SRC-JXG H.B. 2603 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2603
76R8944 PAM-FBy: Solomons (Nelson)
Intergovernmental Relations
5/10/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Local Government Code authorizes the commissioners court of
a county with a population of 191,500 to 200,000 to appropriate money from
the county's general fund to a historical foundation or organization in the
county for the purpose of purchasing, constructing, restoring, preserving,
maintaining, or reconstructing historical landmarks, buildings, and
furnishings that are of historical significance to the county.  The Denton
County Commissioners Court has created the Denton County Historical Park
Foundation to assist in activities related to the park.  As of 1996, the
population of Denton County was 348,453.  H.B. 2603 would increase the
population bracket of a county authorized to appropriate money from its
general fund to a foundation or organization for the purpose of supporting
and furthering places of historical significance, from 191,500 to 600,00,
rather than 191,500 to 200,000. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2603 increases the population bracket of a county
authorized to appropriate money from its general fund to a foundation or
organization for the purpose of supporting and furthering places of
historical significance. 

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 318.021, Local Government Code, as follows:

Sec. 318.021. New heading:  APPROPRIATIONS TO HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS:
COUNTIES  WITH POPULATION OF 191,500 TO 600,000.  Authorizes the
commissioners court of a county with a population of 191,500 to 600,000,
rather than 200,000, to appropriate money from the general fund of the
county to a historical foundation or organization in the county for the
purpose of purchasing, constructing, restoring, preserving, maintaining, or
reconstructing historical landmarks, buildings, and furnishings that are of
historical significance to the county. 

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