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.