BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 344 By: Van de Putte (Wentworth) Natural Resources 5-11-95 Senate Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Article 8253, V.T.C.S., contains a language error that confuses the licensing authority of the state with the state seal, which symbolizes the official sanction of the state. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 344 requires the governor to issued to qualified branch pilots, in the name of the state and under the state seal, a commission to serve as branch pilot. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Article 8253, V.T.C.S., to require the governor to issue to a qualified branch pilot, in the name of the state and under the state seal, a commission to serve as branch pilot. SECTION 2. Amends Section 4.06, Article 8280a, V.T.C.S. (Houston Pilots Licensing and Regulatory Act), to make a conforming change. SECTION 3. Amends Section 4.06(a), Article 8280b, V.T.C.S. (Galveston County Pilots Licensing and Regulatory Act), to make a conforming change. SECTION 4. Amends Section 4.06(a), Article 8280c, V.T.C.S. (Brazoria County Pilots Licensing and Regulatory Act), to make a conforming change. SECTION 5. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 6. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.