SRC-TNM H.B. 2446 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterH.B. 2446
By: Greenberg (Barrientos)
Intergovernmental Relations
5-15-97
Committee Report (Amended)


DIGEST 

Currently, it is necessary to have an independent performance audit of an
agency in order for the Capital Metropolitan Transit Authority to gain the
public trust and to move forward in a positive manner.  H.B. 2446 would
provide that certain metropolitan transit authorities are subject to
performance audits by the state comptroller and allow the comptroller to
withhold sales tax revenue for the cost of performing the audit. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2446 outlines provisions regarding performance audits of
certain metropolitan transit authorities. 

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 403B, Government Code, by adding Section
403.026, as follows: 

Sec. 403.026. PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF CERTAIN TRANSIT AUTHORITIES. Provides
that this section applies only to a transit authority that is governed by
Chapter 451, Transportation Code, and was confirmed before July 1, 1985,
and does not contain a municipality with a population of more than
750,000.  Authorizes the comptroller, on the request of an entity listed
in Subsection (c), to enter into an interlocal contract under Chapter 791
with a transit authority to conduct a performance audit to determine
whether the authority is effectively and efficiently providing the
services it was created to provide. Requires the comptroller to report the
findings of an audit conducted under this section and make appropriate
recommendations on changes in the operations of the authority to the
governing body of the authority.  Sets forth entities by which a
performance audit under this section is authorized to be requested.
Requires a contract under Subsection (b) to provide that the authority
will reimburse the comptroller for costs incurred in conducting the audit.
Requires the comptroller to file a report containing the results of an
audit performed under this section with the governor, the lieutenant
governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding
officers of the senate and the house of representatives responsible for
approving legislation governing the authority.  Prohibits an audit from
being conducted under this section more often than once every two years.  

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

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Amendment 1.

Amends Section 403.026, Government Code, regarding the performance audit
of certain transit authorities.