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.