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.