SRC-HRD S.B. 1634 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1634
By: Duncan
State Affairs
4-9-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, law regarding the meetings of district judges to carry out the
management functions of a community supervision and corrections department
is ambiguous.  The attorney general found that a meeting of such judges
constitutes a "governmental body" and as such is subject to the Open
Meetings Act.   

S.B. 1634 would amend the definition of "governmental body" to exclude a
district judge or district judges gathering to carry out management
functions of a community supervision and corrections department. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1634 amends the definition of "governmental body"  to
exclude a district judge or judges, in the performance of the management
functions in connection with a community supervision and corrections
department. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 551.001(3), Government Code, to redefine
"governmental body," to exclude, except as provided by Section 140.004(g),
Local Government Code, a district judge in the performance of the judge's
management functions under Chapter 76 in connection with a community
supervision and corrections department, or a gathering of a group of
district judges in the performance of those judges' management functions
under that chapter.  Makes conforming changes.  

SECTION 2. Amends Section 140.004, Local Government Code, by adding
Subsection (g), to provide that Chapter 551, Government Code, applies to a
meeting required by Subsection (b). 

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.