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.