SRC-TNM H.B. 1556 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1556
By: Greenberg (Armbrister)
International Relations, Trade & Technology
5-4-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

The Comptroller of Public Accounts Texas Performance Review in the
December 1996 report, Disturbing the Peace, recommended that every state
agency establish an electronic mail address. Currently, 170 of the 225
state agencies maintain electronic mail accounts.  H.B. 1556 would require
every state agency to establish an electronic mail address on the
Internet. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1556 outlines provisions regarding establishing Internet
electronic mail addresses for state agencies. 

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 2054F, Government Code, by adding Section
2054.120, as follows: 

Sec. 2054.120. ELECTRONIC MAIL ADDRESS. Requires a state agency to
establish an Internet electronic mail address for the agency.  Authorizes
the state agency to publish the electronic mail address and use electronic
mail to communicate with the public.  Authorizes the state agency to
consult with the Department of Information Resources to establish its
electronic mail address.  Defines "Internet." 

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