** REVISION **
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

COMMITTEE:   Appropriations 

TIME & DATE: 10:00 AM, Wednesday, April 18, 2018 

PLACE:       E1.030 
CHAIR:       Rep. John Zerwas 

The Appropriations Committee will meet to consider the following interim charges:

·                Continue to study strategies to use the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) to generate additional revenue for state obligations without compromising the fund's intended purpose. Evaluate the current methodology used to set the ESF cap.

·                Examine the use of one-time funding and deferral measures employed by the Legislature in the state budget for the 2018-19 biennium, as well as any other factors that may contribute to a structural deficit. Explore strategies to ensure the state's ability to meet its ongoing fiscal obligations.

·                Monitor the ongoing implementation of S.B. 20 (84R), S.B. 533 (85R), and S.B. 255 (85R). Study the processes by which state agencies award, execute, manage, and monitor state contracts, and make recommendations on whether any changes are necessary to safeguard the best interest of the public and state. Evaluate measures utilized to determine vendor performance, and make recommendations on how to improve vendor selection and performance. When reviewing the Health and Human Services Commission’s (HHSC) managed care contracts, determine if HHSC has adequate data, staff, and processes to provide appropriately rigorous contract oversight, including but not limited to the use of outcome metrics. Consider whether HHSC properly enforces contractual sanctions when managed care organizations (MCOs) are out of compliance, as well as how HHSC uses Medicaid participants' complaints regarding access to care to improve quality.

·                Monitor the ongoing implementation of Article IX, Sec. 9.13 of the General Appropriations Act and determine if state agencies are realizing cost savings and/or security enhancements in state operations related to cybersecurity, information technology, and cloud computing. Study trends in cloud computing and IT delivery services, and identify whether additional cost efficiencies, economies of scale, or IT modernization could be achieved.

·                Continue to evaluate the effectiveness of state agencies' use of funds appropriated during the 85th Legislative Session for border security operations. Examine existing data and reporting on border security metrics. Monitor federal efforts to enhance security along the Texas-Mexico border to ensure that state resources are utilized optimally.

The Committee may limit public testimony to 5 minutes.

**         See Committee Coordinator for previous versions         **
of the schedule, if applicable.

NOTICE OF ASSISTANCE AT PUBLIC MEETINGS

Persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need assistance, such as a sign language interpreter, are requested to contact Stacey Nicchio at (512) 463-0850, 72 hours prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.