IMF H.B. 1556 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


STATE AFFAIRS
H.B. 1556
By: Greenberg
4-10-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

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 (EMail) address.  Currently, 170 of
the 225 state agencies maintain electronic mail accounts. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1556 would effectively place the comptroller's
recommendations into law. The proposed bill would require every state
agency to establish an electronic mail address on the internet. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter F, Chapter 2054 of the Government code by
adding Section 2054.120 that requires every state agency to establish an
electronic mail address on the internet. This Section allows state
agencies to use electronic mail to communicate with the public and defines
"Internet."  Allows an agency to consult with the Department of
Information Resources to establish its electronic mail address. 

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