BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 244 By: Yarbrough (Wentworth) State Affairs 5-25-95 Senate 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 As proposed, H.B. 244 authorizes the governor 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 rulemaking authority is granted to the governor under SECTION 1 (Sections 743.005(c) and 743.006, Government Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Title 7, Government Code, by adding Chapter 743, as follows: CHAPTER 743. FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY BASE REDUCTION, CLOSURE, OR CONVERSION Sec. 743.001. DEFINITIONS. Definitions "federal assistance," "local government," and "military base." Sec. 743.002. COORDINATION BY GOVERNOR. (a) Requires the governor to initiate and coordinate the efforts of state government to obtain the maximum amount available of federal assistance for the state and its local governments in connection with the reduction, closure, or conversion of federal military bases (bases) in this state. Requires other state agencies to assist the governor to initiate efforts by bringing relevant information to the governor's attention. (b) Authorizes the governor to initiate and requires the governor to coordinate the efforts of a local government or a combination of local governments (state and local governmental entities) to obtain the maximum amount of federal assistance in connection with the reduction, closure, or conversion of bases. (c) Requires state and local governmental entities to obtain the maximum amount of available assistance in connection with the reduction, closure, or conversion of bases. Sec. 743.003. GOVERNOR'S ACTIONS ON BEHALF OF STATE AGENCY OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT. (a) Authorizes the governor to act on behalf of state and local governmental entities to obtain the maximum amount of available federal assistance in connection with the closing of bases. (b) Prohibits the governor, without consent of the governing body of an affected local government, make an agreement or assurance on behalf of the local government. Sec. 743.004. ACTION IF ASSISTANCE WITHHELD OR DEFERRED. Requires the governor to take any action that the governor considers necessary or appropriate to meet the needs of a state or local governmental entity in connection with the reduction, closure, or conversion of bases if any federal assistance, contract, or payment is withheld or deferred from a state agency or local government. Sec. 743.005. ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) Requires the governor and the lieutenant governor to each appoint three members to an advisory committee established to assist the governor in administering this chapter. Requires the governor to designate one of the members as the presiding officer of the committee. Provides that a member of the committee serves at the will of the appointing authority. (b) Sets forth requirements for the advisory committee. (c) Requires the advisory committee to advise the governor on actions under this chapter. Requires the governor to inform the committee of proposed rules and proposed actions for the committee's review and comment. Sec. 743.006. RULES. Authorizes the governor to adopt rules for the administration of this chapter. Sec. 743.007. ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION. Requires the governor, state agencies, and local governments to act to obtain the maximum amount of available federal assistance for environmental remediation necessary in connection with the closure or conversion of a federal military base. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.