JWB S.B. 501 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


WAYS & MEANS
S.B. 501
By: Zaffirini (Coleman)
5-5-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Texas cities, counties, school districts, and other governments provide a
wide range of services for individuals and families, funded primarily by
state and local taxes.  Many of these services and funding sources,
however, are eligible for increased federal funding. 

Every other year the comptroller issues a Texas Performance Review report
recommending proposals for various state agencies.  This year's report,
Disturbing the Peace: The Challenge of Change in Texas Government,
recommended in Health and Human Services Issue 32 that Texas increase
federal funding of local health and human services by helping local
governments claim local expenditures. 

PURPOSE

The bill allows local governments to request assistance from the
Comptroller's Office in obtaining federal funding and allows the
comptroller to charge up to 20 percent of the additional funding obtained
to cover expenses. 

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 B (General Powers and Duties), Chapter 403
(Comptroller of Public Accounts), Government Code, by adding Section
403.026. ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN OBTAINING FEDERAL AID. 

(a)  Provides that the comptroller, at the request of a political
subdivision, may provide assistance in obtaining federal funding. 

(b)  Provides that the comptroller may charge up to 20 percent of any
additional money obtained to cover expenses for assisting a political
subdivision. 

SECTION 2.Emergency Clause.