State Affairs – 10/17/2024

    

Social Media & Protecting Children: Study the impact of social media use on children. Review
current mechanisms in place to protect minors online. Monitor the
implementation of House Bill 18, 88th Legislature, relating to the protection
of minors from harmful, deceptive, or unfair trade practices in connection
with the use of certain digital services and electronic devices, including
the use and transfer of electronic devices to students by a public school.
Make policy recommendations to further protect Texas children online.




Responsible Investing: Study the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG)
factors on our state’s public pensions, with a focus on proxy voting
services. Make recommendations to ensure our state’s pension systems vote and
invest in accordance with their fiduciary responsibility to maximize profit.
Additionally, monitor the implementation of Senate Bill 13, 87th Legislature,
relating to state contracts with and investments in certain companies that
boycott energy companies. Specifically, examine how a company is removed from
the list of companies that boycott energy companies when the company ceases
to boycott energy companies. Report on how frequently the list maintained by
the comptroller is updated and make recommendations to ensure an ongoing
accurate list.




Beverages with THC: Evaluate
Texas laws and regulations concerning THC beverage manufacturing and
delivery. Report on the current regulations and safeguards Texas may or may
not have in place for drinks with any amount of THC. Recommend legislation to
protect Texas consumers.




Monitoring: Monitor
the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on State
Affairs passed by the 88th Legislature. Specifically, evaluate the impact of
Senate Bill 2284, relating to the sale of distilled spirits to ultimate
consumers by the holder of a distiller’s and rectifier’s permit. Report
whether the increased sale of distilled spirits has had a positive impact on
economic development and public safety in this industry.







Public testimony will be limited to 2 minutes per
witness. If submitting

written testimony, please provide 20 copies to the
committee clerk with

your name on each copy.



** See Committee Coordinator for previous versions of the
schedule **



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 OR PERSONAL
ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES, ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE SENATE COMMITTEE
COORDINATOR AT 512/463-0070, 72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING SO APPROPRIATE
ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE.