. The following state agencies are under the committee’s jurisdiction: the Supreme Court, the Courts of Appeals, the Court of Criminal Appeals, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System, the State Law Library, the Texas Judicial Council, the Judicial Branch Certification Commission, the Office of the Attorney General, the Board of Law Examiners, the State Bar of Texas, and the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

TRANSPORTATION: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles – On November 3rd, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Manuel “Manny” Ramirez to the Board of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles for a term set to expire on February 1, 2021. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles provides customer services that include vehicle registration, regulation of vehicle dealers, and grants to reduce vehicle burglaries and thefts, among others. Manuel “Manny” Ramirez of Fort Worth is president of the Fort Worth Police Officers Association, an elected position in which he serves more than 1,700 civil service employees. He is a member of the Chancellors Advisory Council at Texas Christian University and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he volunteers as an advisory council member of the Salvation Army and a board member of Assist the Officer Fort Worth, which supports law enforcement officers and their families in the event of death, unexpected illness, or serious injury. His executive experience includes serving as the co-founder and proprietor of a successful statewide cable construction company. Ramirez received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University and a Master of Business Administration from Texas Christian University.

House Select Committee on Driver’s License Issuance & Renewal – The House Select Committee on Driver’s License Issuance & Renewal has posted responses received related to the following interim charges: Interim Charge #1 – Expediting the Renewal Process - Examine opportunities to expedite the driver's license renewal processes, with a focus on long wait times, physician waivers for eye exams, redundant fingerprinting, and opportunities to complete the renewal online; and Review the feasibility of permanently transferring the licensing program from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) over to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Responses were received from the Center for Transportation Research, Tas Assessor-Collectors Association of Texas, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Texas Trucking Association. Interim Charge #2 – New Driver’s License Service Centers - Monitor the use of additional funds that were devoted to the Department of Public Safety in the 86th Legislature for the purposes of improving the driver's license renewal process, along with the construction of new driver's license service centers. A Response was received from Texas Department of Public Safety. Interim Charge #3 Waiver of License Fees - Monitor the implementation of HB 1078, which waives driver's license and handgun license fees for individuals with certificates in cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and determine whether the legislation is being implemented as intended. A Response was received from Texas Department of Public Safety. Interim Charge #4 – DPS Sunset - Monitor the implementation of SB 616, the DPS sunset bill, which provides for the conditional transfer of licensing programs from DPS to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV); and review the new workgroup's adoption of an implementation plan for the orderly transfer of programs. Responses were received from the Tax Assessor-Collectors Association of Texas and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Here is a link to the responses.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION: First Responders Contracting COVID-19 – On November 9th Senator filed SB 107 which classifies COVID-19 as a presumptive disease for first responders. As COVID-19 began to spread earlier this year, many Texas municipalities declared that police officers, firefighters, EMT and other first responders who contracted COVID-19 would presume to have contracted COVID-19 on the job. However, the state has yet to make COVID-19 presumptive meaning a first responder would have to enter a bureaucratic process to prove they contracted the virus on the job to become eligible for many state benefits for first responders and their families. Senator Powell said, “Since the start of this pandemic, far too many first responders and their families have felt the consequences of COVID-19. Police officers, firefighters and EMT's are the first on the scene responding to COVID-19 emergency calls and deserve to know that their families will be supported should the virus take their life. We owe so much to the front line workers who have led us through this pandemic – taking the common-sense approach of presuming COVID was contracted on the job and making the families of first responders eligible for state benefits is just one of the ways Texas can make good on our commitment to our brave heroes. First responders must go to work, are unable to shelter in place, and deserve to be taken care of in the event that they become ill or die from COVID-19. Currently, there are families who have been denied the compensation they deserve or have lost a loved one in the line of duty and are suffering through a bureaucratic nightmare.” Other similar bills filed: HB 34 by (D-Edinburg) would amend the respiratory illness presumptionlaw to specifically include COVID-19 and apply the presumption to all public safety employees. HB 47 by Terry Canales (D-Edinburg) would create a presumption that any school district employee who is diagnosed with COVID- 19 (or SARS-COV-2) is presumed to have contracted the disease in the course and scope of employment as an employee of the school district. HB 396 by Joe Moody (D-El Paso) would create a presumption that a nurse who contracted COVID-19 did so in the course and scope of employment if he/she was required to be in contact with a COVID-19 patient and the nurse contracted COVID-19 during the patient’s admission or within 14 days of the patient’s discharge.

