SRC-HRD S.B. 709 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 709
By: Haywood
Finance
4-2-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas does not have a mechanism in place to determine long-term
capital projects and debt financing for state agencies.  Although the
amount of debt that the state can issue is limited by the Constitution,
the amount of debt issued, as well as the cost of servicing the state
debt, has increased.  This bill would require the Legislative Budget Board
to prepare a report on capital projects and credit programs financed
through state debt. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 709 requires the Legislative Budget Board to prepare a
report on capital projects and credit programs financed through state
debt. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.  Defines "appropriated funds," "board," and
"capital project." 

SECTION 2. CAPITAL PROJECTS; CREDIT PROGRAMS.  Provides that certain
construction and maintenance, buildings, programs, and purchases are
capital projects or credit programs for purposes of this Act, but
authorizes the Legislative Budget Board (board) to include others. 

SECTION 3. REPORT ON PROJECTED PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS.  Sets forth
deadlines and requirements regarding a biennial report to be submitted by
the board to the legislature and the governor. 

SECTION 4. COVERED STATE AGENCIES.  Requires the report to include certain
information. 

SECTION 5. ASSISTANCE OF STATE ENTITIES.  Authorizes the board to request
the assistance of the Bond Review Board, Public Finance Authority,
Criminal Justice Policy Council, and the Office of the Comptroller of
Public Accounts in the collection of information or preparation of the
report. 

SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.  Effective date: September 1, 1997.  Requires
the board to submit the initial report required by this Act not later than
January 1, 1998. 

SECTION 7. EMERGENCY.  Emergency clause.