HBA-TYH, ALS H.B. 595 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 595
By: Maxey
State Affairs
7/21/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Prior to the 76th Legislature, testing committees and other entities that
approve the contents of licensing examinations were required to deliberate
a test item and information relating to a test item in an open meeting.
Therefore, potential test-takers could have obtained advance access to test
questions.  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

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 551, 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 it may be included in a test administered by the governmental body
to individuals 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.