PAK S.B. 1412 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS STATE AFFAIRS S.B. 1412 By: Ellis (Danburg) 5-22-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Currently, the regulation of the actions of lobbyists are controlled under Chapter 305, Government Code. Under current law, the term "communicates directly with," may exclude methods of communication, due to advances in communication technology. This bill provides that the definition of "communicates directly with" includes contacting persons through certain means, including facsimile, electronic mail, or other electronic means of communication. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1412 provides that the definition of "communicates directly with" includes contacting persons through certain means, including facsimile, electronic mail, or other electronic means of communication. 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 Section 305.002(2), Government Code, to provide that the definition of "communicates directly with" includes contacting persons through certain means, including facsimile, electronic mail, or other electronic means of communication. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.