Enrolled Bill Summary

            Senate Bill 77 adds a Government Code chapter to authorize a state agency or political subdivision to enter into a cooperation agreement with Mexico, a political subdivision of Mexico, a United States federal agency, or an agency or entity created under a treaty or executive agreement between the two nations, if the agreement is for the accomplishment of an otherwise statutorily authorized function of the state agency or political subdivision. An agreement may not provide for the liability of the state or a Texas political subdivision on a bond or other obligation issued by Mexico or a Mexican political subdivision. However, a Texas political subdivision or the Texas Public Finance Authority, Texas Turnpike Authority, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Texas Department of Economic Development, Texas Water Development Board, or Texas Department of Agriculture may issue bonds or other evidence of indebtedness to provide financing for an agreement, if the issuer is authorized to do so in the performance of an activity on its own behalf. A state agency or political subdivision under an agreement may acquire or dispose of real property in Texas or Mexico. It may use any of its property, equipment, or facilities and may use any undedicated funds, for purposes of the agreement, except that a state agency agreement involving use of funds appropriated from the treasury requires the approval of the governor and Legislative Budget Board.