Senate Committee on Economic Development

Leadership

ChairAngela Paxton (R)Senate District 8 · McKinneyVice ChairKevin Sparks (R)Senate District 31 · Midland

Composition

Members

89th Legislature (2025), listed by role, then alphabetically

Carol Alvarado (D)Senate District 6 · HoustonCharles Schwertner (R)Senate District 5 · GeorgetownRoyce West (D)Senate District 23 · Dallas

Activity

89th Legislature (2025), regular session

Efficiency is the share of bills referred to the committee during the session that it reported out. Source: Texas Legislature Online committee reports.

Interim Charges

1. Ensuring Local Hotel Occupancy Tax Accountability. Study the collection, reporting, and use of state and local hotel occupancy tax revenues, and review data and outcomes under the current legislative framework to assess whether it is operating as intended. Make recommendations to ensure the effectiveness of local incentives and safeguard long-term fiscal accountability.
2. Strengthening Oversight of Project Finance Zones. Study the fiscal impact to the state of multiple project finance zones authorized within individual cities under Chapter 351, Tax Code, and evaluate whether requiring specific legislative approval for each newly proposed project finance zone would strengthen accountability and protect state revenues. Make recommendations to strengthen state oversight, prevent the proliferation of zones, and protect state tax revenues from unauthorized or inefficient use.
3. Preparing the Texas Workforce for AI (Artificial Intelligence). Study the impact of AI on the Texas workforce and its implications for economic competitiveness. Evaluate strategies to enhance workforce resiliency, align educational pathways with evolving employer needs, and promote private-sector-led innovation. Identify opportunities for upskilling and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies to maximize employment opportunities. Make recommendations to ensure the Texas labor market remains a national leader in growth and opportunity.

TPR Coverage