SRC-JRN H.B. 1153 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1153
By: Wise (Lucio)
Jurisprudence
5-17-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Missing Children and Missing Persons Information
Clearinghouse maintains and collects information on missing children and
missing persons.  This information is to be made available statewide.
This bill upgrades the functions of the clearinghouse in Texas by adding
certain categories of children and key procedures and methods to follow
when maintaining the clearinghouse. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1153 upgrades the functions of the Missing Children and
Missing Persons Information Clearinghouse in Texas by adding certain
categories of children and key procedures and methods to follow when
maintaining the clearinghouse. 

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 Section 79.003(b), Human Resources Code, to require the
Missing Children and Missing Persons Information Clearinghouse
(clearinghouse) to establish, if money is appropriated for that purpose, a
system of intrastate communication of information relating to missing
children, missing persons, and unidentified dead bodies; collect, process,
maintain, and disseminate accurate and complete information on missing
children and missing persons, including methods of locating and recovering
missing children and missing persons.  Requires the clearinghouse to
provide for reporting sightings of missing children and missing persons.
Sets forth additional responsibilities of the clearinghouse. 

SECTION 2. Requires certain persons to create a joint interim study.
Requires the Department of Public Safety to provide assistance to the
committee in performing its duties under this section. 

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.