SRC-PNG H.B. 595 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 595
76R7680 JRD-DBy: Maxey (Wentworth)
State Affairs
5/4/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, under Texas law, testing committees and other entities that
approve the contents of licensing examinations are required to deliberate a
test item and information relating to a test item in an open meeting.
Thus, potential test-takers may obtain advance access to test questions.
This bill would allow testing committees and other entities that approve
the contents of a licensing examination to deliberate a test item or
information relating to a test item in a closed session. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 595 allows testing committees and other entities that
approve the contents of a licensing examination to deliberate a test item
or information relating to a test item in a closed session. 

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 Chapter 551D, Government Code, by adding Section 551.086,
as follows: 

Sec.  551.086.  DELIBERATION REGARDING TEST ITEM.  Provides that a
governmental body is not required to conduct an open meeting to deliberate
a test item or information related to a test item if the governmental body
believes that it may be included in a test administered by the governmental
body to an individual seeking to obtain or renew a license or certificate
that is necessary to engage in an activity. 

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