Speaker Dustin Burrows has officially released the Texas House interim charges, marking the beginning of an important phase in the legislative process as lawmakers prepare for the next session.
During this period, members of the Texas House submit recommended charges to their respective committee chairmen. Committee chairs may include these recommendations in their submissions to the Speaker. Once finalized, the Speaker issues official interim charges that guide committee work until the Legislature reconvenes. Committees will hold hearings, monitor implementation of legislation passed during the previous session, and develop recommendations for new or improved laws.
Rep. Terri Leo Wilson emphasized the importance of this process in ensuring accountability and forward-looking policy development. According to Rep. Leo Wilson, “I want to thank Speaker Burrows for his leadership in issuing these interim charges and setting a clear path forward for the work ahead. I look forward to working alongside Chairman Brad Buckley, Chairman Cecil Bell, and Chairman Carl Tepper as we take a closer look at key issues impacting Texans through the Public Education Committee, Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, and the Subcommittee on State-Federal Relations.”
The Public Education Committee has been assigned priorities such as monitoring major legislation from the 89th Legislature—including House Bills 2, 6, and 1481; Senate Bill 2; and House Bill 8 from the Second Called Session—while also studying academic outcomes, school finance stability, school safety, and technology’s role in classrooms. Additional areas include educator misconduct policies, middle school outcomes improvement, teacher recruitment and retention strengthening, special education investments evaluation, and continued oversight of agencies like the Texas Education Agency and State Board of Education.
The Intergovernmental Affairs Committee will focus on implementing legislation related to preventing homelessness among foster youth; addressing mental health and homelessness intersections; reducing recidivism through data sharing and diversion programs; with oversight over agencies such as Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and Texas Commission on Fire Protection. The Subcommittee on State-Federal Relations will examine federal policy changes including potential discontinuation of penny production and recent changes to federal postmark procedures.
While Rep. Leo Wilson does not serve on the newly established Select Committee on Governmental Oversight, she noted interest in its review regarding education foundations—specifically their structure, funding sources, relationships with public school districts, transparency standards—and referenced recent developments involving Barbers Hill Education Foundation. “The interim is a critical time for thoughtful review and meaningful input,” Rep. Leo Wilson added. “These charges allow us to ensure laws are working as intended while identifying opportunities to better serve our communities.”