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


Senate Research CenterS.B. 892
By: Ellis
Intergovernmental Relations
4-3-97
Committee Report (Amended)


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. Requires the
University of Texas at San Antonio to reimburse, as provided by the
General Appropriations Act, the travel expenses incurred in conducting the
business of the commission by a member of the commission who is not a
state official, member of the governing body of a municipality, or a
member of a commissioners court.  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.  Requires the University of
Texas at San Antonio to provide the staff and support necessary to
administer this Act. 

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.




 SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Amendment 1.

Page 3, line 19, to insert Subsection (m) to require the University of
Texas at San Antonio to provide the staff and support necessary to
administer this Act. 

Amendment 2.

Page 2, line 12, to strike proposed Subsection (h) and replace with new
Subsection (h) to require the University of Texas at San Antonio to
reimburse travel expenses for certain persons.