SRC-HRD H.B. 527 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 527
By: Pitts (Nelson)
Finance
4-23-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

When the superconducting super collider project was cancelled by the U.S.
Congress, the U.S. Department of Energy titled parcels of land to various
political subdivisions.  The actual lab site was given to Ellis County in
lieu of cash reimbursements.  In order to liquidate such a limited use
facility, the Ellis County commissioners court has requested that, in
respect to dealing with super collider property owned by Ellis County, the
commissioners court be allowed to determine the method of disposal.  This
would allow flexibility in negotiation.  This bill would allow property
formerly used in conjunction with the super collider to be waived from the
requirements of the Local Government Code bidding process or public
auction established for disposal of property. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 527 allows property formerly used in conjunction with
the superconducting super collider to be waived from the Local Government
Code bidding process or public auction established for disposal of
property. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 270, Local Government Code, by adding Section
270.008, as follows: 

Sec. 270.008.  DISPOSAL OF SUPER COLLIDER PROPERTY.  Authorizes the
county, if the United States Department of Energy returns or gives to any
county any property that was used or was to be used in connection with or
by a superconducting super collider highenergy research facility, to sell,
lease, or otherwise dispose of the property by a method determined by the
commissioners court of the county.  Provides that a commissioners court
disposing of property under this section is not required to comply with
any provision of this title, including Sections 263.001 and 272.001,
requiring a public auction or bidding process for the disposal of
property. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.