SRC-AXB H.B. 1138 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1138
By: Thompson (Ellis)
Intergovernmental Relations
4/20/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, county clerks operate branch offices and use clerk deputies for
the purpose of issuing marriage licenses.  Some clerks believe that if
deputy clerks were allowed to provide a wider range of services, they could
serve their constituents' needs more efficiently.  H.B. 1138 expands
authorization for county clerks to use branch offices, and allows clerk
deputies to perform services besides issuing marriage licenses. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1138 allows a county clerk to use branch offices and
clerk deputies for services other than issuing marriage licenses. 

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 292.006, Local Government Code, as follows:

Sec.  292.006.  New heading:  BRANCH OFFICE OF COUNTY CLERK.  Authorizes
the county clerk to authorize other entities to conduct business.  Requires
certain recordings to be made by electronic means, and requires certain
items to be made available without delay to members of the public.  Sets
forth provisions regarding an instrument or document. Specifies that a
branch office is required to file certain records daily, which were made at
the office during the previous day, by the start of the next business day.
Deletes text regarding marriage licenses.  Deletes a requirement that
records made during the previous year, on a regular basis, shall be filed. 

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