SRC-ARR H.B. 722 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 722 76R3824 BDH-DBy: Staples (Nixon) Natural Resources 5/10/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, there are 12 peace officer positions in the Texas Forest Service (TRS), with only three of these officers working in full-time positions. There is concern that the current number of officer positions is not adequate to address the increased workload on TRS. H.B. 722 would authorize the TRS to appoint 25 peace officers to execute its duties. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 722 amends the number of peace officers employed by the Texas Forest Service. 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 88.103, Education Code, to authorize the director of the Texas Forest Service to appoint not to exceed 25, rather than 12, employees of the Texas Forest Service who are certified and qualified to be peace officers. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.