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.