SRC-PNG S.B. 16 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 16
76R1040 DLF-DBy: Zaffirini
Human Services
3/8/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Senate Bill 55, passed during the 75th Legislature, gave the State
Comptroller the responsibility for enforcing the laws relating to the
purchase of tobacco products in partnership with county sheriffs and
municipal chiefs of police.  Because only these two law enforcement
agencies are listed as enforcement partners, many other local law
enforcement agencies, such as school-based police, constables, and peace
officers, are unable to apply for enforcement grants from the State
Comptroller.  S.B. 16 would broaden the number and types of law enforcement
partners available for enforcement and the number and types who can apply
for enforcement funds from the State Comptroller. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 16 requires the participation of local law enforcement
agencies in the enforcement of certain restrictions on the sale of tobacco
products. 

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 Sections 161.088(a), (b), and (d), Health and Safety
Code, to require the comptroller to enforce this subchapter in partnership
with local law enforcement agencies, rather than just county sheriffs and
municipal chiefs of police.  Authorizes a local law enforcement agency to
enlist a person as a minor decoy. Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.