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.