BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 736
By: Craddick
March 14, 1995
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Currently there is no mechanism for elected and appointed officials
to decline their government pay if they so desire.

PURPOSE

H.B. 736 allows elected and appointed officials to decline all or
part of their pay.

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 Subchapter A, Chapter 659, Government Code, by
           adding Section 659.003  OFFICER MAY DECLINE
           REMUNERATION.
           (a) Defines "Officer," and "Remuneration."
           Officer is any elected officer or appointed as defined
           by Chapter 572 (i.e. member of the legislature, elected
           judge, member of the State Board of Education, secretary
           of state, an appointed officer of a state agency...)
           The term includes people who have received a certificate
           of election to office, or who has been appointed or
           nominated to such an office but has not been confirmed.
           Remuneration includes salary, compensatory per diem,
           expense per diem, reimbursement for expenses, longevity
           pay, and fees.

           (b) Provides that an officer may decline remuneration
           associated with the office by executing a declination
           forme from the secretary of state.  The person may
           decline all or various types of remuneration.

           (c) A declination is effective on the date filed.

           (d) A declination filed after an officer has qualified
           for office may be revoked at any time.  A declination
           filed before a person has qualified for office may not
           be revoked during the term of office for which the
           person is appointed or elected.

SECTION 2. Effective date: Upon passage.  Emergency clause.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

Pursuant to public notice posted on February 22, 1995, the
Committee on State Affairs convened in a public hearing on February
27, 1995 to consider HB 736.  The Chair laid out HB 736 and
recognized Rep. Craddick to explain the bill.  The Chair recognized
Rep. Craddick to close on the bill.  The Chair left HB 736 pending. 
In a public hearing on March 6, 1995, the Chair laid out HB 736. 
Rep. Hilbert moved that HB 736 be reported favorably without
amendment which prevailed by a record vote of 12 ayes, 0 nays, 0
pnv, 3 absent.