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.