WORKFORCE: Rehabilitation Council of Texas - On November 2nd, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Emily Robinson and reappointed Erin “Amanda” Bowdoin, Lindsey Geeslin, and Rodrick D. Robinson to the Rehabilitation Council of Texas for terms set to expire on October 29, 2023. The council partners with the Texas Workforce Commission to advocate for people with disabilities in the vocational rehabilitation process. Emily Robinson of Pflugerville is an Educational Program Specialist at the Texas Education Agency. She is a member of Texas Association of the Deaf. Robinson received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Sciences and Disorders and a Master of Science in Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing from Texas Woman’s University. Erin “Amanda” Bowdoin of Forney is a certified teacher of the visually impaired and a braillist for Mesquite ISD. She is a member of the Association of Texas Professional Educators and of the Council for Exceptional Children. Bowdoin received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce and a Master of Education in Special Education specializing in visual impairment from Stephen F. Austin University. Lindsey Geeslin of Waco is Sales Manager for Lhoist North America. She is a member of the Texas Workforce Investment Council, the Texas Masonry Council, and volunteers her time to the Waco Community through the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo & Extraco Events Center. Geeslin received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business and Management from Texas State University. Rodrick D. Robinson of McKinney is founder and CEO of New Life Medical Equipment. He is a member of the Baylor Scott & White McKinney Medical Center Board of Trustees, the McKinney Airport Advisory Committee, and the McKinney Comprehensive Plan Committee. Additionally, he is an ordained Deacon at First McKinney Baptist Church and student mentor for McKinney ISD. Robinson received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management from the University of North Texas in Denton.

National/Texas Apprenticeship Week – On November 6th, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) encouraged employers to discover how Registered Apprenticeship can support businesses, education partners, labor organizations, workforce partners and industry associations to meet the ongoing need for building a skilled workforce. Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation recognizing November 8-14, 2020 as Texas Apprenticeship Week to distinguish the importance of apprenticeship programs as part of the cutting edge of workforce development in Texas. TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel said, “Apprenticeship is one of TWC’s important tools in our workforce development efforts across the state. The benefits from apprenticeship programs are two-fold: they provide on-the-job training to help Texans develop highly sought-after skills and build careers, while simultaneously helping employers train and retain quality skilled workers.” Texas Apprenticeship Week recognizes leaders in business, labor, education and trade industry partners and highlights how apprenticeships prepare workers for the jobs in demand today and in the future. TWC’s ApprenticeshipTexas encourages local employers and industry partners to develop new apprenticeship training programs and expand on current Registered Apprenticeship training programs for new occupations and underrepresented populations. There are more than 544 registered apprenticeship programs across Texas. As of October 13, 2020, there are 639,397 apprentices nationwide, including over 20,124 in Texas.

Here is a link to the ApprenticeshipTexas website.

IKEA Reimbursed Texas for Unemployment Payments to IKEA Workers – On November 11th, Governor Greg Abbott thanked the IKEA US Community Foundation for gifting the state of Texas $4,900,125. The funds are equivalent to the amount of money the state paid in unemployment insurance to IKEA retail workers in Texas who were previously furloughed due to COVID-19. In a letter sent to the governor, IKEA Retail U.S. President Javier Quiñones wrote that now that stores have reopened, the foundation has decided to pay it forward to Texas. Governor Abbott said, "The State of Texas is grateful to IKEA and the IKEA US Community Foundation for their commitment to Texas employees. IKEA has shown that it is not only an important part of the Texas economy, but a valued member of the communities in which its employees live and work. Thank you to IKEA for this generous gift to the people of Texas, and I look forward to our continued partnership." Javier Quiñones, IKEA Retail U.S. president said, “We are appreciative of the ongoing support from the state of Texas including the unemployment funds paid to our co-workers who were furloughed in the early weeks of the pandemic. People are the heart of our business, and the state unemployment benefits helped our co-workers during a difficult time. We now have a better understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on our business, and we’ve decided to ‘pay it forward’ in our local communities.”

