BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 876

By: Raymond

State Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

When state agencies and other governmental entities purchase a U.S. or Texas flag, they should ensure that the flag is American-made so that tax dollars are supporting domestic manufacturers and workers. Moreover, buying American-made flags better serves to honor veterans' service for this state and country. H.B. 876 seeks to require that flags purchased by state agencies and governmental entities are domestically produced, with first preference given to flags manufactured in Texas.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 876 amends the Government Code and Local Government Code to require an applicable state agency or governmental agency purchasing a U.S. or Texas flag to give preference as follows:

· first preference to flags manufactured in Texas using materials grown, produced, or manufactured in Texas to the extent reasonable and practicable; and

· second preference to flags manufactured in Texas or the United States using materials grown, produced, or manufactured in the United States.

The bill applies only to the purchase of a flag made or a contract for the purchase of a flag entered into on or after the bill's effective date.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.