BWH S.B. 1179 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


COUNTY AFFAIRS
S.B. 1179
By: Madla (Shields)
5-8-97
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND 

Currently, a commissioners court, like a committee in the Texas
Legislature, may hear testimony from witnesses with regard to the items
before the court, and decisions may be made based on information received
during the testimony period.  However, committees require witnesses to be
sworn to ensure accurate factual information is given in testimony.  This
bill provides a commissioners court the option of requiring testimony to
be given under oath, in order to receive accurate and factual testimony
upon which decisions may be based. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1179 provides a commissioners court the option of
requiring testimony to be given under oath, in order to receive accurate
and factual testimony upon which decisions may be based. 

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 Chapter 81B, Local Government Code, by adding Section
81.031, as follows: 

Sec. 81.031. TESTIMONY BEFORE COMMISSIONERS COURT.  Authorizes the
commissioners court to require testimony before the court to be given
under oath.  Provides that a person who makes a false statement under oath
is subject to prosecution under Section 37.02, Penal Code. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.