TWC Veteran Appreciation – On November 10th, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced that there are currently 1.7 million veterans in Texas, and an estimated 967,000 of these veterans are eligible for work. TWC encouraged Texas employers to take advantage of the unique talents, skills and discipline that Veterans bring to Texas’ workforce in a wide variety of industries and occupations of the skills. TWC promotes veterans hiring year round, but Veterans Day offers the opportunity to bring awareness to employers of the many benefits of hiring veterans, and also to reaffirm our strong commitment to helping recent veterans to transition back to civilian jobs, or older veterans seeking to expand their career opportunities. TWC recently held its ninth Annual Hiring Red, White & You! (HRWY) statewide hiring event. This year’s virtual event was held in partnership with 28 TWC workforce boards, the Texas Veterans Commission, Texas Medical Center and Governor Greg Abbott. WC encourages veterans to seek out the many programs and services offered by TWC and its Workforce Solutions partners to assist them as they transition to the civilian workforce. The leadership skills, teamwork and discipline that our veterans gain through military service translate well to the civilian workforce in fields ranging from engineering to medicine. TWC is committed to working with its partners to assist transitioning veterans by providing priority service at all Workforce Solutions offices, job placement advantages and training through a variety of initiatives and programs just for veterans. In addition, employers hiring veterans may benefit from a federal tax reduction through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program. Other TWC programs and services for veterans include:

• Texas Operation Welcome Home - The Texas Operation Welcome Home website spotlights TWC's Skills for Transition Program that assists separating military service members who are seeking employment in the civilian workforce. The Texas Operation Welcome Home website also includes information about our “We Hire Vets” program that recognizes Texas employers for their commitment to hiring veterans. • Texas Veterans Leadership Program - TWC's Texas Veterans Leadership Program helps connect veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to networks and resources tailored to address veterans’ needs ranging from employment and training to medical care, mental health and counseling, veteran’s benefits and more. These connections are made through peer advisors known as Veterans Resource and Referral Specialists who are located throughout the state. • College Credit for Heroes - TWC's College Credit for Heroes initiative allows veterans to apply the knowledge and experience gained in the military toward college credit, helping their transition into the civilian workforce. The program launched in 2011 with the goal of recognizing that veterans come equipped with knowledge and skills gained through military service that apply to the civilian workforce in many industries. To date, 48 colleges and universities have partnered with TWC on this initiative by awarding college credit and creating accelerated pathways to degrees and certificates in academic areas such as medical, security, energy, information technology, fire investigation and logistics. • Texas Skills to Work - TWC's online military to civilian occupation translator helps service members match military skills and experience to civilian occupations. • WorkInTexas.com - Veterans are given priority access to certain jobs on TWC’s comprehensive online employment resource, WorkInTexas.com. In addition, employers can post opportunities and request job applicants who are veterans.

Here is a link to Texas Operation Welcome Home. Here is a link to Texas Veterans Leadership Program. Here is a link to College Credit for Heroes. Here is a link to Texas Skills to Work. Here is a link to WorkInTexas.com.

Information Technology Registered Apprenticeship Program - November 13th, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) approved a new Information Technology (IT) Registered Apprenticeship program. The decision, taken during National Apprenticeship Week, will expand opportunities for employers to develop registered apprenticeship programs that help employees learn crucial career skills on the job. The commissioners approved the use of $3 million in funds from the Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act for the new program. TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel said, “National Apprenticeship Week celebrates the value of the apprenticeship model for workers and employers. Apprenticeship is one of the tools TWC has at its disposal to build a workforce pipeline for the many jobs available in Texas’ growing industries.” The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts continued job growth in the field of IT. Jobs in software development and computer occupations are among the top 10 in-demand occupations in Texas. TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez added, “These are the jobs of the future and they’re the jobs of today. IT jobs will continue to grow in fields like cyber security and cloud computing, and Texas needs to train the next generation of workers to meet those needs. The apprenticeship model is the quickest, most cost-effective way to develop those workers and prepare them with skills that can transform a job into a career.” Registered apprenticeship (RA) is a training model that supports employers in training new employees or upskilling existing workers. Employers seeking to upgrade their workforce can use the program to create an RA program or expand a current one. Depending on the need, an employer can develop training or enhance any classroom training and on-the-job learning components to increase the efficiencies of their workforce. TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson concluded, “Texas continues to be a new hub for high-tech businesses in America, and that transformation requires skilled workers. For participating employers, the apprenticeship model is another tool available to tailor the training of their future workforce.” TWC’s apprenticeship expansion budget is $13 million, with $10 million scheduled to be released in an RFA process later this month. The additional $3 million for the IT program will be released in early 2021.

