JLC S.B. 874 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


APPROPRIATIONS
S.B. 874
By: Wentworth (Coleman)
5-9-97
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND


Currently, every board under the Texas Department of Health reimburses its
members for meals, lodging, and transportation expenses.  However, the
comptroller has interpreted a line in the governing statute for the Texas
State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (board) as
prohibiting reimbursement for any expenses other than transportation
expenses.  This bill would change the language of the governing statute
for the board to allow reimbursement of board members for each day that
the member performs functions as a member of the board, as provided by the
General Appropriations Act. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 874 authorizes the reimbursement of expenses to members
of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists. 

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 Section 7, Article 4512c-1, V.T.C.S. (Licensed Marriage
and Family Therapist Act), to prohibit a member of the Texas State Board
of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists from receiving compensation
for serving on the board.  Provides that a member is entitled to the per
diem as set by the General Appropriations Act, rather than the
legislature, for each day that a member performs functions as a member of
the board and is entitled to reimbursement for expenses as provided by the
General Appropriations Act.  Deletes existing text prohibiting
reimbursement to a member for travel expenses other than transportation
expenses.  Deletes text providing that a member is entitled to
reimbursement for transportation expenses.   

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.