SRC-AAA H.B. 791 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 791
By: Gallego (Ellis)
Jurisprudence
4-18-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, state agencies are prohibited from accepting grants and gifts,
unless specifically authorized by statute.  The Office of Court
Administration has learned of the availability of grants from national
agencies which could be used to improve and enhance court administration
programs in Texas, but has been prohibited from applying for such funds.
H.B. 791 authorizes the Office of Court Administration to request, accept,
and administer gifts, grants, and donations from certain sources. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 791 authorizes the Office of Court Administration to
request, accept, and administer gifts, grants, and donations from certain
sources. 

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 72C, Government Code, by adding Section 72.028,
as follows: 

Sec. 72.028. GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS.  Authorizes the Office of Court
Administration (office) to request, accept, and administer gifts, grants,
and donations from any source.  Prohibits the office from requesting,
accepting, or administering a gift, grant, or donation from a law firm, an
attorney, an employee of a law firm or attorney or the spouse of an
attorney or of an employee of a law firm or an attorney.  Defines "law
firm." 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.