SRC-JRN S.B. 892 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 892
By: Ellis
Intergovernmental Relations
4-1-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, no state law provides for the formation of a commission to
study issues relating to the consolidation of local governments.  Certain
issues regarding the effect of consolidation on minority voting, the
potential scope of current options under interlocal agreements, the
historical perspective and public understanding of consolidation, and the
impact of  consolidation on regional matters may be of concern to some
individuals.  This bill provides for the formation of the Citizen's
Commission on Governmental Consolidation and Other Regional Issues to
study issues relating to the consolidation of local governments. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 892 provides for the formation of the Citizen's
Commission on Governmental Consolidation and Other Regional Issues to
study issues relating to the consolidation of local governments. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the Citizen's Commission on
Governmental Consolidation and Other Regional Issues in SECTION 1(f) of
this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Establishes the Citizen's Commission on Governmental
Consolidation and Other Regional Issues (commission).  Provides that the
commission consists of 13 members and sets forth requirements for the
selection of members.  Sets forth requirements for persons appointing
members of the commission.  Provides that each member of the commission
serves at the pleasure of the person who appointed the member.  Requires
the commission to conduct 10 hearings, to be held open to the public with
a written record of testimony, in different regions of the state.
Requires the commission to adopt rules.  Authorizes the commission to
request assistance and advice from certain entities.  Prohibits members of
the commission from receiving compensation for service on the commission.
Sets forth issues the commission is required to study.  Sets forth issues
the commission is required to establish subcommittees to study.  Requires
the commission to issue a summary report by December 1, 1998 for hearings
and studies conducted by the commission, any proposed legislation, and any
findings or recommendations of the commission.  Requires copies of the
commission's report to be delivered to certain persons, and the commission
to be abolished upon the delivery of the report. 

SECTION 2. (a) Effective date: September 1, 1997.  
(b) Requires certain persons to appoint members to the commission, by
September 15, 1997. 

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.