BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 2504
By: Gray
4-18-95
Committee Report (Amended)


BACKGROUND
In 1991, the Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 2 (72nd, 1st
Called Session), which mandated the consolidation of the State's
environmental programs into the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission (TNRCC).  Section 1.0171 of SB 2 sets forth the overall
organizational structure of the consolidated agency in that it
outlines the duties of the deputy directors for air quality, water,
waste management, and administration.  That section of the law
expires on September 1, 1997.

In February 1995, the State Auditor's Office issued a report on the
TNRCC and noted that an underlying problem exists at the agency
because the TNRCC's organizational structure does not parallel the
structure of the agency's strategic plan.

PURPOSE
As proposed, H.B. 2504 allows the TNRCC to modify its
organizational structure before September 1, 1997.

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 5.222, Water Code, to allow the TNRCC's
Executive Director       to employ deputy directors as he or she
deems appropriate, and provides that         deputy directors are
to exercise the powers and perform the duties assigned by        the Executive Director.  Deletes language outlining specific
duties of deputy         directors for air quality, water, waste
management and administration.

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
           

EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS
Committee Amendment No.1:     Limits the number of deputy directors
the executive director may employ to no more than seven.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION
H.B.2504 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on
April 18, 1995.
The following persons testified in favor of the bill: None (0).
The following persons testified against the bill: None (0).
The following person testified on the bill:
     Mr. Dan Pearson, representing the TNRCC.
The committee considered one (1) amendment to the bill.  The
amendment was adopted without objection.
The bill was reported favorably as amended, with the recommendation
that it do pass and be printed and be sent to the Committee on
Local and Consent Calendars, by a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0
pnv, and 4 absent.