BILL ANALYSIS


                                                         S.B. 171
                                                       By: Harris
                                                   Administration
                                                         01-12-95
                                     Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

With the growing concern over the environment, and movement toward
better use of our natural resources, a number of initiatives and
programs have arisen.  It is seen as desirable by some that
counties having county parks and wild or landscaped recreational
areas bring their land use into compliance with present or soon-to-be accepted standards of economic and ecologically sound practices.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 171 creates and sets guidelines for the County
Park Beautification and Improvement Program.

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.  SHORT TITLE.  Requires this Act to be known as and may be referred to as the
County Park Beautification and Improvement Program Act.

SECTION 2.  PURPOSE; CREATION.  Provides that the intent of the legislature is that each county
dedicating land for use as county parks maintain and beautify the parks through measures including
but not limited to certain improvements.  Establishes the County Park Beautification and
Improvement Program (program).

SECTION 3.  IMPLEMENTATION.  Authorizes a county commissioners court (court), by majority
vote, to participate in the program and designate one person in the division of the county government
responsible for the care and maintenance of the county parks as the coordinator for the program. 
Authorizes the coordinator to solicit advice and assistance for development and implementation of
the program.

SECTION 4.  REPORT; ADOPTION.  Requires the coordinator to report the findings and a
recommendation of implementation to the court.  Authorizes the court to reject or adopt the
implementation strategy.  Requires the court to specify why a recommendation is rejected. 
Authorizes the court to fund a program, if approved, as provided in Section 5 of this Act.

SECTION 5.  FUNDING.  Authorizes the court to solicit and accept bequests, donations, grants, and
other money, goods and services from federal, state, and private sources to finance and further the
goals of the program.  Prohibits the court from levying any tax or receiving any legislative
appropriation to fund the program.  Provides that the state is not liable for debts or other obligations
incurred by a county in implementing or planning to implement the program under this Act.

SECTION 6. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.