BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 244 By: Yarbrough April 25, 1995 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Military bases contribute billions of dollars to the state economy each year. With more bases closing in Texas, there has been a substantial loss in economic benefits. In addition, military bases contribute to the welfare of veterans, primarily retired veterans, as well as support for the Reserves and both National and State guards. PURPOSE HB 244 grants the governor authority to coordinate the efforts of the state to receive maximum federal support for base closings, reductions, and conversions. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that SECTION 1 (Sec. 743.006 RULES) of this bill grants rulemaking authority to the governor. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Title 7, Government Code, by adding Chapter 743 FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY BASE REDUCTION, CLOSURE, OR CONVERSION as follows: Sec. 743.001 DEFINITIONS defines "Federal assistance" and "local government." Sec, 743.002 COORDINATION BY GOVERNOR defines the Governor's coordination role in connection with reduction, closure, or conversion of federal military bases in this state. Sec. 743.003 GOVERNOR'S ACTIONS ON BEHALF OF STATE AGENCY OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT allows the Governor to act on behalf of state agencies or local government to obtain maximum amounts of federal assistance. States that the Governor may not make an agreement on behalf of a local government without consent. Sec. 743.004 ACTION IF ASSISTANCE WITHHELD OR DEFERRED allows for the governor to take any action necessary to meet the needs of a state agency or local government in connection with a base closing, reduction, or conversion. Sec. 743.005 ADVISORY COMMITTEE establishes an advisory committee. This section also sets the structure and appointment process for the committee. Sec. 743.006 RULES allows the governor to adopt rules for the administration of this chapter. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION Pursuant to posting of public notice on March 30, 1995, the Committee on State Affairs convened in a public hearing on April 4 to consider HB 244. The Chair laid out HB 244 and recognized Rep. Yarbrough to explain the bill. Rep. B. Hunter moved that HB 244 be reported favorably without amendment with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed and be sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars which prevailed by a record vote of: 8 ayes; 0 nays; 0 pnv; and 7 absent.