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.