FIRST CALLED SESSION OPENS

Senator Glenn Hegar of Katy authored the sunset schedule bill which will ensure the operation of key state agencies through 2011.

(AUSTIN) — The Texas Senate approved a bill to continue the operation of key state agencies on the opening day of the first called session of the 81st Legislature. When the regular session ended in June, the Legislature had not passed bills that would prevent five agencies, including the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and the Department of Transportation (TxDOT), from disappearing on September 1, 2010. Governor Rick Perry called the House and Senate back in to deal with this issue, as well as legislation relating to transportation funding.

SB 2, approved by the Senate, provides for the continuation of TDI and TxDOT through 2011, as well as the Texas Racing Commission, Office of Public Insurance Council, and the Texas Affordable Housing Commission. Those agencies will undergo a sunset review, where lawmakers consider changing the scope and operation of an agency, in the next regular session.

The Senate Finance Committee also heard two bills relating to transportation funding. Those bills could come to the floor later this week. The Senate will reconvene Tuesday, July 2, at 11 a.m.

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