SRC-JXG S.B. 77 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 77 By: Truan Border Affairs-Special 6/26/1999 Enrolled DIGEST Currently, United States law authorizes local governments and the state to enter into international interlocal agreements; however, local governments in Texas must have specific authorization to do so. Interlocal agreements allow local governments to contract to share responsibilities, functions, facilities, or funding. S.B. 77 will address the scope and define the terms of an interlocal agreement which may be entered into by a political subdivision or state agency with Mexico or the United Mexican States. PURPOSE As enrolled, S.B. 77 establishes the guidelines for international interlocal agreements by state agencies or political subdivisions with Mexico or the United Mexican States. 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 Title 7, Government Code, by adding Chapter 792, as follows: CHAPTER 792. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGREEMENTS Sec. 792.001. DEFINITIONS. Defines "political subdivision" and "state agency." Sec. 792.002. AGREEMENTS WITH MEXICO. Authorizes a state agency or political subdivision to enter into an agreement with the United Mexican States (UMS) or a UMS political subdivision, a United States agency, or an agency or entity created under a treaty or agreement between the United States and UMS. Sec. 792.003. SCOPE OF AGREEMENT. Authorizes a state agency or political subdivision to enter into an agreement only if the agreement is for the accomplishment of a function that the agency or political subdivision is authorized to perform under another law. Sec. 792.004. TERMS. Authorizes a political subdivision or a state agency to take certain actions under an agreement authorized by this chapter. Prohibits an agreement from providing for liability of this state or a political subdivision on a bond or other obligation issued by UMS or a UMS political subdivision. Sec. 792.005. BONDS. Authorizes a state agency or political subdivision to issue bonds or other evidence of indebtedness to provide financing for an agreement. Sets forth the state agencies which can issue bonds. Sec. 792.006. APPROVAL OF GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD. Provides that an agreement made by a state agency that involves money appropriated from the state treasury is not valid unless it is approved by the governor and the Legislative Budget Board. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.