BILL ANALYSIS



S.B. 1225
By: Gallegos (Coleman)
May 17, 1995
Committee Report (Amended)


BACKGROUND


The Texas Commission on Fire Protection is charged by the state to
set standards and certifications relating to the quality of fire
protection throughout the state.

Currently, volunteer fire departments may be created without
notification of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.  The
commission is also unaware of the number or competency of
volunteers serving within volunteer departments.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1225 requires the Texas Commission on Fire
Protection to file a report with the governor and each house of the
legislature regarding the condition of fire protection services in
the state.

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. Amends Chapter 419A, Government Code, by adding Section
419.012, as follows:

     Sec. 419.012.  FIRE PROTECTION REPORT.  (a)  Requires the
     Texas Commission on Fire Protection (commission) to file
     annually with the governor and the presiding officer of each
     house of the legislature a comprehensive report on the
     condition of fire protection services in the state.  Sets
     forth the required provisions of the report.
     
     (b)  Requires each local government with a fire department
       and each organization and association involved in fire
       protection services to provide the commission with the data
       necessary to compile the report required under Subsection
       (a), in a form prescribed by the commission.
       
SECTION 2. (a)  Effective date: September 1, 1995.

     (b)  Requires the commission to file its first annual report
     on or before September 1, 1996.
     
SECTION 3. Emergency clause.


EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

Committee Amendment No. 1 adds the requirement that the state
consult with local governments in the preparation of the reporting
forms.



SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

SB 1225 was considered in a formal meeting on May 17, 1995.  One
amendment was offered to the bill.  It was adopted without
objection.  The bill was reported favorably as amended, with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record vote of
5 ayes, 1 nay, 0 pnv, and 3 absent.