BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 223
By: Munoz
03-24-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

     The broadening of the scope of Missing Persons Clearinghouse
(MPCH) has resulted in recognizing changes needed to properly
facilitate the Department of Missing Persons of TDPS efforts. 
Currently, the state definition of a missing child means a person
under seventeen (17) years of age. Whereas, the National Child
Search Assistance Act of 1990 mandates a report of all missing
children under the age of eighteen (18).

PURPOSE

     This bill would in effect bring the Texas definition of a
"missing child" into compliance with the National Child Assistance
Act of 1990.

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.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Sections 79.001(1), (2), Human Resources Code,
by striking the age of seventeen (17) and adding eighteen   (18).

     Amends Section 79.001(4)(B) to include a missing person as
being not only in the company of another person but "is in a
situation the" circumstances "of which indicate" that a missing
child's or missing person's safety is in doubt;

SECTION 2.  Transition section.

SECTION 3.  Effective Date.

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

H.B. 223 was considered by the Committee in a public hearing on 22
March 1995.

The following person testified neutrally on the bill:
     Patricia Linebarger, Texas Department of Public Safety,
Missing Persons 

The bill was reported favorably without amendment, with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record vote of
7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, and 2 absent.