This week I will talk about the House Research Organization, which is an important department within the Texas House of Representatives.  The House Research Organization, or HRO, is a non-partisan division that researches and reports information on a number of issues to the members. 

The HRO produces 4 main types of reports during the interim between legislative sessions: "Focus;" "Interim News;" "State Finance;" and "Major Issues."  "Focus Reports" are an in-depth, thorough analysis of the most complex issues facing the state.  The most recent Focus Report issued by the HRO was on wind energy.  HRO also publishes "Interim News" reports, which are a brief review of topics of current interest. Recent issues have focused on a variety of issues such as solar power; homeowners' associations; and the benefits and costs of pre-kindergarten.  A third kind of report, State Finance, takes an in-depth look at the state budget process. Finally, after each legislative session, the HRO prepares a "Major Issues" report, which provides an overview of the most important legislation considered during the session, a summary of the state budget, a report on the governor's vetoes, and an analysis of any proposed constitutional amendments submitted for voter approval.   

During the session, the HRO prints the "Daily Floor Report," which is an unbiased analysis of each bill that is up for a vote on the floor that day.  This report is extremely helpful to members of the legislature because they include the arguments for and against each bill.    

The House Research Organization is directed by a steering committee, which is made up of 15 House members.  These members are elected by their fellow members to serve on the steering committee, and set policy for the organization, approve its budget, and ensure the reports from the organization are objective and unbiased. 

For more information and to view HRO reports, visit the website www.hro.house.state.tx.us.   You can contact my office by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by emailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us.    My district office phone number is (903) 891-7297.