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.