IMF S.B. 1903 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


STATE AFFAIRS
S.B. 1903
By: Truan (Hunter)
4-25-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

The Secretary of State in his role as ambassador and chief of protocol for
the state is often asked to receive gifts on behalf of the state.
Currently, the Secretary of State is not authorized to accept gifts,
grants, or donations.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2985 would allow the Secretary of State to accept gifts
for purposes related to the office.  However, the bill would also allow
the Secretary of State ot decline gifts that may not be used reasonably or
economically. 

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 Subchapter A, Chapter 405, of the Government Code by
adding Section 405.005 as follows: 

Section 405.005 (a)-(b) allows the Secretary of State to accept and
solicit gifts, grants, or donations on behalf of the state for any purpose
related to the office of Secretary of State. The section also allows the
Secretary of State to decline any gift, grant, or donation if determined
that accepting the gift would not be economical or reasonable. 

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