SRC-AXB H.B. 1592 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterH.B. 1592 76R6352 BDH-DBy: Junell (Duncan) Natural Resources 5/7/1999 Committee Report (Amended) DIGEST Currently, there is renewed interest in brush control as a means of increasing water yield and decreasing the cost of water in some areas of Texas. In December of 1998, the comptroller recommended a $300,000 legislative appropriation to fund brush control projects and that landowners were not required to share in the cost. At this time, the maximum share of the state's burden for such projects is 70 percent. H.B. 1592 increases the state's share of the costs for a single brush control project to 80 percent, and authorizes the use of inmates for a brush control project. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1592 increases the state's share of the costs for a single brush control project from 70 percent to 80 percent, and authorizes the use of inmates for a brush control project. 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 203.154(a), Agriculture Code, to increase the state's share of costs for a single brush control project from 70 percent to 80 percent. SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 497E, Government Code, by adding Section 497.0925, as follows: Sec. 497.0925. BRUSH CONTROL. Authorizes the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the State Soil and Water Conservation Board to enter into a contract for the use of inmate labor for a brush control project. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 4. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 5. Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 497E, Government Code, by adding Section 497.0925, regarding the use of inmates for a brush control project. SECTIONS 3-5. Redesignated from SECTIONS 2-4.