BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 2325
By: Naishtat
May 2, 1995
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Currently, Section 141.008 of the Local Government Code permits a
municipality with a population of more than 10,000 to make payroll
deductions for membership dues to a bona fide employees'
association.  Such deductions are voluntary and require a formal,
written request from the employee.  In addition, this section
allows the city to collect reimbursement from participating
employees for the costs of making the deduction.


PURPOSE

House Bill 2325 would require cities of more than 50,000 to make
such payroll deductions, at the voluntary request of an employee,
if the municipality permits deductions for any other purpose,
excluding charity, certain employee benefits, taxes and
garnishment.  Other provisions relating to such payroll deductions
would apply, including the city's ability to recover administrative
costs.


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. Amends Section 141.008, Local Government Code, by
           providing that Subsection (a) applies to cities other
           than those that fall under a newly inserted Subsection
           (b).  Subsection (b) requires a municipality with a
           population of more than 50,000 to make a voluntary
           payroll deduction for membership dues to a bona fide
           employees' association if requested in writing by the
           employee and if the municipality permits deductions for
           purposes other than charitable donation, retirement plan
           contribution, deferred compensation, insurance or tax
           payment, or garnishment.

SECTION 2. Effective Date: September 1, 1995.

SECTION 3. Emergency Clause.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

HB 2325 was considered in a public hearing on April 20, 1995.  The
following people testified in favor of the bill: Rep. Naishtat; and
Ken Bailey, representing the Texas State Association of Fire
Fighters.  The following people testified on the bill: James
McCarley, representing the City of Plano.  The bill was reported
favorably without amendment, with the recommendation that it do
pass and be pprinted, by a record vote of 6 ayes, 3 nays, 0 pnv,
and 1 absent.