SRC-SLL H.B. 3492 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3492 By: Holzheauser (Brown) Natural Resources 5-8-97 Engrossed DIGEST During the 73rd Legislative Session the Texas Committee on Energy Policy (committee) and the Texas Energy Coordination Council (council) were created. The purpose of the committee is to develop a longterm energy policy for the state, make recommendations to the state and to industry regarding energy use, and encourage cooperation between the private and public sectors regarding energy matters. The purpose of the council was to respond to the committee as a research tool and to help coordinate energy related research among public and private entities. This bill would eliminate the committee and adjust the responsibilities, duties, and powers of the council to help coordinate energy research in Texas. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 3492 eliminates the Texas Committee on Energy Policy and adjusts the responsibilities, duties, and powers of the Texas Energy Coordination Council to help coordinate energy research in Texas. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Energy Coordination Council in SECTION 7 (Section 3.07(11), Article 4413(47f), V.T.C.S.) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 1.01, Article 4413(47f), V.T.C.S., to define "state agency," and delete the definition of "committee." SECTION 2. Amends Section 1.02, Article 4413(47f), V.T.C.S., to provide that the purposes of this Act are to coordinate the development and marketing of all aspects of energy research at state agencies, postsecondary educational institutions, and nonprofit research organizations or associations, and provide policy research on energy matters. SECTION 3. Repealer: Section 1.04, Article 4413(47f), V.T.C.S. (Funding). SECTION 4. Repealer: Article 2, Article 4413(47f), V.T.C.S. (Texas Committee on Energy Policy). SECTION 5. Amends Section 3.01, Article 4413(47f), V.T.C.S., to provide that the Texas Energy Coordination Council (council) is a state agency. SECTION 6. Amends Section 3.06, Article 4413(47f), V.T.C.S., to set forth the duties of the council. SECTION 7. Amends Section 3.07, Article 4413(47f), V.T.C.S., to set forth the powers of the council. Authorizes the council to adopt rules for the administration of this Act. SECTION 8. Amends Article 4413(47f), V.T.C.S., by adding Section 3.10, as follows: Sec. 3.10. FEDERAL FUNDS. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed as to hinder a state agency's ability to obtain federal funds. SECTION 9. Amends Article 4413(47f), V.T.C.S., by adding Section 3.11, as follows: Sec. 3.11. SUNSET PROVISION. Provides that the council is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code. Provides that the council is abolished September 1, 2001, unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter. SECTION 10. Repealer: Section 4.01, Article 4413(47f), V.T.C.S. (Transition). SECTION 11. Emergency clause. Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.