SRC-ARR S.B. 640 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 640
76R1670 MCK-DBy: Fraser
Veterans Affairs
2/26/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law does not require the display of the POW/MIA flag. In
1997, the federal government passed a law authorizing the POW/MIA Flag to
be displayed over post offices and federal buildings on  National POW/MIA
Recognition Day and certain other holidays. The federal government has
recognized the important contributions these brave men and women have made
to our county's effort to fight for freedom. S.B. 640 requires the POW/MIA
flag to be displayed at each state office building on National POW/MIA
Recognition Day and certain other holidays. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 640 requires the display of the POW/MIA flag.

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 Chapter 2165A, Government Code, by adding Section
2165.006, as follows: 

Sec. 2165.006. DISPLAY OF POW/MIA FLAG. Defines "POW/MIA flag" as the
National League of Families POW/MIA flag identified by 36 U.S.C. Section
189. Requires the POW/MIA flag to be displayed at each state office
building on certain national holidays, including "National POW/MIA
Recognition Day." 

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