House Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs

Committee Leadership

Chair

Cole Hefner (R)

House District 5

Mount Pleasant

Vice Chair

Ray Lopez (D)

House District 125

San Antonio

Committee Composition

Committee Membership

Hefner, Cole (R) House District 5 Mount Pleasant Lopez, Ray (D) House District 125 San Antonio Canales, Terry (D) House District 40 Edinburg Cortez, Philip (D) House District 117 San Antonio Dorazio, Mark (R) House District 122 San Antonio Hickland, Hillary (R) House District 55 Belton Holt, Janis (R) House District 18 Silsbee Isaac, Carrie (R) House District 73 Wimberley Louderback, AJ (R) House District 30 Victoria McLaughlin, Don (R) House District 80 Uvalde Pierson, Katrina (R) House District 33 Rockwall

Most Recent Session Activity

Metrics reflect activity during the most recent legislative session.

Interim Charges

• Monitoring: Monitor the implementation and associated rulemaking of all legislation passed by the Committee and enacted by the 89th Legislature, including the following:
  • HB 33, relating to active shooter incidents at primary and secondary school facilities and other emergencies;
  • SB 1620, relating to the establishment of the Texas forensic analyst apprenticeship pilot program; and
  • SB 2312, relating to the establishment and powers and duties of the Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict.
• Countering Foreign Financial Influence and Illicit Networks: Study national security and public safety risks associated with foreign-controlled or foreign-influenced financial service entities operating in Texas, including money transmitters. Evaluate whether existing state oversight mechanisms sufficiently detect and mitigate risks related to foreign adversaries, transnational criminal organizations, and illicit financial activity that may threaten Texas residents or critical financial infrastructure.
• Foreign Adversary Influence and Transparency Enforcement: Study foreign adversary and terrorist-linked influence operations affecting Texas, including political activity, advocacy, and funding networks directed by foreign governments or organizations. Examine gaps in federal registration and disclosure requirements and consider whether Texas should establish state-level requirements to identify, expose, and deter individuals or organizations operating on behalf of foreign adversaries or terrorist-linked entities.
• Protecting Texas Critical Infrastructure From Foreign Adversaries: Study the risks posed by remote-access technologies embedded in critical infrastructure that could enable cyber intrusion, surveillance, or disruption by foreign adversaries or other malicious actors. Evaluate whether additional safeguards are needed to strengthen oversight, prevent exploitation, and protect Texas infrastructure from security threats.
• Authority of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement: Evaluate the statutory framework governing the creation and recognition of law enforcement agencies in Texas and the role of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement in that process. Review whether current law provides clear authority and standards for establishing new agencies employing licensed peace officers. Provide recommendations to clarify authority and ensure consistent standards.
• Strengthening the Law Enforcement Workforce: Study workforce challenges affecting state and local law enforcement agencies, including recruitment, retention, moral injury, and training-pipeline barriers. Examine the operational impacts of staffing shortages and evaluate strategies to strengthen the law enforcement workforce, including financial support for recruits during academy training, childcare and family-support solutions, and other incentives to improve recruitment, retention, and public safety readiness.
• Agency Oversight: Monitor the agencies under the Committee’s jurisdiction, including for fraud, waste, and abuse, where applicable. The jurisdiction of the Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans’ Affairs Committee includes the following agencies:
  • The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement; The Department of Public Safety; The Texas Division of Emergency Management;
  • The Emergency Management Council; The Texas Forensic Science Commission; The Texas Military Preparedness Commission;
  • The Commission on State Emergency Communications; The Texas Military Department; The Texas Veterans Commission;
  • The Veterans’ Land Board; and The Texas Crime Stoppers Council.
• Subcommittee on Defense and Veterans’ Affairs — Veteran Mental Health Programs: Monitor the implementation of HB 114, relating to the transfer of functions relating to certain veteran mental health programs and plans to the Texas Veterans Commission. Conduct active oversight to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of authority, funding, personnel, and administrative responsibilities.
• Subcommittee on Defense and Veterans’ Affairs — Legal Representation for Texas Veterans: Study access to legal representation for Texas veterans pursuing disability benefits claims and appeals in the federal veterans’ benefits system. Review the availability of assistance provided through the Texas Veterans Commission, nonprofit organizations, law school clinics, and pro bono attorneys. Identify barriers to representation in appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and recommend strategies to improve access to legal assistance.