Texas Workforce Investment Council – On November 17th, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Lauren Gore and Joe W. Arnold to the Texas Workforce Investment Council (TWIC) for terms set to expire on September 1, 2025 and September 1, 2021, respectively. The Council engages in a collaborative, systematic view of workforce development programs throughout the state and provides for planning, evaluation, research, and other functions related to workforce programs. Lauren Gore of Houston is a Partner of LDR Growth Partners and Principal at LDR Advisory Partners. He is vice chairman of the Board of Directors of Combined Arms, a non-profit that assists veterans with the transition from military to workforce. He previously served as an executive board member of Communities in Schools of Houston, and as a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Beginning in 2007, Mr. Gore served as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army, deployed to Iraq, and received an honorable discharge in 2012. Mr. Gore received a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. Joe W. Arnold of Muldoon is Deputy Vice Chancellor & Executive External Relations Officer for Texas State Technical College, where he is responsible for identifying, establishing, and enhancing relationships with industry and trade associations throughout Texas. Mr. Arnold has been active in a number of industry organizations, including the Associated Chemical Industry of Texas, the Texas Chemical Council, and the Texas Association of Manufacturers. He attended Lamar University.

Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative Report Recommendations – On November 18th, the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, a joint endeavor among the commissioners of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), released its latest report to Governor Greg Abbott. The mission of the Tri- Agency Workforce Initiative is to build a strong Texas workforce and ensure that Texans are prepared for jobs in the industries that power the state’s economy today and tomorrow. Earlier this year, Governor Abbott asked the agencies to marshal their combined resources to address long-term education and employment needs across the state. Governor Abbott said in his February 13th announcement, “It is imperative that we build upon the resources of HB 3 and accompanying legislation to ensure today's students and tomorrow's workforce are prepared to meet Texas' long-term workforce needs in a comprehensive and efficient manner.” The report, titled “Linking Education and Workforce: Spurring Economic Growth Across Texas,” focuses on three statewide priorities:

• Supporting efficient and flexible pathways to earning high-value credentials that are linked to high-wage, in-demand jobs. • Ensuring students receive the necessary support to succeed at all stages of their educations and in their transitions to the workforce. • Creating a robust infrastructure for agency collaboration around common goals, data, and processes to ensure improved student outcomes. Education Commissioner Mike Morath said, “The work of the Tri-Agency Initiative is an important reinforcement of TEA’s commitment to ensure that every child is prepared for college, career, or the military. It takes a dedicated, collaborative effort to ensure all students in K-12 are prepared to pursue any career that they should choose.” Higher Education Commissioner Harrison Keller said, “The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, along with our Tri-Agency partners, is committed to advancing meaningful, effective strategies to address the state’s education and workforce needs. Jobs increasingly follow skills, and by achieving the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative’s priorities, we will help future generations of Texans achieve academic and workforce success.” Summary of the Report - The Tri-Agency’s vision is that Texans of all ages have access to high-quality education and workforce training that empowers them to achieve their full potential. Governor Abbott established the group in 2016 to assess local economic activity, examine workforce challenges and opportunities, and consider innovative approaches to meeting the state’s workforce goals. The aim is to collaborate and develop strong links between education and industry to help Texas grow in economic prosperity. Workforce Commission Chairman Bryan Daniel said, “Maintaining a strong, skilled and growing Texas workforce requires planning and commitment. This report is not the final product, but the continuation of sustained statewide collaborations. My fellow TWC Commissioners, Aaron Demerson and Julian Alvarez, and I are prepared to implement strategic initiatives to expand opportunities for current and future Texas workers to meet the needs of Texas’ diverse industries.” Priority 1 - Support efficient and flexible pathways to earning high-value credentials linked to high-wage, in-demand jobs. Strategy 1.1 - Identify students’ most efficient paths to attaining high-value credentials by:

• Aligning training programs and associated credentials with in-demand, high-wage industries; • Mapping clear pathways to high-value credentials for all Texans, including veterans, incumbent and dislocated workers, and youth involved with the justice system; • Improving alignment across secondary and post-secondary CTE pathways; and • Creating clear on- and off-ramps for pathways through expanded credit and credential portability.

