SRC-HRD H.B. 2170 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2170
By: Kubiak (Armbrister)
Finance
4-30-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Department of Health is required to collect fees for
radioactive material licenses and registrations.  The minimum fee for
failure to pay on time is fixed statutorily at $100.  However, many small
licensees (e.g., dentists, veterinarians) pay annual license and
registration fees of only $100.  Thus the additional cost of a late fee
effectively doubles the cost for small-time operators. This bill would
change the late fee so that it is equal to 20 percent of the amount of the
annual license and registration fee, rather than a flat fee of $100. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2170 replaces the current late fee collected by the
Department of Health of $100 with 20 percent of the amount of the annual
license and registration fee, for a person licensed to process radioactive
materials.   

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 401.301(c), Health and Safety Code, to authorize
the Department of Health to collect a fee, in addition to the annual
license and registration fee, of not less than 20 percent of the amount of
the annual license and registration fee, rather than $100, nor more than
$10,000 per annum from each license or registrant who fails to pay the
fees authorized by this section. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.