The release of interim charges by House Speaker Dustin Burrows this week offers an early blueprint for what Texans can expect heading into the 90th Legislative Session in January 2027. These directives, issued to House committees, are more than routine housekeeping—they signal priorities that will shape legislation across technology, public health, agriculture, government accountability, and economic policy.
Interim charges function as the Legislature’s research and development phase. Over the coming months, lawmakers will hold hearings, gather testimony, and refine policy ideas before filing bills. This cycle is especially significant as Texas navigates rapid technological change, demographic pressures, and evolving political priorities.
Artificial Intelligence Moves to the Forefront
One of the most notable aspects of this year’s charges is the prominence of artificial intelligence. Lawmakers are not only acknowledging AI’s growing influence but actively exploring how it can be integrated into state governance and regulated responsibly.
A newly formed committee focused on government efficiency has been tasked with examining how emerging technologies, including AI, can reduce waste and streamline operations. This reflects a broader trend among policymakers seeking to modernize public administration while maintaining fiscal discipline.
At the same time, legislators are approaching AI with caution—particularly regarding its societal impact. The Public Health Committee has been directed to study how AI technologies and social media platforms affect young people, with a focus on mental health, cognitive development, and behavioral outcomes. This charge comes amid increasing national scrutiny of digital platforms and their role in shaping adolescent well-being.
Recent legal developments outside Texas have intensified these concerns. Courts in other states have begun holding major tech platforms accountable for their design and influence on users, especially minors. These rulings are likely to influence how Texas lawmakers approach regulation, liability, and consumer protections in the digital space.
Another emerging issue involves the infrastructure behind AI: data centers. As Texas continues to attract large-scale tech investment, questions are growing حول resource consumption. Lawmakers have been asked to evaluate how much water these facilities use and whether additional oversight is needed—particularly in regions already facing water scarcity. This reflects a bipartisan awareness that technological growth must be balanced with environmental sustainability.
Health and Social Policy Remain Contentious
Health policy continues to be a major focus, particularly in areas that have drawn national attention in recent years. Among the charges is a directive to examine legal frameworks surrounding gender-related medical treatments for minors, including liability issues and statute-of-limitations questions.
This follows ongoing legal disputes, including a case recently heard by the Supreme Court of Texas involving an individual seeking to bring claims years after undergoing such procedures as a minor. The outcome of that case—and the Legislature’s response—could significantly reshape how these matters are handled in Texas courts.
Lawmakers are also revisiting insurance practices, with instructions to evaluate whether Texans are receiving timely payments on claims. This reflects broader concerns about accountability within the healthcare system and the role of insurers in patient outcomes.
Another key public health priority is infant mortality. Committees have been asked to analyze current rates and identify evidence-based strategies to reduce preventable deaths. This signals a continued effort to address maternal and child health outcomes, an issue that has drawn increasing attention across the political spectrum.
Agriculture and Land Issues Gain Urgency
Agriculture remains central to Texas’ identity and economy, and recent developments have elevated its importance in legislative planning. Following a disaster declaration by Greg Abbott earlier this year, lawmakers are focusing on threats posed by invasive species, particularly the New World screwworm.
Committees are being asked to assess detection, management, and response strategies—not only for this pest but for a range of agricultural threats, from insects to feral hogs. The goal is to ensure that Texas is adequately prepared to protect livestock and crops from emerging risks.
This effort extends to evaluating the readiness of agencies like the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Department of Agriculture. Lawmakers will examine whether these entities have sufficient authority, funding, and coordination mechanisms to respond effectively to outbreaks.
Perhaps the most unusual charge involves the potential annexation of counties from a neighboring state. Legislators have been asked to study the constitutional and legal implications of incorporating parts of New Mexico into Texas. While the likelihood of such a move remains uncertain, its inclusion underscores the wide-ranging nature of the interim agenda.
Government Accountability and Transparency
Efforts to improve government efficiency and transparency are woven throughout the interim charges. Nearly every committee has been instructed to monitor agencies for misuse of taxpayer funds, reflecting a continued emphasis on fiscal oversight.
This aligns with broader political trends emphasizing the elimination of waste and increased accountability in public spending. The influence of federal-level initiatives aimed at streamlining government operations is evident in this approach.
Transparency is another major focus. Lawmakers will review the effectiveness of the Texas Public Information Act, which governs public access to government records. Concerns have grown in recent years about inconsistent compliance and delays in fulfilling requests, particularly affecting journalists and watchdog groups.
By examining exemptions, enforcement mechanisms, and public notice requirements, legislators aim to strengthen transparency and improve citizen access to information.
Property tax relief also remains a top priority. Committees are tasked with exploring ways to maintain existing relief while expanding exemptions for homeowners and businesses. Competing proposals from state leadership—including Dan Patrick—will likely shape this debate, particularly around school tax rate compression and homestead exemptions.
Foreign Influence and Workforce Concerns
Issues related to foreign actors and labor policies are also featured prominently in the interim charges. Lawmakers are being asked to monitor the implementation of laws ensuring that Texas courts prioritize U.S. and state legal principles over foreign legal systems in certain cases.
This includes reviewing how courts handle foreign judgments and arbitration decisions, particularly in family law contexts. The goal is to ensure consistency with constitutional protections and public policy.
Workforce-related concerns extend to immigration and employment programs. Earlier this year, Greg Abbott announced a temporary pause on certain visa applications within state institutions, citing concerns about misuse and its impact on domestic workers. The Legislature is expected to revisit this issue in the upcoming session.
Transportation safety is another area of focus. Lawmakers will evaluate whether non-domiciled commercial drivers are contributing to increased accident rates, following regulatory changes that limited certain licenses. This reflects broader concerns about road safety and regulatory enforcement.
Economic Development and Cultural Investment
Beyond regulatory and oversight issues, the interim charges also emphasize economic growth and cultural investment. Lawmakers are exploring ways to boost the sale of Texas-made products, support local industries, and enhance the state’s economic competitiveness.
This includes examining incentives for sectors like film and entertainment, as well as policies that promote traditional events such as rodeos and fairs. These initiatives highlight the importance of both innovation and heritage in Texas’ economic strategy.
The state’s workforce also remains a key focus. Committees will study how to strengthen labor participation, address skills gaps, and ensure that economic growth translates into broad-based opportunity.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Taken together, these interim charges provide a comprehensive preview of the issues likely to dominate the next legislative session. From artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability to healthcare, agriculture, and government transparency, Texas lawmakers are preparing to tackle a wide array of challenges.
What stands out most is the balance between innovation and caution. Policymakers are eager to harness new technologies and drive economic growth, but they are equally focused on mitigating risks—whether related to mental health, resource consumption, or public safety.
As committees begin their work in the months ahead, stakeholders across industries and communities will have opportunities to shape the conversation. By the time the Legislature reconvenes in 2027, these interim efforts will have laid the groundwork for policies that could significantly impact the state’s future.