Strategy 1.2 - Strengthen and streamline collaboration among key education and workforce system stakeholders who are developing pathways at the regional level by:

• Integrating state strategies and supports for regional collaboration; and • Leveraging existing structures to better connect regional education and workforce systems.

Strategy 1.3 - Expand opportunities for work-based learning experiences by:

• Accelerating the development of high-quality work-based learning experiences that provide participants with meaningful opportunities; and • Supporting engagement by industry partners.

Priority 2 - Ensure students receive the supports necessary to succeed at all stages of their educations and in their transitions to the workforce. Strategy 2.1 - Ensure students and families have the support, tools, and resources needed to achieve education and career success by:

• Supporting early childhood education, foundational literacy pedagogy, and high school and postsecondary readiness in middle school; and • Designing effective family engagement strategies.

Strategy 2.2 - Expand access to effective college and career advising by:

• Streamlining and modernizing advising offerings and services for students to support informed decision-making about postsecondary education and careers; and • Offering professional development to educators and guidance counselors on advising services.

Strategy 2.3 - Reduce financial barriers in education by: • Addressing gaps such as broadband internet and early child care; • Refining the Texas financial aid system; and • Providing financial supports to Texans who pursue careers in teaching.

Priority 3 - Create a robust infrastructure for agency collaboration around common goals, data, and processes to ensure improved student outcomes. Strategy 3.1 - Align statewide education and workforce systems with statewide priorities and goals by:

• Updating and aligning goals and priorities across the agencies; • Ensuring finance systems support these goals and priorities; and • Braiding funding to better leverage resources.

Strategy 3.2 - Make educational and workforce data accessible and useful to the public, stakeholders, and decision- makers by:

• Developing a modern data infrastructure; and • Integrating data systems and research and development efforts.

Strategy 3.3 - Ensure coordination and collaboration across all three agencies’ operations by:

• Adopting and working toward shared outcomes; • Developing shared processes, including planning and monitoring processes, and infrastructure; and • Creating clear communication channels.

October Unemployment Rate Falls to 6.9 Percent – On November 20th, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced that Texas’ private sector added 136,300 jobs over the month, and the Texas unemployment rate fell to 6.9 percent in October from 8.3 percent in September. The Texas unemployment rate for October 2020 is in line with the National unemployment rate of 6.9 percent. The following are Texas’ unemployment rates since April:

• The September unemployment rate was 8.3 percent • The August unemployment rate was 6.8 percent • The July unemployment rate was 8.0 percent • The June unemployment rate was 8.6 percent • The May unemployment rate was 13 percent • The April unemployment rate was 12.8 percent

TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel said, “While the unemployment rate captures only a snapshot of our economy at a specific moment in time, the job growth we have seen over the past 6 months shows an enduring strength in the state’s economy. To maximize our efforts, TWC will continue to provide opportunities for Texans to enhance their jobs skills, search for new jobs and participate in other workforce services at one of our many Workforce Solutions Offices.” In October, the Professional and Business services sector added 45,200 jobs - the largest monthly increase recorded for this industry since the series began in 1990. Leisure and Hospitality added 27,700 jobs and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 19,300 jobs. TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez added, “While the economy may look a bit different, one thing holds true: skilled workers are in-demand. TWC is proud to promote on-the-job training through Registered Apprenticeship Programs which help Texans build skills and create careers while earning an income.” The Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) recorded October’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 4.4 percent, followed by the College Station-Bryan MSA with the second lowest rate of 4.6 percent. The Abilene MSAs recorded the third lowest rate of 4.9 percent. Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson concluded, “Our Texas employers continue to make positive strides, even during the uncertainty of this pandemic. My office is committed to ensuring our state resources and TWC services are available to help our Texas employers as they navigate these unchartered waters, continue to safely open their doors and take care of business.”

State Websites - Additional information can be obtained via the Senate, House, and capitol websites: www.senate.state.tx.us www.house.state.tx.us www.capitol.state.tx.us COVID-19 State Website: https://gov.texas.gov/coronavirus

Texas Economic Development Council 1601 Rio Grande Street, Suite 455, Austin, TX 78701 512-480-8432 www.texasedc.org [email protected]