BILL ANALYSIS

State Affairs Committee

04-30-95
Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND

On the banks of the Rio Grands River, colonists led by Do Juan de
Onate celebrated the first Thanksgiving on April 30, 1598.  This
bill would create a commission, approved by the 
Governor, that would plan the 400th anniversary of the actual first
Thanksgiving. The celebration would benefit all of Texas by
bringing national exposure to the state.  The bill forbids any use
of public money, other than gifts or grants, by the commission in
performance of their duties.

PURPOSE

HB 1846 establishes an El Paso Quadricentennial Commission to
oversee a celebration of the first Thanksgiving.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
department, agency, or institution.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Defines "commission" as the El Paso Quadricentennial
           Commission.

SECTION 2. (a) Creates the commission

           (b) Establishes the composition of the commission and
           how they shall be appointed.

           (c) Appointments shall be made in a non-discriminatory
           fashion.

           (d) Persons required to submit a list to the governor
           shall do so no later than September 1, 1995. The
           governor shall appoint the commission members no later
           than December 1, 1995.

           (e) A vacancy on the commission will be filled in the
           same manner as the original appointment.

SECTION 3. States that the commission shall elect one of its
           members to serve as presiding officer. The presiding
           officer is entitled to vote on all matters. The
           commission shall meet monthly at the call of the
           presiding officer.

SECTION 4. Establishes the powers and duties of the commission
           which include: planning activities to commemorate the
           quadricentennial of the first Thanksgiving, contracting
           with other entities for goods and services, and solicit
           gifts and grants to perform stated functions.  No public
           money other than gifts and grants may be used.

SECTION 5. States that the commission must file a report with the
           Secretary of State no later than December 31, 1998. 
           Outlines what must be contained within the report.

SECTION 6. States that this Act expires on December 31, 1998.

SECTION 7. Emergency clause

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

Pursuant to posting of public notice the House Committee on State
Affairs convened in a public hearing on April 19, 1995.  The Chair
laid out HB 1846 and recognized Rep. Haggerty to explain the bill. 
The Chair recognized Rep. Haggerty to close.  The Chair left HB
1846 pending.  In a formal meeting on April 27, 1995 the Chair laid
out HB 1846.  The bill was reported favorably without amendment
with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed, and sent to
the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars by a record vote of 15
ayes, 0 nay, 0 pnv and 0 absent.